They stopped production of the R500. The 2WD verison is out. They already started production of ML550 and GL550, they stopped production of R63 AMG. But no signs of R550 yet. Anyone know if there making one? By the way the new R class is mad HOT!
They stopped production of the R500. The 2WD verison is out. They already started production of ML550 and GL550, they stopped production of R63 AMG. But no signs of R550 yet. Anyone know if there making one? By the way the new R class is mad HOT!
It is easily explainable to the why's? I posted my thoughts on this on the other board, and here they are:
- RClass is more of a people mover for family outings of transporting kids and grannies, etc., so the V-8s (500 or 550) or R63 are non-demand for prospect owners/families who want an RClass for such purposes.
- RClass is less likely a choice for towing, people with such need will be better off considering the GL or other US truck choices (Tahoe, Yukon, etc.).
- R500s have been offered in the last 2 model years, '06 and '07, and sales/demands must have been very low. So it is understandable that MB dropped them in '08.
- Gas price increases in the last 6 months must also kill the demand for such a gas guzzler of the V8's.
I agree that production quantity can be adjusted with demands / sales volume. But it's a HUGE cost to maintain the availability of the V8 lines at the plant. I guess the sales from '06 and '07 V8's did not return the "minimum required" to continue.
I noticed and observed that MB dealers in VA/MD/DC areas (7 total w/i 60 miles radius) typically took several months (4-6) to sell / clear an R500 off their lot. Even right now, dealers are still offering tons of incentives on new/low miles '06 R500 that attract little interest from prospective RClass buyers.
I've never driven the 350, but my r500 seems really sluggish to me. I couldn't imagine how the 350's would feel to drive. I don't expect it to drive like my BMW 335, but I was expecting more from the V8. Do you have to really gas the 350 to move it? Just wondering.
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"You don't stop playing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop playing."
My R500 is nice and quite quick for it's size. But with that said, I do agree that it's a family hauler. With the room and ride quality and of course, the passing power, I can't think of a better way to drag the kids from here to everywhere.
I've never driven the 350, but my r500 seems really sluggish to me. I couldn't imagine how the 350's would feel to drive. I don't expect it to drive like my BMW 335, but I was expecting more from the V8. Do you have to really gas the 350 to move it? Just wondering.
The issue seems to be delayed response from the throttle. Read the sprintbooster threads in all of the MB model forums. I installed this in my R350, engine and tranny response is immediate. Sprintbooster offers NO increase in horsepower, just immediate response which the drivetrain is lacking. No bad for a $250-$300, 10 min, reversable upgrade!
__________________ '06 R350 Desert Silver w/Macadamia interior iPod Kit/Parktronic/Rear Side Airbags 317 Comfort Package Auto-dimming mirrors, Memory Seats/mirrors, Power folding mirrors & steering colomn, Cargo cover & Net 326 Premium Package harman/kardon LOGIC7 system, Rear Audio Controls, 6-Disc CD Changer, Panoramic Roof, Power tailgate, DVD Navigation, Tele-Aid 864 RSES Package 7" screens, Auxillary for external sources, 2nd Row Console 19" 5-Spoke wheels 255/50 tires SprintBooster Power Converter
They stopped production of the R500. The 2WD verison is out. They already started production of ML550 and GL550, they stopped production of R63 AMG. But no signs of R550 yet. Anyone know if there making one? By the way the new R class is mad HOT!
I have to disagree with your last sentence that the "R class is mad HOT!"
Most dealers are having a hard time selling the R class and the used car department doesn't want them on their lot. My local Mercedes dealer website doesn't even have a designated R Class to click on for their used car selection, but has all other Mercedes models. The R class is far from HOT.
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