My little glitch with the MB pull forward program has caused me to rethink a purchase of an E350 4Matic Sport / P1 / Parktronic / Pano. Coming from an E63 it may be a little light, so I was thinking about going to an E550 possibly with P2.

My 2007 E63 currently has the keyless-go and xenons.

My question here is that for those in their current W212, are there any regrets for not going to an E550 instead of an E350, or for that matter vice versa. The same goes for choosing P1 instead of P2.

I may test drive the E550. I think that engine will not be as sensitive as the AMG. I hear a lot about the E350 being underpowered, but I live in the NYC metro where that may not be an issue.

I think there may have been discussions on this subject in the past.

 

E350 has adequate and enough power for my driving style, and my area, so it isn't an issue to me. If I bought Used though, I would have probably went with an E550 anyway, although it isn't a deal breaker or maker.

Coming from the E63, I'd advise to get at least P2 on the E350, if you go that route.

 

I drove the E350 and it did not have enough power for me. Beautiful engine but I live in a rural area where you need acceleration to pass when you get a straight stretch.

The E550 had that.

 

Key word..."paddle shifters"...But if I could do it again I'd go 550 (not that the 350 is bad...)

 

I really can understand this. While I do not live in a rural area, I frequent some of the interstates in the I-95 corridor. I really like how I can dust those tractor trailers in the E63, even on grades. Sometimes I feel that the extra power is a safety net in some situations where it allows me to quickly exit a potentially hazardous encounter or just smoothly get around those larger vehicles with ease. I am not sure the E350 will be adequate for me in those situations, but I may be wrong.

I have been told that there is sufficient pickup in the E350 while you are DRIVING in the 50-60mph range and need get up to 80mph in a pinch. Can anyone verify that? True from a dead stop the E550 will be noticeably quicker, but I also feel that the extra power will allow the car to drive a lot smoother.

The only real way to tell is to test drive the car.

 

The 350 kicks *** in higher speed ranges (acceleration is great from 40-80mph). 0-60 it's a little reserved some times...The paddle shifters have become my friends in those times. IMO you can't go wrong with the 550...if you are "shopping", hold off for 6 months and get the new engine, it will be even better.

 

New engine!?!? You mean the twin turbo? Is that really going to happen for the E-Class in 2012? The guys in service cautioned me against getting it in the first production year. Regardless if you saw one of my earlier threads, I was supposed to pick up an E350 last week, but the pull forward option is not available through leases under U.S. Bank. If I cannot get out of my lease I will have my current car until March/April at the latest. So I will not be getting a 2012 model.

 

I don't regret NOT getting a 350.......the 550 sweet man

 

I test drove an E350 (a very nice car) but was not totally satisfied having had a 2005 CLK500 Cabriolet and a 2008 S550. So, I foolishly ordered a 2011 BMW 535i -- big mistake. I did not like the BMW from the day of delivery although it did have more pep than the E350. Last week I traded the BMW in on a 2011 E550. Awesome car. I like it better than the S550. The S550 is a terrific car, but too large for my taste.

Having been used to the performance of the Mercedes V8, I don't think I would ever have been happy with the V6. (BTW, I am in my sixties and not a particularly heavy footed driver. I do, however, like a responsive car especially when merging into traffic). If you are used to and happy with an E63, I think you will be disappointed with an E350. Furthermore, the suspension in the E550 is different than that in the E350.

Good luck with your decision.

 

I have the 550 love it, didn't understand the value in the P2 at purchase time, wish I would have, now I find I would like some of the P2 components, now doing the HID conversion. Waiting for the new motor sound like a good idea (although I'm very happy with the 550) but I bet with the new motor it will push into the 70's loaded like the BMW 5.

FTB

 

Never had paddle shifters...looking forward to using them.


Say Philly, the roof spoiler came from Gnarly. Looks beautiful. Thanks for the tip.

 

Yeah, I am always hesitant to get the first year series. But, after three or foyr in the E550....it may be a good time to move up!

 

Yeah, I finally learned the beauty of paddle shifters. Very helpful in passing situations.

Yeah, it's really all relative. For me, power is so far down my list on what I want out of an E-Class. I'd like a powerful car though, but I don't need it from an E. What matters to me from an E, or any Luxury car, is "effortlessness", which I find the 3.5L to have enough of, in my city's traffic, at least. What I really miss from a V8 isn't necessarily the power you get out of it when you mash the gas (I never really do that), and even the torque of the 350 never gives me a feeling of needing more, but it's the extra smoothness, as nothing is more luxurious than a well balanced V8. Not to say the 350 isn't smooth, as it is a very smooth and well sounding V6, but V8's are just more well balanced always, and nothing beats the sound of a V8. I think M-B's 3.5L is a well done V6 though, in terms of nearing a certain V8 "vibe" and sound for a 6'er.


You really gotta test drive both, as like I said, it's all relative. Some find the E350 to be actually a "fast car", some a wheezy one, etc. etc.

I think you're going a bit far with the "safety" factor, as I do understand what you mean, but 270 HP is hardly enough to be considered a safety hazard in terms of adequate passing power. Just less than a decade ago, the most powerful non AMG or V12 S-Class had 302 HP, and was considered fast, and a Mustang GT had 260 HP, and was considered "fast".

Again though, power is all about who's behind the wheel, you're driving style, your location, etc.

An example I can use for myself is: My Mom had a W211 E320 when they first came out. I had a Nissan Maxima (260 HP). My Maxima had a strong V6, torquey, sporty, deep sounding, etc. The E320 was very unfulfilling, as the V6 just felt "buzzy", didn't sound good, and had a noticeable "lacking power/torque" feel to me, as did my Mom's old '07 525i. That said, the E350 feels acceptable and satisfactory to me, in comparison.

I do find that 60-80, or even 80-100 in the 3.5L, especially at the right RPM, is quick and effortless.

 

It's definitely a question of how much you want to spend, and getting what you pay for.

I came off a BMW 535xi lease that was heavily optioned. Looking to save some money, and also experience a different marque - I decided on an E350 with P1.

After driving the MB for a week I absolutely miss the power of a larger engine and beat myself up for trying to save money and not going for the E550.

I also miss real leather versus MB-Tex, zenon lights and a few other things. The possible upside is that I don't see myself getting any speeding tickets with the 3.5L V6.

I am sure I will come to enjoy my E350 over time, and the lease is only for 24 months. At that time I will be looking at the E series with new engines, a totally redesigned Audi A6 with the 3.0T, or an improved BMW F10 535xi.

Hey there are all good cars and we are spoiled.

 

Another thing is indeed: Speeding tickets & trouble.

I was very close to getting an AMG CLS before my E350. I drove it and knew RIGHT AWAY that it would be the end of me. NO way would I be able to just "cruise around" in an AMG with 500 HP.

So, alongside some other cross-shopping factors, that was that.

I then drove around the E350/S550/CLS550 back to back, and torque-wise, for my driving, I found all to feel similar enough, i.e, I never required the extra power of the 550. When the salesman kept pushing me to "push it", I against the natural driving style I use when cruising, would mash it, and then realize that extra oomph of the 550. But it didn't deter me personally from the 350. The 550 is very fast, but tuned for smoothness of course. The AMG is like a freaking rollercoaster ride. You just have a huge grin on your face afterward (and during). Whole different vibe. I think day to day, that would work against me.

 

I justed picked up a 2010 E550 P2 last week. I went to the dealer 3 times driving both the 350 and 550. I was quite disappointed with the E350, I drove my sister-in-law's E350 coupe and it's pretty decent on the power and feel, but the E350 sedan is totally different, slow off the line but ok after 50 but totally disconnected driving experience. The car looks sporty but engineered for the over 40 crowd. Finally, a super sweet deal made me get the 550 and I am extremely happy with it. I too thought about waiting for the new V8 but I am impatient and not a fan of turbo engines, especially if first generation engines. I also drove a 335 and not impressed

 

In some respects I wish I would of bought the AMG. I am somewhat practical and the gas mileage killed the deal on the AMG for me. The 550 was almost as efficient as the 350 so I was like why not? I really wanted the best driving experience I could get and felt the 550 would provide that and not to mention, for what your get, the 550 is really the better bargain. Not is the motor amazing, but the airmatic suspension, holy cow is there a midsize sedan in the world that comes close to the comfort of this system? It's just as phenominal as the engine. No regrets here and would repeat the exact same purchase tomorrow if my car was stolen.

 

Believe it or not, you can get decent gas mileage with the E63 if you behave and discipline yourself. If I drive like an old lady I can get 19 mpg and that's in town. On the freeway it's in the low to mid 20s. On a steady freeway trip it's close to 26-28. But the problem is being that disciplined. But it's not impossible and can be done. When I'm doing errands, etc., I just pretend I'm driving something else and actually get very acceptable gas mileage.

 

Too bad it does not come in 4matic........

 

Just got back from test-driving the 350 and 550 back to back. Certainly seems to me like there's a big difference. (Probably) about to buy an E here soon, and am leaning toward the 550.

 

When we test drove the E, 350 was way too slow and 550 was okay for my girlfriend. I'd say at least get the 550 P2 if you had a E63.

 

Well I am scheduling a test drive for tomorrow in the E550. Sometimes things happen for a reason. The little pull forward glitch at the dealership may have rekindled some of the issues I had with the E350. Mind you I am buying this car, so I must live with it for a while. To plunk down nearly 60K on a car I have doubts about just to save a few bucks will not be good for me in the long run.

As a side note, the only time I downsized was going from a Lexus SC400 to a Lexus ES300 back in 1996. I went from a 250 HP V8 to a 190 HP V6. I did not seem to mind. After that my last 3 cars were MB V8s. I went from a E430 with 275 HP to an E500 with 302 HP to the E63 with 507 HP. Originally the E63 in 2007 was going to be an E550, but I had a few extra bucks then and I got a really good lease deal. I have no desire for another AMG vehicle again as they are too sensitive and too expensive.

 

Being used to the E63's power, even if you aren't really in need, or making use of it, will make it certainly a bit more of a transition to get used to the E350's power, I'm sure. But again, if you aren't gunning it around, then it could certainly be a non issue. Let us know how it turns out.

 

Handling wise the E350 4matic with sport package is 200 lbs lighter than E550 4matic and is more nimbler than E550 4matic with airmatic on sport mode


The steel suspension in sport package E350 is very good, both from handling and comfort perspective, for day to day driving especially with paddle shifters i found E350 power to be very adequate

The e63 is a different beast from handling, Nappa sport seats, engine/exhaust noise and power delivery- superior in these than other E variants at a higher and depreciation factor

 

Got the 2010 E350 sedan with P1 package and no regrets. Understand the 2011 has more on P1 and base models than the 2010.