Convince me on an 09 E550...a little weary
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Looking into an 09 E550
Convince me on an 09 E550...a little weary
I'm in the market for a new..to me.. used car. The two main cars I have narrowed it down to are either an 08-09 E550 or an 08-09 535i.
I'm kind of scared of the prospective maintenance costs associated with a Mercedes. At least the BMW has that free scheduled maintenance program.
Convince me and educate me about all the ins and outs of purchasing a used E550. I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks
I'm kind of scared of the prospective maintenance costs associated with a Mercedes. At least the BMW has that free scheduled maintenance program.
Convince me and educate me about all the ins and outs of purchasing a used E550. I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
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Looking into an 09 E550
Are there any known issues with the 09 E550s that I should be aware of?
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Joined: Feb 2005
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GT3, GTR, 570S
reliability wise, id say the e550 is much safer than the 535i. there are too many problems with the bmw n54 engine in the 535, mostly the fuel pump. as for the maintenance, i doubt you will spend more than $1000 total for maintenance related items (oil changes, fluids, etc) while in warranty period. i dont put much value in the bmw "free maintenance".
Thread Starter
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Looking into an 09 E550
reliability wise, id say the e550 is much safer than the 535i. there are too many problems with the bmw n54 engine in the 535, mostly the fuel pump. as for the maintenance, i doubt you will spend more than $1000 total for maintenance related items (oil changes, fluids, etc) while in warranty period. i dont put much value in the bmw "free maintenance".
Last edited by aNo; Jul 15, 2010 at 08:34 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
I have an 08 E550. Same car except for an upgraded COMAND system.
LOVE IT.
If you're gonna cry every time you go to the gas up, don't get it.
Lastly, there is no such thing as a free lunch. There is nothing "free" about the BMW maintenance program .. you're paying for it one way or another.
LOVE IT.
If you're gonna cry every time you go to the gas up, don't get it.
Lastly, there is no such thing as a free lunch. There is nothing "free" about the BMW maintenance program .. you're paying for it one way or another.
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From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
E550 vs. 535i you've got to be kidding! There is no comparison, a straight 6 vs. a V8, two different cars. Maybe the E550 vs. the BMW 550i but still totally different cars, E550 still wins. If you're worried about warranties BMW covers all wear and tear items whereas MB does not. Frankly, I am only worried about the big ticket items such as the motor or trans and that is covered 100% by MB. Scheduled replacement of the rest is just a nuisance. Buy the E550! JMHO
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
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Looking into an 09 E550
I have an 08 E550. Same car except for an upgraded COMAND system.
LOVE IT.
If you're gonna cry every time you go to the gas up, don't get it.
Lastly, there is no such thing as a free lunch. There is nothing "free" about the BMW maintenance program .. you're paying for it one way or another.
LOVE IT.
If you're gonna cry every time you go to the gas up, don't get it.
Lastly, there is no such thing as a free lunch. There is nothing "free" about the BMW maintenance program .. you're paying for it one way or another.
I figured there was some type of catch to BMWs free scheduled maintenance. Do any of you guys know the exact draw backs to this program?
Thread Starter
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Looking into an 09 E550
E550 vs. 535i you've got to be kidding! There is no comparison, a straight 6 vs. a V8, two different cars. Maybe the E550 vs. the BMW 550i but still totally different cars, E550 still wins. If you're worried about warranties BMW covers all wear and tear items whereas MB does not. Frankly, I am only worried about the big ticket items such as the motor or trans and that is covered 100% by MB. Scheduled replacement of the rest is just a nuisance. Buy the E550! JMHO
What would be covered by the BMW warranty that would not be covered by the MB warranty? Besides the drive-train, the main thing I worry about is anything electrical, or a headunit for example. With my luck, something besides the engine or trans would mess up and it wouldn't be covered by warranty and it would be super expensive to replace.
Is there anything that is known to screw up that will not be covered by the warranty and is pricey to remedy on E550s?
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Connecticut
2007 E550 4-Matic
Regarding the mpg...I average about 20 on my E550 4matic. Can drop as low as 16-17 in the city and up to 22-23 on the highway.
I vote the V8....
Thread Starter
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Looking into an 09 E550
Decent fuel economy then.
Member
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From: Connecticut
2007 E550 4-Matic
But yes, mpg was actually better than I thought it would be.
Member
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GT3, GTR, 570S
actually there is a 60 hp difference. and its generally known that the turbo 6 N54 engine is underrated. the performance delta between the 535 and 550 is not that big.
Thread Starter
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Looking into an 09 E550
Got it....you really need to drive the two and feel the difference. the 6 cylinders are certainly ample but an 8 will give you the neck snapping power that will wow you everytime you accelerate onto an onramp. It will feel heavier and more powerful because it is. It's preference really. Preference on power and pref on which car you like the look and feel of better. I don't think you can go wrong either way but of course most people here will lean toward the MB. Including me :-)
But yes, mpg was actually better than I thought it would be.
But yes, mpg was actually better than I thought it would be.
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Connecticut
2007 E550 4-Matic
I see. I was only looking at the 2010 numbers between BMW 535i and 550i figures...wasn't sure if they changed from 2009. There was also a difference of 150 pounds of torque in the 2010 models.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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2009 E350 Sport
Truth is no one here is going to talk you out of a e550
I've driven both the 535i and the e550 so I will give you my impressions.
BMW feels like a more nimble car. You feel more connected to the road and the steering gives better feelback. Great for twisties, monotonous for cruising or stop and go. Be honest about how and where you drive and keep that in mind when you test drive both. Don't be afraid to redrive a car a couple of times.
The tt3.5 engine is great but it does have some durability questions b/c it's BMW 1st gas turbo over here in the US. The e550 has gobs of torque so you will feel like a hero 0-30mph. To me a v-8 is awesome but once you have one, it's hard to go to back to a 6 or 4banger.
The 5-series feels smaller on the interior than the e-class. The fit and finish are good on both but the e-class has more of a thunk / solid build quality to it.
Drive both and follow your instincts. Be merciless on price when you buy b/c you do have to give some of that back for maintenance and parts (I hate you Bosch)
Both cars will still be under warranty so that is some piece of mind but try to get a feel for the previous owners. Do they seem meticulous? Do they know anything about cars?
I've driven both the 535i and the e550 so I will give you my impressions.
BMW feels like a more nimble car. You feel more connected to the road and the steering gives better feelback. Great for twisties, monotonous for cruising or stop and go. Be honest about how and where you drive and keep that in mind when you test drive both. Don't be afraid to redrive a car a couple of times.
The tt3.5 engine is great but it does have some durability questions b/c it's BMW 1st gas turbo over here in the US. The e550 has gobs of torque so you will feel like a hero 0-30mph. To me a v-8 is awesome but once you have one, it's hard to go to back to a 6 or 4banger.
The 5-series feels smaller on the interior than the e-class. The fit and finish are good on both but the e-class has more of a thunk / solid build quality to it.
Drive both and follow your instincts. Be merciless on price when you buy b/c you do have to give some of that back for maintenance and parts (I hate you Bosch)
Both cars will still be under warranty so that is some piece of mind but try to get a feel for the previous owners. Do they seem meticulous? Do they know anything about cars?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Reliability wise, you'll be way better off with the E-Class, especially against an early I6 BMW TT motor. Regarding BMW's Free Maintenance, think about it this way, of course it's included in the price, that's why you're paying the same money for a 6 cylinder 5-Series, against a V8 E-Class. Not only are E-Classes more expensive than 5'ers to start, but you're looking at a more premium version of an E-Class than what the 5'er is, and considering paying the same prices for them.
Other than that, you'll have to drive both to see which you prefer, as they're very different. I prefer the much more Luxurious, and elegant/smooth interior in the E, and I never liked the E60 5-Series' looks. Especially now that both models have been replaced, the W211 has a more timeless look that will age more gracefully, while the E60 will have what is already looking like an "old fad/old trend" dated look (which to be fair, it set all those fads and trends).
Other than that, you'll have to drive both to see which you prefer, as they're very different. I prefer the much more Luxurious, and elegant/smooth interior in the E, and I never liked the E60 5-Series' looks. Especially now that both models have been replaced, the W211 has a more timeless look that will age more gracefully, while the E60 will have what is already looking like an "old fad/old trend" dated look (which to be fair, it set all those fads and trends).
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Looking into an 09 E550
Truth is no one here is going to talk you out of a e550
I've driven both the 535i and the e550 so I will give you my impressions.
BMW feels like a more nimble car. You feel more connected to the road and the steering gives better feelback. Great for twisties, monotonous for cruising or stop and go. Be honest about how and where you drive and keep that in mind when you test drive both. Don't be afraid to redrive a car a couple of times.
The tt3.5 engine is great but it does have some durability questions b/c it's BMW 1st gas turbo over here in the US. The e550 has gobs of torque so you will feel like a hero 0-30mph. To me a v-8 is awesome but once you have one, it's hard to go to back to a 6 or 4banger.
The 5-series feels smaller on the interior than the e-class. The fit and finish are good on both but the e-class has more of a thunk / solid build quality to it.
Drive both and follow your instincts. Be merciless on price when you buy b/c you do have to give some of that back for maintenance and parts (I hate you Bosch)
Both cars will still be under warranty so that is some piece of mind but try to get a feel for the previous owners. Do they seem meticulous? Do they know anything about cars?
I've driven both the 535i and the e550 so I will give you my impressions.
BMW feels like a more nimble car. You feel more connected to the road and the steering gives better feelback. Great for twisties, monotonous for cruising or stop and go. Be honest about how and where you drive and keep that in mind when you test drive both. Don't be afraid to redrive a car a couple of times.
The tt3.5 engine is great but it does have some durability questions b/c it's BMW 1st gas turbo over here in the US. The e550 has gobs of torque so you will feel like a hero 0-30mph. To me a v-8 is awesome but once you have one, it's hard to go to back to a 6 or 4banger.
The 5-series feels smaller on the interior than the e-class. The fit and finish are good on both but the e-class has more of a thunk / solid build quality to it.
Drive both and follow your instincts. Be merciless on price when you buy b/c you do have to give some of that back for maintenance and parts (I hate you Bosch)
Both cars will still be under warranty so that is some piece of mind but try to get a feel for the previous owners. Do they seem meticulous? Do they know anything about cars?
I really am glad that I have so far been able to get plenty of info. And judging from the posts at this point, it appears that E550s for the most part don't have any known problems that run rampant such as BMW's N54 fuel pump problems. It really does make me feel better that there is not any issues.
When I do look at a W211, specifically an 08-09 E550 is there anything that you guys recommend to checkout when I do a once over? Of course, I will also attempt to take it to a mechanic that knows MBs well.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 33
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Looking into an 09 E550
Reliability wise, you'll be way better off with the E-Class, especially against an early I6 BMW TT motor. Regarding BMW's Free Maintenance, think about it this way, of course it's included in the price, that's why you're paying the same money for a 6 cylinder 5-Series, against a V8 E-Class. Not only are E-Classes more expensive than 5'ers to start, but you're looking at a more premium version of an E-Class than what the 5'er is, and considering paying the same prices for them.
Other than that, you'll have to drive both to see which you prefer, as they're very different. I prefer the much more Luxurious, and elegant/smooth interior in the E, and I never liked the E60 5-Series' looks. Especially now that both models have been replaced, the W211 has a more timeless look that will age more gracefully, while the E60 will have what is already looking like an "old fad/old trend" dated look (which to be fair, it set all those fads and trends).
Other than that, you'll have to drive both to see which you prefer, as they're very different. I prefer the much more Luxurious, and elegant/smooth interior in the E, and I never liked the E60 5-Series' looks. Especially now that both models have been replaced, the W211 has a more timeless look that will age more gracefully, while the E60 will have what is already looking like an "old fad/old trend" dated look (which to be fair, it set all those fads and trends).
The only MB I have ever driven was an 08 or 09 C300 rental. I was completely taken away at how solid that thing felt. It seemed as if you were to roll over a grenade or mine, all you would hear is subdued 'thunk.' That alone would sell me on an E-Class over a 5-Series if the BMW lacked that solidity. I of course will still drive both vehicles though.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I'm following what you're saying..makes sense. There's some things like the heated and cooled front seats and the 4-way climate control in the E550 that 535i nor the 550i offer.
The only MB I have ever driven was an 08 or 09 C300 rental. I was completely taken away at how solid that thing felt. It seemed as if you were to roll over a grenade or mine, all you would hear is subdued 'thunk.' That alone would sell me on an E-Class over a 5-Series if the BMW lacked that solidity. I of course will still drive both vehicles though.
The only MB I have ever driven was an 08 or 09 C300 rental. I was completely taken away at how solid that thing felt. It seemed as if you were to roll over a grenade or mine, all you would hear is subdued 'thunk.' That alone would sell me on an E-Class over a 5-Series if the BMW lacked that solidity. I of course will still drive both vehicles though.
On the W211's side, the new C-Class uses lots of unrefined and cheap materials inside (cheap in the luxury sense, not in the durability/fit & finish sense), while the W211 uses very nice, and plush materials, so you'll probably really enjoy being in it day to day.
For things to watch out for on the E. Really, there aren't any stories on an '08, if a Mechanic checks it out and gives it a go-ahead, it should be good. Just check all the electronics/gadgets, make sure all the interior bits are intact and unscathed. The only thing an E550 has that could potentially be "worrisome" is the Airmatic. It's a good system by the time the time 2008 rolled around, but they are prone to possible failure at some point, due to the nature of the design.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
For gas mileage, just search this forums .. tons of discussions about it.
I've done long distance driving and hit 25mpg+ .. the 7g transmissions is amazing and the 5.5L V8 is amazing. I've hit 27mpg driving it at 65mph long distance.
I've done long distance driving and hit 25mpg+ .. the 7g transmissions is amazing and the 5.5L V8 is amazing. I've hit 27mpg driving it at 65mph long distance.
