Ask the Car People.SM


Mercedes Benz E-Class Prices Paid and Buying Experience

1933 messages,  Last post on May 16, 2013 at 2:46 PM

You are in the Prices Paid - Buying & Leasing Experiences Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 116 of 194

#1144 of 1933 Decision on E-350 and Pricing Question by kish1970

Oct 16, 2011 (9:06 am)

Hi,
 
Was looking at the BMW 535 and Mercedes E-350. Based on reviews in this forum I am veering towards a Mercedes mainly due to stated problems on the BMW.
 
Now on the Mercedes:
 
1. Like the Sports Package but am concerned about the possible issues with the tires etc. and so decided on the Luxury Package. What do you think?
 
2. I am being offered 4K off MSRP and 3 year servicing free on the 2011. Can i Hope for any better?
 
3. On the 2011 i am not getting the color of my choice. If i do wait for a 2012 can i hope for a similar discount if I go back in 2 months? If so what is the discount on MSRP that i can hope for.
 
I am neither USAA nor any special discount category.
 
Eagerly awaiting responses

#1145 of 1933 Re: Decision on E-350 and Pricing Question [kish1970] by kevinc5

Oct 16, 2011 (9:38 am)

Replying to: kish1970 (Oct 16, 2011 9:06 am)
I'd wait for the 2012. Mercedes usuaslly has good incentives in December, but they wont match the 2011 pricing. If you wait you'll get the new engine and the color you want, which will pay off at resale time. I'd go with the luxury model for the more comfortable ride, better tire wear, etc. Good luck.

#1146 of 1933 Re: Decision on E-350 and Pricing Question [kish1970] by dewarsandsoda

Oct 16, 2011 (10:49 am)

Replying to: kish1970 (Oct 16, 2011 9:06 am)
Hi Kish1970,
 
In regards to your Q2, I suspect that even without Conquest or USAA rebates, you should be able to get a 2011 model for >$4K off of MSRP.
 
That said, if you are partial to particular color and option set, I would wait for a 2012 as it will feature improved engine and mileage. And, as Kevinc5 notes, MB may offer compelling rebates during the holidays.
 
My two rupees...

#1147 of 1933 Re: Decision on E-350 and Pricing Question [dewarsandsoda] by bullsmentor123

Oct 16, 2011 (5:41 pm)

Replying to: dewarsandsoda (Oct 16, 2011 10:49 am)
Just to share my recent experience with 2011 E350 from a New England dealer - was offered one for ~$6k off sticker (msrp was about $57k+, was offered $51k+). I did not qualify for the $4,000 conquest money). The $6,000 off was thrown at me at the beginning of the talks, so I presume maybe there was some more leeway but I eventually decided to wait for a similar discount on a 2012, so I didn't try to bargain.
I think we all expect (and hope) to be able to get ~$10k off a 2012 next summer but I think even $6-7k off this winter will probably be good enough for me. For some the updates on the 2012 maybe minor but to me its worth waiting for and getting slightly more powerful and very slightly more economical engine, along with the updated interior (mostly steering wheel) and exterior (straight line DRL LEDs come to mind).

#1148 of 1933 2012 E350 Sedan by abacomike

Oct 17, 2011 (4:34 pm)

Well, finally my dealer got my new 2012 E350 sedan from the port in Jacksonville this morning. I drove the new car about 50 miles this afternoon and these are my imporessions of the 2012 over my 2011 E350:
 
*The pick-up and acceleration are unbelievably superior to the 2011. Difference is 278 hp vs. 302 hp. Quite an improvement!!!
 
*The engine sounds "throatier", if you know what I mean. Sounds more like a V8 than a V6.
 
*The ride and handling seem a bit more responsive and "tighter" than my 2011. This could be due to the mere fact that they are different cars, since the suspension and wheels/tires are the same as last years.
 
*They increased the number of speakers in the car from 12 to 14 - with the Premium 1 or 2 packages - Harmon Karden. Surround sound seems more realistic than last year's model. I believe this is due mainly to the addition of the 2 speakers.
 
*Since I got the tire/wheel package with AMG wheels, the steering wheel is a sport steering wheel. Much nicer than last year's steering wheel - addition of more aluminum trim on the wheel - much sportier looking and feeling, as well.
 
*The car is equipped with a Premium 2 package. My 2011 had Premium 1. Big difference driving at night with the bi-xenon lights and cornering lights. Adaptive headlights also light up the round as you corner. Very distinct improvement in visibility over the 2011.
 
*Also have the contour seats - also a great improvement when adjusted correclty - they seem to hold me and grab me for support on both sides - less movement in the seat during turns.
 
*The car also came equipped with ventilated seats. Down here in Florida, they seem to be a necessity with the heat and humidity. They have three fan speeds for each front seat and really do cool the "derriere". Had to also get leather seats with these two options, and quite frankly, I do not notice the difference in the texture or feel of the seats - but do notice the aroma of the leather in the car over the MBtex seats on my 2011.
 
All in all, the greatest improvement is in the transmission (smoother gear shifts and more responsive with the changes they made) and the engine is gutsier and significantly more responsive. I LOVE MY NEW CAR and I know anyone who gets one will feel the same as I.

#1149 of 1933 Re: 2012 E350 Sedan [abacomike] by ghstudio

Oct 17, 2011 (4:53 pm)

Replying to: abacomike (Oct 17, 2011 4:34 pm)
I am waiting for my dealer to get a 2012 bluetec e-350 because I want to see if the transmission has really changed in a noticeable way. It's actually the only difference between my 2011 bluetec other than the license plate lights.
 
The review above does not surprise me...the e needed a bit more power. I'm actually interested in trying a 2012 C350 which should be a terrific handling, sporty car.

#1150 of 1933 Re: 2012 E350 Sedan [ghstudio] by abacomike

Oct 18, 2011 (5:24 am)

Replying to: ghstudio (Oct 17, 2011 4:53 pm)
Yes, the transmission has a noticeable improvement in smoothness. In my previous E350, there was always a slight "jerk" in the transmission when first starting the car. When I would put in in "D", it kind of "jerked". My service dept. told me it's the same in all the 2010's and 2011's. This is not evident in my new 2012. I do not feel the gear changes as abruptly as I did in my previous car.
 
I took it out on the highway last night, and my fuel economy, according to the onboard computer, was 32 miles per gallon in cruise control for 25 miles. That's a huge improvement over my 2011, where I was lucky to get 26 mpg in cruise at 65 mph.
 
I mentioned in my review last night, as you read, that the engine sounds more "throaty". Sounds more like a V8 than a V6 when accelerating. Also, the acceleration is phenominal in comparison to the 2011. This is a car I am going to "KEEP". They have refined the E350 sedan into a sound, superior vehicle with the addition of the new transmission and engine. Also, the sound system is unbelievable with the addition of the two new speakers. Where they put the speakers is a question, but wherever they put them, the sound has improved significantly. It's like being in the studio where they recorded the music. The surround sound is outstanding.
 
I was lucky I had a previous loan with Mercedes Financial because I got the $1500 incentive discount as well as the 1.65% financing for 66 months (the reason I took out he long term loan is because of the outstanding rate - why not take advantage of it - they reduced the 1.9 rate to 1.65 because I used direct withdrawal from my checking account each month). The USAA incentive was a net of $1500 under actual dealer invoice (The incentive is for $500 over invoice less $2000, or a net of $1500 under invoice).
 
Another noticeable difference was in the steering. The steering is very "easy" in turning a low speeds, and stiffens up nicely as you increase speed.
 
I'll post more experiences with the new car after I've had a chance to put more miles on it.

#1151 of 1933 Re: 2012 E350 Sedan [abacomike] by richardnva

Oct 19, 2011 (9:39 am)

Replying to: abacomike (Oct 18, 2011 5:24 am)
Abacomike, Good to hear you're enjoying your E as much as you are. Sounds like the wait was worth it. Did you get the dealer to tint the windows for you? I don't live in Florida but would still like a light tint to keep the heat out during the summer. Should I roll this cost into my lease or do it as an aftermarket addition? Thanks!

#1152 of 1933 Re: 2012 E350 Sedan [richardnva] by abacomike

Oct 19, 2011 (1:52 pm)

Replying to: richardnva (Oct 19, 2011 9:39 am)
Do it "aftermarket" or, in other words, pay for it yourself. A fairly good window tint for side and rear windows is about $135-$150, at least down here in Florida. If you put it on your lease (have the dealer install it and charge you back), you will be paying interest on that money, not to mention the fact that you are giving the dealer an opportunity to make some additional profit on you. If the dealer adds it for you and charges you separately on the lease, they will probably charge you $30 to $50 more for the tint than the dealer will pay for it (dealers usually have someone who does all if not most of their window tinting which means they have a bulk price which they might not want to pass on to you). Why pay interest in your lease on it?
 
As for tinting in general, my 2011 did not have an aftermarket tint on it and I had the car right through the hottest part of the year (June through September), and quite frankly, I really didn't miss the tint. Let me explain why:
 
First of all, I purchased a sun visor from my dealer for the front windshield (cost me about $65.00). Secondly, the car comes with a rear electric sunshade for the rear window. So, during the heat of the day, when my car is parked, I don't get much direct sun into the car because during the summer, the sun is directly overhead and does not come throug the side windows. I found that the car was no hotter inside than when I had the tinted windows on other cars.
 
With age (I just turned 67 and am retired) my eyes are not as sharp as they used to be. Night driving is more difficult with the tinted windows, especially in the rear, so I don't get tint.
 
Hope I answered your questions.

#1153 of 1933 Re: 2012 E350 Sedan [abacomike] by bevbran

Oct 19, 2011 (7:07 pm)

Replying to: abacomike (Oct 18, 2011 5:24 am)
I'm anxious to get in and drive one! Glad you're loving yours, Mike. Have fun!!!

Messages Page 116 of 194

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement