I have been trying to add an E to our garage for a while without any luck. My wife has been against the idea, but I might be making progress. Of course I want a W212 E63. The wife says no way unless I sell my SL55. I’m not even done modding it yet is she nuts. The ML500 can’t go because we need it to haul Greyhounds.

So the other day, the wife and I look at a new E350. What I quickly noticed was that for the price of a nicely equipped W212 E350, we could get a CPO 07 or maybe 08 E63. What would you do?

63

JD

63 all the way.

Will the dogs fit in a 63 Wagon?

Now that’s thinking. I will have to take my tallest greyhound to the local dealership for a test fit.

We actually did that when we bought the ML. When we were in the market for an SUV to haul the Greys, I was thinking Lexus, Infinite or Acura. The key element was room in back for three tall hounds. So I ask to test fit and the Lexus dealer says “we can’t have a dog jump in the back of one of our cars.” Funny thing was, while my wife and I are being told this, we are watching two croupy toddlers crawling inside another new Lexus leaving mucus and snot throughout the interior. So we leave and later find ourselves at World Wide Motors here in Indy. The salesman said “no problem” so moments later I’m marching Seamus, our tallest hound through the busy showroom. We definitely got some looks while Seamus jumped in the back of the ML. He seemed to like it so we bought it.

Some people adore the new styling of the W212! If you want the latest gizmos, then the W212. I personally am not a fan of the new styling, it will take some time to get use to it. I love the nose, but the butt leave something to desire. If you have 100K just burning a hole in your pocket, then W212, or if you want to save almost half, go with a CPO W211 E63 either 07 or 08. Personally, I would save the money and buy a W211 E63. The Performance is about equal with both W211 and W212, although the W212 has a slight advantage with the new MCT (Multi-Clutch Transmission), that offers extremely fast shifts, comparable to a Ferrari in milli-seconds, with 18 more HP. Interior is nicely laid out in the W212, but the W211 is no slouch either. The W212 E63 will be niche, as this year is the last year that the 6.3 engine will be produced according to Mercedes as they are introducing a 5.5 twin turbo engine for next year. All future Mercedes will be turbo-charged. The W211 can be had for allot less then the W212, and I think that you would be happy with it. You can get a low mileage W211 E63 for under 60K, if you look hard enough. I picked up my 07 E63 with 12,600 miles on it for $58,400. But it comes down to, what you want. Get what is going to make you happy, because you wont be satisfied with anything less. I'm happy with what I have, and wouldn't trade it in for a W212, even if someone was going to give it to me, even with the gizmos. I absolutely adore the W211 07 E63, just like some people love their E55, when the E63 came out. But each his own. I think that you have already made up your mind on this, your just looking for approval from the wife.

Eh if you already have a x55 model- go with the 350. The e63 doesn't have the oomph or the same modification potential that the 55k engines do. Save some money and go with the newer technology.

I could pick up the new E350 and find an AMG badge on Ebay. Maybe I'd make the poser thread

63 all the way!!

You nailed that one. Thanks for the write up.

Sometimes when driving my gas hogs (e55, highly modded dsm, '10 range rover), I wish I had an e350 or diesel

Were it to be your main car and money wasn't an issue, the W212 does offer improved handling to go with the MCT transmission and newer technology.

However, if I were you I'd get one of the many leftover 2009 E63s as opposed to a used one. You then get a brand new car with peace of mind about how it's been treated and the same engine as the W212 while saving $30,000 from MSRP in the process.

I did what Carl Lassiter mentioned. Bought an 09 E63 for $35K off MSRP. Fun car except it stays parked in the garage all winter

E63 without question!

no real choice to be made...focus your efforts on convincing the wife

Shouldnt all men rule with an Iron fist ? Do as you wish , The old lady will fall in line . And if she don't do not fret she is only entitled to 1/2 lol

i would say 63 sedan all the way! i like the w212, but i think the w211 is the best looking yet!

Good luck with whatever you do!

E63 + towball + trailer + hounds = win


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58NnJPi6138&eurl=http://jalopnik.com/tag/maserati-tows-trailer/?id=5158431&feature=player_embedded

+1

Plus, wait on the w212, buying first year/model run MB is never a good thing.

W211 E63 without a question.

I personally like the styling on the W211 better, and find the interior to be of higher quality, especially the E63's.

However my subjective opinion aside, I know the W212 is a new model, which makes you want to have it in your driveway, however think about after the "new hype" wears off, you'll have a very basic, average, bottom of the line E-Class in your garage, as well, all W212's come with the AMG Package (M-B ****** them out now), so you won't really have as distinctive a car as an E63, aesthetically. To go even further, in 2011 M-B is upping the engines and HP in their cars, so the 2010 E350 will be a ONE YEAR version with the most undesirable, carry-over V6 motor, which will basically make it the b@stard child of the W212 legacy, and resale will suffer major. As well, I'd avoid first year models, M-B will "tighten" up a few things with the car, and apparently some new tech might be coming with the new motors, and they will hopefully upgrade some of the crude-ish interior materials too....

Unless of course you love the styling of the W212, more-so than the 211, and/or wanna impress the Jones's with a brand newly launched model, E63 all the way. As well, drive both, and you should see what your heart desires.

My .02.

+1

That's what I did. I got 29k off and that was last spring. You'll probably get an even better discount now. I got it when I knew the W212 E63 was coming.

A new 2009 W211 E63 will give you the new COMAND that's in the W212. HDD based with the new VC and live traffic, etc.. Also it does it one better: with the W212 you can't punch in addresses on the Nav while in motion; with the W211 you can.

Also you'll get Nappa leather and alcantara headliner on the 2009 W211 E63. On the W212 E63 it's part of an expensive option package, it's not standard.

The W212 has the "new" suspension, which is really just a mix of old suspensions: airmatic on the rear and steel springs on the front. The difference is there but it's not night and day as MB wants you to believe.

Downside to the W212 is that there is no lift button anymore. That comes in very handy on nasty driveways and parking decks, etc.. You'll get that on the W211.

When you consider price, a new 2009 W211 E63 might be the smartest move. Tell the wifey you already took care of the depreciation buy getting a huge discount. Disguise the whole decision as you being smart money-wise.

Cowboy up and get it!
How long can the wife, stay mad at you anyway.
Once she takes that first ride in it, and you snap her neck back, with the power. She will either thank you and kill you. Either way, your in the dog house, and that's not a bad place to be, when you look out and see that E63. LOL

I still vote for this.

You will be happier in the 07 or 08 E63. If you can swing the 09 E63 you will have the upgraded electronics. I see no advantage in the 10 E350, none.

Easy decision, E63 07-08 if u can find 09 even better.
W212 first year... watch out the reliability + E350 depreciate very fast.
in 3 years, W211 E63 might worth more than W212 E350

Plus, E63 for sure much more fun to drive.