I would like to start off saying I love the design and luxury of the E350 but the thing that is deterring me away from purchasing the E350 is the lack of power. (268 hp - 6.1? 0-60)

I have test driven the E350, 335i (Coupe), A5, and G37s (Coupe), by far I love the style of E350 and the interior is phenomenal. Out of the 4 cars I test drove I think BMW/G37s were nearly tied with power and the A5/E350 took the backseat.

My question to you guys is the E350 modifiable? I know of Braubus, Carlsson, etc. Is it reasonable to think that I could get my HP up to around 330ish and 0-60 down to 5.5 area?

I wish I could pony over the extra cash for the E550 but that is slightly out of my price range. (plus significant increase in insurance) If I were to do modifications to the car it would happen a year or two when I could afford it.

Thanks in advance!

I'm in the same situation, and honestly, you'll never need more than the power it has now. I've been driving my friends A5, (which has about the same power), and i've never had a problem keeping up with or passing people.

I was thinking about getting a S5 or an E550 coupe, but after driving the A5 for a few days, it's really unnecessary. However, i'd definitely pay more just to have a car with a V8 engine, they sound nice and may not be around much longer.

I think it'll be quite expensive to get that N/A 268HP motor up to 330HP, especially if you choose Brabus/Renntech, etc. For the cost of those companies, it's better to buy the E550.

I've owned the E350 coupe for about 5 months now....coming from a BMW 330 CI, which had 270hp....the E350 at 268 HP is, of course, the same as my previous BMW. The E350 seems a little sluggish off the line (this is not a car that is made to go off the line like the BMW); however, I must say that I have more than enough power after going off the line.....I too was concerned before I purchased the coupe; however, I have no regrets whatsoever....the entire package of the E350 coupe compares more than favorably than my previous BMW and the current 335i. It was a close decison for me, but the runflat tires on the BMW was the deal killer.

agreed, i have it for about a month and it never disappoint me on the power, i have a 06 G35 with about the same hp like this one, but i could feel the different from My new Coupe.

you also feel how cozy the interior of this car.

Thanks for the input, I've narrowed it down to BMW 335i (Coupe) and E350 (Coupe). I'm going to test drive both again this weekend, right now I'm leaning towards the E350 b.c of the overall style/nice interior.

Hi Minuteman, let us know how it goes. They are both great cars but also quite different. The std pano roof and the pillarless design of the MB are amazing as the feeling they provide are the closest thing to a convertible you can get. Of course the BMW has a great engine which can be had with a manual tranny which is also fun. When you test drive the MB, put all the windows down and open the top (weather permitting) and you will see what I am talking about. Also, from a comfort perspective, the MB is the hands down winner. If your more of a track person, the BMW might be for you. Another thing to keep in mind is the MB is brand new while the BMW has been around for a while and will be replaced in a couple of years. This may not matter to you but could be a factor. Good Luck, they are both nice cars and your in an enviable position. Can't go wrong.

AGREE! I have had my E 350 for 6 weeks now. Yes, it is a bit sluggish at the start, but quite nice to drive once you get going. I happily gave up BMW after having a 330i for 2 years with the dreadful run-flats. BMW of North America gave me quite contradictory advice from a BMW "UBER ENGINEER" in Cologne concerning the need/requirement of run flats. I had a 2008 C 350 and will never regret becoming a Benz man! I am amused at the way Americans demand HP: I see BMW's and Mercedes throughout Germany with much smaller engines. Enjoy the 350!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you want an inexpensive ECU tune go to Singh Autosport or GT Pro for $650-695 you can get approximately 30hp and 10-15% mpg improvement. If you install performance filters you will be at or slightly over 300hp.

Thank you for the responses so far.
I'm busy the next 2 weekends so hopefully I can squeeze in my test drives before Christmas! I'll post my decision when I have the time.

In response to SJB_E350C, I live in Los Angeles where fast cars are a common occurrence so not necessarily HP is important but 0-60 time.

nobody said anything about upgrades... just bragged about their cars.

si there any upgrades as sprint booster that works? etc?

My 2012 E350 is rated at 302hp...so you might be referring to prior 2012 E350.

mine is a brand new E350 Cabrio 2013! is 302hp too!

so wil the spring booster, boost the throttle as soon as you accelerate?

What else can we upgrade on this car?

i refer to my new 2013 E350A Cabrio! what upgrades are there?


thanks!

As cheap as the SPRINT BOOSTER there is no upgrade.I have upgraded my 2009 E350 CGI 292 HP at the SKN TUNING.The result 360rpm to 450 rpm and 292HP to 315HP.The costs 1650 euro.

how did gain 20 hp? ECU chip? Well i hope the sprint booster fixes what i feel it makes the quick response.

Thanks Gav!

Can anyone point out where the ECU is located on a V6?. (Edit: Found it and subsequently removed it). Sending it to Jerry at Eurocharged for ECU flash. Jerry noted an expected increase of 22hp with 21 fpt.)