ajoe

Anyone want to guess what the depreciation would be on a July delivery when the 2004's are delivered in October. I'm seriously considering waiting for the 04's.

amg55

Over the first 36 months of its lifespan an E55 is expected to depreciate, on average, almost exactly 1% per month.
If you buy an '03 model in July, then the '04's come out in the fall, I'd guess you've probably accelerated your depreciation somewhere around 4-5% simply due to the timing...but that will lessen a bit over 3 years.
Right now the dealer retail values of the E55's of yore are approximately (Edmunds):
'01: 54,900
'00: 48,400
'99: 41,300

MarcusBenz

This is only my thought, but I believe that even the car being produced in April & May of this year will still be considered MY04. If you remember the R230 was released in March of '02 as a MY03, so the same methodology may apply the the E55.

pocholin

Which mean that your 2004 car delivered in june 2004 will loose a lot of value by jan 2004 because it is a 2004 model with so many miles as of jan 2004.

IMO if it is released before october it should be the year in course, and not 1 year advanced.

It is like the 2004 Nissan Maxima that ill be out on the market in march 2003, come on!!!! car manufacturers, get "F"ing real!!!!, remember it is my opinion, I might not understand it, but it doesn't seem right.

amg55

While I don't know the answer to the '03 vs. '04 question, some people have some very definitive opinions that we're looking at an '03 to begin with this spring:

CME4BENZ
Senior Member

"We have E55s on the schedule for production in April and May.
According to the (VR) Vehicle Report they are listed as 2003 models.......Bottom line = If you have a W211 car being built (including E55s) it will be a 2003 model if built before July and COMAND is NOT an option as of now. No, there is no word yet on furure availablity. Hopefully iot will be back for '04 but we have no official word yet".


HarvE55
Almost a Member!

"Rich if it is a 4/2/03 build it I am positive it will be a 2003. That's what a friend at MBUSA told me. Not that it matters, you will still have one of the first ones, and it will drive like a rocket".

HarvE55

One man's problem is anothers benefit. I have changed my order to a 2004 because I put 6,000 miles/year on my car. If I get a 2004 in October 2003, I am driving a new car for over a year and my mileage is OK. If you put a lot of miles on, then its an issue. Add this to not having Nav on the 2003's and its an easy decision for me. I am surpised that we have a Dealer out here saying that it still may be a 2004 MY (Marcus Benz), given everything we have heard.

E55 KEV

Harv, Were you also #1 for the 2003? Was the dealer willing to change? Thanks.

HarvE55

Kev,

Yes I was thrilled to get a call for my car to be optioned. I did my homework and with out Nav, and it being a 2003 caused me to talk to my dealer. My dealer was more than willing to satisfy my needs and move me to the number 1 slot for a 2004 E55. I am very pleased. If you know anyone who wants a 2003 E55, they have several build slots and I said I would.