What to look for when purchasing a 4matic 2014 E350
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2000 CLK-430 - Sold
What to look for when purchasing a 4matic 2014 E350
Good afternoon guys, can you advise me on what to look for when purchasing a 2014 between 50k - 60k mile E350? Thank you in advance.
4Matic yes or no? I would prefer a AWD vehicle but not necessary. any concerns?
Panoramic roof yes or no?
I am looking at a few with these 2 options?
Would buying one with the lighting option be advised? or doesnt matter?
thanks in advance once again. Looking to get back into the mercedes world after my Armada with 250k miles has been passed down to my son.
4Matic yes or no? I would prefer a AWD vehicle but not necessary. any concerns?
Panoramic roof yes or no?
I am looking at a few with these 2 options?
Would buying one with the lighting option be advised? or doesnt matter?
thanks in advance once again. Looking to get back into the mercedes world after my Armada with 250k miles has been passed down to my son.
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2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
I do not have the panoramic roof so I cannot comment on it. I have never had a problem with the lighting. The drivers front wheel bearing went out at about 1000 miles and I had major issues with the navigation system. Both have been corrected and the car runs fine. Most of the options on the car lets you turn them off or on. The wife likes all the options on off. I like it either way. You only get 4 years on both batteries. If car has not had the battery changed out then you will be doing it soon. Other than that I love mine.
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Mine is a 2014 350 4-Matic sport sedan, black/beige. I have the lighting package, pano roof (don’t have heated steering wheel, cruise radar, parking sensors or blind spot sensors).
I would absolutely recommend the lighting package over all other options, in my own opinion. One, they’re bright as snot. Two, they move with the steering wheel. Three, they make the front of the car look that much more menacing with their LED pattern. It’s my favorite feature on mine. The panoramic sunroof is also nice, but some have had issues with creaking noises towards the back (there is a fix though). I’ve not had any problems with mine, and my kids love it.
Check each stereo speaker when you look at one, make sure they all work with no static. Some issues with a couple of them that have gone bad on a few (had my sub replaced a couple of weeks ago by the dealer via CPO warranty - had bad static).
Mine has about 40k miles now. I’d like to have it for a long time, hit the 200k club someday if possible.
Two things really bugged me about mine, one an easy fix. First, the driver’s seat bottom was horribly uncomfortable after abojt 20 minutes of driving. That’s an easy DIY fix. The other is the bent wheels. Mine has the AMG 18’ wheels, and I’ve had to get bends fixed on them 4 times now. One was legit as it also took out the tire, but the others were suspect and surprising. So when you’re looking at one and notice a lot of new tires being put on it, you’d be foolish to not think the wheels aren’t bent by now as well. They’re common though that most shops know exactly how to bend them back in short order. They’re not forged rims, meaning they’ll bend easier on a bad pothole hit, but likely not break either. Cheaper to bend than replace.
I will say this, when the car is “right”, there is little out there than can compare to how enjoyable it is to cruise down the highway in. Are they perfect? No way (that whole best or nothing at all is completely BS), but do they make you feel great while cruising about in one? Yep, hands down no question about it. They have their quirks, and quirkier fixes (like resetting the throttle position sensor via holding the gas pedal down when car is off for a few seconds), but that’s part of the intrigue of a Mercedes Benz.
I will also say this - can they be expensive? Oh god yes. But, the E is the German taxi cab, so you can not expect them to be total crap. And you need to not let your mind go to the worst case scenario every time something feels off. Got a vibration? Don’t think it’s the German flux capacitor that’ll bankrupt you, because it’s probably a thrown wheel weight or a bent rim (which costs $150 at the stealership to fix).
I would absolutely recommend the lighting package over all other options, in my own opinion. One, they’re bright as snot. Two, they move with the steering wheel. Three, they make the front of the car look that much more menacing with their LED pattern. It’s my favorite feature on mine. The panoramic sunroof is also nice, but some have had issues with creaking noises towards the back (there is a fix though). I’ve not had any problems with mine, and my kids love it.
Check each stereo speaker when you look at one, make sure they all work with no static. Some issues with a couple of them that have gone bad on a few (had my sub replaced a couple of weeks ago by the dealer via CPO warranty - had bad static).
Mine has about 40k miles now. I’d like to have it for a long time, hit the 200k club someday if possible.
Two things really bugged me about mine, one an easy fix. First, the driver’s seat bottom was horribly uncomfortable after abojt 20 minutes of driving. That’s an easy DIY fix. The other is the bent wheels. Mine has the AMG 18’ wheels, and I’ve had to get bends fixed on them 4 times now. One was legit as it also took out the tire, but the others were suspect and surprising. So when you’re looking at one and notice a lot of new tires being put on it, you’d be foolish to not think the wheels aren’t bent by now as well. They’re common though that most shops know exactly how to bend them back in short order. They’re not forged rims, meaning they’ll bend easier on a bad pothole hit, but likely not break either. Cheaper to bend than replace.
I will say this, when the car is “right”, there is little out there than can compare to how enjoyable it is to cruise down the highway in. Are they perfect? No way (that whole best or nothing at all is completely BS), but do they make you feel great while cruising about in one? Yep, hands down no question about it. They have their quirks, and quirkier fixes (like resetting the throttle position sensor via holding the gas pedal down when car is off for a few seconds), but that’s part of the intrigue of a Mercedes Benz.
I will also say this - can they be expensive? Oh god yes. But, the E is the German taxi cab, so you can not expect them to be total crap. And you need to not let your mind go to the worst case scenario every time something feels off. Got a vibration? Don’t think it’s the German flux capacitor that’ll bankrupt you, because it’s probably a thrown wheel weight or a bent rim (which costs $150 at the stealership to fix).
Last edited by nc211; 12-06-2018 at 01:42 PM.
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Thank you very much for your quick replies. All taken into consideration. I hope to find one that I will enjoy for many years to come. I love the AMG wheels but wow, if they are known to bend easily. May stay away from them.
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I mean I wouldn’t say “easily”, but the chances you’ll have to have one or two fixed a year (depending on where you live or course), I’d say is better than 50%. If I lived in Chicago, I’d be weary. I think for me and my life-long struggle with Murphy’s Law, I might be an extreme example, even though I live in a relatively good area for roads. I just know how to find that damn pothole instinctively I guess!
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Lighting is so nice. Distronic - I don't use that often since I don't commute very far, but in stop and go traffic on the highway it is a great feature. Distronic also adds saftey features which gives me more peace of mind. I honestly wouldn't buy a car without either. I love my multi-contor seats, and wish the passanger seats had massage as well (hello S-class). Ventilated is weak. Heated steering-wheel is nice in the winter and my wife comments she wishes hers had it. Parking sensors are nice, as is the surround view - it's one of those things that if you don't have it you won't miss it, but probably couldn't go back once you do.
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2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Only way to stay away from them is to not buy a Mercedes. They all bend. I have 18's on my W211, both bends and one crack. On my W212, I have 17 inch 245/45/17's on them and I still got two bent wheels. Don't let it scare you and it's just the luck of the draw, keep the tire pressure up and be careful with potholes.
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#8
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2014 E350 4M Diamond Silver
Features that Mercedes Benz spoiled me are:
1. Adaptive Lightning package. They are brighter, fun, looks cool, no cons.
2. Distronic Plus - I heavily use them, city or highway. [IIRC, BAS+ is standard on any Mercedes (after certain built years). That is if someone cuts you off in the middle of your lane, the car will slow down or come to stop. Even when you don't have Distronic plus, but I could be wrong.] But Distronic Plus is a really good feature I would suggest.
3. Surround view 360 Degree camera. It is an awesome feature that could save you from curb rashes on your expensive wheels.
4. Keyless Go, which is not so common until 2015 is a Plus. Wave your leg under the bumper to open/close the trunk.
5. Not sure you could find the multi-contour packaged car, but it gives a) Massage seating feature for Driver b) it acts as a bucket seats when cornering. No love for Passenger seat on this feature though.
6. Ventilated seats - for Georgia I guess you don't need it.
7. 4Matic - not sure you need it. If you live in Georgia and don't move to north anytime soon, I don't think you need AWD, but it's up to your luck.
Best feature I could suggest is Warranty. See if you could score a vehicle with factory warranty. less than 50000miles/4years from the original date of purchase. Meaning, 2015 or later vehicles. You could buy ELW depending on your driving style (low or high mileage).
One more trick I learned - Do not buy used Mercedes from a Mercedes dealer. A BMW from a BMW dealer etc., I got mine from a Nissan dealer - They gave me 1 year/12k miles power train warranty. But luckily I got Manufacturer warranty left on it. They don't know the value of the Safety features like in my signature and I got it for cheap. Knock on wood
Good Luck.
1. Adaptive Lightning package. They are brighter, fun, looks cool, no cons.
2. Distronic Plus - I heavily use them, city or highway. [IIRC, BAS+ is standard on any Mercedes (after certain built years). That is if someone cuts you off in the middle of your lane, the car will slow down or come to stop. Even when you don't have Distronic plus, but I could be wrong.] But Distronic Plus is a really good feature I would suggest.
3. Surround view 360 Degree camera. It is an awesome feature that could save you from curb rashes on your expensive wheels.
4. Keyless Go, which is not so common until 2015 is a Plus. Wave your leg under the bumper to open/close the trunk.
5. Not sure you could find the multi-contour packaged car, but it gives a) Massage seating feature for Driver b) it acts as a bucket seats when cornering. No love for Passenger seat on this feature though.
6. Ventilated seats - for Georgia I guess you don't need it.
7. 4Matic - not sure you need it. If you live in Georgia and don't move to north anytime soon, I don't think you need AWD, but it's up to your luck.
Best feature I could suggest is Warranty. See if you could score a vehicle with factory warranty. less than 50000miles/4years from the original date of purchase. Meaning, 2015 or later vehicles. You could buy ELW depending on your driving style (low or high mileage).
One more trick I learned - Do not buy used Mercedes from a Mercedes dealer. A BMW from a BMW dealer etc., I got mine from a Nissan dealer - They gave me 1 year/12k miles power train warranty. But luckily I got Manufacturer warranty left on it. They don't know the value of the Safety features like in my signature and I got it for cheap. Knock on wood
Good Luck.
Last edited by raja777m; 12-06-2018 at 08:16 PM.
#9
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Actually, 4Matic will be a help in the rain -- not just snow. With 4Matic on my E400, if I want to zip away from a stop, I just punch it. No drama, no wheelspin, just go.
I'll also vote "yes" for the full LED lighting and ventilated seats. The lights are just the best I've had, and the ventilation in the seats helps keep things dry in warm humid weather. An added secret is that if you want your heated seats to work better and faster, turn on both the heaters and ventilators. Heated steering wheel is nice in cold climates, but in GA it may not be worth worrying about.
I'll also vote "yes" for the full LED lighting and ventilated seats. The lights are just the best I've had, and the ventilation in the seats helps keep things dry in warm humid weather. An added secret is that if you want your heated seats to work better and faster, turn on both the heaters and ventilators. Heated steering wheel is nice in cold climates, but in GA it may not be worth worrying about.
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Would you suggest having the balanced and have an alignment done instantly, to make sure they arent already bent when purchasing the vehicle? I love how all dealers believe they do such a great job inspecting them that they are " flawless "
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One more thing . . . if you are looking at 2014 look at the E550 with the bi-turbo V8 putting out over 400 hp. Effortless smooth power. Most are loaded.
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So for you, hindsight 20/20, I’d get a PPI before final negotiations on the price.
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P1 package, keyless go (shame that it's not a standard option), pano if you are going to be driving people around (we always take the e class with our friends so the pano was a must for us, plus it looks great having a black roof on a white car). Also consider the V8, I wish this thing had more power.
#15
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2014 E550 4Matic is a limited production and only facelifted V8 made for the US market. A unicorn. More standard options, so the price difference is minimal. Plus the mpg for this beast is a near match to the 350. Goes like a rocket through everything mother nature can throw at it with no drama.
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raja777m (12-12-2018)
#16
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Thing that spooked me about the 550 was two turbos on a direct injection engine (carbon). I chickened out over that point, and figured I’d be happy with 300hp on the V6 for the way I wanted to drive the car, and was the right choice for me. I’ve got a VW for the sporty itch, and likely a $600 walnut blast for the carbon coming up soon. But have seen a few 550’s take off from the stop light, looks like a land missile taking off (and sounds awesome)!
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KEY08 (12-12-2018)
#17
As someone who literally just purchased a 2016 E350 4Matic this past weekend I literally just went through this same scenario when trying to decide which car to buy. I ultimately decided that for me the must haves were the lighting package, keyless go, heated seats and rearview camera. I did really want the Distronic Plus package with the adaptive cruise control, 360 camera and park assist but I wasn't able to find one with both the lighting package and distronic options with the right mileage and price point unfortunately. In my opinion the lighting package is an absolute must for the 2014-16 cars. It drastically changes the way the car looks and they are amazing when driving on dark roads of which I have many around where I live. The closer to me was I was able to find a car with 9300 miles on the clock for the same price as cars with as much as 38k on it with the same options and I was able to find it CPO so I got the extra year of warranty.
As far as the wheels go, any low profile wheel/tire combo will face the same issues if you drive in areas with bad roads and potholes. Here in NY the potholes can be ridiculous due to the snow and salt that we put down during the winter. If your roads are better I wouldn't worry about it any more than you would the wheels on any car you drive.
As far as the wheels go, any low profile wheel/tire combo will face the same issues if you drive in areas with bad roads and potholes. Here in NY the potholes can be ridiculous due to the snow and salt that we put down during the winter. If your roads are better I wouldn't worry about it any more than you would the wheels on any car you drive.
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As someone who literally just purchased a 2016 E350 4Matic this past weekend I literally just went through this same scenario when trying to decide which car to buy. I ultimately decided that for me the must haves were the lighting package, keyless go, heated seats and rearview camera. I did really want the Distronic Plus package with the adaptive cruise control, 360 camera and park assist but I wasn't able to find one with both the lighting package and distronic options with the right mileage and price point unfortunately. In my opinion the lighting package is an absolute must for the 2014-16 cars. It drastically changes the way the car looks and they are amazing when driving on dark roads of which I have many around where I live. The closer to me was I was able to find a car with 9300 miles on the clock for the same price as cars with as much as 38k on it with the same options and I was able to find it CPO so I got the extra year of warranty.
As far as the wheels go, any low profile wheel/tire combo will face the same issues if you drive in areas with bad roads and potholes. Here in NY the potholes can be ridiculous due to the snow and salt that we put down during the winter. If your roads are better I wouldn't worry about it any more than you would the wheels on any car you drive.
As far as the wheels go, any low profile wheel/tire combo will face the same issues if you drive in areas with bad roads and potholes. Here in NY the potholes can be ridiculous due to the snow and salt that we put down during the winter. If your roads are better I wouldn't worry about it any more than you would the wheels on any car you drive.
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I will also say, having had several AWD vehicles in the past, the 4-Matic setup is pretty darn spectacular in pouring down rain (I’ve not driven it in snow yet). Maybe it’s the weight or the tires or whatever, but I’ve had vehicles that say they do better in wet conditions (Subaru and Toyota), but actually never had one until this car. Drove back from NC to DC day after thanksgiving when we had like 3 inches of pouring down rain. Was completely comfortable and in total control at speeds that would’ve made my lawyer happy...
I can also feel it in the handling, when you’d think your about to understeer and the front just pulls itself around the corner, bringing the back with it.
I’m not sure what the setup is, but thought I read somewhere that it’s not one of these “floater” types where most to one end normally and moves when “detected”, but rather a 50/50 power distribution all the time regardless.
I can also feel it in the handling, when you’d think your about to understeer and the front just pulls itself around the corner, bringing the back with it.
I’m not sure what the setup is, but thought I read somewhere that it’s not one of these “floater” types where most to one end normally and moves when “detected”, but rather a 50/50 power distribution all the time regardless.