ipp

At least here; but when the 5-series gets old and is about being changed, people buy more 7-series. The same goes with the E-class and the S-class. Also when the S/7 gets old people buy more high-end E/5:s.

K-A

Nice. Yeah I remember you saying months ago that you hadn't seen F01's. A bummer 'cause I think they're one of the nicest Sedans out right now. I'm glad they're starting to get around, I've almost gotten tired of them I've seen 'em so much, it's like a night and day difference in these last few weeks it seems. I actually like the tail lights, but my standards have been dropped lately with all these disappointing rears, I figure at least it doesn't look "ugly" IMO, just kind of normal. Haven't noticed the mufflers yet.

Nice. Agreed. I walked by one where a guy was letting his Wife/GF into it, the car was gleaming, a stunner. The front actually has proven to look good in real life too, the pics made it look iffy to me.

gaazmon

the front is really nice, just the kidneys a little too big IMO

ash_cpe

Just found this on MT:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...son/index.html

yul e550

I think the article confuses the electric power steering pump with active steering. There should be no difference in feel if the pump is driven by the engine or an electric motor. after all the output pressure is regulated to a set value, and there is an accumulator to hold reserve pressure. My son has a 2008 335i (no electric power steering) with active steering, (variable ratio as a function of car speed), and I was never comfortable driving his car aggressively, there seems to be a disconnect somewhere.

220S

Now that's a proper review with actual specifics on chassis changes (for both cars) and real details. A big difference from the rhetoric of "Mr. Boring Englishman" on Autocar https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-w212-f10.html

Interesting that BMW dropped the McPherson struts. But this was music to my ears: "The level of feedback at the helm feels much closer to that of the benchmark E39 5er." Woohoo! I knew BMW couldn't give up on their trademark driving dynamics.

As far as motors, the old V6 in the E350 is just too long in the tooth. Next year with the new turbos, at they'll be competitive again in that area.

imho, MT's conclusion was spot on: "Each is so well-tailored to its own target owner groups that neither seems likely to lure away the faithful of the other brand, but if you're reading this publication with an open mind that's not swayed by intangibles like brand cachet, we expect you're going to prefer the lighter-feeling, livelier-driving BMW, so that one gets the nod this time around."

As they said in their last W212 review, the Benz is tailored to "businessmen and retirees." BMW has always been towards a younger demographic and those who value spirited driving over more sedate driving and the Mercedes badge. I don't think that will ever change. Nor should it. That's what makes them different and it's good that it still remains that way.

220S

Active steering has always been a stand alone option only. In MT's review they had combined that option with the sports package option in their test car.

Wig

It's a perfectly good engine for most, if not all, driving conditions. I don't think the E350 needs more than 268 HP for its base engine. 0 - 60 in 6.5 seconds is hardly a slouch. The horsepower war has everyone believing that over 300 HP is necessary. It isn't.

At the end of the day, if we wanted a high performance sedan, we probably would have opted for a 535i.

220S

It's not about hp and 0-60. The E350 V6 is just an old motor. Aside from a smaller displacement turbo for efficiency, lower power band torque for daily driving, then there's DI, better mpg, and a better balanced shaft, etc.. Bottom line is that its due for a replacement. That will put it in an even better position as a BMW competitor. Which is why MB is replacing it.

Wig

Says the guy who bought a W211, which was very long in the tooth in MY 2009.

220S

Dude, this isn't an argument. It's a discussion/comment. Why are you getting personal about things. WTF is wrong with you?

btw, the 6.2 liter was designed in 2007. That's 2 years. And it's being changed out next year for many models (except the SLS)

Wig

I wasn't talking about the E63 engine. I was talking about the W211, which is an old design, chassis etc. A car is not just about the engine.

If you arrogantly dismiss other people's opinions, they get annoyed.

I gave my opinion, you said 'it's not about' that. That is arrogant and dismissive.

You are one member of a triumvirate of W211 owners who live on the W212 board pontificating about this and that. Be polite.

220S

You totally misunderstood my very first post on the subject. I was talking about the MOTOR. Read carefully. You then replied that it had enough power as it is. I replied that I wasn't talking about power but about replacing the M272 motor which is been around for a long time (in automotive years.)

It wasn't arrogant and dismissive, it's was a fact: I wasn't implying power in the first place because it's not always about that. You decided to bring up power, assuming I was implying it has too little power. Look what you cut and pasted as a quote from me.....

You immediately jumped on me with the old "you have an older motor, too" crap. I think you like to do this sort of thing to make yourself fell good or something(?) Think about it.

And relax, your choice in cars is fine. Don't worry about it or feel insecure over it.

Cheers.

gaazmon

lame

Wig

I didn't misunderstand your post. If YOU read carefully, you will see that my first reply WAS about the MOTOR.

If you are so concerned about something that has been 'around for a long time (in automotive years)', why did you buy a W211? Double standards, chief.

Wig

Yep. All too predictable. The second member of the trinity of W211 owners (and W212 naysayers) chimes in with a pointless comment.

Come on guys. You can do better surely?

ESIX3POWER

"2ND PLACE: MERCEDES-BENZ E350
Feels as strong, solid, and capable as we used to think our banks were

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz0fwRh5fT4
"

I could not agree anymore about the bolded statement.. My 550 wants to take a beating every time out and gets stronger each day.. Love driving this thing in S/S.. I cant believe how well this baby handles and the 380HP is plenty..

220S

Uh? "so concerned" "double standards" WTF?

I was commenting on a car, its motor, and a posted MT review.

Stating a few facts and some comments. Giving kudos to both brands.

Why are you all wound up? Relax. Seriously.

Do you sincerely want to know why I bought a W211 in 2009? Or are you just mouthing off?

Why? Because I wanted to. And I got a 29k discount that swallowed a lot of the depreciation. I own other cars that are a lot older; Porsche and BMW. Why? Because I like them. Their age is no concern but it is a major factor in their desirability and value.

You haven't been around cars much.

K-A

Looks like Wigs insecurities are acting up again. It's okay buddy, you're the superior being because you drive a newer car. We'll just comfortably know we're the superior beings because we drive the nicer cars. Age ain't nothing but a number.

Anyway, aside from the childish bratty banter, the 3.5L is plenty for me as well, but let's not kid ourselves, the the field that this car is in, and comparitively speaking, it is underpowered.

I'm personally glad to hear the 5'er one in the more proper review. I have a feeling it'll be a trend.

Wig

You haven't a clue whether I've been around cars much or not. In your usual way, you present your opinion as fact.

In fact I have owned many different cars, and have been a car enthusiast for many years, but hey, you know best.

K-A

Dude, don't bother, think about it, anyone who has a superiority complex because their car is a model year newer, is gonna be tough to get through.

K-A

In honesty though, these Reviews aren't gonna sway anyone who really knows their stuff. And to be fair, BMW is the type of car that wins "Reviews", always has been. You're really better off getting facts of cars from enthusiasts who have driven, sat in, and analyzed each, rather than some guys with their own opinions and biases, who give quick once overs, and thrash these Luxo cars through a Track.

Wig

Welcome to the third and final member of the W211 SoCal trio.

In fairness, I have never said or implied that I am superior because I have the W212. It was the mighty 220S that harped on about the M272 as though it was a dinosaur, and yet the design of the W211 he drives is actually older. A curious case of double standards.

K-A

You're not getting what he's saying. First off, 220S obviously appreciates what he sees as "good", be it old or new, the 211 is a nicer car to him, so it doesn't matter how old it is, compared to the new one.

Fact is, the 3.5L V6 is NOT a "special" motor, it's a good, substantial, decently powered V6. When one calls a motor "dated", it's usually speaking in respect to how it stacks up to OTHER cars in the segment, HP wise, it's not like he's harping on the car for using Pushrods, lol.

A cars design and a motor are two totally different beasts, one is looked at in an artistic perspective, to some, and the other is simply a technological and engineering based situation.

The 3.5L is not "dated" because it looks old, or is built worse than other motors, it's actually a high tech, and pretty new motor (only been out for 4 years), however performance wise, it's behind in the game, comparison wise.

ESIX3POWER

"
The Mercedes distinguished itself in the hills by hanging right with the BMW through the tightest twisties, routing impressive levels of road feel up through the wheel and maintaining reasonable body-motion control with its fully passive suspension

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz0fwYEBimr
"

"
Dialing back to Normal mode approximates the roll-control and ride quality of the steel-sprung Benz, while engaging Comfort mode seems to carpet the BMW's path in a lush Berber. In the ride/handling category, the nod has to go the BMW (though they're close enough that we wouldn't bet against an AirMatic Benz in a V-8 rematch
"

In the past you would never ever hear these comments about an E when compared to the 5.. Its good news and I can tell you first hand, My 550 is solid as a rock and handles very impressively..