2011 MB E5504 vs. BMW 550ix
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Westchester County New York
2011 E5504, 2008 MB S5504 (gone), 2010 BMW x6 50i, 2011 ML350 (wife) 2008 BMW 535xi (gone);
2011 MB E5504 vs. BMW 550ix
I was about to order the 550ix, but MB offered me more on a trade in for my mercedes and 10k off a new E5504. I was wondering if anyone had any insightful thoughts and opinions....beyond the pure economics of better MB deal. Plus, the new TT engines are coming next model year
Thanks!
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Wow!! Tough decision. It sounds like they really want to keep you in MB. $10,000 off sticker for an e550 sounds unbelievable. If it has all the tech goodies like the p2 package, driver dynamic seats, distronic and parktronic, it could be hard to resist. The new BMW should be a beast as well. I would be concerned about it being a first model year car. BMW has an iffy reliability record, especially with new models. The e550 is great, I just got one in indium grey, sport version with all of the above options. It will no doubt be more of a luxury car, even in the sport version, than the BMW, but that's what I wanted. Even with 18 inch rims and set in the sport mode, a pretty civil ride and slightly more foregiving in the comfort mode. The airmatic suspension is great. It depends what you want if money is not an issue. The BMW will handle better but beat you up more on bad roads. Is the e550 a sport or luxury suspension? I think the main difference is 18 versus 17 inch rims and maybe some suspension tuning, although no one ever confirmed that point for me. As much as I like the better handling of the sport version, if the give up is small to the 17 inch rims, it may be worth it if you are concerned about bent rims and potholes. You are right to think about the fact that the BMW has their latest engine with more horses and better mileage and that the new TT Mercedes v8 will be out either in the fall or year after. But it does sound like a great deal. How about a two year lease? Thanks. Ned.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Westchester County New York
2011 E5504, 2008 MB S5504 (gone), 2010 BMW x6 50i, 2011 ML350 (wife) 2008 BMW 535xi (gone);
Wow!! Tough decision. It sounds like they really want to keep you in MB. $10,000 off sticker for an e550 sounds unbelievable. If it has all the tech goodies like the p2 package, driver dynamic seats, distronic and parktronic, it could be hard to resist. The new BMW should be a beast as well. I would be concerned about it being a first model year car. BMW has an iffy reliability record, especially with new models. The e550 is great, I just got one in indium grey, sport version with all of the above options. It will no doubt be more of a luxury car, even in the sport version, than the BMW, but that's what I wanted. Even with 18 inch rims and set in the sport mode, a pretty civil ride and slightly more foregiving in the comfort mode. The airmatic suspension is great. It depends what you want if money is not an issue. The BMW will handle better but beat you up more on bad roads. Is the e550 a sport or luxury suspension? I think the main difference is 18 versus 17 inch rims and maybe some suspension tuning, although no one ever confirmed that point for me. As much as I like the better handling of the sport version, if the give up is small to the 17 inch rims, it may be worth it if you are concerned about bent rims and potholes. You are right to think about the fact that the BMW has their latest engine with more horses and better mileage and that the new TT Mercedes v8 will be out either in the fall or year after. But it does sound like a great deal. How about a two year lease? Thanks. Ned.
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 672
Likes: 4
From: So. Cal.
Current: 2011 W212 Previous: 2008 W211 2006 550 2001 Rover 1997 W210
BMW vs MB
You are definitely getting more of a sporty car coming from an S to an E. But if you are thinking only in terms of sporty, the E doesn't come close to a BMW 550.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I would tend to agree with the above post regarding the BMW versus the e550, although I have not driven the BMW, so I'm going by what I've read. I also have not driven the s550 but can't imagine that the e550 will not be way more fun to drive. From my perspective, the Mercedes is a great balance of a good driving car and at the same time a luxury car as well. I have driven BMW's and my opinion is that no one has ever in the past or in the present made a better suspension than Mercedes. They handle well enough but don't beat you up. They do that better than all others. Needless to say their drivetrains are great as well. At the end of the day, if go cart like handling and an extra firm ride are the most important things to you, go BMW or Infinity. If you want more of a straight down the middle of the fairway luxury sport sedan(notice I put luxury first), go Mercedes. Living in the Northeast as we do, with the reality of crappy roads, I'll leave the driving machines to those who don't need a chiropractor yet. Thanks. Ned.
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Mission Viejo, CA
03 E500, 2010 E350, 2006 550i
I have had an equal amount of BMWs and MBs. I am 46 and each time we get a BMW, I am always extremely happy with the handling, power and overall sportiness. With the MB, I am always happy with the power and ride. Right now we have a 2003 MB E500. Drives nice, handles like crap. We have a 2006 BMW 550i, amazing power, great handling, good overall ride with the sportpackage. Our 2010 E350, amazing ride, decent handling and good power.
So there is a 3 way comparison. While price is certainly important, I would say drive them both, compare what you like most and then negotiate with a few dealers. Basically find your lowest price point, send to a few dealers and ask if they can beat that price. Before we bought the 2010 E350, I was really interested in the 2011 BMW535i, but ultimately they just wouldnt budge on the price yet since its so new, therefore it was a difference of spending about $10k more to buy the BMW. Best wishes and let us know how it goes. Either way, you will have a car you love to drive.
So there is a 3 way comparison. While price is certainly important, I would say drive them both, compare what you like most and then negotiate with a few dealers. Basically find your lowest price point, send to a few dealers and ask if they can beat that price. Before we bought the 2010 E350, I was really interested in the 2011 BMW535i, but ultimately they just wouldnt budge on the price yet since its so new, therefore it was a difference of spending about $10k more to buy the BMW. Best wishes and let us know how it goes. Either way, you will have a car you love to drive.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I have had an equal amount of BMWs and MBs. I am 46 and each time we get a BMW, I am always extremely happy with the handling, power and overall sportiness. With the MB, I am always happy with the power and ride. Right now we have a 2003 MB E500. Drives nice, handles like crap. We have a 2006 BMW 550i, amazing power, great handling, good overall ride with the sportpackage. Our 2010 E350, amazing ride, decent handling and good power.
So there is a 3 way comparison. While price is certainly important, I would say drive them both, compare what you like most and then negotiate with a few dealers. Basically find your lowest price point, send to a few dealers and ask if they can beat that price. Before we bought the 2010 E350, I was really interested in the 2011 BMW535i, but ultimately they just wouldnt budge on the price yet since its so new, therefore it was a difference of spending about $10k more to buy the BMW. Best wishes and let us know how it goes. Either way, you will have a car you love to drive.
So there is a 3 way comparison. While price is certainly important, I would say drive them both, compare what you like most and then negotiate with a few dealers. Basically find your lowest price point, send to a few dealers and ask if they can beat that price. Before we bought the 2010 E350, I was really interested in the 2011 BMW535i, but ultimately they just wouldnt budge on the price yet since its so new, therefore it was a difference of spending about $10k more to buy the BMW. Best wishes and let us know how it goes. Either way, you will have a car you love to drive.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
W212 E550
For me, buying anything is about getting the best deal. Mb dealers were more aggressive this time around, so I went for the E. But I didn't do enough research on the specs, only the price. I thought the 2 were comparable, and don't even test drive it. Bought the E only to kick myself. Torque on the BMW trumps the E by FAR!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Funny, I was recently talking about this in another Thread.
Seems M-B is training certain people to only want the E over the 5, because of the ridiculous deals they're giving out for them.
Taking off my consumers hat, and putting on my enthusiasts one, it gives the BMW a higher level of respect, in that they won't win their customers over by simply slashing the heck out of their prices. Not to mention, premium cars should hold their value. And with cars depreciating by $10K before they're even sold, it makes that aspect difficult.
On the consumers end, you've got a helluva amazing car, for an incredible deal.
Seems M-B is training certain people to only want the E over the 5, because of the ridiculous deals they're giving out for them.
Taking off my consumers hat, and putting on my enthusiasts one, it gives the BMW a higher level of respect, in that they won't win their customers over by simply slashing the heck out of their prices. Not to mention, premium cars should hold their value. And with cars depreciating by $10K before they're even sold, it makes that aspect difficult.
On the consumers end, you've got a helluva amazing car, for an incredible deal.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
For me, buying anything is about getting the best deal. Mb dealers were more aggressive this time around, so I went for the E. But I didn't do enough research on the specs, only the price. I thought the 2 were comparable, and don't even test drive it. Bought the E only to kick myself. Torque on the BMW trumps the E by FAR!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 325
Likes: 18
From: Canada
W213, C238
Funny, I was recently talking about this in another Thread.
Seems M-B is training certain people to only want the E over the 5, because of the ridiculous deals they're giving out for them.
Taking off my consumers hat, and putting on my enthusiasts one, it gives the BMW a higher level of respect, in that they won't win their customers over by simply slashing the heck out of their prices. Not to mention, premium cars should hold their value. And with cars depreciating by $10K before they're even sold, it makes that aspect difficult.
On the consumers end, you've got a helluva amazing car, for an incredible deal.
Seems M-B is training certain people to only want the E over the 5, because of the ridiculous deals they're giving out for them.
Taking off my consumers hat, and putting on my enthusiasts one, it gives the BMW a higher level of respect, in that they won't win their customers over by simply slashing the heck out of their prices. Not to mention, premium cars should hold their value. And with cars depreciating by $10K before they're even sold, it makes that aspect difficult.
On the consumers end, you've got a helluva amazing car, for an incredible deal.
Only MB's new V6 and V8 TT can realistically compete with the 535i and 550i in terms of performance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,133
Likes: 265
From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
I don't know how much the new engine in the E will affect the resale of our cars but I will find out when I go to trade mine for the new CLS.
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
2010 E350
I don't think it's about power and torque, I care less about that when it comes to E and 5er.
I think BMW is more aggressive when it comes to financial offers, since they are giving 0.9% financing and free maintenance for 4 years, as far as I know Merc never had 0.9 financing and they don't offer free maintenance, so their salesmen have to be more aggressive IMO.
I think BMW is more aggressive when it comes to financial offers, since they are giving 0.9% financing and free maintenance for 4 years, as far as I know Merc never had 0.9 financing and they don't offer free maintenance, so their salesmen have to be more aggressive IMO.
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
2011 E550 Sport (traded), 2012 SLK 350; 2013 GL450 on order for OCT delivery
Funny, I was recently talking about this in another Thread.
Seems M-B is training certain people to only want the E over the 5, because of the ridiculous deals they're giving out for them.
Taking off my consumers hat, and putting on my enthusiasts one, it gives the BMW a higher level of respect, in that they won't win their customers over by simply slashing the heck out of their prices. Not to mention, premium cars should hold their value. And with cars depreciating by $10K before they're even sold, it makes that aspect difficult.
On the consumers end, you've got a helluva amazing car, for an incredible deal.
Seems M-B is training certain people to only want the E over the 5, because of the ridiculous deals they're giving out for them.
Taking off my consumers hat, and putting on my enthusiasts one, it gives the BMW a higher level of respect, in that they won't win their customers over by simply slashing the heck out of their prices. Not to mention, premium cars should hold their value. And with cars depreciating by $10K before they're even sold, it makes that aspect difficult.
On the consumers end, you've got a helluva amazing car, for an incredible deal.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Price must vary significantly in different parts of the US. In July 2010 I was shopping between an E350 (2010) and a BMW 535i (2011). The BMW sticker was several thousand $ higher than the MB, but even with the $2000 MB rebate the BMW deal cost less than the MB. I was trading in and the BMW dealer made the difference by quoting several thousand more for my trade (all that matters is net cost to me, not how the dealer computes it). The two dealers were next door to each other (but not the same company). I bought the BMW. After three months I traded it in on the E550 that I now drive.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Westchester County New York
2011 E5504, 2008 MB S5504 (gone), 2010 BMW x6 50i, 2011 ML350 (wife) 2008 BMW 535xi (gone);
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,133
Likes: 265
From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 85
Likes: 2
2011 E550
I tried the 550i and was disappointed. The BMW handles slightly better and has a better gear box, that's it. The E550 engine is much better and much more responsive. The MB airmatic is much better than BMW active suspension. the E looks nicer to me, the BMW just look like any other BMW, too many of them.
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Mission Viejo, CA
03 E500, 2010 E350, 2006 550i
Ngerstman, good point and you are exactly right. California and especially Orange County, is land of the perfect roads. To your point further, when i have to drive up to Los Angeles, I would rather be in the MB because when i hit a pothole or healthy irregularity in the road in the BMW, it feels like I lost a wheel. Not very accommodating.
Someone mentioned they really like the airmatic in their E550. What year is your E550 and has MB made much in the way of changes from the W211? I ask because I hate the airmatic in our W211. There is 3 settings and not one of them is right. Its either to soft or to hard or so hard I feel like a 16 year old that chopped my springs and is low riddin. Aside from price, its actually one of the reasons we got the E350 this time is I like the ride and handling better. Not better than the W212 E550 but better than the W211. I didnt drive the W212 E550 because I knew there was no way I would step back into the E350. The rush of power is too much fun.
FYI, I tried the 2011 535i and loved it in every way, except for the nearly $60k price tag.
Someone mentioned they really like the airmatic in their E550. What year is your E550 and has MB made much in the way of changes from the W211? I ask because I hate the airmatic in our W211. There is 3 settings and not one of them is right. Its either to soft or to hard or so hard I feel like a 16 year old that chopped my springs and is low riddin. Aside from price, its actually one of the reasons we got the E350 this time is I like the ride and handling better. Not better than the W212 E550 but better than the W211. I didnt drive the W212 E550 because I knew there was no way I would step back into the E350. The rush of power is too much fun.
FYI, I tried the 2011 535i and loved it in every way, except for the nearly $60k price tag.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I actually had an 2011 e350 4matic for three weeks before I traded it back for the e550. I actually liked the e350 a lot and thought that the engine and tranny worked great together. I never really felt it was lacking for power. My dealer made me a good offer and I decided that the price difference to the e550 for the v8, leather seats and airmatic suspension were worth the trade up. I'm new to the airmatic suspension but to this point I think that I like it. Time will tell as I use it under a wider variety of driving circumstances. The airmatic only has two settings now, sport and comfort. I find that even the sport setting is quite comfortable while the comfort mode is just slightly more forgiving. The e350 that I had was the luxury suspension with the 17 inch rims. I never test drove the sport version. In the e550, I test drove the car that I purchased, which is a sport suspension with the 18 inch rims. I didn't have the opportunity to test drive a e550 luxury, although I would have liked to. I might have been willing to give up a small amount of sportiness to have more rubber between me and the crappy New Jersey roads. I don't know if the airmatic is materially different in the 212 versus the 211. Do you have the sport or luxury? Regards. Ned.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Westchester County New York
2011 E5504, 2008 MB S5504 (gone), 2010 BMW x6 50i, 2011 ML350 (wife) 2008 BMW 535xi (gone);
Wow!! Tough decision. It sounds like they really want to keep you in MB. $10,000 off sticker for an e550 sounds unbelievable. If it has all the tech goodies like the p2 package, driver dynamic seats, distronic and parktronic, it could be hard to resist. The new BMW should be a beast as well. I would be concerned about it being a first model year car. BMW has an iffy reliability record, especially with new models. The e550 is great, I just got one in indium grey, sport version with all of the above options. It will no doubt be more of a luxury car, even in the sport version, than the BMW, but that's what I wanted. Even with 18 inch rims and set in the sport mode, a pretty civil ride and slightly more foregiving in the comfort mode. The airmatic suspension is great. It depends what you want if money is not an issue. The BMW will handle better but beat you up more on bad roads. Is the e550 a sport or luxury suspension? I think the main difference is 18 versus 17 inch rims and maybe some suspension tuning, although no one ever confirmed that point for me. As much as I like the better handling of the sport version, if the give up is small to the 17 inch rims, it may be worth it if you are concerned about bent rims and potholes. You are right to think about the fact that the BMW has their latest engine with more horses and better mileage and that the new TT Mercedes v8 will be out either in the fall or year after. But it does sound like a great deal. How about a two year lease? Thanks. Ned.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I test drove the BMW 550IX M Sport. I prefer it over the Benz but I think I will opt for the significantly better deal with MB, who are now offering me 11k off the MSRP of a 74k vehicle. Plus, as you mentioned and as I am aware, the car is in the first model year and they are still working out the kinks, particularly the steering issues. Perhaps in a year I will decide between or the new MB TT engine our the 550IX, OR MAYBE GAS WILL BE 5 BUCKS PER GALLON AND, OUT OF DISGUST, I WILL OPT FOR AN AMERICAN CHEVY VOLT.
