Sell privately... and buy from owner or put an add in paper or internet that
you will take over their lease and buy car from leasing co at the contract
price... which is lower than dealer sticker price. Have lawyer look over it
before signing the deal.

The models you cite are upscale cars (i.e. E500) that, like trophy
wives, are costly and sometimes suddenly lose their appeal. So if that's
what its to be, know what you want and be ready to act - to bail out
some guy  who suddenly needs cash. You're not going to be Mr. Nice Guy
but rather Mr. Robber, in the seller's opinion. Your attitude should be
"so who NEEDS a SLK?" I'm here and have the cash (you need). Take it or
leave it.

Dealers are quite flexible, especially when a car has been on their lot
for 90+ days. A CPO Warranty is worth something and that ought not to be
overlooked. Like BMWs, M-B are costly to have repaired.

So buy privately at a low price if you're a risk taker, if not, pay a
dealer for a warrantied car.

Sell your BMW privately if you have the time to do that. Have its
maintenance and repair records and a recent CARFAX to attest to its
quality and history. Be realistic about its price so you don't waste
YOUR time.

I believe dealers make their money trading in used, rather than new cars
because there's no MSRP on a used car and the $$ are made on the auction
vs. retail spread. A dealer will offer only auction value -- why should
a dealer pay more for a trade in?

Hope this helps you.

A dealer sourced MB, with a warranty will give you piece of mind.

If you want a lower price, find an auto broker who has access to MB
dealer auctions.  What you want is a lease end vehicle- ie one that was
given back to the dealer when the lease expired.  In most cases you can
get a full service history- including warranty claims- so you know the
history of the car.  Broker should charge $500-1000 over the auction
price depending on what services he offers.  Net price will be several
$k less than what the dealer will actually sell the car for on the lot
(after negotiations) and several $k less than purchasing from a private
party.  Downside is if you are looking for an 03 or 04 model, it will be
out of factory warranty and because you did not go through a dealer,
your car will not be eligible for Star Mark or equivalent dealer/MB
certification and warranty.  In this case, if you want a warranty you
will be left with aftermarket choices- where caveat emptor is the
prevailing sentiment.

Everything is a trade off.

Best,

Ross