Cost vs. Power
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Junior Member
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Mercedes 2011 E350 2010 Range Rover Sport LUX
Cost vs. Power
For those of you who use your cars as daily drivers, what would be the benefit of the 550 or AMG W212 vs just the E350? I realize the difference in power when you press the pedal would be nice at times, but do those of you who own the faster models really go racing to the grocery store and to work? The E350 seems to have plenty of power. What do you use the extra HP for and is it enough to justify the extra 10k-40k price tag? Also, do the engines in the 550 or AMG take away from the quiet luxury ride?
P.S. I wouldn't mind hearing from hyperion667 on this, since he just ordered an E63 to replace a 350.
P.S. I wouldn't mind hearing from hyperion667 on this, since he just ordered an E63 to replace a 350.
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
The V8 is a much more balanced and smooth motor. The V6 tends to get coarse as it approaches higher rpms. I had the 350 and it was a bit of a rough engine. The equally balanced cylinder design (4 on each bank versus the odd three) tends to always be smoother. Any current V6 design has improved over the years and has lots of noise damping and better mounts compared to the past.
Whether you notice these things or if it even matters to you, is subjective and depends on your own experience with different motors, etc..
Whether you notice these things or if it even matters to you, is subjective and depends on your own experience with different motors, etc..
Out Of Control!!
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
This really comes down the the individual. Of course the people who paid more for the 550 felt those rare moments when they can unleash that power are enough to justify the price difference.
Me, I drove both back to back, and I didn't really notice a big power difference, however that's because I drove them like I normally would, i.e mellow, in traffic, lower RPM's, etc. When I did "floor it", I felt the power difference, but it was mostly a non factor because I'd rarely unleash that.
It's all about your preference. I've rarely, if ever found my E lacking around town, or when I need some speed from it, and it does have good low end Torque. The only time when I found my car a bit underpowered was when I had 3 people in the car and on a Highway trip.
Me, I drove both back to back, and I didn't really notice a big power difference, however that's because I drove them like I normally would, i.e mellow, in traffic, lower RPM's, etc. When I did "floor it", I felt the power difference, but it was mostly a non factor because I'd rarely unleash that.
It's all about your preference. I've rarely, if ever found my E lacking around town, or when I need some speed from it, and it does have good low end Torque. The only time when I found my car a bit underpowered was when I had 3 people in the car and on a Highway trip.
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2012 CLS63
P.S. I wouldn't mind hearing from hyperion667 on this, since he just ordered an E63 to replace a 350.
first, I'm keeping my 550 too(daily driving), and second, it isn't a 350 it's a 550....
and don't forget about the airmatic, another price reason, and mine is 4M too,
another price jacker.....
the extra horses come in handy on a daily for many different reasons......fun, need, and of course besting your American counterparts....
when I say 'need' sometimes it's needed to pass someone driving like a turd or something.....
but mainly it's power and airmatic ...
do 3's come with the 4M?
first, I'm keeping my 550 too(daily driving), and second, it isn't a 350 it's a 550....
and don't forget about the airmatic, another price reason, and mine is 4M too,
another price jacker.....
the extra horses come in handy on a daily for many different reasons......fun, need, and of course besting your American counterparts....
when I say 'need' sometimes it's needed to pass someone driving like a turd or something.....
but mainly it's power and airmatic ...
do 3's come with the 4M?
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2011 E550 Sport (traded), 2012 SLK 350; 2013 GL450 on order for OCT delivery
I agree with hyperion, the advantages to the E550 are the smooth V8 power and the airmatic suspension. These items are significant. The E350 power may be "adequate" but, personally, I do not care for V6 engines in heavier vehicles where the vehicle must downshift a lot to maintain speed on upgrades or to pass other vehicles. Also, the difference in ride between an E350 and the E550 is remarkable. Of course, you also get leather interior standard if that is of any interest to you. I had a 2008 S550 before purchasing my current E550. They have the same engine/drive train and same suspension, and they ride and handle the same. I think the E550 is the best buy for the money of the Mercedes line.
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From: Perth, Western Australia
W212 E500, W164 320CDI, W116 450SEL 6.9, W116 450 SEL.
Easy smooth power and the brilliant airmatic suspension with two characters. No contest - E550.
As well Australian E500's come with almost everything as standard with a price tag that is a bargain against an S500.
As well Australian E500's come with almost everything as standard with a price tag that is a bargain against an S500.
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From: SoCal
'14 ML350 GONE-'12 GL450/'10 E550/'10 ML350/'09 C300/'07 ML350/'03 E320
Not sure where you're getting the extra 10K-40K! numbers (assuming you're in the US). in the US, the E550 is just $7,700 more than the E350, with that you get the V8 engine, airmatic suspension and leather interior. Well worth it in my opinion. Have you driven the E550? Once you drive it compared to the E350, it becomes a matter of want, not need. As for the ride, it is smooth and powerful (on the right roads).
Once you make the jump to the E63, it's apples and oranges.
Once you make the jump to the E63, it's apples and oranges.
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: DC
E550 (W212) 2010
It must be mentioned that in addition to the insignificant, in my view, surcharge of $7.7K for the V8 your insurance will be slightly higher along with gas expenses. All in all add another $500 to $800 per year.
The power you get for it is well worth it though. I get to use extra horses every day I drive to work. To me the ability to accelerate equals safety. If you are a good driver you will definitely appreciate it.
Airmatic suspension is a nice perk. I often switch to Comfort in the city - it makes you ride a little higher and with a nice, stately shock absorption.
The power you get for it is well worth it though. I get to use extra horses every day I drive to work. To me the ability to accelerate equals safety. If you are a good driver you will definitely appreciate it.
Airmatic suspension is a nice perk. I often switch to Comfort in the city - it makes you ride a little higher and with a nice, stately shock absorption.
Member
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From: Staten Island, NY
2023 GLE 450 4Matic; Past: 2019 GLS 450; 2011 E550; 2007 E63; 2003 E500; 1999 E430
I was going from an E63 to and E350 with a heavy heart. ONE DAY BEFORE I was to pick up the E350 the dealer called me to tell me my lease on the E63 could not be bought out early. That was enough for me to test drive the E550. Let me tell you the extra $7,000 is worth it for the E550 (bought this one). The E350 seemed to strain while the E550 was effortless on the road. The E class in terms of engineering should have an 8 cylinder engine, not a 6. Maybe the TT V6 will change that, but I am very happy with my choice of vehicle.
Out Of Control!!
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I was going from an E63 to and E350 with a heavy heart. ONE DAY BEFORE I was to pick up the E350 the dealer called me to tell me my lease on the E63 could not be bought out early. That was enough for me to test drive the E550. Let me tell you the extra $7,000 is worth it for the E550 (bought this one). The E350 seemed to strain while the E550 was effortless on the road. The E class in terms of engineering should have an 8 cylinder engine, not a 6. Maybe the TT V6 will change that, but I am very happy with my choice of vehicle.
BTW, can you elaborate on the Lease buy out early thing? Were you trying to buy our your E63 before your Lease was up (to save money on the upcoming Rental/Lease payments) for the Residual value?
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
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From: So. Cal.
Current: 2011 W212 Previous: 2008 W211 2006 550 2001 Rover 1997 W210
For those of you who use your cars as daily drivers, what would be the benefit of the 550 or AMG W212 vs just the E350? I realize the difference in power when you press the pedal would be nice at times, but do those of you who own the faster models really go racing to the grocery store and to work? The E350 seems to have plenty of power. What do you use the extra HP for and is it enough to justify the extra 10k-40k price tag?
Thats like asking Porsche owners why they chose the 911 Turbo over the Boxster.
My bro has a E63 and its a completely different beast than my E350. If you enjoy driving, you will enjoy driving the E63 more than the E350. If I had the money to burn, I would be in a E63 as I am sure most other E350/E550 owners here...
Member
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From: Staten Island, NY
2023 GLE 450 4Matic; Past: 2019 GLS 450; 2011 E550; 2007 E63; 2003 E500; 1999 E430
Regarding the lease buyout or early termination, please refer to this thread.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-tomorrow.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-tomorrow.html
