Nuru

Hello All, i am considering trading my E350 in on a S550 or an S350, . Currently I am looking at 2 S550s one has <40k miles, the other has > 45k miles, and the S350 has 59k miles. All certified with the two higher mileage cars including Driver Assist Package Distronic. Anyone have any advice? This will be my weekend car replacing my current weekend car?

Thanks

ImInPA

I would take the Bluetec. I have one, and it is just a great car. Great performance, and great fuel mileage. Standard 4Matic. What's not to like?

E300_Diesel

Agreed. The luxury and safety of a S Class with the fuel economy of a Jetta. Can't really beat that...

Nuru

Yeah, it seems I am now finding a couple more Diesels to choose from now. Another dealer is offering up a 2012 with the same features as #3 with NMT 36k miles, plus Splitview, but no PANO. Starting price is $59, but I told them my target profiles and they stated they are willing to deal. They also know they are in competition with two other dealers for my business - like that really matters L!.

Nuru

BTW, for you who are familiar with the oil burners - what is the performance like?
entering freeways and passing?

ImInPA

Incredible. With more torque than the V8 passing and merging operations are just instantaneous. Much better mid-range than the V8 in my opinion. Love merging and passing in my S350

Jason B

I've driven both but nothing is like the 550 when you are going 75+ and mash the throttle.

Nuru

Thanks for the input. I like this plus the gas mileage. It seems the S350's 0 - 60 time is 7 seconds, a little slower than the E350's 0 - 60 time.

Nuru

Oh yeah, I definitely understand that LOL!

Jason B

Remember 2012-2013 0-60 is 4.8! It's a rocket. And I'd say since it's only going to be a weekend car, the savings in gas isn't going to make much difference. Going from your E to this is like going to a lambo

Nuru

LOL!, yeah the E550 guys say the same and I know the E ro S 550's are a lot faster.

E300_Diesel

I agree with Jason that since this will only be a weekend car the fuel savings might not make that much difference. I drive my Lexus IS350 on the weekends for fun and get 17 MPG but I don't go very far from home. During my hour long weekly commute the fuel savings on my S350 is significant.

I would test drive both the 550 and 350 as many times as you can. Both have very different power delivery profiles. I have come to really enjoy the way Mercedes turbo diesels drive...there are buckets of torque and the power is pretty symmetric. I feel completely confident in merging and passing on the freeway. There are times in stop and go traffic the 4Matic is a little "jerky" but other than that I would not change a thing about my 350's powertrain.

Nuru

I plan to drive both this Saturday, and maybe an E550 also. So I will learn whether or not not I will like the feel of the larger car.

5634MG

Both offer an effortless driving experience. The bluetec would be great for city driving, not to mention how practical it is. However, since it's going to be your weekend car, I would spring for the 550 since the TT V8 is a beast of an engine.

Nuru

Yeah that has weighed heavily on my mind. I will drive them both this weekend and see who I like the most.

Grizz1

Best of luck, let us know which you like!

Nuru

Will do

Nuru

Drove a 2012 S350 BT, with 24k miles ($59k), and I really was impressed. I did not make the deal even though I fell in love with that car as I want to see what else is out there. That 350 BT was so, so quiet it startled me.

Going to drive an S550 ($58K and 46k miles) and another diesel (59k miles) today. Hopefully later this week, I will get a chance to drive another S550 ($57k and 20k miles).

I am starting to turn away from the high mileage Diesel as it has already exceeded its factory warranty and so all I would have is a 1 year warranty, instead of 2 years and a 1 year CPO warranty. I will see how the S550 drives today and see if I start being a bit more serious about the S550s.

Nuru

Ok, I drove a S550 and another S350 BT today. The S350BT (59k miles), seemed to be sluggish compared to to the first one I drove which had 1/2 as many miles on it. Also the active lane keeping did not work and the blind spot did not work consistently, so this car is off the consideration list. The S550 was fast but it did not have the 266 Drivers assist features, but I do see how one would like the available and very smooth power it provides. I am going to take a look at another S550 (20k miles and $57k) sometime this week. I was able to get the first dealer location to rate my current car at $36k. so, sofar even though that car is about $2 - 3k more than I want to pay for a car it is currently the best deal. I am hoping that they drop the price a little in the coming days before the end of the month and then I could probably swing it. The car is only a $300 dollar uptake on my insurance so not a big deal.

ImInPA

While I love my S350 BT, I missed your earlier point that this would just be a weekend car. Have you considered a CL? almost as much space for passengers and much better handling due to its shorter wheelbase. That would be the direction I would go if I only had to worry about the weekends.

Nuru

Are you talking about a CLS? No I have kinda looked at them but I have not thought to hard about them. I will take a look and see what is out there and maybe take a drive in one of them.

Nuru

Ok here is the latest update:

I drove another S550 today and the car was definitely another rocket. It has 20k miles and they want $56k. They got me approved for 2.74% rate at 72 months with a payment of $618/month with MBFS or a deal with another financial institution at 4.99% at 84 months at $589. I prefer the $618/month The one thing is that this is the second S550 that the dealers did not know how to get the car's lane keeping assist to work correctly. This one kinda worked to the right and did not work at all on the left. The car also needs an alignment as it pulls to the left. I will tell them yes or no tomorrow. In the meantime they will show the car to another potential buyer tomorrow.
You know, I also still like that diesel I drove on Saturday.

Jason B

Color, amg package?

Nuru

black w/Kashmir interior with walnut burl wood. The Kashmir interior is a bit light for me. No AMG package.

Nuru

Update; just looked on car gurus and one of the cars I wad looking for has been on the lot over 100 days. Hmmm, that makes me think I should wait a bit longer to decide.