Considering a '11 E550C
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Ponte Vedra Beach/Orlando, FL
2011 135i DCT
Considering a '11 E550C
Hey all,
Currently driving a 135i with DCT that I love, but the transmission still isn't on the level of Audi's DSG and the 1 is a bit loud on the highway. The reliability has been pretty awful too. I used to have an SLK55 that I loved, but bought the 135i when I decided I wanted something with a back seat. I drive between Jacksonville, FL and Orlando, FL quite a bit and find that when I do the commute in an Audi S5 we have in the family I arrive refreshed, but in the 1 I'm usually tired. I'm really starting to think I would be willing to give up a little of that BMW edge for something a bit quieter, roomier, and something with Distronic. Found a great deal on an E550C that I still need to go and test drive, but just wanted to see if anyone else went from a BMW to an E550C and if they could offer any impressions/advice.
Thanks in advance!
Currently driving a 135i with DCT that I love, but the transmission still isn't on the level of Audi's DSG and the 1 is a bit loud on the highway. The reliability has been pretty awful too. I used to have an SLK55 that I loved, but bought the 135i when I decided I wanted something with a back seat. I drive between Jacksonville, FL and Orlando, FL quite a bit and find that when I do the commute in an Audi S5 we have in the family I arrive refreshed, but in the 1 I'm usually tired. I'm really starting to think I would be willing to give up a little of that BMW edge for something a bit quieter, roomier, and something with Distronic. Found a great deal on an E550C that I still need to go and test drive, but just wanted to see if anyone else went from a BMW to an E550C and if they could offer any impressions/advice.
Thanks in advance!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
2012 E550 Coupe
I think I can help.
The car will be no where near as fun to drive as the BMW from a handling, taughtness perspective. BMW's tend to feel very put together on the road and the 135i especially handles like a gokart. The Mercedes is certainly very planted but it's going to lack the steering feel your used to.
That said, the E550 will put a giant smile on your face for completely different reasons. The power is so much fun and the Mercedes V8 is great. If you can step up to the 2012 engines they are a HUGE step up and there is massive potential for tuning. Similar to BMW's N54 engines.
For your purposes, its probably great.
The car will be no where near as fun to drive as the BMW from a handling, taughtness perspective. BMW's tend to feel very put together on the road and the 135i especially handles like a gokart. The Mercedes is certainly very planted but it's going to lack the steering feel your used to.
That said, the E550 will put a giant smile on your face for completely different reasons. The power is so much fun and the Mercedes V8 is great. If you can step up to the 2012 engines they are a HUGE step up and there is massive potential for tuning. Similar to BMW's N54 engines.
For your purposes, its probably great.
