angusw

Hi everyone! I am new here and currently drive a 2009 SLK 350. I am thinking of getting a new E550 coupe. Can anyone tell me about the handling? I have heard that the E coupe is good for cruising and not so dynamic. Thanks in advance !

angusw

Can any e550 coupe owner please comment on the handling of the car ! Much appreciated !

Dueclaws

We had a SLK55 AMG and can relate to your question because we ordered a '12 E550C, but don't have an answer. I don't expect it to handle like a SLK or C63, but from discussing with those who have an E, the handling is more than adequate for all except the most aggressive driving.

E Owners on this forum will probably chime in later.

threeMBs

E coupe will never handle like SLK.

Having said that, IMO its handling is adequate.

To get better than sock handling out of E coupe, try the following:

1. use spacers to push wheels out or use different wheels with lower offset;

2. use lower profile tires and wider than stock;

3. use higher front tires air presure to make car more nutural vs. stock understeer (for 350 only).

angusw

Thank you very much for your comments!

to threeMBs: I don't want to do too much to the car 'cos I don't want to worsen the quality of ride. I'll certainty get 19" AMG with the E550 but large wheels and wide tires make too much noise and make the car slow!

Do you think AMG package will improve the handling significantly ? is it worth it?

angusw

to Dueclaws:

Congratulations! Hope to hear more from you about the car after u take delivery of your new ride!

threeMBs

What is included in "AMG package" in HK?

angusw

Here it is:

http://www.mercedes-benz.com.hk/cont...ckage_amg.html

I'm most concerned about the suspension tweet to the stock E . Does it make it closer to an E63 or C63 ?

angusw

BTW,

stock E550 coupe already includes dynamic handling package (483) in HK!

threeMBs

I see. Its mostly cosmetic with some suspension twicks - this is standard for US E550 and optional on E350. You have nothing to worry - this set up is nowhere close to E63/C63.

If you're geting E500, I also wouldn't worry about getting biger wheels = car gets slower concern. There's more than enough power in E500/E550 to overcome any larger/heavier wheels/tires upgrade.

IMHO, best handling/ride compromise for E500 - 19" wheels with 245/35 fr tires on 8.5" wide et33 wheels & 275/30 rr tires on 9.5" wide et40 wheels.

angusw

your wheel combination suggestion is very close to what I have in mind!

I know it is a bit off topic here but I am really torn between M3 and E550/500 coupe with AMG package. Which 1 do u think I should get?

YYZ-E55

The E coupe is quite soft, especially when compared to the SLK. The dynamic handling package certainly helps firm it up, but your original comment about it being a cruiser is perfectly accurate IMO.

threeMBs

I'm very biased toward MB marque, so as well would be my choice. Besides, IMO those are complitely different cars.

I think M3 vs. new C63 coupe would be an ideal comparison shopping dilema for you.

angusw

I like C63 for its handling and power but E coupe looks a lot more glamourous than a C coupe both inside and out! If they make a E63 AMG coupe then I'll have no trouble in choosing!

threeMBs

IMO:

1. C63 coupe (not C coupe) looks at least as good inside as E coupe;

2. M3 inside is very inferior to C63 coupe and/or E coupe;

3. with just release C63 coupe (in the US) and upcoming C63BS, it is almost a guarantee that we'll never see E63 coupe.

Dueclaws

Thanks! We should have it by mid January, but hoping for earlier.

angusw

that's the problem! No E63 coupe, C63BS is sold out (at least in HK) and I don't like the C coupe shape. So my choice is down to M3 and E550 coupe +AMG pckg! I know the M3 is tacky inside but its looks good outside! dilemma !

Dueclaws

IYO would this suggestion apply to the E550C (US) also?
Thanks!

angusw

to YYZ-E55:

Thank you for your confirmation !

threeMBs

Absolutely. I put E500 cause I replied to HK originated question where there's E500 instead of our E550 (but it's the same engine/car).

threeMBs

Well, C63BS is in the SL price range. SL is a fantastic car, period. If you're in that price range - stop looking.

IMO, C63 coupe (not C coupe) looks just as good as M3 on the outside. Inside - there's co comparison, making choosing easy. Yes, C63 will never handle like M3 because M3 will never ride like C63 - so its a tosup.

Going from SLK350 to E550 coupe, I bet you would be happy most of the time. Going from SLK350 to C63 coupe, you could be happy (based on your requirements) all the time.

Most important, regardless of who says what here, the only way to make the right decision for you, is to drive all three of them.

angusw

thank you for your valuable opinion but I really dislike the shape of C63 coupe!

I have already test driven M3 which is good ! However in HK, the highest model I can test drive is E250c (turbocharged 4)! That's no way I can get to know how E550c handles in HK! Thus I am here seeking valuble opinion from the great members of this forum!

threeMBs

Let me assure you, that those buying E550c are NOT doing so due to car's handling prowness - its the overall "package".

E550c will be much closer to "lesser" engined E coupes in handling parameters and nowhere close to M3. So if handling is your main requirement, then its M3 or even Audi S5.

togaclk55

If all you care about is handling, get the M3. If you care more about ride quality, get the e550. Parents have an e550, so I've sat in it multiple times. Really smooth ride, but handling won't be like that of a slk. The e550 felt like it was floating taking on ramps at high speeds vs my clk which feels a lot more planted to the road.

threeMBs

Are you talking about E coupe or sedan?

E550 coupe does not have "really smooth" ride - E550 sedan with airmatic suspensions (which coupe does not have) does. E coupe handls EXACTLY as the CLK does (with a bit better ride) - both are based on corresponding C class platforms. Coupe does NOT "float" (and IMO even sedan does not, at least W212 sport doesn't).