2012 E-Class changes - No Airmatic
05-23-2011, 05:27 PM
#76
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The new TT motors should be much easier to tune thanks to forced induction; can you imagine the rather light weight (compared to the S/CL) E coupe with an ecu from the CL with 429 HP and 516 lb ft of trq!
05-23-2011, 05:36 PM
#77
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2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
That is definitely somewhat disappointing considering how much they touted the great increase in fuel efficiency. Have to say though my current 550 can easily get high 20s or even 30mpg on the highway.
05-23-2011, 05:39 PM
#78
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2011 E550, 2013 GLK
I just got a new 2011 E550 and I'll bet I had more fun with my 70HP Porsche 1600 Normal or my 101 HP BMW 318i than I will with the E550.
05-23-2011, 05:46 PM
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2011 E550, 2013 GLK
I'm glad to hear that. I'm about to go on a long driving vacation and most of the mileage will be on Interstates. I was hoping to average 23 MPG for the trip.
05-23-2011, 05:56 PM
#80
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05-23-2011, 06:05 PM
#82
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What do you think the ratio of E350 to E550 sales are? I would say out of 100, 95 are E350's. There is no need for MB to pay any attention to the E550, therefore offering one drivetrain (4matic) and removing airmatic makes business sense. Plus with the new CLS550, they probably figure dealers can convince E550 shoppers or will on their own choose to upgrade to the CLS. As for the MBC (which looks to be on the next S), the tech looks pretty cool and effective. The 5-7 year repair cost is probably not a factor in the buying decision as the majority of MB's are leased and CPO's cover the used market. Plus with the more powerful E350, there's less of a reason to choose the E550.
IMHO the features they've stripped from the E550 makes the i550 a better choice.
05-23-2011, 06:13 PM
#83
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I have airmatic and don't love it. I will take a well designed shock/spring system any day of the week. The airmatic system tightens up much too quickly on rough roads and runs out of travel too quickly over sharp ruts or medium potholes. I have experienced this phenomenon too many times to mention. Mercedes says my airmatic is working just fine. I say it is defective on delivery. You are much more at risk of blowouts with airmatic due to lack of travel when you hit a pothole because the suspension doesn't give enough and the tire/rim must absorb more of the impact. More marketing hype than a true advancement. Good ridence!! Regards. Ned.
With my E550 I love how the car hunkers down if I initiate a series of fun twisty maneuvers. I don't see how this level of driving dynamics can be offered by a static suspension system.
Oh I almost forgot... I also like being able to raise the car when driving on snow packed roads.
This is just dumb... Plain dumb to strip this feature and offer no model in the size segment that can seat 5 and still offer an adjustable suspension. With this kind of thinking BMW should have no problems increasing their market-share.
05-23-2011, 06:21 PM
#84
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05-23-2011, 06:28 PM
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'14 ML350 GONE-'12 GL450/'10 E550/'10 ML350/'09 C300/'07 ML350/'03 E320
The E class is more or less a daily driver. The only thing not realistic with this approach is that there is no way someone can convince me to buy a car that seats only 4. My two issues with the CLS was the lack of 4Matic and that it only seats 4. They've addressed the 4Matic issue but without a 5 seater option in that size segment if the E550 is not compatible with the i550, Mercedes will be handing me and other customers away to BMW... IMHO the features they've stripped from the E550 makes the i550 a better choice.
IMHO the features they've stripped from the E550 makes the i550 a better choice.
05-23-2011, 07:44 PM
#86
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I just don't see why we can't special order more options 'a la carte'.
05-23-2011, 09:26 PM
#88
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I'm not saying the new V-6 is comparable to a V-8, I love my V-8. But I was only speaking for myself who was on the fence btw the E350 and E550, but choose the E550 as I got a great deal on my E550 as my sales guy hooked me up because after driving the E350, the power was not to my liking and I was then strongly leaning toward the 535i. Now that the new V-6 is somewhat on par to the 535i and really, who needs 400hp and all that torque for daily driving, it becomes even more appealing to people on the fence like myself (assuming the extra HP/torque in the V-6 does make a difference). If I was only in the market for a BMW, I wouldn't even consider the 550i as the 535i seems ideal.
People focus on power so much, that they forget that the fun of having power is to make use of it. What fun is a 700 HP motor if you can't wail it to redline in a congested City (if you live in one) to get a feel for that motor and sound without slamming into something at 180 MPH within seconds? Having a 200 HP motor that you can experience the full powertrain of in a "safer" manner can be more of a rush.
I keep saying this, but it's very clear that MBUSA is being EXTREMELY "lazy" with the W212. They have a sales monster on their hands, and they want to maximize profits, and keep incentives going to move it. This car caters less to enthusiasts and "car people" less than any "E" in history. With standard Sport Packages making it hard to get models differentiated from each other visually, standard hard suspension and 18" wheels, even the initially unique to P2 Package LED DRL's are now standard, and now with the V8's being a "take it how we want you to or leave it", etc. etc.
05-23-2011, 10:59 PM
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05-24-2011, 02:08 PM
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Each to his own I guess. I had an Audi S5 for 3mos before getting a blowout. Have had my current E for almost 2 years without a single tire issue thus far. And I bought the wheel/tire protection package so go figure! Had a Lexus GS350 before that for about a year which also produced a blow out. Had a C55 before that which produced 2 blowouts. All these cars without an airmatic suspension. I notice a distinct difference in all 3 modes and only find it useful during spirited driving on smooth roads. Driving around on the "stiff" setting on bad roadways is just way too much wear and tear on my car and kidneys. 
In all honesty, you might just want a car with a softer and more forgiving suspension like a Lexus LS. Just be prepared for additional body roll. I really feel if you drove a similar BMW 550 that the results would be the same or worse as far as comfort over a bad road goes. The German autos are just tuned in a more sporty fashion and are built for the autobahn.
Now that you have 17s, what tires did you choose? My GS350 which you would think is way softer and quieter than an E is anything but true. It had run-flats which are hard as a rock and that suspension is junk since the GS is supposed to be sporty. My E is way more forgiving over holes, bumps etc but can out handle the GS any day when the airmatic is dialed up.
In all honesty, you might just want a car with a softer and more forgiving suspension like a Lexus LS. Just be prepared for additional body roll. I really feel if you drove a similar BMW 550 that the results would be the same or worse as far as comfort over a bad road goes. The German autos are just tuned in a more sporty fashion and are built for the autobahn.
Now that you have 17s, what tires did you choose? My GS350 which you would think is way softer and quieter than an E is anything but true. It had run-flats which are hard as a rock and that suspension is junk since the GS is supposed to be sporty. My E is way more forgiving over holes, bumps etc but can out handle the GS any day when the airmatic is dialed up.
05-24-2011, 02:24 PM
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
As Emilner said for the E550 to compete in the market segment it is in, it HAS to offer an adjustable/dynamic suspension. And more importantly a suspension that can adapt to driving. Heck I bet at this rate the next batch of Hyundais will have adjustable/dynamic suspension systems. It is beyond belief they would strip this feature from the car.
With my E550 I love how the car hunkers down if I initiate a series of fun twisty maneuvers. I don't see how this level of driving dynamics can be offered by a static suspension system.
Oh I almost forgot... I also like being able to raise the car when driving on snow packed roads.
This is just dumb... Plain dumb to strip this feature and offer no model in the size segment that can seat 5 and still offer an adjustable suspension. With this kind of thinking BMW should have no problems increasing their market-share.
With my E550 I love how the car hunkers down if I initiate a series of fun twisty maneuvers. I don't see how this level of driving dynamics can be offered by a static suspension system.
Oh I almost forgot... I also like being able to raise the car when driving on snow packed roads.
This is just dumb... Plain dumb to strip this feature and offer no model in the size segment that can seat 5 and still offer an adjustable suspension. With this kind of thinking BMW should have no problems increasing their market-share.
05-24-2011, 03:39 PM
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06 C 350 2014 GLK350
Does anyone have any further information on the "Launch Packages" for the 2012 models? Also any word on when I will be able to place my order?
05-24-2011, 04:23 PM
#97
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It appears to be the same as the P's; I have been awaiting further clarification from my dealer but they are moving way too slowly
05-24-2011, 06:15 PM
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
I agree with this as well. Try driving an AMG "55", IMO it's miserable. All that power on tap and nowhere to use it. I found myself having to rape those expensive brakes at every light just so I could get a little zing from that motor. Of course, one could be a despicable moron and push the car to dangerous limits on public roads.
People focus on power so much, that they forget that the fun of having power is to make use of it. What fun is a 700 HP motor if you can't wail it to redline in a congested City (if you live in one) to get a feel for that motor and sound without slamming into something at 180 MPH within seconds? Having a 200 HP motor that you can experience the full powertrain of in a "safer" manner can be more of a rush.
fwiw, my car is a blast to drive up here in wine country along the ocean and into the foothills. There are open roads galore and no traffic. Driving my Porsches (an old school version and a new school version) are equally exciting, but just in a totally different way. So depending on moods (and needs) they all suffice as "fun to drive" cars but only because I get to drive them in a better environment.
So, in the right environment (and in the right context) the AMGs are super fun to drive. I can't get enough of it, and the oil companies love me.
05-24-2011, 07:29 PM
#100
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You whine about the airmatic so much I am surprised that you don't have a 2012 E on order yet.
FYI you are the ONLY person to whine about airmatic.
Only other real complaint about the airmatic is maintenance after warranty, the occasional failed airmatic, and "its not perfect."
FYI you are the ONLY person to whine about airmatic.
Only other real complaint about the airmatic is maintenance after warranty, the occasional failed airmatic, and "its not perfect."
