Purchasing a New R350 or R320 and Have Several Questions

[bamboo711]

Hi everyone I'm new to this forum and am in the very near future (upcoming days) purchasing a R Class.

1. The dealer has a R320 diesel or a R350(AWD and with a panorama) both new for the same price. Which one should I get to be most cost effective? I know the 320 has better gas mileage but diesel is much more expensive than even premium fuel, so which one would be most cost effective with the real gas mileages?

2. Will the panorama roof, even when closed, not absorb heat and cause the car to heat up significantly?

3. Is 37K a good price for this car new? (Both have a 52k MSRP)

Thanks and I'm sure I'll have more questions!

[lkchris]

All Mercedes gasoline engine cars require premium fuel.

If the diesel is a 2009, it has runflat tires and no spare tire--something you for sure do not want.

[aggst1]

There is no heat issue with the panorama roof since all glass (roof and windows) is designed to not absorb heat and only let the light through. I work for the company that manufactures this product and know for a fact that Benz is one of our customers. I know it probably sounds too good to be true but it is the truth.

[bamboo711]

These are actually both 08 models. So would you guys prefer personally the diesel or regular?

[rickpo]

Is the R320 AWD? what are the options for both? P1, P2, etc.

[bamboo711]

Yes the diesel too is AWD and both are P1 just the R350 has a panorama roof

[aggst1]

Originally Posted by bamboo711

These are actually both 08 models. So would you guys prefer personally the diesel or regular?

I personally would prefer the gasoline model since it has more horsepower. I don't know too much about the new generation diesels however I know that they produce a lot of torque which is desireable and that they are clean and quiet. Diesel fuel costs more than premium gas in most of the US so any mileage savings is not significant in my opinion and for my driving. Also, you have to factor in that diesel is not available everywhere.
If I were you I would take a long test drive in each and decide on my own. Of course, like the previous poster said, it depends a lot on what option packages each has on it (P1. P2 etc)

Good luck!

[aggst1]

Originally Posted by bamboo711

Yes the diesel too is AWD and both are P1 just the R350 has a panorama roof

Without the panorama roof, all rear passengers will feel closed in! IMO the panorama roof is one of the great features of this vehicle!

[bamboo711]

I think I will probably end up going on the R350. I heard its okay for every 4 fillups to put 1 premium and 3 regular. Would anyone concur on this? especially since the engine is pretty large on this vehicle?

Thanks for the response, both cars are identical (P1 package) except the R350 comes with a panorama.

Good deal for 37K?

Thanks!

[rickpo]

Originally Posted by bamboo711

Good deal for 37K?
Thanks!

I just bought a 07 CPO P2 for $29k. $37k is better than MSRP for sure. Are you willing to accept the depreciation on a new vehicle?