Just to add, prior to the 2012 E-550C, I had the 2011. My two cents: I think the major difference between the two is torque. Yes, 20 (or 40) horsepower makes a difference, but the low-end torque is just unbelievable. I'm shopping for wheels now so I can actually put the power down. The original 255 MXM4s on the 2011 did really well, but the Pzero Neros spin too easily. They do handle a little better in the twisties, though. Anyone upgrade to wheels/tires with 275 or 295 cross-sections on the rear?

 

Why were you having the ECU updated? As I have an E550 I wonder if I need an update. What dealer also - I use MB of Alexandria.

 

I was hoping for some fixes to the Telemedia system. It's all on the same fiber data ring and, when you hook up the computer, the MB system looks for all components that need updates.

My problems weren't fixed, but I did get a couple of interesting features enabled.

The dealer was ASC in Arlington.

 

What features were enabled?

 

The big one was the fuel consumption monitor. You can view fuel consumption for 15 or 20 minutes in one minute increments.

The other changes were menu selection items in the navigation menu, but I don't remember the specifics.

My car was an early 2012, and these items were added/modified after build.

 

I'd seriously doubt the cars are putting out the same power as the new SL is still heavier and now faster than the E coupe/cab, qm traps avg 109 E vs 113 SL

 

I was looking through some other forums and saw you posted your E550 had a Renntech ECU upgrade and Quaife LSD installed by the dealer. You also said there was no impact on warranty. Is all this true? And if so, who's your dealer? I'd be willing to ship my car for that!

Update:
Sorry, I went back and looked at the posts. You were quoting someone else. I'm pursuing this one, though!

 

I haven't tracked real-world numbers from other owners. I'd like to take an E550 and SL550 to the same track, same day to find out.

But, if I remember correctly, the SL runs 285 rears while the E only runs 255. That can have a huge impact on trap times, even with a heavier car. The extra weight may actually help with wheel spin. I can't get fully into the throttle until 3rd gear without significant tire spin - and that's got me looking into putting the wheels from an E63 or SL550 on my car with some stickier rubber than Pzero Neros.

 

At this time, you won't find a Quaife LSD for a 2012 E550C. I researched through their UK dealer. Search this forum for LSD and you should find the details about Quaife and other info.

 

Hey RJC-
Are the E coupes qm traps avg @ 109, 2012 550's?
Is this from a local strip in FL?
Thanks!

 

Did the search, found the knowledge. There was mention of a RennTech model but it wasn't listed on their website. I've sent an email to them to confirm. If I can get an LSD, I'm moving forward with the RennTech ECU and transmission upgrades, as well. There wasn't much point in doing those two if an LSD wasn't available.

Anyone have any experience with MB Greensboro, NC? None of the MB dealers in my area are listed as authorized RennTech retailers and they are the closest.

 

RennTech has just broken my heart!

Their response:

Guess I'm stuck with just wheels and tires.

 

If you're brave Brabus will make one for you: $7,000

Or you can put in a Quaife LSD for a C63 and then hope your transmission and ESP don't go into "limp" mode because the C63 differential ratio is different (more reduction).

Put on the 275 width x 19" diameter Michelin PSS tires. That will help.

 

Nah, I'd rather just install the Kleemann. It exists, it fits, I just wanted to go all RennTech. And that's mainly because I can get a Mercedes dealer to do the install and RennTech will warranty everything.

At this time, I'm planning to get a set of 19" E63 wheels with 245 front/285 rear rubber. They look very similar to the stock E550 set, and I can get something sticker than the PZero Neros.

 

I'm surprisingly miffed about RennTech's lack of attention to (what I would consider) the weakest component of the E550. I've contacted their product designer and will try to convince them that, if their ECU tune is oh-so-popular, an LSD would be a huge seller. If I learn anything or have any success, I'll post it up here.

 

One of the major car mags...

 

I don't rely on car mags. When I bought my '98 GTP, car mags put the 1/4 mile time at 15.2 - 15.3. My first track day, first run, having never raced before, I put down a time of 14.865. Others in my enthusiast group (some more experienced) couldn't break 15.5. I wasn't faster because I was better, but rather because......

There are just too many variables that contribute to performance. Among those, track surface and condition; humidity; barometric pressure; temperature; and, driver. I was killing the more experienced drivers because I was running on a sticky track, at sea-level, on a cool night.

The difference in MB quoted numbers is close enough that I think the E550 could match the SL given the same driver, track, day, and tire cross-section. Any new SL550 owners want to give it a try?

 

Just for fun, I ran the RennTech stock E550 horsepower dyno numbers through 4 different online tools and formulas. The numbers come back between 461 and 484 horsepower at the crank. If you're willing to believe RennTech's numbers (and let's face it, why would they lie UP?), then the power is WAYYYYY underrated. I also did a single quick calculation and came up with max torque of 518, but I was too lazy to try multiple methods.

If you're bored and want to run the numbers yourself, google it. Lots of tools and formulas out there.

 

I hear ya but C&D, R&T, MT etc provide solid benchmarks with their data if you take an avg.The new SL with its extra hp but more importantly its 516 lb ft of trq will decimate the E in qm acceleration; that's already been established and the new SL has already been proven as fast as last years SL 63; there are no stock non AMG E's capable of doing that.

 

I've never seen a test of the 2012 E550C in C&D, R&T, MT. I've seen the tests for 2011 and older, but those aren't comparable. Please share a clip from the report that established that the SL will decimate the 2012 E550C. Not saying your wrong, but like you, I'd like to see the data.
Thanks

 

Nawlins-
Good luck. I orignally asked RT in Jan of this year, but never received any definitive answer. Please let me know if you hear anything!

Also, are the E63 wheels you're considering 9" wide in the front? Let me know if there are any clearance issues.
Thanks
Due

 

If I'm reading correctly, 8.5" in front, 9.5" rear. Once I get them, I'll let you know.

 

+1. Also, I've never seen a test of the coupe - they have all been the sedan. The coupe is lighter and (surprisingly) stiffer. I assume that is due to having a shorter wheelbase.

 

Here's some for you, the 4 matic sedan is heavier but gets the power to the pavement better. These are the best acceleration numbers I've seen published for any E550, coupe/cab/sedan; I think the extra grip really pays off with the new found extra torque. The runflats (standard on the new SL) are a dissapointment but the best runflats I've tested so far.

2012 E550 (4 matic with better grip) 0-60 4.3, qm 12.8 @ 112 mph
(these times for this car are already being contested on the W212 forum as too good) https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ar-driver.html

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...an-test-review


2013 SL550 0-60 3.9, qm 12.3 no traps

http://www.zeroto60times.com/Mercede...mph-Times.html


2013 SL 550 0-60 4.0, qm 12.5 @ 114 mph

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...50_first_test/

With the new SL's much improved lighter weight, extra hp and giant torque the E is simply outgunned.


http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t-drive-review



The new single turbo V8 should really be someting for '14 as it's supposed to have even more power and better mpg than the TT.

Sadly if history is to be any guide when power gets this good in regular productions cars, the end is less than a decade away

 

Thanks RJC!