July 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Mercedes Benz C-Class

2008 Mercedes C300 Luxury
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Luxury 4matic
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00240 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Sport
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Sport 4matic
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00240 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C350 Sport
24 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C63 AMG
24 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for 12k mi/yr and 3% for 10k mi/yr on all terms
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

My Take: No changes here from June. I can’t say the rates are bad, but they aren’t exactly great. The C350 Sport seems to be the better lease for the 36mo and 48mo terms. The residual values could be better, but these are Mercedes Benz and they don’t make them like they used to.

June 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Mercedes Benz R-Class

2008 Mercedes R320 CDI RWD Wagon
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00130 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00160 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00160 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes R350 RWD Wagon
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00060 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00090 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00090 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes R350 4matic Wagon
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00075 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00105 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00105 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for 12k mi/yr and 3% for 10k mi/yr on all terms
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

My Take: The residual value for the R-Class is rather sad. It’s a wagon after all, what can I say. One look at the Dodge Magnum sales figures and you will understand why wagons are not popular these days. This is reflected in the residual values of the R-Class. MB seems to be offering very good money factors to offset the cost of having to pay over 50% of a R-Class in 36 months. My only recommending here is not to lease the R-Class. In our times, the crossover SUV’s is where it’s at. SUV cargo space, 5+ adult seating, fuel efficient (compared to larger SUVs) and optional 4×4, even if you don’t need it. It’s like having your cake and eating it too.

June 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Mercedes Benz G-Class and GL-Class

2008 Mercedes G500 Wagon

24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes G55 AMG Wagon

24 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes GL320 CDI Wagon

24 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes GL450 Wagon

24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes GL550 Wagon

24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for

12k mi/yr and 3% for 10k mi/yr on all terms
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

My Take: The Gs and GLs are a bunch of pimped up crossovers. There is practically no lease assistance from MB with the exception of a somewhat reduced money factor on the low-end GLs. If you got the money and need a crossover, you might as well get a Mercedes Benz. Just be aware that built-quality isn’t job #1.

June 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Mercedes Benz S, SL and SLK

2008 Mercedes S550 Sedan
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes S550 4matic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes S600 V12 Sedan
24 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes S63 AMG Sedan
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes S65 AMG Sedan
24 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 27% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SL550 Convertible
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 35% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SL600 Convertible
24 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SL55 AMG Convertible
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SL65 AMG Convertible
24 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 30% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SLK280 Convertible
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SLK350 Convertible
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG Convertible
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for 12k mi/yr and 3% for 10k mi/yr on all terms
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

My Take: In all honesty, I wouldn’t lease any of these cars. The residual values are low and the interest rates are way too high. At this price range, most people should  be buying these cars. Granted, I’m not sure I would recommend buying any Mercedes Benz due to their declining quality (maybe the C-Class). There is no doubt that there is a certain “status” factor when driving around in a Benz, but is it really worth spending all that cash just to look like you are worth millions?

June 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Mercedes Benz ML-Class

2008 Mercedes ML320 CDI 4WD SUV
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes ML350 4WD SUV
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes ML550 4WD SUV
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes ML63 AMG 4WD SUV
24 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for 12k mi/yr and 3% for 10k mi/yr on all terms
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

My Take: My Aunt has one of these monsters. I believe it is the ML550. Why a mother of 2 college graduates living in California needs a SUV with AWD defies my logic. The rates are quite average, nothing that would make me scream “great deal”. Crappy residual values and so-so money factors usually won’t motivate many to get one of these. Add on the fact that Premium gas is getting awfully close to $5 per gallon, the MLs probably won’t be moving off the lots too quickly.

June 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Mercedes Benz CL, CLK, CLS

2008 Mercedes CL550 Coupe
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes CL600 Coupe
24 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes CL63 AMG Coupe
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 35% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes CL65 V12 AMG Coupe
24 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes CLK350 Coupe
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00025 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00070 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00070 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 35% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes CLK350 Convertible
24 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00115 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00160 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00160 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes CLK550 Coupe
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00025 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00070 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00070 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes CLK550 Convertible
24 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00115 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00160 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00160 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes CLK63 AMG Convertible
24 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes CLS550 Sedan
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Sedan
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for 12k mi/yr and 3% for 10k mi/yr on all terms
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

My Take: I’m super lazy, I know, but there’s a lot of rates floating around so I had to post all CL, CLK, CLS Benzo’s together. Granted, I do know the CLS is completely different, still. I’m trying to save myself the hassle of posting multiple times. In any case, the CLKs seem to be having very good rates (by MB standards). Again, the residuals are best on the 24mo lease of the CLK, which isn’t really all that great if you look closely. Ideally, you want a sub .00100 money factor and a high-50% to low-60% residual value so that your payments can stay low. These are Mercedes Benz though, so by low payments, I mean 600+ a month. That’s rent for some folks in the United States.

June 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Mercedes Benz E-Class

2008 Mercedes E320 BlueTec Sedan
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00150 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 Luxury Sedan
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00085 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00130 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00130 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 Luxury 4matic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00030 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00100 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00100 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 Sport Sedan
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00085 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00130 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00130 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 Sport 4matic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00030 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00100 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00100 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E550 Sport Sedan
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00150 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00150 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00150 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E550 Sport 4matic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 35% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E63 AMG Sedan
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00100 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00175 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00175 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E63 AMG Wagon
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for 12k mi/yr and 3% for 10k mi/yr on all terms
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

My Take: The E-class is getting a face-lift and new upgrades for the 2009 model year. As you can see, the money factors are very attractive for the 24-month leases, specially for the E350 Sport 4matic. The residuals are not too bad, although, it really sucks when you have to pay almost 40% of the car’s value within 2 years.

AMG Performance Tour

Yesterday I get this link from a friend of mine asking me if I wanted to go to the AMG Performance Tour. Not sure how he found out about this even, but it seems you get to test drive a C63. I tried registering, but it seems I’d be put on a waiting list since the even is full. If I manage to get the invite, I’m probably going to check it out and will post some pictures. For those who are not in the Los Angeles/Orange County area, check out the link below to see if you can register for your local event.

AMG PERFORMANCE TOUR