2012 E-Class changes - No Airmatic
 

Following link shows the 2012 e-class changes coming for US model

http://www.benzonly.com/article30.aspx


No Airmatic :nix:

Still no confirmation for Canadian E-class model, I checked with my salesperson. I hope they include Airmatic for E550

What a shame - sounds like a cost cutting exercise to stop the E550 competing with CLS and S550.

The two things I like most about my car are the airmatic suspension and the engine - in that order.

The new engine better be good or an E350 would be a better bet.

This article completely thrashes the new E550... Particularly, I don't understand the elimination of RWD - this is strange...

This was discussed here. https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...2012-fall.html

I'm glad more people are confirming the changes coming in 2012. The 2011 E550 Luxury I ordered arrived on April 25th. I believe I got the last slot the dealer had for 2011 orders.

And the 550i.
The 2012 E550 now sound like a POS compared to the W211 V8.

Very informative read, also I've never been to that site before, thanks for the link!

This quote from the article is interesting:

Cons:

New engines sound weird! It reminds the sound of old Turbo Diesels. Based on the sound, some folks may even think they have some problems or malfunctions in the car. But don't rush to Mercedes service department just yet, because this sound is normal for these new motors.

--
This is a longshot, but has anyone here actually had a chance to hear one of the new engines?

I read about a CL somewhere that had one of the new engines. The author of that article said the engine sounded very nice. Haven't seen "weird" used to describe the new engines.

I think it refers to a new feature on some V8 engines equipped with ECO Start/Stop. When you start it cold - it sounds like misfiring, but once it warms up - the sound changes to normal. I guess it reduces the emissions and saves some gas, but the side effect is tractor-like sound...

I like in the individual options that you can get the 19" amg five spokes, that and the color lcd center info center. Besides that, so glad I have a 11' 2wd 550.

For E550, I have no problem with 4matic only or dropping airmatic all together. IMHO, with all that new torque - 4matic is a must for most people buying it (from FL summer downpours to NE winters).

I don't see any reason to get 4Matic - regardless of torque, especially in LA. All Worlds best and high performance cars are RWD, including the best sports cars... Even cops drive police interceptor RWD Crown Victoria!

Besides, 4Matic is proven to eat more gasoline than RWD. And when you try to call your insurance company, the 1st question they ask: is it 2WD or 4WD, and as soon as they hear 4WD - your insurance premium is raised...

Most of those cars are "second" cars and are not driven in Florida's downpours nor in North East's or midwest's winters. However, I do agree that LA is one a the few places in the US that above may not apply.

People (me at least) in this price league do not give a damn about a few hundred dollars extra a year for gas or insurance. If one or both are an issue, then one should stay with E350 and save at least $8K on admission price. Period.

I went from a 2011 rwd E550 to a 4matic E550, my insurance increased precisely $0 with Progressive.

I don't think the E550 coupe ever had Airmatic, it doesn't have it now if it ever did.

The E will also have to wait till 2014 before it gets the new Parktronic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADJ175QwiSM

Sorry, the E550 is neither one of the world's best cars nor a high performance car. And some of the world's best performance cars do indeed have AWD. Immediately coming to mind are the Bugatti Veyron, the Audi R8, and some of the Porsche 911 Turbos.

Your driving habits likely make a far bigger impact on gas mileage than does 4matic.

Funny, my insurance co was more interested in the optional safety equipment. I don't remember 4matic being an issue at all. And knowing a little bit about how insurance is priced, the only thing I can think of that would raise the premium is the additional cost to repair or replace, which would not be significant I would think. In fact, if 4matic owners were statistically safer drivers (or a statistically safer demographic) -- plausible perhaps -- then it might go the other way.

Can't drift a awd or do a burnout..... joke! lol I do use my 550 for a second car, have a cummins 4wd for bad weather, and every day use. I agree that most 550 owners have their cars as a second vehicle. IMOP.

A bit confused here on why everyone is bashing on the 2012 e550. I am debating between a m3 and e550. Leaning towards the m3 because the torque and the sound. If those are my two most important criteria, should I wait for the 2012 E550, which is supposed to have higher torque and thereby greater sound on lower rpms?

A m3 is 2wd, a 2012 e550 will be awd. Better comparing a m3 to a c63. Two totally different cars you are thinking about, even if it was a 2011 2wd.

Agree: M3 should be compared to C63 AMG, which is by far more superior than M3, in my point of view, because AMG guys are serious people, and they know how to produce the serious performance...

I totally understand that. Assuming, however, I do want to get an E550, and also assuming that torque and "grunt" is what I want, should I wait for the 2012 E550 or get the 2011 edition. I read that the engine sounds weird in the 2012?

EDubya, based on your "color" thread in the E series Coupe section of these forums, perhaps your reference to the '12 E550 is intended to mean the coupe version which is rwd? Most of this discussion is about the 550 Sedan version which will become awd.

You misunderstood what I meant above. IMO, E550 is not a second car, hence 4matic for a 440 torque everyday car is a must.

When refering to "second" cars, it was meant as a reply to a different poster talking about sports cars and high performace cars (as correctly noted above by someone else, E550 is none of the above - its a luxury car with a kick ass power) being RWD.

wow, guess that will make mine a little more desirable if I resell?

thanx for the link

Also, I'm pretty sure the current 5.5L V8 will be more reliable and last longer than new supercharged 4.6L V8. Because it is naturally aspirated and NOT turbo driven...

This information about no airmatic on e550 differs from a post a few weeks ago. Are we sure about this? I for one won't miss the airmatic. I think that it is a flawed suspension which is geared for handling at the expense of comfort. I would gladly take a well designed spring/shock system that finds the proper balance between comfort and handling, historically a Mercedes strength. Regards. Ned.