Lease ending on '07 W211...What should I Do? - Benzworld.org

sv7887 · 07-20-2008, 07:53 PM

Hi Everyone,
My lease on my 2007 E350 4 matic is ending soon. The car has been "ok" and the dealer has called me about getting me into another E a few months ahead of time...They are actually quite persistent.

My buyout is 40.5K and given the resales on W211's not worth it at all. You can extend the lease for another year, but I am not sure what the payment will be. I only have 15K miles on the car right now, so I don't think ending it early is a good option. I was supposed to have 27K on it.

The car has had some issues: 3 Cam sensors replaced for rough idle when you first start it in the morning. I think it will need another one soon....The nav antenna had to be re-attached because it was loose in the trunk. The wipers seem to go psycho in really hot weather..They'll wipe for no reason if they're set on Auto..

Otherwise the car is dynamite on the road, the ultimate road trip car. I get 27.2 MPG on the hwy! It kicks ass in the winter, the Michelins are great tires..The Navigation is kinda ghetto, but I saw the new units at the dealership and they seem much better.

I've seen the new 2010 spy shots and am not encouraged...Looks kinda weird. I don't like my chances with a first model year Mercedes in terms of reliability or getting a deal.

I was thinking of getting a 2009 on a short lease..It seems to have some extra goodies added to sweeten the pot for the last run of W211's. I've read about some insane deals for leases right now. I just hope they'll have the Cam sensors sorted out for the final run..

The 4 Matic is a no cost option this year...For those with RWD W211's with the 7 speed, is there really any difference in ride quality and Fuel economy? The 4 Matic is a nice car, but I don't like lugging all that extra weight around and having a 5 spd tranny. I am wondering if th e ride is a bit smoother on the RWD model..

4 matic is nice to have, but I live in boston and have driven RWD's for a long time. As long as you have good tires, you should be okay. I drove my old 92 LS400 on all seasons and rarely had a problem.

Any comments please?

Thanks!
Sam

**MB-SV** · 07-20-2008, 10:29 PM

Get the quote to extend the lease another year, it will still be under warranty which unfortunately is necessary. And if it's a Mercedes lease, they will pay you for the unused miles upon turn-in. Just my 2 cents.

everettpa1 · 07-21-2008, 09:35 AM

Your extended lease payment will be the same as now. MBFS does that on lease extensions and/or loans to finance the residual payoff if you go that route. Another option is to wait near the end of the lease and negotiate the buyout price. In theory, they would never want you to turn that car in with a residual of $40K and should make a deal. I'm in this situation in about 2 months and hope to get a couple grand at least off the residual. I spent a great deal of time and got real close to a deal on a 2008 using the same lease buyout deal. At the end of the day I didn't jump because it is basically the same car. Yes you get more for the money now but it's still the same in nearly every way. Lease deals are about the same as when I bought mine three years ago. MBFS is not nearly as aggressive on residuals but the money factor is way down so it's a wash. MSRP discounts are the same at about 12% on average (on mine now and the deal I had 2 months ago). My plan is to drive this for a long time and then look at the 212 after it's been out 2-3 years and when they upgrade the 3.5L engine.

mr.xpowerseller · 07-21-2008, 02:51 PM

Turn it in and just drive the S430. Otherwise look to purchase or lease something until at least 2-3 model years into the W212 model cycle.

kyle21nluvnit · 07-23-2008, 07:57 AM

I would say get rid of the car and find another. The reason is, if you wanted to keep the car you wouldnt be asking if you should keep it. Make sense? I love benz's but they arent for everyone, test drive some other cars see if you like something more.

sv7887 · 07-23-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyle21nluvnit

I would say get rid of the car and find another. The reason is, if you wanted to keep the car you wouldnt be asking if you should keep it. Make sense? I love benz's but they arent for everyone, test drive some other cars see if you like something more.

You make a very good point. The W211 is a decent car, but the bugs I've had really have soured my impression of the car. The S430 despite having a bad reputation has been a great car.

I do like Mercedes. I've driven a Lexus LS400 for many years, another good car but we have crappy dealers in Boston. Plus the newer LS 430/460 seems to have lost its way.

I can't bring myself to get a Toyota, Honda or any econobox...The only car I'd consider outside of Mercedes is a newer Jaguar XJ8...

We'll see how that goes..

Thanks for your comments,
Sam

mr.xpowerseller · 07-24-2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sv7887

You make a very good point. The W211 is a decent car, but the bugs I've had really have soured my impression of the car. The S430 despite having a bad reputation has been a great car.

I do like Mercedes. I've driven a Lexus LS400 for many years, another good car but we have crappy dealers in Boston. Plus the newer LS 430/460 seems to have lost its way.

I can't bring myself to get a Toyota, Honda or any econobox...The only car I'd consider outside of Mercedes is a newer Jaguar XJ8...

We'll see how that goes..

Thanks for your comments,
Sam

If you can't stand the E350's problems then a poorly built Jag is NOT for you. The E350 looks like the most reliable car ever made compared to a Jag. Plus the XJ8 doesn't compete well against anything else in its class and doesn't hold any value.

Case1906 · 07-26-2008, 08:33 PM

The shelf life of the E is coming to rapid end. I'm in a similar situation and would not lease or buy an 09. You've been there done that with the W211. Just for fun see if you can locate a C63 and drive it. See what happens.....