rodneypierce

Hey guys, I have been lurking here for a while, and have been searching through this forum. The E350's tend to be more popular/get more action on the age/miles/reliability thread here. But how is everyones E550's for reliability? I am very mechanically inclined, so would do most of the work myself.

Also, is there a list of the "service intervals" and what each service covers? IE Service A, B, C, D, etc?

Have a 2009 E550 Sport that I have my eye on here. 66K miles.

Thanks in advance!!!

LILBENZ230

The 2009s are well sorted, de-bugged, and should be a reliable choice. The only matter of concern would be the airmatic parts on the 550.

rodneypierce

Thank you sir!!

LemonSqueezy

2009 is a great choice if you're eyeing the w211 body style. Also completely agree with LILBENZ. The only real problems I've been having with my 550 lately are with either my transmission valve body or conductor plate and lower ball joints. The transmission problem was fixed by late 2007 so no worries for you and I believe ball joints are just wear and tear.

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...s-211-usa.html
http://www.mercedestechstore.com/pdf...2008-05-02.pdf

rodneypierce

yes, the W211 is the last interior style that I like. I dont mind the W212 exterior, but the interior just doesnt suite my style. The W211 IMHO is about the perfectly balanced car.

Thanks again!!

rodneypierce

Thanks for the links Lemon! But is there anywhere that shows what exactly a Service "A" includes? Service "B", etc?

LemonSqueezy

Usually the letters refer to the amount of hours required for the service to be completed (or rather how much the dealership would want to charge you). A = 1 hour, B= 2 hour, C= 3 hour etc. If we were to look at a Service D for example, it might include some but not all services required from service A, B, and C.

The 2nd link I provided above mentions services 1-14. Each number represents a certain task to be done. These "number" services, when whichever ones are due, will be grouped into a bigger category which I guess can be called the "Letter" services. So for example if services 1+12+14 were due at the same time, on your instrument cluster it could possibly indicate that you have a Service B due. In order to know which service "numbers" are due when you have a service "letter" indicating, you just have to browse the the somewhat hidden sub-menus through the instrument cluster. That's probably more than enough information for the time being since you don't own the car yet.

rodneypierce

Thank you sir!! That makes sense! I was just confused because I always see mention of service "letter" on here. Thanks again!!!

And your correct, I dont own the car YET

goodmaj

Funny enough, I just crossed my first year of ownership. I'm strongly considering selling it not because it's not a great car but I just need more cargo space for hockey bags and the like. I bought it after I sold my M5. If you're interested, it's black/black, sport, P1, auto trunk closer, 45K miles. Just went out of CPO last week but I bought the two years of additional CPO at time of purchase and it's transferable. Has one more prepaid service visit (service B), it just had service C. But, specific to your question, the car has been very reliable. The only money I've had to spend was replacing a trim piece on one of the doors, and I'm one of those guys who believes in keeping my car pristine and well-running. Right now I'm chasing the common problem with the trunk wires (see other recent thread) but that's about it. Frankly, it's a big departure from my e39 M5 that always seemed to need something. You will not be disappointed in this car. The fact you can dial up the suspension helps firm up the ride, but the real star (no pun intended) is the engine. It can go around all day at 1500 RPM and when you need power it seems never ending. Want more? No problem, here you go. More? Sure. And, the gas mileage, at least for me, has been outstanding. I generally get around 19-21 daily driving city and highway, and when I've gone on road trips, 25+.

rodneypierce

Sent you a PM

goodmaj

Responded.

beemer guy

Gawd, ain't that the truth!

I can speak to the OP's question only based on what I've read on this forum since I have the lowly 6 cylinder, but these late W211 cars seem to be pretty robust.

goodmaj

The M5 was amazing.....the E550 comes pretty darn close when it comes to the engine. It doesn't like to stay in the upper RPMs as much and the torque curve seems to flatten out earlier, but in that 2-3K range it just goes man, it just goes, and the power seems to never end.

I sold the M5 after 18 months and 13K miles for about $2500 more than I paid for it. Of course, we won't count the new clutch, tires, wheel hubs, valve cover gaskets, FSU, rear vapor barrier, (trailing off)

rodneypierce

Well, ended up coming home with the e550 4matic. I will say the RWD version (yes goodmaj, i drove it) did drive a bit better, but I honestly cant say that the 4matic drives bad at all. Infact its quite enjoyable to me personally.

And the engine does indeed just keep GOING and GOING. You want more? OK. I had to use the cruise control on the drive home, because I was constantly going 90 mph and not even realizing it. It just moves effortlessly. I dont think I have ever had such a solid feeling car. Its just planted. LOVE it!! Cant wait to get in it and drive it again tomorrow actually. Needs a good detail and buff job as it does have quite a few swirl marks and marring in the finish. But when I get some time here, I will take care of that no issue.

LemonSqueezy

Welcome aboard.

rodneypierce

Thank you sir!!

LILBENZ230

Congrats.. post up some pics!

rodneypierce

And the in town driving today got me:

goodmaj

Looks good indeed! And I'm glad you got to drive the RWD to compare.

rodneypierce

I'll change the picture sizes when I get home. Sorry for the size.

rodneypierce

Thanks man!!!

LILBENZ230

Looks great.. I have black/tan combination on my E350. Is it P2 (keyless go, Bi-xenon, etc)?

rodneypierce

Yes sir. Only missing parktronic and panoramic roof. I believe it has every other option.

LILBENZ230

I always thought the late W211 with the AMG Sport package was one of the best looking Mercedes sedans made. It's a keeper.

rodneypierce

I couldn't agree more! I'm already in love with this car. I'm a car guy through and through. But this is by far the nicest car I've ever driven or riden in. Love every part of it! Going to take me weeks to figure everything out though.