hillcreative

Looking at future options to upgrade my '11 E350 Cabriolet. I'm considering a E400 or E550 and need some opinions. First off a few points:


1) I like tech over brawn
2) Want 19" wheels/tires
3) AMG styling package
4) Big brakes
5) Nappa leather and vented seats


Other than a 8 cylinders BiTurbo what can't I get on the E400 that's available on the E550?


Is the E400 a big step in power over my older '11 E350


Thanks very much for your opinions!

Jeffy

First off you can't go wrong with either and I agree the 19s look great with a slightly harsher ride. Per my other thread, it seems the '15 E400 and '15 E550 have the small brakes. Perhaps they will change back to the larger brakes for the '16 E550, let's hope so. As for power, the E400 will be a nice step up from the NA 3.5L 350 and the 550 will be a huge step, as in more than 100hp and 100lb-ft of torque. I personally would take less tech in a 550 to achieve about the same price as a fully optioned E400. However you seem to sound like you would enjoy the opposite.

hillcreative

Jeffy, thanks for the opinion. I especially like the idea of downgrading the tech to meet a E550 price-point. I've been informed by a dealer friend that the Premium package 3 is a bit over-rated with gadgets that seem like a good idea but don't actually get used so much in day-to-day travels. Also the net gain in HP with a V6 BiTurbo is only about 27 HP and the price to get to a V8 BiTurbo is sometimes negligible so... I'm leaning E550. Now if they just weren't so scarce as a cabriolet.

retvethogrider

E550 Coupe is a wonderful car. Superb.

PJ550CAB

Just another opinion here- when I was shopping for my Cabriolet, the E400 was not available. However, the $5,000 E550 premium over the E350 was a true no brainer. With the standard equipment and the more powerful engine of the E550, it is one of the best horsepower upgrade values available from any German auto company. What stands out for me though is the character the V8 gives the car. You'll love the sound, just try not to punch it each and every time you go for a drive.

Tallman

PJ, I have to thank you. I am looking for an E Class and I assumed that the 550 would be tens of thousands over the 350, not ~$5. I started checking and you are correct. Best news I have received all week.

Thank you for the serendipitous help.

ffr2014

Completely agree!

PJ550CAB

Now have fun shopping for one. They don't seem to move quickly off dealer lots, but there aren't a lot of them around. At time of my purchase, I could have any color I wanted as long as it was black. I held off, and was even going to keep my 5 year old BMW, but then a dealer called me back after a few months with info on a steel gray metallic car. I was done as soon as I laid eyes on it.

Pennetta

When I got my car the MSRP wasn't the only cost difference between the 550 and 350. The money factor was much higher and the residual was lower percentage wise, making the payment difference more.

killerE350AMG

550 for the power.

baopee

hillcreative

Thanks for chiming in Jethro!

hillcreative

Jeffy

My '15 550 Cab (black) is coming off lease in mid-end of Oct. if you would be interested in slightly used, probably about 9000 miles at turn in. I can't buy the car at lease end and I think it goes back to MBFS then heads to auction but perhaps there would be a way to track it with the VIN...