New to forum and looking for advice on 2011 E
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 113
Likes: 18
From: vero beach, FL
2014 SL 550
New to forum and looking for advice on 2011 E
I just sold my 2010 Jaguar XK Coupe and am looking for a 2011 E-350 or 550. I'd be interested in knowing what I should be looking out for? Are there any issues with that year? And is the performance difference between the two significant?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 312
Likes: 32
From: Long Island, NY
19 E53 AMG Cab, 21 Land Rover Defender 110S, 20 LR Discovery HSE, 23 Ford Bronco 2dr 7spd Manual
I still drive my '11 550 Cab daily. The V8 is a hotrod and sounds great. If you turn the electric nannies off, you can spin them from a stop without touching the brakes. It sprints like a scalded cat. I would highly recommend the 550 if the above sounds important.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 113
Likes: 18
From: vero beach, FL
2014 SL 550
Thanks. After my last two cars, both Jaguar XK coupes, I was afraid the E-350 would be too tame. From what I've read, the 550 is closer to the XK in terms of performance.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
E550 coupe
Get the V8
I have a 2010 E550, a buddy has the same year 350. I drove a lot of cars, and the 350 isn't bad - certainly not underpowered.
But the 550 has such effortless power - a naturally aspirated motor with a whole lot of torque in a very flat curve - delivers from early on and steadily. In normal driving, it just makes the car feel relaxed, like it's lazing along. Hit the go pedal and it's like an airplane take-off, whoosh!
The mileage penalty is big though. I get 16 in town - 12 if I hit that sport button. On a recent 1900 mile road trip I averaged 22.5 mpg. Ouch.
I go to a shop owned by a friend, former MB dealership mechanic. He's very picky about which motors to own - no V8 BMWs, only their 6's for example - and he has nothing but praise for both the 350 and 550 motors. He said you want to do a transmission flush every 38K miles - more frequent than recommended - because the transmissions in these are a little more sensitive to wear than most. Other than that, he calls them dead reliable, and a much better choice than the new C class I was considering.
But the 550 has such effortless power - a naturally aspirated motor with a whole lot of torque in a very flat curve - delivers from early on and steadily. In normal driving, it just makes the car feel relaxed, like it's lazing along. Hit the go pedal and it's like an airplane take-off, whoosh!
The mileage penalty is big though. I get 16 in town - 12 if I hit that sport button. On a recent 1900 mile road trip I averaged 22.5 mpg. Ouch.
I go to a shop owned by a friend, former MB dealership mechanic. He's very picky about which motors to own - no V8 BMWs, only their 6's for example - and he has nothing but praise for both the 350 and 550 motors. He said you want to do a transmission flush every 38K miles - more frequent than recommended - because the transmissions in these are a little more sensitive to wear than most. Other than that, he calls them dead reliable, and a much better choice than the new C class I was considering.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 113
Likes: 18
From: vero beach, FL
2014 SL 550
Thanks for the info!. I drove a 350 yesterday and am going to check out a 550 today. The power of the 350 was underwhelming after the Jaguar XK, which had 385HP and plenty of torque. I think the 550 is much more in line with what I was used to. Also thanks for the transmission tip. Good to know.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 113
Likes: 18
From: vero beach, FL
2014 SL 550
I test drove a 2010 E550 this morning. Wow, same feel power-wise as the XK but a smoother ride. Love it! Gotta get one. Anybody got a n idea what it should cost? 2010 with roughly 22000 miles.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis
2010 FEH Ltd, 2011 E350 Cab, 1995 993C4 Cab
I shall watch your thread. I just posted a "anything to look out for" thread since I am in negotiations on a 2011 E350 Cab. Obviously these are not Porsches, which is what I came from but as I get older I appreciate the ride and extras more. Good luck in your search.
