2012/2013 E550 Coupe Ride Quality
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: Austin, Tx
2024 GLE 53 AMG SUV
2012/2013 E550 Coupe Ride Quality
Hi - Considering buying my wife a 2013 E550 Coupe. She currently has a 2010 E550 Coupe and loves everything about the car except for the very stiff (sometimes harsh) ride. She always drives in Comfort mode (sport mode is much worse). I've driven her car many times and have to agree that it has a stiff/firm ride even on smooth road surfaces. Has been like that since it was new.
Was wondering if any of you guys that currently own a 2012 or 2013 E550 Coupe might have also owned a 2010 or 2011 E550 Coupe. If so, is the ride quality the same or better on the new models? Look forward to hearing your feedback. Thanks!
Was wondering if any of you guys that currently own a 2012 or 2013 E550 Coupe might have also owned a 2010 or 2011 E550 Coupe. If so, is the ride quality the same or better on the new models? Look forward to hearing your feedback. Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 359
Likes: 5
From: Arlington, VA
2012 E550 Coupe
I had a 2011 and now a 2012. There was a slight difference in ride, but I attribute it to the tires. The Michelin Primacy MXM4 were a little "softer" than the Pirelli PZero Nero All-Season tires on the 2012. I don't think there was any difference in the suspension program or setup.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: Austin, Tx
2024 GLE 53 AMG SUV
I had a 2011 and now a 2012. There was a slight difference in ride, but I attribute it to the tires. The Michelin Primacy MXM4 were a little "softer" than the Pirelli PZero Nero All-Season tires on the 2012. I don't think there was any difference in the suspension program or setup.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 359
Likes: 5
From: Arlington, VA
2012 E550 Coupe
I guess it could be the tires because her 2010 has the Pirelli PZero Nero's. We probably just need to go drive a 2013 and check out any differences for ourselves. I drive a 2013 CLS63 and even though it has the Performance Pkg (P30), the ride quality is significantly better than her E550 Coupe. Thanks for the replies.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: Austin, Tx
2024 GLE 53 AMG SUV
Could be that the 2012/2013 models ride a little softer than the 2010's. If that's the case, I'll probably get her a new 2013. Will also check to see what brand of tires are on the one we want. Do you have the Pirello PZero Nero's or the Continentals on your 2012? Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 639
Likes: 14
From: Suburban Phila., PA
2012 E350 Coupe
If you are ordering a 2013, ask the salesperson to check the ordering sheets for an alternate all-season tire option.
My car is an E350, but this still may apply to the E550:
My car was delivered with the P Zero's. Same somewhat harsh ride - on poor roads only - as the 2010 demo car I drove. On good roads the ride is steady and serene with confident handling. Unfortunately, poor roads are the norm in my area.
After it was too late to make changes I discovered an "R02 All-Season Tires" item on the order sheets. It was a no-cost option. According to the salesman, that option would have delivered the car with Michelins, which do in fact ride somewhat softer.
No matter which tires you get, use the inflation pressures recommended on the gas cap placard, NOT the ones on the driver's door B pillar. The latter pressures are maximum pressures for carrying maximum loads at the vehicle's highest designed speed. Doubt your wife will be doing much of that.
P.S.: It's good to be back in the mbworld community again, after what seems like a billion years without power. Hope others of us affected by Sandy fared equally well.
My car is an E350, but this still may apply to the E550:
My car was delivered with the P Zero's. Same somewhat harsh ride - on poor roads only - as the 2010 demo car I drove. On good roads the ride is steady and serene with confident handling. Unfortunately, poor roads are the norm in my area.
After it was too late to make changes I discovered an "R02 All-Season Tires" item on the order sheets. It was a no-cost option. According to the salesman, that option would have delivered the car with Michelins, which do in fact ride somewhat softer.
No matter which tires you get, use the inflation pressures recommended on the gas cap placard, NOT the ones on the driver's door B pillar. The latter pressures are maximum pressures for carrying maximum loads at the vehicle's highest designed speed. Doubt your wife will be doing much of that.
P.S.: It's good to be back in the mbworld community again, after what seems like a billion years without power. Hope others of us affected by Sandy fared equally well.
Last edited by BenzMan369; Nov 3, 2012 at 12:13 PM.
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
E350 Coupe 4Matic, 1956 Chevrolet Convertible, Lexus RX 350
It is all personal preference and what you are used to.
I have the 2012, and I think it is quite stiff. Bumps and dips in the road are harsh...compared to luxury cars I suppose.
I was exchanging discussions on this with another person who recently got one. He was concerned about handling. Once he got it, I asked, how does it handle? (He had Porsche before). He said a luxury car, not a sports car.
I had a Lexus ES300 before, and it is more like a luxury car. The E350, to me, is like a sports car.
What I had told him was that I suspect it is a good compromise between luxury and sports driving.
Net net, must drive and decide for oneself, in my opinion.
I have the 2012, and I think it is quite stiff. Bumps and dips in the road are harsh...compared to luxury cars I suppose.
I was exchanging discussions on this with another person who recently got one. He was concerned about handling. Once he got it, I asked, how does it handle? (He had Porsche before). He said a luxury car, not a sports car.
I had a Lexus ES300 before, and it is more like a luxury car. The E350, to me, is like a sports car.
What I had told him was that I suspect it is a good compromise between luxury and sports driving.
Net net, must drive and decide for oneself, in my opinion.
