2012 E-Class changes - No Airmatic
If anybody buys one, be sure to get EDC (competition package option.) EDC is electronic damping control and it works really well (comfort, normal, sport.) Many people make a mistake and don't option for it in order to hopefully save money. EDC makes a huge difference.
Nonetheless, the M3 is very stiff for a reason. It makes no sense whatsoever to compare it to a heavy comfort sedan like the E Class.

The M3 handles superbly, although it's gained a lot of weight from what it once was back with the E36.
).Come on K/A why would you cross-shop a M3 and an E-Class? Two totally different cars!
M
If anybody buys one, be sure to get EDC (competition package option.) EDC is electronic damping control and it works really well (comfort, normal, sport.) Many people make a mistake and don't option for it in order to hopefully save money. EDC makes a huge difference.
Nonetheless, the M3 is very stiff for a reason. It makes no sense whatsoever to compare it to a heavy comfort sedan like the E Class.

The M3 handles superbly, although it's gained a lot of weight from what it once was back with the E36.
I cross shopped everything from Used M3's, C63's, Range Rover, 6-Series, S-Class, CLS (55 & 550), SL, Quattroporte, and brand new E350. Even looked into 996 Turbo and 997 Carrera.
It's like I have a mental chart, and certain aspects are more important than others, yet the others are still taken into consideration. The E just scored the most points.
Last edited by K-A; Jun 3, 2011 at 08:04 PM.
I cross shopped everything from Used M3's, C63's, Range Rover, 6-Series, S-Class, CLS (55 & 550), SL, Quattroporte, and brand new E350. Even looked into 996 Turbo and 997 Carrera.
It's like I have a mental chart, and certain aspects are more important than others, yet the others are still taken into consideration. The E just scored the most points.
Sucks about all your cars problems. Hopefully the 2010's will prove to be better!
2003 was just a disastrous time for M-B, sucks that they literally conned you into buying what should have been a well done/quality car.
Seems like first year W212 aren't having the same "first year" type issues
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Maybe the 2012 W212 is more the truly "different' car with the new motors and the 7G-Tronic "Plus" (and eventually an eight speed tranny.)
Maybe the 2012 W212 is more the truly "different' car with the new motors and the 7G-Tronic "Plus" (and eventually an eight speed tranny.)
Maybe the 2012 W212 is more the truly "different' car with the new motors and the 7G-Tronic "Plus" (and eventually an eight speed tranny.)
Sorry, but the W212 was not a totally revamped car (my words.) Unlike the F10 (over the E60) the W212 shares components with its predecessor. You can't deny that. And there's nothing wrong with that. In fact it's a good thing (in the context of the earlier posts.) The F10 is entirely new (over the E60) and the first year issues have shown themselves. The 2012 W212 will be a lot different over the W211 then the 2010-2011 was over the W211. And that was the point.
Also, it is a very good thing indeed that the W212 is an evolved W211 in many ways, as the W211 is an evolved E-Class itself, and evolving on the E-Class winning formula is much better than building something all-new. When I drove the W212 for the first time, what I loved about it is how it felt like a more refined and tightened up W211.... Can't ask for a better formula personally.
The F10 is a much different animal than the E60 indeed, and there are lots of happy and unhappy owners about that (be it performance related, or due to the various problems they are continuously having).
It's also worth noting that due to the E-Class being a "bridge car" per-se, kind of being the tying link between the previous and next gen S-Class (i.e design language), E's rarely get all new drivetrains, and in the case of the W211, it had its updated V6 come out in '06 MY, while the V8 got updated in '07 with the facelift.
Also, for the record, it looks like M-B are quick to fix many DTB related issues. Lots of little DTB's were put out for the early '10 MY's, but by the time it got to my particular car (4/10) none of them applied. I personally don't think the "don't buy first year" thing really applies to M-B anymore (at least if I'm buying, that's how I see it). I would avoid buying the first 4-6 or so month build dates, however.
Last edited by K-A; Jun 5, 2011 at 08:23 AM.
Sorry, but the W212 was not a totally revamped car (my words.) Unlike the F10 (over the E60) the W212 shares components with its predecessor. You can't deny that. And there's nothing wrong with that. In fact it's a good thing (in the context of the earlier posts.) The F10 is entirely new (over the E60) and the first year issues have shown themselves. The 2012 W212 will be a lot different over the W211 then the 2010-2011 was over the W211. And that was the point.
But don't take my word for it, here are the direct quotes...
This is from FIZ, the F10 project development centre:
"This new F10 shares a common platform with the 5-GT as well as the F01/F02 7-Series. The Rolls-Royce Ghost does share some components with this platform but BMW considers that platform to be unique. The decision to base the new 5 on the 7 was not something that was decided later. It was something that was decided when the 7′s platform was being developed."
"The F10 model shares components and technology with the latest BMW 7 series to ensure highest standards of quality."
"The 535i has the 306 bhp (228 kW; 310 PS) 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) BMW N55 engine which made its debut in the F07 5 Series GT"
And the 550i has the N63 motor: "The N63B44 is a 4.4L, direct-injected, Bi-turbocharged V8 automobile engine from BMW. It was launched in 2008 as an engine powering the BMW X6 xDrive50i, and later the F01 BMW 750i."
"The F07 Gran Turismo (designed by Christopher Weil) shares the same F01 7 Series-derived platform, powertrain, mechanical package, and dashboard with the F10."
It's pretty well known that the F10 is a "smaller" 7 series. They even share the same assembly line.
From BMW:
"New BMW 5 Series Sedan built together with the BMW 7 Series and the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo at BMW Plant Dingolfing. Use of shared components among several models guarantees efficient production and the same high standard of quality as in the luxury class."
And here's verbatim from the automotive press:
"The sixth generation of the 5-Series (BMW F10) made its debut on 23 November 2009 as a 2010 model. The platform is based on the F01 7 Series."
"The F10 shares its component set (similar to platform sharing) with the hatchback 5 Series GT, and with the 7 Series that was new for model year '09. The F10 5 Series is essentially a shorter version of the 7 Series.
Like the '09 7 Series, the '11 5 Series switches to the multi-link front suspension first used on the second-generation X5 crossover utility. It has an upper lateral A-arm, with double-pivot lower arms for three links per side."
All I can say is that the F10 is not derived from the E60 model at all but instead from the 7 series and GT.....
On the other hand, the W212 is a direct evolution from the W211, as K-A also pointed out.
I'm not too versed on how different the F10 is than the E60, but I do know that it is very different in many ways, and this is where most of the problems and criticisms come from. If you come from a W211 (winning formula) and drive a W212, it will feel like "home", but evolved. If you come out of an E60 and get into an F10, a "WTF" look will come upon your face, and you'll either love it or hate it (depending on how much you like the E60).
What I do know is the E60's construction and performance factor was far more impressive for its time than the F10 is now, although the F10 is much more luxurious and refined.
About the W212's testing, that is very true. Another point that M-B really needed and wanted this car to have a certain quality control and message/theme, it was one of the longest and most exhausting testing cycles I've ever witnessed.
But don't take my word for it, here are the direct quotes...
This is from FIZ, the F10 project development centre:
"This new F10 shares a common platform with the 5-GT as well as the F01/F02 7-Series. The Rolls-Royce Ghost does share some components with this platform but BMW considers that platform to be unique. The decision to base the new 5 on the 7 was not something that was decided later. It was something that was decided when the 7′s platform was being developed."
"The F10 model shares components and technology with the latest BMW 7 series to ensure highest standards of quality."
"The 535i has the 306 bhp (228 kW; 310 PS) 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) BMW N55 engine which made its debut in the F07 5 Series GT"
And the 550i has the N63 motor: "The N63B44 is a 4.4L, direct-injected, Bi-turbocharged V8 automobile engine from BMW. It was launched in 2008 as an engine powering the BMW X6 xDrive50i, and later the F01 BMW 750i."
"The F07 Gran Turismo (designed by Christopher Weil) shares the same F01 7 Series-derived platform, powertrain, mechanical package, and dashboard with the F10."
It's pretty well known that the F10 is a "smaller" 7 series. They even share the same assembly line.
From BMW:
"New BMW 5 Series Sedan built together with the BMW 7 Series and the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo at BMW Plant Dingolfing. Use of shared components among several models guarantees efficient production and the same high standard of quality as in the luxury class."
And here's verbatim from the automotive press:
"The sixth generation of the 5-Series (BMW F10) made its debut on 23 November 2009 as a 2010 model. The platform is based on the F01 7 Series."
"The F10 shares its component set (similar to platform sharing) with the hatchback 5 Series GT, and with the 7 Series that was new for model year '09. The F10 5 Series is essentially a shorter version of the 7 Series.
Like the '09 7 Series, the '11 5 Series switches to the multi-link front suspension first used on the second-generation X5 crossover utility. It has an upper lateral A-arm, with double-pivot lower arms for three links per side."
All I can say is that the F10 is not derived from the E60 model at all but instead from the 7 series and GT.....
On the other hand, the W212 is a direct evolution from the W211, as K-A also pointed out.I think part of what 220S may be trying to get across is the 2009 W212 E class got both the exact 6 and 8 cylinder power plants that the outgoing W211's had, where BMW's new 5/F10 gets a new V8 that its 5 series predecessor did not have (even though the new 7 had aquired the a new TT DFI 4.4 first) along with the F10 platform and body redesign.
Last edited by RJC; Jun 6, 2011 at 02:09 AM.
I cross shopped everything from Used M3's, C63's, Range Rover, 6-Series, S-Class, CLS (55 & 550), SL, Quattroporte, and brand new E350. Even looked into 996 Turbo and 997 Carrera.
It's like I have a mental chart, and certain aspects are more important than others, yet the others are still taken into consideration. The E just scored the most points.
I don't either, but the only way that system will work is if you take each car at its intended purpose. There is no logical point in cross shopping a M3 with a E350. They aren't going for anywhere near the same purpose. I too look at a broad range of cars, but going by your post here and on GCF there is no way a car like an M3 and the ilk C63, 911 etc. will ever have a chance. They aren't ride comfort type cars, though I do see what you're saying, but you can't knock an M3 for its ride compared to an E-Class when it isn't trying to be an E-Class. You're wasting your time testing an M3 and then complaining about how it rides compared to an E-Class.
M



