YYZ-E55

E350 BlueTEC will not get runflats for Canada.
E350 BlueTEC will not have staggered wheels for Canada.

DerekACS

There is conflicting information from MBC. The MY11 change summary states that the standard 18" alloys (R96) will not have staggered sizes, but the Spec sheet says the opposite. In any event, both documents state that the optional 18" AMG twin 5 spoke alloys (791) will come with staggered wheels and tires (designated "Tire Fit").

Since the urea tank required for the E350 Bluetec replaces the standard spare tire well, there is no place for a spare, which in all likelihood means RFTs or the "Tire Fit" designation. If no RFTs, then MB would have to supply a kit similar to the BMW M Mobility kit (air compressor with a can of tire sealant).

YYZ-E55

The BlueTEC will get 18" non-staggered with either R96 or 791. TireFit is the sealant used in the event of a puncture, which is provided in lieu of runflats. Inconsistencies in the original docs have been corrected.

DerekACS

Thanks for the clarification.

If you are privy to an MBC source, maybe you could comment on the stated performance data for the E350 Bluetec. The MBC specs state 0-100 km/h in 7.8 secs. This time is more than one second slower than the previous E320 Bluetec. The E350 is about 100 kgs. heavier than the E320, but this small gain in weight should not account for a significant reduction in performance.

May I ask you about your tail lights ? Did you manage to replace them with the Euro version (amber flashing) ? If so, what would replacements units cost ?

YYZ-E55

The 350 BlueTEC sedan (for North America) runs 7.8 to sixty versus the 350 4MATIC sedan at 7.2. There have been some incorrect performance numbers floating around (including the current E-Class brochure for Canada stating 6.6 for the 350). Manufacturer's numbers are always conservative - since the powertrain is identical to the outgoing BlueTEC sedan, performance in the real world will be similar as well.
Yes, I swapped to amber before taking delivery. Replacement tails for the coupe are about $400 each plus labor to install.

DerekACS

Although that is encouraging, what a pity that MBC will not be offering one of the two more powerful V6 versions offered in Europe (228 hp for E350 CDI and 241 hp for S350 CDI). The ideal combo would be the 3.0 L I6 BMW diesel engine (265 hp) in the W212 !! The alternative solution might be a Kleeman box !

Glad to see that replacement tails are available for coupe (and presumably sedan ?). I fail to understand why several Euro manufacturers have taken the retrograde step of supplying red flashing tail lights instead of the far more visible amber flashing.

petee1997

Car is built and I have a VIN but must wait for shipping dates. Actually the car could be at the port now. I am told the ship goes to England then Halifax NS, and finally to New Jersey. Once the ship sails, it's ten days to Halifax and another ten days to my dealer in Ontario. I might see this car the 1st week of August with a little luck.

hanjaya1

Hi Chrisdl,

Do you live in the U.S.? I am ordering the 2011 E-class sedan (custom order) and will arrive next week. I am wondering if I will get the new straight LED.

pmb600

Only the Luxury sedan should get the straight LEDs. Sport Sedans will still have the hockey stick shaped LEDs.

SolidGranite

What's wrong with the hockey stick design of the LEDs? To me they are distinctive and unique to any other car out there. They also move with the lines of the car. Much better than just a straight line in my opinion...

PHYBENZ

I'm pretty sure the reason for the run flats is because the Ad Blue tank doesn't leave room for a spare.

K-A

Maybe it's because I have them on my car now, as I didn't like them before.

But yeah, that's why I'm not worried about M-B changing them, as the problem with the straight LED's, are they're interchangeable with many different M-B's now (or coming out M-B's), along with some other Brands.

However, they do look more quality fit, and elegant, and my only issue with the hockey sticks is that they're a bit gimmicky & "Aftermarket" looking for an M-B. Yet at the same time, they do match the cars lines and demeanor, and are unique to only the W212. So I think there's good to come from both offerings

DerekACS

Refer to Post #28 above. 2011 E350 Bluetecs for Canada (maybe US ?) will NOT have RFTs !!!! Instead of a spare tire (aka: donut tire), the Bluetecs will have "Tirefit" - a sealant kit for re-inflating a flat tire.