[refresher72]

Hello,

I live in Dallas,TX, planning to buy a 2008 350 with 28k miles, REAR WHEEL DRIVE Please clarify the below:

1) As I live TX, think that 4MATIC is not required. Your opinion? Does it make any difference in the driving comfort?

2) Is AIR suspension a must? Is it STANDARD or a add-on? How is the driving comfort without AIRMATIC suspension?

3) Where do I get the maintenance schedule list for R350? And your thoughts on expected maintenance costs around 30k miles?

Thanks

 

[aggst1]

1) It is your call. If you never drive on snow then the answer is obvious that rear wheel drive is sufficient. There will not be any difference in driving comfort, rwd gets slightly better gas mileage.
2) Airmatic is not an add-on. IMHO it is not a must, just a nice to have. The system is guaranteed to break down often and the repairs each time are in the thousands. Better off without it especially on a used vehicle.
3) Can't help with locating a list. A few things on top of my head are, oil and filter change every 10K miles or once a year about a couple hundred dollars at the dealer, and every other year some more items to be checked and/or serviced based on a schedule that the car computer warns you about. The only major service item is at 39K miles to change the transmission fluid and costs approx $400 at the dealer.

Good luck with your selection.

 

[lkchris]

Find the maintenance schedule here:
Mercedes-Benz - Home of C, E, S, CLS, CL, SLK, SL, R, GLK, M, GL, G Class - Service and Parts - Maintenance Manuals

 

[smokersteve]

1) The up side to 2x4.
better mpg. lighter car, less drive traindrag on the eng, There is very little noise in mine(4x4) but 2X4 will have less noise. I pref fer 4X4 because I do go to the snow and the fact that it is 4X4 over 2X4. If I did not go to the snow I would rather go with 2X4. And less to maintain.

2) the air ride is not a must but I REALLY LIKE IT.

3) http://www.mbusa.com/vcm/MB/DigitalAssets/pdfmb/maintenancebooklets/2006_mclass_rclass.pdf

Mercedes-Benz - Home of C, E, S, CLS, CL, SLK, SL, R, GLK, M, GL, G Class - Service and Parts Maintenance

 

[refresher72]

Thank you all for the replies...

Any MUST HAVES features on R350.. Iam looking for the following:

1) HK Sound system (Is it GREAT or the regular one would do? I am getting a good deal on a 2009 model without HK on it)

2) PANA roof ... this is a must for me

3) REAR view camera..

Anything else that makes a HUGE difference that I am missing

ALSO... Please advise on the EXTENDED WARRANTIES... Where to buy from, get bargains...

 

[2008R320]

Thank you all for the replies...

Any MUST HAVES features on R350.. Iam looking for the following:

1) HK Sound system (Is it GREAT or the regular one would do? I am getting a good deal on a 2009 model without HK on it)

2) PANA roof ... this is a must for me

3) REAR view camera..

Anything else that makes a HUGE difference that I am missing

ALSO... Please advise on the EXTENDED WARRANTIES... Where to buy from, get bargains...

4) OEN Bi-Xenon, very nice as the halogen is not that great, search in here there has been several topics about it.

For me the diesel, the torque is very nice with this heavy car/truck/crossover, more fun would be the R63

 

[chucelli]

FWIW,
I think the 2wd version should drive better. The 4matics are jerkier by comparison due to all the extra drive-train connections.
Unfortunately, the diesel only comes in 4matic.
-Robert

 

[aggst1]

Keyless-Go ! Once you have it you are spoiled for life!

 

[refresher72]

How about EXTENDED WARRANTIES? Called up the local MB dealer and they say it is $4,100 for 7yr/75K and $5300 for 7yr/100k. Do you think we can get a better deal elsewhere ... or are there any trustworthy third party insurnace around who can provide BUMPER to BUMPER

 

[2008R320]

Keyless-Go ! Once you have it you are spoiled for life!

Got that one too, this is more for families with small kids, my wife would not live without it anymore

She mentioned it after she went for shopping with our newborn at that time, she said " how did we live without it before, no need to look for teh keys, just grab the handle and open the door "

 

[supernsx]

Hello,

I live in Dallas,TX, planning to buy a 2008 350 with 28k miles, REAR WHEEL DRIVE Please clarify the below:

1) As I live TX, think that 4MATIC is not required. Your opinion? Does it make any difference in the driving comfort?

2) Is AIR suspension a must? Is it STANDARD or a add-on? How is the driving comfort without AIRMATIC suspension?

3) Where do I get the maintenance schedule list for R350? And your thoughts on expected maintenance costs around 30k miles?

Thanks

Don't get the Airmatic. They are going to fail and will cost you about 2K for each struts (4 in total). I have Airmatic and don't find it very useful.

Also, definitely buy an extended warranty because it is going to be handy in the long run. I will definitely research on the warranty company and make sure both: 1. financially sound. 2. Willing to pay for the claim. Both have been big issues regarding these companies.

 

[smokersteve]

Don't get the Airmatic. They are going to fail and will cost you about 2K for each struts (4 in total). I have Airmatic and don't find it very useful.

interesting. I did not know that this failed. Is there an update? How does it fail? Any other common failure?

 

[alvin18]

Generally when Airmatic systems fails, it is usually either leaking air struts or failed pumps, or sometimes both. Ideally nice to have, but doesn't make that big of a deal. All R's have standard rear self leveling, that is pretty reliable setup.