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September 22, 2020 11:11 am by

38k Mile Mercedes-Benz E550 in Designo Mocha Black

For September 22, 2020, our used car find is this 38k mile, 382 hp Mercedes-Benz E550 sedan in rare Designo Mocha Black. It’s listed for sale on craigslist by a private seller in the Santa Rosa area for $18,500.

Here’s what makes this one special.

Introduction

The W212 generation E-Class debuted for the 2010 model year (in the US) and was widely praised for upping the ante on executive sedans, especially in V8 spec, as here.

In a comparison test at the time, Road & Track said, “From the first press of its accelerator pedal, the E550 presents itself as the kinder, gentler sports sedan—if anything with 382 bhp could be characterized as kind and gentle.”

The angular new sheetmetal was a big departure from the soft lines of the outgoing W211 generation and is said to have been inspired by the wide-shouldered “pontoon” styling of Benz sedans from the 1950s.

The Listing

This particular example is about as good as it gets for a W212. Top of the goodies list is the magnificent 32-valve, 5.5 liter V8 (code name M273), which cranks out nearly 400 naturally-aspirated horses though Benz’s ubiquitous 7-speed automatic. These big V8s had some early problems with defective idle gears, but they were worked out by the time this car was produced. Also notable: 2011 is the final year for a this engine in the E Class; all future V8s were smaller and turbocharged.

This car also benefits from a great spec sheet, with upgrades like Designo Mocha Black paint (a very dark brown that sparkles in sunlight), plus most every available option, including Parktronic, heated and ventilated front seats, active Xenon lights, and a panoramic sunroof. The sticker price when new was over $70,000.

With only 38k miles and a complete service history at the local dealership, this ten-year-old Benz is about as close to new as you’ll find.

The asking price of $18,500 is on the high side of KBB’s estimates for one like this, but we think that such a nice example, especially in a rare color, should command something of a premium. And when you consider that represents a discount of almost 75% from new, it starts to look like a real bargain.

Details and Specs

  • 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 sedan
  • 38k miles
  • 5.5 liter V8 engine (382 hp)
  • 7-speed automatic transmission
  • Designo Mocha Black on black and tan leather
  • for sale by owner for $18,500
  • Santa Rosa, California

 

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