There is another way.
Most B and BA models can be upgraded to a B2. A B1 is a fairly easy upgrade.
The issue is the mod status to begin with as to how much it will cost. It can only be done by EC or their approved distributors. Although I have seen one done by an outside organisation on a sub-contract basis.
Find a late model B or BA that is coming up for 12 yearly or major engine work.
There are some 9000 series aircraft out there which are factory "remanufactured".
I remember the days when the 350 market was flooded with machines all of similar performance. The market was stagnant and going backwards. I am sure that was the impetus behind models with performance increases and EC buying some of them back and remanufacturing and upgrading them. The 350 was its own worst enemy.
The latest B2's are VEMD equipped and I doubt that this will ever become a retro/upgrade.
Could never understand private owners who have bought B3's. They are highly unlikely to use the increased gross weight as that ONLY applies to external loads and the fuel burn is higher and less so the engine is more expensive to operate.
If you have the cash, the market (at the moment) is such that you can by a new B2, B3 or B4 operate it until the warranty is starting to end and sell it on for the same or possibly more than you paid for it!! Needless to say you would have already ordered its replacement.
In my own personal experience, I have found that it pays off to deal with EC for the support of your aircraft but be very sure you know what you are paying for and hold them to it. Unfortunately customer dissatisfaction can come from ignorance on the EC side. Sometimes this is an aircraft that sells in spite of the manufacturers best efforts not to!!
Don't think I need to duck for cover on that one, just don't expect the EC people to know what you want!! Thats your problem.
stas-fan's option may be viable. When there was a glut of F's out of the GOM, these machines were very cheap and if you gut all the junk out of them you can get the useful load to very close to a B2. 2 x 20 F's and a C-Box probably cost less than a 1D1 to operate anyway!
When you are looking for somebody to do your pre-buy they should know all the answers!