nauticalx

Who here has driven both the pre and post 2012 E550C? How much of of a difference is there in launch and acceleration?

Is it true that the bi-turbo is being replaced by a single turbo in 2014?

MrH

I have a pre-owned 2010 550 but test drove the BT prior to purchasing as I was also considering new. Difference is definitely noticeable, especially back to back. However, non-BT still had more than enough power and difference in price between new and under 10k mileage model I purchased made it hard to justify the upgrade.

Haven't heard of any engine changes in 2014 model since it was officially announced, although I do remember reading mention of single turbo in some articles last year. Most likely just speculation at the time.

np888

I've driven both and there is a huge difference. When you have one engine that just produces unreal amounts of torque, and one that doesn't, you definitely notice it in every day driving.

The BT has been dynoed at 440hp and 516lbft stock (despite MB's claims), the big thing I notice was that the car will just HAUL off the line, it's the huge amounts of torque that make the difference. The BT also has phenomenal gas milage, check out the thread I made a while back, I routinely get 30mpg+ on my highway trips.

1 MB

I agree with this 100%. My '12 E550 flat out rips your eyes out. I'm curious where you found the dyno info. I'm not disagreeing as I suspected all along that the 402 HP was WAY under what this remarkable engine actually puts out. I've had the traction control light flash at me when I nail the throttle on freeway on-ramps. The car is trying to break the tires loose at 35 mph. On a recent trip to Vegas, my car averaged 29 mpg at 80+ mph. Overall an amazing piece of machinery.

BenzMan369

http://www.benzblogger.com/2013/02/2...y-edmunds.html

If this is accurate, then enjoy those astonishing motors while you can. Possibly the end of an era.

np888

A few years back, Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear made a very sad special, which featured the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, where he basically predicted that the last generation of high performance cars is upon us. Unfortunately, he seems to have been 100% accurate. Enjoy them gentleman, makes me feel not to bad about using a full tank of gas almost every weekend!

np888

Here's the video

np888

Both RennTech and Eurocharged have said the BT engine is significantly underrated. My dealer who is a performance shop, also told me the engine was closer to 440/516 when they run a few cars. Eurocharged have also put out a dyno (note this is at the wheels, so multiply by 1.17 to get crank numbers)

hp = 400hp x 1.17 = 468 bhp at the crank
torque = 460 x 1.17 = 538 lb-ft at the crank



I used to own an M3, and have done done a few rolls against an M3, and it's a massacre, honestly, I'm a HUGE BMW fan but the M3 in a straight line gets 'merked' by the torque in this thing, obviously on a track it would be the complete opposite.

Dueclaws

+1

BenzMan369

Thanks for the video. Exhilarating and sad at the same time.

nawlinstornado

I've owned both a 2011 and a 2012. Drove the 2012 while waiting on my 10K service on the 2011. Left that day with the 2012.

'Nuff said.

ngriff6825

I have '12 E550 Coupe with the Eurocharged Stage 1 ECU tune. Thought the car was nuts when stock, now it's absolutely obscene. Traction is an issue off the line but once you're hooked up the car just mobs. Best $800 I've ever spent on a car.

np888

any videos?

ngriff6825

Not yet. Will have to get a buddy to film a launch. Eventually want to hit a track (no clue where one is around D.C.) Did either of you guys end up getting the Renntech tune?

np888

No, really really want to, and almost pulled the trigger several times. But really don't want to take the risk on warranty. I've had problems just getting brakes taken care of, I don't even want to imagine the issues I'd face if something with the engine went wrong and they decided to blame the tune.

It's a real shame that there's no Mercedes tuner that matches the warranty, much like all of BMW's tuners. I can't understand how DINAN and Alpina can both match the BMW warranty and are still significantly cheaper than Renntech or Kleemann.

Dueclaws

I believe Brabus will match the warranty, but their price is

Kirkster

I plan on ordering a 2014 E class coupe this fall and taking Euro delivery. I was having a hard time deciding between the V6 & V8 and this just made up my mind for me. V-8 baby!

ronsc1985

If you want to go to a drag strip there are 4 1/4 mile tracks in the area:

MIR in Budds Creek Maryland best hook

Capital Raceway near Crofton Maryland decent hook

Mason Dixon in Boonesboro Maryland decent hook

75-80 Dragway Monrovia Maryland Used to be bad, new management may have made it better.

All these tracks have a web site where you can access the schedule

nawlinstornado

Some friends and I are going March 9th. They are bringing a Tesla S, Viper, and Vette. Should be fun.

ronsc1985

Word of advice from a long time racer.

Go early, like at the opening, as the predominance of street cars with street tires will destroy any track prep very quickly. If you want maximum traction go on a normal race day and enter the lowest class available. You will lose in the first round but you will have at least 3 runs on a decent starting line because most all the cars running will be running on drag slicks.

nawlinstornado

I'm just doing a test & tune on Saturday morning. If I can get three good runs for a baseline, then I can start playing with upgrades. My biggest concern are all the digital nannies on the car. When I was last drag racing (in the late 90's) there weren't so many "features" to overcome.

Dr-Nab

Prior to hitting the car get in the engineering menu and set the car to dyno mode, ESP is fully disabled then so should get a proper launch

nawlinstornado

I've failed to find the engineering menu. Got the procedure handy?

Dr-Nab

press the Hang-Up button, "1" and "#" at the same time and hold them in until the comand screen displays engineering mode

nawlinstornado

That let's you play with the COMAND system settings. Dyno setting is found by holding steering wheel "OK" and "Hang up."

I'll definitely try it in both Sport with ESP off and in Dyno mode.