apb

Starting to consider a replacement for my CLK500. It has been and remains a great car at 150kmi. It has the m113 engine.

Should I view the m273 as more reliable in the long run than the m278? How about driving difference? I have never owned a turbo car.

550x2

The newer M278 biturbo has proven itself to be very well built with few problems. Adding that to the incredible power and torque of the turbo engine and there is no question it is the one to go for. The normally aspirated engine is nice but the new one is much better in every way from power, torque and mpg. Can't ask for more than that!

apb

Thanks!! Will hold off for a 2014 once price drops when new model comes out.

SDRider

Good luck finding one. When I was looking there were only a handful of them for sale at any given time in the entire Southern California area.

Only thing I can complain about has been the brakes. They suck. They stop the car fine, it's the vibrations that is killing this car for me. Already replaced pads and rotors at both ends and 7k miles later the vibrations are back and worse than ever.

550x2

I'm about to be on my forth set of rotors in 15k miles! Aftermarket rotors lasted twice as long as OEM and we're on third the price. I might go for two piece rotors but they are $1k vs $200 so it will take five sets to make it worth while but much less annoyance.

ffr2014

Completely agree. Get the M278! Even more of a beast with a simple tune!

nauticalx

While the 278 is a wonderful choice, it seems OP has a budget and I think given the scarcity and cost of the 278, he should consider the 273. They are pretty inexpensive and arent too slouchy on MPG given the size of the engine. Certainly, the savings on purchase would go a long way at making the difference in fuel cost trivial depending on his level of use. Don't over look the pre-facelift models. Great vehicles and I for one have had no brake issues whatsoever. I may be wrong but it appears that the newer brakes are the ones with more issues , vibrations, etc. Happy hunting!

apb

Thanks for all your feedback. Not in a hurry. I will likely get the facelift model. Hope someone sorts out the brake issue. That sounds odd. Perhaps softer aftermarket brake pads will help. Did MB try something new and went for longer lasting compounds that eat the rotors?

retvethogrider

I believe the brake problem was sorted out in the 2015+ E550s. I understand that a smaller (although still very large) rotor is used. I am approaching 20,000 miles on my 2015 and no problems at all

axhoaxho

The M278 is a very nice engine, I missed it in my last E550.

The M278 sounds great, and with lot of low-end torque. I had the E550 for three years and drove it everyday, zero problem with the engine.

SnakeDoctor

I have a 2014 and the dealership fixed mine. I wish I could remember exactly what was changed out, but I haven't had an issue since. *crosses fingers*

I do, however, have some creaking noises coming from the suspension during braking while turning. I had the bushings replaced, and it's still there. Not sure if it started when they fixed the brakes or it's due to my aftermarket springs. The thing is, the car never made sounds before the brake change.

550x2

The brake issues are with the 360mm rotor and even the new and improved rotor is warping! So much for improved! Go aftermarket and you will have better results. If you can handle 14 or less mpg in town and 27 on the highway go for the V8. I smile every time I drive my car. What else in life can make you smile every time? Children are close but the E550 is the top of the smile list!

2013E550C

Hi, I have owned both motors, 273 and 278. First in a 2007 CLK and second my
present 2013 E550 coupe. Both are great with lots of power. The 278 just has more
of a good thing. I don't think you could make a wrong choice.

advocado

Bump

advocado

"I just had all four pads and rotors replaced on my '14 550 cabriolet. 14,000 miles. Pronounced shuddering when applying brakes to slow down at highway speeds, though it was even noticeable on the street. Took it to my dealer. Service rep test drove for one block. "Yup", feels like warping. Let me see what I can do." Next day, the car was returned with all 4 rotors and pads replaced "Under Warranty". The rep said, "Something was up there. MBZ seems to be aware of this problem and even though brakes and rotors covered for 12k,000 miles, they didn't hesitate approving the full replacement."

I'll be curious to see how long these replacements last. Oh...they are the large rotors."

550x2

I'm on my third set at 15k miles! I think the reason they are being accommodating is so people don't make bigger waves about the problem. The less bad press he better. It is a huge safety issue as you might crash due to the bad brakes.

SDRider

Dealer replaced my front pads and rotors under warranty. I've been breaking them in easily and so far so good. I have a few hundred miles on them.

mrmotoguzzi00

I'm at 13k plus on my 2016 E550, no brake issues at all.. smooth....

550x2

The 2015-16 E550 has smaller rotors than the 2012-14 cars. They are not prone to warping like the 360mm units.