Difference between 5.5L V8 and 4.6L Bi-turbo V8
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 406
Likes: 9
From: USA
Difference between 5.5L V8 and 4.6L Bi-turbo V8
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?
Is it true that the bi-turbo is being replaced by a single turbo in 2014?
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: So Cal- OC
2010 E550 Coupe
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
2012 E550 Coupe
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.
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.
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Loony left coast
2012 E550 Coupe
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 639
Likes: 14
From: Suburban Phila., PA
2012 E350 Coupe
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.
If this is accurate, then enjoy those astonishing motors while you can. Possibly the end of an era.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
2012 E550 Coupe
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.
If this is accurate, then enjoy those astonishing motors while you can. Possibly the end of an era.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
2012 E550 Coupe
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.
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.
Last edited by np888; Feb 17, 2013 at 12:32 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 574
Likes: 7
From: Hawaii, (Texas:business)
'12 E550C, Sierra Denali
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.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 639
Likes: 14
From: Suburban Phila., PA
2012 E350 Coupe
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
2018 AMG GT-C, 2013 GL550, 2012 E550 Coupe
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
2012 E550 Coupe
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
2018 AMG GT-C, 2013 GL550, 2012 E550 Coupe
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?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
2012 E550 Coupe
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.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 574
Likes: 7
From: Hawaii, (Texas:business)
'12 E550C, Sierra Denali
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.
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.
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
2014 E550 Coupe
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!
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.
If this is accurate, then enjoy those astonishing motors while you can. Possibly the end of an era.
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 116
Likes: 1
From: Manassas Va
2012 E550 Coupe
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
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 359
Likes: 5
From: Arlington, VA
2012 E550 Coupe
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 116
Likes: 1
From: Manassas Va
2012 E550 Coupe
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 359
Likes: 5
From: Arlington, VA
2012 E550 Coupe
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 520
Likes: 3
From: Nottingham, England, UK
B8.5 Audi S5 3.0 TFSI Coupe
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 359
Likes: 5
From: Arlington, VA
2012 E550 Coupe
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 359
Likes: 5
From: Arlington, VA
2012 E550 Coupe
I'll definitely try it in both Sport with ESP off and in Dyno mode.
