'09 E350 - 7 or 5 speed trany?
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Long Island, NY
'09 SL550; '09 GL550; '11 E550
'09 E350 - 7 or 5 speed trany?
I need to make a decision soon on which '09 E350 to move into for the next 36 months and would like some feedback. I've been driving an '07 E350 4M for the last 27 months and although I generally like the car I've grown frustrated with the lagging performance of the older 5-speed trany in the 4M. The 5-speed has some flat spots getting started and downshifting and I really have to hit the gas to get it going, then it moves but can kick back sometimes. Urgh! I was able to drive an '08 with the 7-speed trany recently and it felt like a completly different car. It shifted smoother and felt quicker as I expected it would. My daughter has an '08 C300 4M which comes with the 7-speed and 230 hp and I swear its feels quicker than my E350 4M! The 7-speed trany is just matched so well with these engines I guess.
I live on LI,NY where we don't get much too snow in the winter and when we do get snow the roads get cleared quickly anyway. Ice is ice and no car will do well in that. I'm not that worried about the rain either as I don't drive like an idiot and rely on the extra two wheels of traction.
I would appreciate comments from those that have had or driven both just so I know its not me! Thanks for the feedback.
I live on LI,NY where we don't get much too snow in the winter and when we do get snow the roads get cleared quickly anyway. Ice is ice and no car will do well in that. I'm not that worried about the rain either as I don't drive like an idiot and rely on the extra two wheels of traction.
I would appreciate comments from those that have had or driven both just so I know its not me! Thanks for the feedback.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I live on L.I. & drive an E550 7 Speed. I wouldn't even consider a 4WD Sedan because the benefits don't outweigh the Cost/weight for our climate & work conditions. (1/2 inch of snow equals a trip to the Supermarket & a day off)
I guess with the 7 speeds & ultra low 1st gear makeing for faster getaways, the 7 Speed tranny is not flawless & silky smooth all the time. But if your current set up leaves you wanting, why not try the 7 speed on this next lease?
I guess with the 7 speeds & ultra low 1st gear makeing for faster getaways, the 7 Speed tranny is not flawless & silky smooth all the time. But if your current set up leaves you wanting, why not try the 7 speed on this next lease?
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W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec
On a similar topic - we looked at a friends 2008 E350 with SDS and viewed the ignition timing. The car was set from MB to use regular unleaded fuel. He had of course always used premium fuel so we adjusted it accordingly. It made a very noticeable difference in city driving and drivability overall. Might be worth checking. I don't know if the majority of MBs are set that way or not, but it did wake his car up.
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E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
Sounds like you need to reset the ECU / TCU. This will clear all the adaptations your transmission has made over time and return it to factory defaults.
Aside from that, a 2WD 7G for the 350 is the way to go.
Aside from that, a 2WD 7G for the 350 is the way to go.
Last edited by Yacht Master; Dec 8, 2008 at 08:03 PM.
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From: Long Island, NY
'09 SL550; '09 GL550; '11 E550
I live on L.I. & drive an E550 7 Speed. I wouldn't even consider a 4WD Sedan because the benefits don't outweigh the Cost/weight for our climate & work conditions. (1/2 inch of snow equals a trip to the Supermarket & a day off)
I guess with the 7 speeds & ultra low 1st gear makeing for faster getaways, the 7 Speed tranny is not flawless & silky smooth all the time. But if your current set up leaves you wanting, why not try the 7 speed on this next lease?
I guess with the 7 speeds & ultra low 1st gear makeing for faster getaways, the 7 Speed tranny is not flawless & silky smooth all the time. But if your current set up leaves you wanting, why not try the 7 speed on this next lease?
So I just came back from the dealer and drove them back to back. The difference in my opinion is signficant. The '09 E350/4M was brand new and I do prefer the steering as its tighter with the AWD but the throttle lag was still present with the 5-speed. Using the paddles helps but only for downshifting to pass. I then jumped into an '08 loaner with the 5-speed that had 2900 miles and the car was quick. The steering is lighter but still fine. In fact I made a hard left turn coming off a divided highway and the back end broke out a bit while I accelerated. Something the 4M never would or could do. The 350 not a 550 for sure but the 7G tranny definitely helps get more out of the 268 HP in the car.
One problem: my dealer here is having problems locating an '09 7G with P2. Seems the northeast does not get these cars as they go to warm weather climates down south. We get all the 4M's. I might have to settle for P1 but love the Xenon's in the '09 I drove tonight. Could not care less about keyless go. I have Xenon's on my other two cars and find them to be invaluable. Might have to make the sacrifice on this to get into the 7G car.
Thakns again for the comments and please keep them coming. Much appreciated.
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There is a huge inventory of 2009 E350 7g models, and plenty with P2 (nice bonus is that P2 equipped cars usually also have leather). Do not let them tell you they cannot get you one with P2, there are MANY in inventory, there are tons in inventory. I would not let a dealer get off because they are stupid and order stripped down cars.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Long Island, NY
'09 SL550; '09 GL550; '11 E550
There is a huge inventory of 2009 E350 7g models, and plenty with P2 (nice bonus is that P2 equipped cars usually also have leather). Do not let them tell you they cannot get you one with P2, there are MANY in inventory, there are tons in inventory. I would not let a dealer get off because they are stupid and order stripped down cars.
Thanks for the reply.
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
I need to make a decision soon on which '09 E350 to move into for the next 36 months and would like some feedback. I've been driving an '07 E350 4M for the last 27 months and although I generally like the car I've grown frustrated with the lagging performance of the older 5-speed trany in the 4M. The 5-speed has some flat spots getting started and downshifting and I really have to hit the gas to get it going, then it moves but can kick back sometimes. Urgh! I was able to drive an '08 with the 7-speed trany recently and it felt like a completly different car. It shifted smoother and felt quicker as I expected it would. My daughter has an '08 C300 4M which comes with the 7-speed and 230 hp and I swear its feels quicker than my E350 4M! The 7-speed trany is just matched so well with these engines I guess.
I live on LI,NY where we don't get much too snow in the winter and when we do get snow the roads get cleared quickly anyway. Ice is ice and no car will do well in that. I'm not that worried about the rain either as I don't drive like an idiot and rely on the extra two wheels of traction.
I would appreciate comments from those that have had or driven both just so I know its not me! Thanks for the feedback.
I live on LI,NY where we don't get much too snow in the winter and when we do get snow the roads get cleared quickly anyway. Ice is ice and no car will do well in that. I'm not that worried about the rain either as I don't drive like an idiot and rely on the extra two wheels of traction.
I would appreciate comments from those that have had or driven both just so I know its not me! Thanks for the feedback.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 1,691
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W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec
I'm not doubting you, but what area in the country are you from? I would think in SoCal there are hundreds sitting on the lots. My dealer has about 20+ AWD models sitting on his lot. It kind of makes sense that in the NE in the winter you find more 4Matics than rear wheel drive. Plus the AWD's are now the same price as the RWD models. They used to cost more. I don't think my dealer is trying to influence me to take a 4M off of his lot. I've bought multiple cars from them and have a good personal relationship with the sales rep and the GM. It might be a matter of locating one down south and then having to transport it up here to NY which is going to add cost. I'm getting a stupid good deal from them on the lease so I don't want to take advantage of a good situation. Lets see what they can find.
Thanks for the reply.
Thanks for the reply.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
There is a huge inventory of 2009 E350 7g models, and plenty with P2 (nice bonus is that P2 equipped cars usually also have leather). Do not let them tell you they cannot get you one with P2, there are MANY in inventory, there are tons in inventory. I would not let a dealer get off because they are stupid and order stripped down cars.
"Sell what you can see, DON"T see what you can sell!"
In other words that means "sell what's on our lot or what we have coming in... don't look for something we have to locate & flatbed in at extra cost. Dealers are desperate to sell product thats on the lot accruing additional "floor plan" finance charges daily further eroding the small profit available today.
If you have to, locate the car yourself. It costs nothing to email dealers specifying exactly what you want with a dollar amount offer. I bought my 1st car via e-mail from a dealer in PA. It was worth the drive down to pick it up.
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I just realized you are on LI. Are you going to Rallye? I have family there.
As far as shipping a car, the dealers often do a "Swap" and split the shipping cost, so you can always get what you want without extra cost. That destination charge is there for a reason.
As far as shipping a car, the dealers often do a "Swap" and split the shipping cost, so you can always get what you want without extra cost. That destination charge is there for a reason.
Last edited by Untertürkheim; Dec 8, 2008 at 11:53 PM.
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
Never ever get a car that deep down in your gut you know you don't really quite want. You will only have regrets.
The dealer is not a friend for life, it's a business transaction. You're the customer and they need you a lot more than you need them. Don't get caught up in any feeling of obligation and instead get the product you actually want.
The dealer is not a friend for life, it's a business transaction. You're the customer and they need you a lot more than you need them. Don't get caught up in any feeling of obligation and instead get the product you actually want.
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
A stupid good deal
on a lease is about the funniest oxymoron I've heard in a long time
You don't "want to take advantage of a good situation." Are you really that naive that you believe you would be taking advantage of a dealer?
Order the car you want.They will locate it and get it to you.While you are at it you may want to rethink your stance about whom is taking advantage of whom.
You don't "want to take advantage of a good situation." Are you really that naive that you believe you would be taking advantage of a dealer?
Order the car you want.They will locate it and get it to you.While you are at it you may want to rethink your stance about whom is taking advantage of whom.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 82
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From: Long Island, NY
'09 SL550; '09 GL550; '11 E550
on a lease is about the funniest oxymoron I've heard in a long time
You don't "want to take advantage of a good situation." Are you really that naive that you believe you would be taking advantage of a dealer?
Order the car you want.They will locate it and get it to you.While you are at it you may want to rethink your stance about whom is taking advantage of whom.
You don't "want to take advantage of a good situation." Are you really that naive that you believe you would be taking advantage of a dealer?
Order the car you want.They will locate it and get it to you.While you are at it you may want to rethink your stance about whom is taking advantage of whom.
Thanks for your comments...
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
I need to make a decision soon on which '09 E350 to move into for the next 36 months and would like some feedback. I've been driving an '07 E350 4M for the last 27 months and although I generally like the car I've grown frustrated with the lagging performance of the older 5-speed trany in the 4M. The 5-speed has some flat spots getting started and downshifting and I really have to hit the gas to get it going, then it moves but can kick back sometimes. Urgh! I was able to drive an '08 with the 7-speed trany recently and it felt like a completly different car. It shifted smoother and felt quicker as I expected it would. My daughter has an '08 C300 4M which comes with the 7-speed and 230 hp and I swear its feels quicker than my E350 4M! The 7-speed trany is just matched so well with these engines I guess.
I live on LI,NY where we don't get much too snow in the winter and when we do get snow the roads get cleared quickly anyway. Ice is ice and no car will do well in that. I'm not that worried about the rain either as I don't drive like an idiot and rely on the extra two wheels of traction.
I would appreciate comments from those that have had or driven both just so I know its not me! Thanks for the feedback.
I live on LI,NY where we don't get much too snow in the winter and when we do get snow the roads get cleared quickly anyway. Ice is ice and no car will do well in that. I'm not that worried about the rain either as I don't drive like an idiot and rely on the extra two wheels of traction.
I would appreciate comments from those that have had or driven both just so I know its not me! Thanks for the feedback.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 82
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From: Long Island, NY
'09 SL550; '09 GL550; '11 E550
Thanks for your help and your time. Much appreciated.
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
How can that be? He must be thinking the new model we are seeing pics of. (just saw your recent post on the new car pics) All the window stickers I've seen show the 5-speed trany in the W211 4M. The MB websites state this as well. I drove an '09 4M last night and it defintely was a 5-speed. Now all the other 4M cars do have the 7G trany, but the E still uses the older 5-speed. The new car is supposed to have the 7G with direct fuel injection bringing the HP close to 300. That will be anice set-up if I can get past the styling. The new Command is in the '09's and does provide bluetooth without the need for the puck. I paired my BB Curve with to make sure. Your dealer must be referring to the new W212 car due out late next year. Anyway you can double check? I've been researching this forever and probably know more about this car than most dealers do! The interent is wonderful isnt it!
Thanks for your help and your time. Much appreciated.
Thanks for your help and your time. Much appreciated.
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
It specifically states so in the 09 brochure that all dealers have on hand. Then again, word on the street is some are burning the brochures to save on heating costs given dismal sales. 
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 978
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
No 7-speed on 4M. Prolly a one-of-a-kind hobbled together by the service dept at the dealer. 
BTrap, you'll like the 7-speed. Very smooth shifting and mpg is improved. I'm impressed at the low rpms at high freeway speeds and great mpg.
The new HDD based Comand, while not perfect, is highly functional. No issues, and voice command works great. I just discovered that I can pause an iPod by turning off audio completely via voice command, rather than hitting mute (there was a thread in the past here about not being able to turn off an iPod because the only choice was mute or change the audio source; there's no real "off" button)
I prefer BMW's iDrive wheel (like the S Class) as the panel on the E's Comand is not angled towards the driver and therefore not easy to reach, but voice command and the steering wheel buttons come close to making up that deficiency.
I kinda only skimmed the manual (I like to learn by doing) and so learned all what voice command can do only when I went through the little exercise of establishing personal voice recognition on the system.
Only complaint I have is the steering is numb. It's no where near as tight and precise as BMW or Porsche. In fact, it sorta sucks. Too much boost. Sometimes I'm not sure where my wheels are pointed. I replaced the OEM Conti AS tires with Michelin PS2 and that's help quite a bit, however (and esp in cornering
)
Remember, only get the car you really really really truly want! Good luck.
BTrap, you'll like the 7-speed. Very smooth shifting and mpg is improved. I'm impressed at the low rpms at high freeway speeds and great mpg.
The new HDD based Comand, while not perfect, is highly functional. No issues, and voice command works great. I just discovered that I can pause an iPod by turning off audio completely via voice command, rather than hitting mute (there was a thread in the past here about not being able to turn off an iPod because the only choice was mute or change the audio source; there's no real "off" button)
I prefer BMW's iDrive wheel (like the S Class) as the panel on the E's Comand is not angled towards the driver and therefore not easy to reach, but voice command and the steering wheel buttons come close to making up that deficiency.
I kinda only skimmed the manual (I like to learn by doing) and so learned all what voice command can do only when I went through the little exercise of establishing personal voice recognition on the system.
Only complaint I have is the steering is numb. It's no where near as tight and precise as BMW or Porsche. In fact, it sorta sucks. Too much boost. Sometimes I'm not sure where my wheels are pointed. I replaced the OEM Conti AS tires with Michelin PS2 and that's help quite a bit, however (and esp in cornering
)Remember, only get the car you really really really truly want! Good luck.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 82
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From: Long Island, NY
'09 SL550; '09 GL550; '11 E550
Thanks. It turns out my dealer got a delivery last night of the RWD car I want so I went down today and will get it for the weekend. They did not know it was coming to them! I had the option to get a pano roof car but opted against it as I did not like how it looks on a white car, plus why pay another $1k more! Its a personal taste thing.
I'm looking forward to the driving this car vs the 4M I've been in. I know the steering is lighter than with the 4M but the performance is what was lacking the most. This car does have the ContiPro Contact tires on in which I dont like. I notice some had the Pirelli P6 tires. I could ask to have the switched but not sure if one is better than the other. Does anyone have an opinion on this? I hate to have to buy new tires for abrand new car! How much were the Michelin PS2 tires? Anyting suggesitons for the Contis as take offs?
I'm looking forward to the driving this car vs the 4M I've been in. I know the steering is lighter than with the 4M but the performance is what was lacking the most. This car does have the ContiPro Contact tires on in which I dont like. I notice some had the Pirelli P6 tires. I could ask to have the switched but not sure if one is better than the other. Does anyone have an opinion on this? I hate to have to buy new tires for abrand new car! How much were the Michelin PS2 tires? Anyting suggesitons for the Contis as take offs?
