Nahh , no regrets here. Loving my fully loaded E350. Power is adequate enough for my needs . Only time I really get to stretch out with the car is on my trips to Vegas from Southern california and does it ever open up. Great long distance cruiser, those three or so hours go by too quickly !

 

No regrets as well, although E550 is better in fuel economy. One thing I really miss, it is blind spot option, perhaps will take it in next car.

 

E550 is definitely not better in fuel economy than the E350. They're close enough, but it ain't better, lol.

 

Great review from your perspective. I turned down the 11 535 as well. I also thought the S was a bit too big for me. The 550 fit me like a glove.
Not the OJ Simpson glove that is.

 

Although I have the Coupe, I can relate to the decision. I'm very happy with my E550/P2 combo. I got it off the dealer lot without any research, on a whim. I had gone out to purchase an Audi S5 and had also driven both the manual and DCT M3 Sedans. I felt like those models were overpriced and not well-suited for my typical drive (commuting and around town...not much time for spirited backroads). The low-end grunt of the 5.5L Merc engine impressed and the fair price I got sealed the deal.

In retrospect, I would have added some other options had I ordered the car (Distronic) but this car does so many things well, I don't second-guess the choice.

Not sure if its so on the W212, but, the suspension on the E550C vs E350C is a notable reason to step up. Adjustable shocks and 'active' handling (really semi-active).

 

As the starter of this topic, I will now give you my current thoughts and status. As some of you know I am currently in a 2007 E63 lease with 5 months left. I was supposed to get out of the lease using MB pull forward, but was misinformed about the fact that it was for only those leases through MB Financial and not U.S. Bank. I had an E350 4Matic Sport/P1 on order, but had some reservations. When the deal fell through on the DAY BEFORE I was to pick up the E350, the V8 demons in me resurfaced, so I scheduled a test drive of the E550.

The E550 was awesome to say the least. It so much fit my driving style. It was better than my current E63. It is not just about the power, it was smooth, and the airmatic is really something else. The E350, while not a bad car, does seem to strain at the lower speeds and is not as smooth when pushed. The real kicker was the airmatic or lack of in the E350. Very noticeable on less than perfect roads.

The W212 is by far a superior car than the W211. This comes from someone who has 7 years and 100,000 miles in 2 W211s. While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I cannot understand those who believe otherwise.

So I cannot get a new car until March, but given the mishap at the dealership I was offered the following. E550 4Matic Sport Arctic White, P2, Parktronic, Pano Roof, Split Seats, MSRP $69,875 ... I pay $63,000 which is 10% off MSRP. Additionally any maintenance on my current car will be picked up by the dealer. The car will be ordered the first week of January. I decided to throw in P2 also as the car is a killer with those xenons.

Maybe I can do better with the price. I was so impressed by the E550 that I wanted to take it home with me right then and there.

 

I didn't even think they're close! LOL........
come on! it's V8 against V6!!! LOL....

I thought that was a weird statement too, maybe he mistyped

 

Don't think so....that's a terrific price. I pulled the same on USAA's buying program and it was $64,345.

 

holy moley man that's a pretty good price with all that stuff....
good for you man!!
one reason I did not go to amg, besides the extra scratch,and too much power, was the interior being carbon fiber and not very luxurious.......
I am very pleased with the e550, except for the grandpa hood star, lol....
with the sport body the grill and star look a bit regal to me, need to change those suckers! and of course the hideous side markers...

 

Carbon fiber interior is a $2850 option on the AMG. Wood is standard. You have the choice between black ash or burl walnut.

 

Hi Gang

On a 2010 e550 4matic sport, would someone direct me to a information source that distinguishes what the P1 has, what the P2 has, etc....seller also says it has every option. Seller is trusted. Thanks

 

You can reference the brochures on this site.
http://www.ragtop.org/mbbrochures/2010/2010-E-Class.pdf

 

I actually enjoy driving my E350 with P1 package, even though it didn't have much power as my E55. But it has other features that my E55 doesn't have. Matter fact, I now driven E350 more and loving it. No Regret!! The E350 has enought power to do some damage on highway!

 

Have had a few fast sports cars and V8's, but the E350 I have now has plenty of power for me. Last week I was behind a truck doing about 45 or so on a two lane road so I passed him. Smooth ride, no noise, no effort and when I looked down I was doing over 100 in a 55 zone.
Today's V6's are far superior to the cars in the old days. Plenty of enough power to get me into trouble. Some 4's will deliver the performance of a V8 of 10 or so years ago.

 

If you like the 2010, the 2012, you would like even more, a bit more power and better gas mpg. Traded in my 2010 for a 2012 with more options, however, both though were fun to drive

 

I agree that the E350 has plenty of power. Every night I look forward to my merge onto Rt128/95. I use the paddle shifters and the thrust is great fun. My only disappointment is that the car hits 80mph in a big hurry and that is the going rate for the left lane on that road so I lay off at that point. My buddy owns a Porche turbo that I have yet to drive despite his invites to track day. Perhaps after driving his car I'll be let down by my car, but until then I'll paddle on.

 

Joe,

One of these days I have to let you drive my diesel.

The power will blow you away.

M

 

Thanks to the 550 starting in 2nd gear... It keeps me out of trouble in terms of hard acceleration...

No regrets going 550 over the 350... I wanted the juice and I got it

Especially if my last ride was a '63, I'd want the e550

 

Thank you very much!

 

The 350 power is adequate and does its job but with no hurry and harsh sounds. The 550 throws you into the back of the seat and is like driving a muscle car it has so much torque. IMO there is no comparison, the 550s are so much fun to drive.