mtnbenzer

Is the 333 sport package worth it? I know it is no cost but concerned about front and rear tires being different sizes (I think that is still true on 4-matic?) I drive mountains and back roads (enthusiast style driver) and wonder if I'll notice a handling difference with 18 inch tires over the stock. Looks more expensive for tires if I can't rotate front to rear. Also do the visible dual exhausts add any performance or just looks?

I'm also getting P2 option. I test drove a non-sport E-550 and am quite impressed with the power over my 2001 E-430. Not sure I could tell too much difference between the 3 suspension settings.

Would appreciate any other comments/suggestions on ordering this model. I just sold my 2001 E-430 4-matic and loved the car. Am getting Silver with Beige leather and special ordering a Burl Maple over the standard Black. Thanks for any comments!

emilner

I love the sport package on my car. IMHO the sport package should be standard on a 550. I don't feel it hurts the ride, but the handling is definitely improved between the bigger rims/tires and revised suspension. The looks are much better between the back bumper having a far more aggresive look and the nicer look of the front fogs to the better looking 18's.

On a car in this price range an extra $100 or 2 every few years should not be a concern, get the car you want.

cyclerider

4-Matic Sport uses the same 245/40 R18 on 8.5 x 18 wheels on all four corners. I would definitely get the Sport.

JRAMGV8

For the 08' get the AMG sports package !!!! I believe the code is 321 not 333.

Barry45RPM

The non sport has dual exhaust, its just tucked downward behind the bumper, so its an appearance thing on the Sport. I kind of whish my Sport had all 4 tires the same size, just to be able to rotate them. P2 is a must in my book, I like the Sport Pkg overall, though.

If you like your 430, you will LOVE the 550!

mtnbenzer

Correct me if I'm wrong but the AMG package for $2000 doesn't seem to add anything performance wise over the Sport package. Granted, the AMG look is nice but everything except steering wheel seems the same as the Sport.

cyclerider

The AMG package is only cosmetic, but you do get the very expensive AMG wheels. The front and rear bumpers are styled differently. Definitely worth $2000 if you are going to change to those wheels anyway. Otherwise, it's a lot of "dough" for no "go".

mtnbenzer

These are all great comments! Thanks. This is a great site. As to the Sport suspension does the improved handling just come from the larger tires or is the suspension itself tweaked and is that coordinated with the 3 suspension settings? Also, is there any reason to order the Wood/leather steering wheel other than cosmetic reasons ($500 option)?

cyclerider

My 2007 E-Class brochure describes the 333 Sport Package as having "lowered sport suspension". I don't know if it is stiffer than the regular suspension, or just lower. Mine is plenty soft on the comfort setting, and really firms up on Sport 2. You can feel the difference on a curvy road, or when you hit expansion strips. We use Comfort most of the time, except for enthusiastic back road driving, where Sport 2 is perfect.

cyclerider

No.

Barry45RPM

Be SURE to get the wood wheel... It feels absolutely magnificent in your hand, and not a lot of MBs have it, so it feels special. You wont regret it.

cyclerider

For this type of driving, he may prefer, as I do, the all leather wheel. I do think the wood wheel is prettier.

mtnbenzer

The all leather on my E-430 was fine and you have a good point. The only thing I can see so far that I may not like is that the wheels on the Sport are good looking but maybe a nightmare to keep clean. The E-430 had a 5 (flat) spoke that was easy to clean. I know there are other wheels in the catalogue but don't want to spend more on them just for that reason alone.

Has the maintenance interval changed on this engine and does it use computer to determine service A and B? I drive about 8,000 yr. and live 2 hrs. from dealer.

cyclerider

Maintenance interval is now 1 year/13,000 miles. I worried about keeping the wheels clean, but they are easier to wash than I thought. It probably takes an extra 90 seconds per wheel. I seem to have less brake dust than I did with my 2005 E-Class. Maybe they changed the pad compound?