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Hey guys, this is my first post as I'm preparing to pick up a new c207 and wanted to get opinions. I'm torn between two vehicles right now. One is a pre-facelift e550 coupe with a v8 and around 100k miles. The other is a newer facelifted e350 coupe with a v6 and about 63k miles. Both cars are the same color, and have similar interior, really minor differences other than the engine and mileage. This has been a very tough decision. As someone that has been driving a bmw 328 with an inline 6 for a while I'm really leaning towards the v8 for the additional "oomf" in power. However because this car will probably be my daily, the v6 is pretty attractive too for the gas mileage. The fact that is has lower overall mileage is a plus too, as I'd hate to run into any major problems shortly after purchase. There are some other considerations like the v6 is local to me but the v8 is out of state so I would need to fly out to pick it up, but these are also minor details to me.
My '11 V8 is very thirsty, but I have other means to get around and I no longer have to commute, thanks to the pandemic workstyle shift that became permanent for me so a V8 that struggles to hit 300miles on a full tank is acceptable to me. If fuel efficiency is even a slight concern for you, I'd go with the V6.
All that being said, though, I'd be more concerned with how the cars have been maintained and treated (driven). If well maintained, 100K is just a number. If neglected, even the 63K would make me uneasy. Check the engine for leaks or even seepage.
After the powertrain and suspension bits check out OK, check the seats, and other expensive options' functions.
2015 Audi S4, 1982 Fiat Spyder, 2010 R350, 2013 E550 Cabriolet
Wow, that is a tough question. I have the E550 cab. and the V8 bi-turbo always brings a smile to my face, but it is a third car. The V8 will use more fuel (though I don't find it that bad) and if that is an issue to you, you definitely should choose the 350 because even normal maintenance should be less. Both engines are fairly reliable, I have the 350 in my R-class and have almost 190k miles and it is still running great. The 550 is supposed to be very reliable also, but it will have higher planned maintenance costs. The 350 should have plenty of Zip, just not a performance car like the 550.
2006 CLS55 AMG Sold 2010 E550 Coupe totaled '13 SL550 current and loving it!
Get a PPI on the 550 and if it checks out, get it. When you put it in sport mode and can't wipe the grin off your face, you will see that the extra few bucks on gas is well worth it...
Drive a German engineered V8 now, while that is something you can still do.
I know several people who have sold cars because they wanted more power, I have never known a single one who has sold their car cos it has too much.
Concerned about mileage? Then don't drive like an idiot all the time, racing from stop light to stop light. Moderate yourself. Drive like an idiot some of the time
You can have an E350.
Or you can have an E550 and a ridiculous ear to ear grin.
The choice is yours. Don't mess this up.
Went out last night to pick-up Chinese food and ended up going stoplight to stoplight with 2015 Vette.......A simple push of the Sport button and he was not a happy camper!
Thanks for all your input guys. I ended up going with the E550. Drove it down to my home in AZ from San Diego last Sunday. It was about a 5-6hr drive and I absolutely loved it. Very happy with my choice. Funny enough I had forgotten all about the existence of the sport mode button until just now that I read some of you guys comment on it, so I have yet to experience that but I will take her out for a drive tonight and see what all the fuss is about. Next order of business is going to be figuring out what I want to do to her next. 2.5" or 3" exhaust? Wheels? Suspension?... let the fun begin lol.
2006 CLS55 AMG Sold 2010 E550 Coupe totaled '13 SL550 current and loving it!
Congrats on making the correct choice. I cut the mufflers off for $120 and had straight pipes welded in. Sounds ridiculous, better than my CLS55 AMG. There is some drone and it can be a bit loud inside the cabin, but I'm 100% fine with it every time I'm pulling away from a light or when its downshifting and burbling. I have 19" AMG 5 spokes with 245/35f 275/30r Michelin Pilot Sports and it handles as good as I need it too. Enjoy the heck out of it! Post some pics.
Congrats on making the correct choice. I cut the mufflers off for $120 and had straight pipes welded in. Sounds ridiculous, better than my CLS55 AMG. There is some drone and it can be a bit loud inside the cabin, but I'm 100% fine with it every time I'm pulling away from a light or when its downshifting and burbling. I have 19" AMG 5 spokes with 245/35f 275/30r Michelin Pilot Sports and it handles as good as I need it too. Enjoy the heck out of it! Post some pics.
Love Mars Red !!!!! I tried for months to find one !!
I have a 2014 A207 with the V-6. It is the first year with electric power steering, and the engine is direct injection and is rated at 305 HP. It has plenty of power compared to my CLK430 with a V-8.
I have a 2014 A207 with the V-6. It is the first year with electric power steering, and the engine is direct injection and is rated at 305 HP. It has plenty of power compared to my CLK430 with a V-8.
With all due respect, your CLK430, a lovely car btw, had 295hp. That was very respectable power but nowadays a Camry has 300hp. Not kidding btw.
2015 Audi S4, 1982 Fiat Spyder, 2010 R350, 2013 E550 Cabriolet
Originally Posted by 604 C63
With all due respect, your CLK430, a lovely car btw, had 295hp. That was very respectable power but nowadays a Camry has 300hp. Not kidding btw.
Very good point.
It is not that the 6cyl. is bad, I am certain that is is fun to drive. My E550 has more than 100 HP above that and it is certainly noticeable. The other great advantage is the sound of the V8. Many of us have this as a "fun" car that we don't put a lot of miles on. I intend to keep mine for a very long time. spread out over a number of years, the extra cost is affordable.
Yesterday morning I drove my ‘11 E550 coupe 210 miles from home in Dublin CA (SF Bay Area) to my hunting/drinking buddy’s place in Carson City NV. After a short run on interstate 580 and 99, the bulk of the trip was on scenic hywy 88 - a mostly two-lane blacktop that goes from vineyards, rolling hills, national forests and the Sierra Nevadas before dropping down to the Carson Valley.
The trip goes from sea level up to the 8700ft Cason Pass then drops down to 5200ft. Took 3.75hrs at an average speed of 55mph. With the car in Sport mode for the last half of the trip, it averaged 24.2mpg.
My GT3 might have been more fun but....... my 70 year old back would be killing me for days and I’d probably gotten a ticket (patrolled by both the CHP and local county sheriffs).
Here’s a short video of the last 2/3s of the trip. A trip made for an E550. After a fun time, I look forward to the trip back on Tuesday.
Nice drive. Reminds me very much of a drive we did from Vancouver, BC to Calgary, AB early October last year.
Desert grass through the interior of the province, snow capped Rocky Mountains through Lake Louise, Banff, etc. but completely clear roads.
Great driving in a comfy vehicle
04-13-2021, 12:58 PM
