E400 V E550 2015 or 2016?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 415
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2011 E350 Cabriolet
E400 V E550 2015 or 2016?
Looking at future options to upgrade my '11 E350 Cabriolet. I'm considering a E400 or E550 and need some opinions. First off a few points:
1) I like tech over brawn
2) Want 19" wheels/tires
3) AMG styling package
4) Big brakes
5) Nappa leather and vented seats
Other than a 8 cylinders BiTurbo what can't I get on the E400 that's available on the E550?
Is the E400 a big step in power over my older '11 E350
Thanks very much for your opinions!
1) I like tech over brawn
2) Want 19" wheels/tires
3) AMG styling package
4) Big brakes
5) Nappa leather and vented seats
Other than a 8 cylinders BiTurbo what can't I get on the E400 that's available on the E550?
Is the E400 a big step in power over my older '11 E350
Thanks very much for your opinions!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 379
Likes: 4
From: Portland, OR
2014 CLS550 4Matic
First off you can't go wrong with either and I agree the 19s look great with a slightly harsher ride. Per my other thread, it seems the '15 E400 and '15 E550 have the small brakes. Perhaps they will change back to the larger brakes for the '16 E550, let's hope so. As for power, the E400 will be a nice step up from the NA 3.5L 350 and the 550 will be a huge step, as in more than 100hp and 100lb-ft of torque. I personally would take less tech in a 550 to achieve about the same price as a fully optioned E400. However you seem to sound like you would enjoy the opposite.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 415
Likes: 9
2011 E350 Cabriolet
First off you can't go wrong with either and I agree the 19s look great with a slightly harsher ride. Per my other thread, it seems the '15 E400 and '15 E550 have the small brakes. Perhaps they will change back to the larger brakes for the '16 E550, let's hope so. As for power, the E400 will be a nice step up from the NA 3.5L 350 and the 550 will be a huge step, as in more than 100hp and 100lb-ft of torque. I personally would take less tech in a 550 to achieve about the same price as a fully optioned E400. However you seem to sound like you would enjoy the opposite.
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 134
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2014 E550 Cabriolet, 2014 Porsche Cayenne Diesel
Just another opinion here- when I was shopping for my Cabriolet, the E400 was not available. However, the $5,000 E550 premium over the E350 was a true no brainer. With the standard equipment and the more powerful engine of the E550, it is one of the best horsepower upgrade values available from any German auto company. What stands out for me though is the character the V8 gives the car. You'll love the sound, just try not to punch it each and every time you go for a drive.
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 64
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From: Cali
Bicycle
Just another opinion here- when I was shopping for my Cabriolet, the E400 was not available. However, the $5,000 E550 premium over the E350 was a true no brainer. With the standard equipment and the more powerful engine of the E550, it is one of the best horsepower upgrade values available from any German auto company. What stands out for me though is the character the V8 gives the car. You'll love the sound, just try not to punch it each and every time you go for a drive.
Thank you for the serendipitous help.
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From: Virginia
2012 E550 Coupe, 2013 Escalade ESV, 2013 Lexus GS350, 2003 Honda VFR, 2017 Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE
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2014 E550 Cabriolet, 2014 Porsche Cayenne Diesel
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From: Long Island, NY
19 E53 AMG Cab, 21 Land Rover Defender 110S, 20 LR Discovery HSE, 23 Ford Bronco 2dr 7spd Manual
When I got my car the MSRP wasn't the only cost difference between the 550 and 350. The money factor was much higher and the residual was lower percentage wise, making the payment difference more.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 379
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From: Portland, OR
2014 CLS550 4Matic
Jeffy, thanks for the opinion. I especially like the idea of downgrading the tech to meet a E550 price-point. I've been informed by a dealer friend that the Premium package 3 is a bit over-rated with gadgets that seem like a good idea but don't actually get used so much in day-to-day travels. Also the net gain in HP with a V6 BiTurbo is only about 27 HP and the price to get to a V8 BiTurbo is sometimes negligible so... I'm leaning E550. Now if they just weren't so scarce as a cabriolet.
