2012 E-Class changes - No Airmatic
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 361
Likes: 55
From: Los Angeles, CA
2024 EQE350 SUV, 2022 SL55 AMGMG, 2022 C300
What do you think the ratio of E350 to E550 sales are? I would say out of 100, 95 are E350's. There is no need for MB to pay any attention to the E550, therefore offering one drivetrain (4matic) and removing airmatic makes business sense. Plus with the new CLS550, they probably figure dealers can convince E550 shoppers or will on their own choose to upgrade to the CLS. As for the MBC (which looks to be on the next S), the tech looks pretty cool and effective. The 5-7 year repair cost is probably not a factor in the buying decision as the majority of MB's are leased and CPO's cover the used market. Plus with the more powerful E350, there's less of a reason to choose the E550.
Actually, I've been debating to go for E550 only because of suspension. - not because of power. Now I don't really see any point in E550, especially without RWD.
E-Class is bread and butter of MB business, so downgrading unique feature does not make a lot of business sense to me...
For the 1st time in history, MB became #1 selling luxury brand in USA in 1st quarter of this year. Outsold Lexus and BMW. Never happened before. So as of right now they are doing something right. I'm always leery of big changes, as you don't know what to expect as a result.
Nothing wrong with Airmatic, because new and completely redesigned CLS has it as a standard equippment. But CLS is a coupe with 4 doors, has no space in the rear seat. It can not sucstitute E550 sedan, regardless of cost...
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 530
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From: SoCal
'14 ML350 GONE-'12 GL450/'10 E550/'10 ML350/'09 C300/'07 ML350/'03 E320
So what you're saying is there is no need to pay attention to E550 sedan, because everybody has to buy E350?
Actually, I've been debating to go for E550 only because of suspension. - not because of power. Now I don't really see any point in E550, especially without RWD.
E-Class is bread and butter of MB business, so downgrading unique feature does not make a lot of business sense to me...
For the 1st time in history, MB became #1 selling luxury brand in USA in 1st quarter of this year. Outsold Lexus and BMW. Never happened before. So as of right now they are doing something right. I'm always leery of big changes, as you don't know what to expect as a result.
Nothing wrong with Airmatic, because new and completely redesigned CLS has it as a standard equippment. But CLS is a coupe with 4 doors, has no space in the rear seat. It can not sucstitute E550 sedan, regardless of cost...
Actually, I've been debating to go for E550 only because of suspension. - not because of power. Now I don't really see any point in E550, especially without RWD.
E-Class is bread and butter of MB business, so downgrading unique feature does not make a lot of business sense to me...
For the 1st time in history, MB became #1 selling luxury brand in USA in 1st quarter of this year. Outsold Lexus and BMW. Never happened before. So as of right now they are doing something right. I'm always leery of big changes, as you don't know what to expect as a result.
Nothing wrong with Airmatic, because new and completely redesigned CLS has it as a standard equippment. But CLS is a coupe with 4 doors, has no space in the rear seat. It can not sucstitute E550 sedan, regardless of cost...
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
That last part is very true.
M-B and the like used to reserve many options/qualities for the more expensive/"500"/etc. models, however, now it's the opposite, with the lower models getting everything that the higher models get. Even the E350 Sport looks close enough to the E63 to the point where most "normal" people couldn't tell a difference if you had them next to each other.
They basically have realized that giving incentive to get people into more expensive models don't work for them as well as giving people incentive to get into the less expensive models.
M-B and the like used to reserve many options/qualities for the more expensive/"500"/etc. models, however, now it's the opposite, with the lower models getting everything that the higher models get. Even the E350 Sport looks close enough to the E63 to the point where most "normal" people couldn't tell a difference if you had them next to each other.
They basically have realized that giving incentive to get people into more expensive models don't work for them as well as giving people incentive to get into the less expensive models.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 361
Likes: 55
From: Los Angeles, CA
2024 EQE350 SUV, 2022 SL55 AMGMG, 2022 C300
I disagree....
If they use this mentality, so why bother with CL or G-Class, when you sell a lot more of C-Class?
I think the lack of important features and technology that differentiate MB to others, will help their competition. Like someone already mentioned above, the real winner will be V8 BMW 5-series...
If they use this mentality, so why bother with CL or G-Class, when you sell a lot more of C-Class?
I think the lack of important features and technology that differentiate MB to others, will help their competition. Like someone already mentioned above, the real winner will be V8 BMW 5-series...
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
Don't get me wrong, I agree. I think MBUSA's Options-cost cutting, lack of Option differentiations, and forcing every car to be almost exactly alike, treating the company like a "fleet-car" company, just focused on mass revenue, is a turn off.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 530
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
'14 ML350 GONE-'12 GL450/'10 E550/'10 ML350/'09 C300/'07 ML350/'03 E320
I disagree....
If they use this mentality, so why bother with CL or G-Class, when you sell a lot more of C-Class?
I think the lack of important features and technology that differentiate MB to others, will help their competition. Like someone already mentioned above, the real winner will be V8 BMW 5-series...
If they use this mentality, so why bother with CL or G-Class, when you sell a lot more of C-Class?
I think the lack of important features and technology that differentiate MB to others, will help their competition. Like someone already mentioned above, the real winner will be V8 BMW 5-series...
How successful do you think MB would be if they concentrated their R & D efforts on the G550, CL550, S600, GL550 and ignored or shortchanged the C300, E350, ML350 and S550? I'm not saying completely give up on the high-end models but as in most cases, the top 30% (SLS, AMG's, CLS, S/SL550) and the bottom 30% (C class, E350, ML350) get the most attention and the middle 40% usually gets ignored.
Sorry, realize being completely
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
MB is so well established, I think that the mark being viewed as "less" to anything is unlikely. On forums, most folks are here because they are enthusiasts or searching out a problem. If you were to add up all of the W212 forum members across all forums and remove the duplicates, the number of members would be insignificant to the total number of owners. I think that MB knows what they are doing. If not having Airmatic makes someone buy a BMW instead, so be it. The truth is that there will just as many with a gripe about their BMW that will come over to MB. MB, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus, Volvo, and SAAB are what I call, "Commodity Luxury". They are commodity products with a luxury bent. True non-commodity luxury vehicles are more along the lines of Bently, Rolls Royce, Aston, Masserati, etc.
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 519
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From: Chicago and NorCal
Titleist
With the delayed production and release of the model '12's, it seems the '12 owners get a bit shortchanged unless the following 13's are likewise delayed. Availability starting in October this year is likely to be followed by the availability of the 13's in July, if like the usual schedule. Unless one takes delivery of a '12 right away, that model will have less than a year on the streets before the replacement '13's are out.
For a rare, limited production exotic, that might be good, but for a mass production car, it seems one would suffer a year of depreciation without the benefit of owning the car for a year, would it not?
For a rare, limited production exotic, that might be good, but for a mass production car, it seems one would suffer a year of depreciation without the benefit of owning the car for a year, would it not?
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Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 95
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From: Canada
2011 Mercedes E550 4M, 2003 BMW X5 4.4i
The #1 reason we bought an E550 was because of the AIRMATIC suspension. We didn't need a huge S-class limo that has zero road feel, but still wanted that S-class comfort. The air suspension is extremely smooth and comfortable; bumps and potholes are not as noticeable anymore. There is a HUGE difference in ride quality between the E350 and E550. The E350 rides like a regular Japanese luxury sedan while the E550 rides like a REAL flagship German luxury sedan. Taking away the airmatic from the E550 will result in better sales for the E350 and worse sales for the E550. S-class sales will never be affected because there will always be people who have loads of money to drop on an S-class. We also considered a 2010 Range Rover Sport S/C, but we tired of the harsh ride quality of SUVs (eg. our BMW X5).
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
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lexus
I would like to buy a 2011 E550 sport package w/ P1,P2 Airmatic. I have not checked with the dealers here in LA yet, but would there be a good chance to find one optioned out like I want it or do I need to special order it. I have a feeling there will be more E350s on the lot. Does anyone know the timeframe or cutoff day for the 2011s since the 2012s have been delayed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
I would like to buy a 2011 E550 sport package w/ P1,P2 Airmatic. I have not checked with the dealers here in LA yet, but would there be a good chance to find one optioned out like I want it or do I need to special order it. I have a feeling there will be more E350s on the lot. Does anyone know the timeframe or cutoff day for the 2011s since the 2012s have been delayed.
It might be too late to order a 2011 but if I were you, I'd get on the phone to dealers and ask if they still have a slot for a 2011 and order it. Nothing beats getting a fresh car with exactly what you want on it.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 530
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From: SoCal
'14 ML350 GONE-'12 GL450/'10 E550/'10 ML350/'09 C300/'07 ML350/'03 E320
I would like to buy a 2011 E550 sport package w/ P1,P2 Airmatic. I have not checked with the dealers here in LA yet, but would there be a good chance to find one optioned out like I want it or do I need to special order it. I have a feeling there will be more E350s on the lot. Does anyone know the timeframe or cutoff day for the 2011s since the 2012s have been delayed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
I would like to buy a 2011 E550 sport package w/ P1,P2 Airmatic. I have not checked with the dealers here in LA yet, but would there be a good chance to find one optioned out like I want it or do I need to special order it. I have a feeling there will be more E350s on the lot. Does anyone know the timeframe or cutoff day for the 2011s since the 2012s have been delayed.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 361
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2024 EQE350 SUV, 2022 SL55 AMGMG, 2022 C300
I guess this forum gets very high position on Google search results! Because in the last few weeks a lot of MB dealers, all of the sudden - almost sold out all E550's sedans. I called my dealer, and it's a big dealership, they have only 3 left in stock and nothing is coming anymore... they were a little surprised. I guess the rumor about No-Airmatic fueled the sales of 2011 models...
I decided to stick for another E350, so will wait for 2012 model...
I decided to stick for another E350, so will wait for 2012 model...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
I guess this forum gets very high position on Google search results! Because in the last few weeks a lot of MB dealers, all of the sudden - almost sold out all E550's sedans. I called my dealer, and it's a big dealership, they have only 3 left in stock and nothing is coming anymore... they were a little surprised. I guess the rumor about No-Airmatic fueled the sales of 2011 models...
I decided to stick for another E350, so will wait for 2012 model...
I decided to stick for another E350, so will wait for 2012 model...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Thanks very much but don't be jealous 
I am quite fortunate to afford such a nice automobiles but I've worked my tail off for years and cars are something I luv. Never owned a Jag before but from the test drive, cars sumptous looks and amazing power and recent improvements plus having true cooled seats, I went for it. I am kind of kicking myself I didn't get the coupe as it's lines are superb but I wanted a drop top, so be it. Now's the hard part, the wait till sometime in Sept.
I am quite fortunate to afford such a nice automobiles but I've worked my tail off for years and cars are something I luv. Never owned a Jag before but from the test drive, cars sumptous looks and amazing power and recent improvements plus having true cooled seats, I went for it. I am kind of kicking myself I didn't get the coupe as it's lines are superb but I wanted a drop top, so be it. Now's the hard part, the wait till sometime in Sept.
Last edited by RJC; Jun 16, 2011 at 04:08 PM.
Super Member
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From: SoCal
'14 ML350 GONE-'12 GL450/'10 E550/'10 ML350/'09 C300/'07 ML350/'03 E320
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 910
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
I believe the plan at MBUSA is to phase out the basic V8 E Class. With 300 HP in the V6 and no air suspension for the V8's, what are the real advantages of buying the V8? They will still offer the AMG versions but that will be it. Get a 2011 E550 and enjoy the ride.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
I guess it makes more sense for an SUV. My E55 had it, and like I mentioned it was good but nothing great.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
MBWorld God!
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Posts: 31,273
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
twin turbo problems? no thanx, no airspension? huh?
I think the e550 will become more desirable after you
can't get one, unless it has a TT engine....
what other updates can't be lived without?
I think the e550 will become more desirable after you
can't get one, unless it has a TT engine....
what other updates can't be lived without?
