http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/05/2...n-v6-twin-tur/

 

The problem is that the E550 will only come in 4Matic, only in Sport and with no AirMatic. That's why I ordered a 2011 E550.

We don't know if the 2012's will have lean burn or not or if they will have the start/stop feature activated. Neither is good news if they are.

 

I do not see 0-60 data estimated for both engines. Pure power doesn't mean much.

 

Mercedes could have produced 300HP with the M272 engine but they traded peak HP for a wider torque band. The current V6 reaches maximum torque at 2,400RPM. The new engine reaches maximum torque at 3,500RPM.

Comparing the 350 CGI engines on the UK website vs. the current U.S. E350, it looks like the new engine is about 1 second quicker to 60.

 

Wow, so is M-B sacrificing a torquer day to day driving feel, for Marketing purposes (higher HP rating?).

I rarely touch 3500 RPM's in my car, so having it that high wouldn't do me much good.

Anyway, HP isn't as much what I'm concerned about, I want to know how well the new V6 feels (smoothness, etc.), and if it'll really considerably better MPG than our cars with the extra HP.

 

The good news about the new engine is that it's a 60 degree block and won't need a balance shaft the way the current 90 degree M272 does.

The new V6's are supposed to get up to 20 percent better fuel economy but that's for lean burn engines and cars with the start/stop feature activated.

The rumor is that lean burn won't make it to the U.S. because our fuel has too much sulfur compared to the clean fuel in Europe. We may not get start/stop either. Without those things, the improvement in fuel economy is quite a bit lower.

 

Interesting, yeah I've heard about the Lean Burn thing possibly not making it. Start/Stop sounds like it'd be really annoying doesn't it? I'm sure these guys have designed it to be virtually unnoticeable though?

 

Vehicle manufacturers have tough emissions and fuel economy standards they are having to meet down the road. That's what Mercedes is focusing on with the 2012 engines. My priorities may not match those of Mercedes. I'm more interested in reliability than emission/fuel economy. Lean burn doesn't contribute to reliability. Direct injection doesn't contribute to reliability.

That's why I ordered a 2011 E550 with a proven, port injected engine that was designed to provide ultra smoothness with lots of power and reliability. If it's good enough to be used in the S-Class, it's good enough for me.

 

IMO the 5.5L N/A will be the motor to have in the W212's production cycle. Better MPG than the E63 N/A, enough HP and TQ for anyone who's sane, and much less complicated than the new motors coming out, so you can feel comfortable about it lasting forever.

 

fwiw, the official Daimler press release has been out for several days....

The E in E Class now stands for "Efficiency." And they're using "Blue" now with everything not just as in "BlueTEC" diesels....

And a "new improved" 7GTronic Plus tranny... with "Eco" stop and go.

When Weber said he didn't want to ever pay any more CAFE fines, I guess he meant it...

All specs are Euro. Info about the 4 cylinder E Class models and manual transmission models deleted for brevity....

Also note: "new exterior and interior details," although I don't see what the "exterior details" are... maybe they fixed that fugly rear end
_________________________

New engines for the E-Class: E-Class more efficient than ever
E is for Efficiency.
Stuttgart
May 03, 2011

New engines for the E-Class: E-Class more efficient than ever

With V6 and V8 petrol engines that consume up to 20 percent less fuel, Mercedes-Benz is once again raising the measuring standard for efficiency in the E-Class segment. For example the E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY with a V6 engine has a low NEDC consumption of 6.8-7.0 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres. This corresponds to CO2‑emissions of 159-164 g/km. The combined consumption of the new V8 model E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY has fallen by 17 percent to 8.9 l/100 km (209 g/km CO2)*. All** petrol and diesel engines in the E-Class now have direct injection. The leap in efficiency achieved with the BlueDIRECT engines is supported by the ECO start/stop function, which is also standard equipment for the four-cylinder models in future. In addition all automatic versions** are equipped with the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission, which likewise contributes to fuel economy.

"The new BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines set previously unattained standards in the luxury class," says Dr. Thomas Weber, the member of the Daimler AG Executive Board responsible for corporate research and development at Mercedes-Benz Cars. "With the new V6 engine in the E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY we are able to realise fuel consumption figures previously only possible for four-cylinder units. To remain at the very peak in the automotive executive class, however, Mercedes-Benz is not restricting itself to the introduction of highly efficient engines, but also using every conceivable means of saving fuel – from aerodynamics to lightweight construction, and from optimised transmissions right up to the electrification of the powertrain and peripheral units."

BlueDIRECT: the most efficient form of direct petrol injection

The two BlueDIRECT petrol engines in the E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY and E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY represent the new generation of V6 and V8 engines, which celebrated its world premiere in the S-Class and in the CL. The centrepiece of the BlueDIRECT technology package is third-generation direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion and an injection pressure of 200 bar. Major features:

1) The Multi-Spark Ignition (MSI) system, which enables up to four sparks to be triggered in rapid succession within one millisecond
2) Latest-generation piezo injectors for up to five injections per power stroke
3) Stratified combustion is extended with a newly developed lean-burn process ("Homogeneous Stratified"), which greatly widens the characteristic map for fuel-efficient lean-burn combustion in the V6 engine. The first fuel spray is injected on the intake stroke, whereupon a homogeneous basic mixture is formed. The actual "stratified" injection takes place on the compression stroke prior to ignition, and is map-dependently controlled in the form of a single or double injection.

E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: the most fuel-efficient petrol model in its class

The 3.5-litre V6 engine of the E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY is naturally aspirated. As a major distinction from the preceding engine, the V-angle between the cylinder banks has been reduced from 90 degrees to 60 degrees. This has enabled the balancer shaft compensating primary vibrations to be omitted. As a result the driver notices an outstanding level of comfort. Another feature is the completely new air intake system with a variable-resonance intake manifold. The wealth of innovations has a positive effect on both performance and fuel consumption: with the same displacement, the output of the E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY has increased from 215 kW (292 hp) to 225 kW (306 hp), with maximum torque increased to 370 newton metres (previously 365 Nm) and available over a wide engine speed range from 3500 to 5250 rpm.

At the same time Mercedes engineers have achieved a remarkable reduction in fuel consumption. The NEDC consumption of the preceding model (8.5 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres) has been reduced by one fifth. The new V6 petrol engine of the E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY consumes only 6.8-7.0 l/100 km (E 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: 7.4-7.5 l/100km)*. This corresponds to a saving of 1.7 litres or 20 percent, and makes the E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY the most fuel-efficient petrol model in its performance class. CO2 emissions have likewise fallen by 20 percent, from 199 to 159-164 g/km (E 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: 174-176 g CO2/km)*.
The E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY combines its excellent fuel economy with dynamic performance. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes just 6.3 seconds (E 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: 6.6 s)*. Maximum speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY

More power with far lower fuel consumption
While the V6 engine is a naturally aspirated unit, the new V8 engine of the E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY for the first time features twin turbocharging, which was previously only familiar from the 12-cylinder S-Class and CL. Despite a significantly smaller displacement (4633 cc, previously 5461 cc), the eight-cylinder has gained in both output (300 kW/408 hp, previously 285 kW/388 hp) and torque (600 Nm, previously 530 Nm). At the same time fuel consumption has fallen by around 17 percent, from 10.8 to 8.9 l/100 kilometres (E 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: 9.4 l/100km)*. CO2-emissions have fallen to the same extent, from 253 to 209 g/km (E 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: 219 g/km)*. These figures make the new E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY the executive saloon with the lowest fuel consumption in its performance class.

The excellent efficiency goes hand in hand with superior performance: the E 500 BlueEFFICENCY and the E 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. Top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).
Both the new V6 and the new V8 from Mercedes-Benz have aluminium crankcases, pistons and cylinder heads. The crankshaft, connecting rods and valves are of special forged steel. Thanks to systematic lightweight design and intensive fine-tuning of details, engine friction has also been reduced by 28 percent compared to the previous engine.

The E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY and E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY at a glance

E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY

E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY
Engine/cylinders

Petrol/V6

Petrol/V8

Standard transmission

7-speed automatic

7-speed automatic

Displacement

3498 cc

4633 cc

Rated output

225 kW/306 hp

300 kW/408 hp
Rated torque

370 Nm at 3500-5250

600 Nm at 1600-4750

Fuel consumption of 2011 E-Class

6.8-7.0 l/100 km

8.9 l/100 km****
Fuel consumption of preceding model

8.5-8.8 l/100 km

10.8-11.2 l/100 km


CO2 emissions of 2011 E-Class

159-164 g/km

209 g/km

CO2 emissions of preceding model

199-205 g/km

253-261 g/km

As part of the standard BlueEFFICIENCY package designed to improve efficiency, the engineers also reduced the energy consumption of major ancillary units in all E-Class petrol and diesel models. The luxury saloon therefore has a demand-controlled oil pump operating with two pressure stages. At low engine speeds and loads the pump operates at a low pressure. The high pressure level is only activated at high loads and engine speeds. Especially in urban traffic, this means that the lubrication and cooling points of the engine can be supplied for far less output.

As another special feature of the BlueEFFICIENCY models, the demand-controlled water pump is only activated when the best possible operating temperature has been reached, thereby achieving a faster warm-up and likewise helping to save fuel. There is also energy-saving control of the fuel pump, air conditioning compressor and power steering.

Each time the car is braked, kinetic energy is converted into heat and therefore goes to waste. This is why the E-Class incorporates efficient alternator management. This means that, whenever the engine is coasting and whenever the vehicle is braked, the voltage level in the vehicle electrical system is increased and the battery is charged. This increased alternator load assists the driver with braking and also helps to recuperate part of the braking energy, which is converted into electrical energy. This is why the experts refer to recuperation. Conversely, the alternator switches to no-load operation in certain situations – for example when accelerating or when the battery charge level is high – thus relieving the strain on the drive system.

The BlueEFFICIENCY concept for the E-Class also includes aerodynamic improvements using an automatically controlled fan louver, which regulates the airflow into the engine compartment as required.

ECO start/stop function: standard for four petrol and three diesel engines.

The BlueEFFICIENCY package includes tyres with an up to 17 percent lower rolling resistance and the ECO start/stop function.


ECO start/stop function

In the E 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY and E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as standard, the ECO start/stop function switches the engine off when the driver brakes the car to a stop and maintains pressure on the brake pedal. The engine restarts immediately when the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal.

High level of comfort and efficiency

Thanks to direct-start technology, the start/stop system developed for petrol engines by Mercedes-Benz works immediately and with low noise: when restarting, fuel is first injected into the cylinder whose piston is in the best possible starting position. The advantage is that after briefly turning the engine over, there is immediate ignition and combustion of the mixture in the best-positioned piston, which improves comfort while avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions.

Thanks to intelligent control, the heating and entertainment systems remain operating during the stop phase for maximum comfort, as does the automatic climate control. The ECO start/stop function does not switch the engine off if the operating temperature required for proper emission control or the interior temperature desired by the driver have not yet been attained.

Comprehensively improved automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC PLUS

The E-Class with automatic transmission will be equipped exclusively with 7G-TRONIC PLUS. This comprehensively improved 7-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment in the E 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY and E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY. One major feature of the latest evolutionary phase of 7G-TRONIC is a new generation torque converter with a much more dynamic response. Noise and vibration levels have also been reduced thanks to a new hydraulic circuit, improved dampers and a new torque converter lock-up clutch with considerably reduced slip even under low loads. This has enabled Mercedes-Benz developers to lower engine speeds in the fuel-saving ECO transmission mode without compromising comfort.

With low-friction bearings and seals, as well as a new transmission fluid with lower viscosity, the transmission itself also contributes to fuel economy. Thanks to the long service life and unchanged cooling efficiency of the transmission fluid, this now only needs to be replaced every 125,000 kilometres. The transmission's improved electro-hydraulic control unit and new, low-friction materials in various areas, as well as optimised software, lead to improved smoothness. Thanks to a separate, electrically driven transmission fluid pump, which is activated according to demand and allows comfortable, rapid starts, 7G-TRONIC PLUS is also start/stop-capable.
The four-cylinder diesels in the E-Class: considerable increase in efficiency.

Particularly in the four-cylinder variants of the E-Class, the ECO start/stop function and 7G-TRONIC PLUS make for a considerable increase in efficiency. The engine specialists have also optimised the oil pressure control and belt drive, and equipped the turbocharger with a self-regulating compressor.


Comfort and design: perfected in detail

In addition to the new engine/powertrain features, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class now has new interior and exterior details. These include the full-colour TFT display in the instrument cluster, which is also capable of showing three-dimensional graphics. Another new feature is the standard DIRECT-SELECT selector lever for 7G-TRONIC PLUS on the steering column - also in the four-cylinder models. The driver is able to select transmission positions "P", "N", "R" and "D" by nudging a selector on the steering column. The operating commands are transmitted electronically, by cable. The package includes steering wheel gearshift paddles. Another standard feature in the ELEGANCE line is the luxury front head restraint, whose side bolsters can be adjusted as required.

 

I believe it was said before but who would buy this as a used twin turbo E Class with 50k, 60k or 70k miles on it, I'll just keep my 550 thank you. I can see it in the AMG but the whole E line, not sure. This might be a lease only car but maybe that's what MB wants.

 

The E now stand for "Efficiency"?

I doubt M-B would do that. What would "C", "S", and "CLS" stand for then? Lol.

The design differences are just implementing the corporate straight-LED's instead of the angled ones that were tailored to the design, and the new I/C screen. Maybe new wheels, I wouldn't be surprised.

The improved 7G sounds nice, although I wonder how noticeable the changes might be. And I wonder what that button on the steering column does?

I await to drive the new models. I hope I don't like them too much.

 

BTW, M-B can change all that they want, but if the car still "Honks" for the Alarm notifications, then the 2010 is still the only W212 I'd buy.

 

What MB wants is to comply with CAFE regs. The hp and torque wars will continue (it's still what a particular segment of consumers want) and there's no way you can participate and not pay the fines unless you go forced induction and DFI. Big displacement just isn't in the cards anymore.

I'm not condoning anything, but it's just reality. Unless it's a hybrid, diesel, or electric, there just won't be any more competitive motors in this segment that will be gassers. To be sure, I love my NA 6.2 liter motor but it's part of a dying breed. Well still be seeing NA gasoline motors, of course. But more likely in smaller 4 cylinder versions. Or in lighter sports cars like Porsche's boxer style 6 motors.

 

We will be taking delivery of our '12 E550 the same time the dealer gets their shipment. Hopefully the FI will combat the carbon build up issues that most DI engines are plagued with. These cars should be rockets with a tune. Generally, stock tunes on most factory FI cars use about 50-60% of the turbo/supercharger's potential.

 

Trying to decide between E350 2012 and 535i. Perhaps I should jump in E550. It is clear winner. ANybody leases E550 for 2 years? What are terms?

 

My salesman tells me 90% of their E-Class business is lease. Almost all of it is E350 Sport. I checked on dealer inventories in the Phoenix area and I could probably count the number of E550's on one hand and they had been sitting around since the model year introduction.

 

You'll probably need to use Chevron or add Techron for the carbon problem. I also read an article by an engine builder who said you should change oil more frequently on direct injected engines because it's more likely to get fuel in it.

I assume you know that the 2012 E550's only come with 4Matic and no AirMatic.

 

Source? and please.... "he said she said" is not a source.

 

My source is MY12 E-Class Sedan & Wagon Dealer Ordering Guide Product Management April 2011

It shows they've added an E63 AMG wagon and took away the 2W drive E550.

It says E550 4M no longer has AIRMATIC standard (or available)

It says E550 4M Sport only for MY12 –larger brakes require 18”wheels, so Luxury no longer possible.

Someone in your dealership should have seen this but may not have told the sales force yet.

 

It's entertaining to see all the emotion that arises when the manufacturer officially announces new, more powerful engines and other improvements to the cars we drive.

 

It's just human nature, I suppose. I like it when new laptops are announced with faster processors, and those with the existing hardware immediately start saying the new products will run too hot and burn up and explode.

Anyway, it's like this on all car forums......

Technology has really grown quickly in the car industry in the past decade, with a lot due to fast changing regulations and economies (and fierce competition for consumer retention.)

 

Where does it say that there will no longer be a rwd E550?

 

The new CLS550 comes with airmatic and in both a RWD and a 4matic version

I'd wait until you can get the actual info in your hands instead of relying on car forums on the interwebz......

 

Who me? I was asking BudC for a source. If its a reliable source from MB or an affiliate of some sort then I might believe it. He claims that MB has done away with the rwd E550, I was just asking for a source... I was not even close to actually relying on what he says.