stoulan

Hi,
I'm new to this forum and interested in 2012 E350 with sport package.
Currently I own BMW 535i and would not go for F10 (2012 535i) as it is not as nimble as my old model (steering is main thing as F10 is electrical which lost a lot in road feedback).

I need feedback from members to help me with few questions:
1- E350 with sport package how tight is suspension, I mean on highway and in turns how does handle?

2- Steering center feel, and in corners do you need any corrections when going straight or good feedback?

I plan to test drive 2012 but your feedback will greatly help.
Thanks.

dfordham

It's no BMW. The C class has noticably sportier suspension and steering than the E and the C350 has the same engine as the E350.

I would describe the C class as FUN to drive, while the E class is ENJOYABLE to drive.

Regards,
Don

ghstudio

ditto on the above....I drove the c350 and it is a much better "driving" car and with 2012 has a new interior very much like the e from pictures. The e is a more comfortable for 4-5 passenger car and is a joy on an interstate...but it's not a BMW. I actually opted for the bluetec e-350.

I'd give a good look at the new Audi A6 or A7...it is closer to the BMW 5 series in handling.

ImInPA

In either example given above, I think you will find both the E and C 350's to have much less bottom than the i535. That turbo really brings the torque in at low RPM. I think you would be happier with the either of the V8 alternatives in the E range.

K-A

Although BMW made the F10 soft enough for it to be almost subjective as to which of the F10 or W212 Sport are "sportier" than the other, I found them to be almost oddly similar, with BMW keeping remnants of their Sport undertones over what the E offers, while M-B kept remnants of their Luxury undertones over what the F10 offers.

If you think the F10 is too soft, I don't think a non AMG E-Class will be your ticket, as you'll probably find it a little more comfort oriented than the F10. Although, over rougher roads and bumps, the ride of the E Sport can get a little harsh.

Magazines, while criticizing the hell outta the F10's newfound serenity and softness, are jumping to giving the new A6 Test winnings in hoards, in terms of the Sporty/driving dynamics aspect. I'd check that car out if I were you.

Personally, I like it how it's supposed to be: BMW garnering the no-compromise Sporty victory, with M-B being the no-compromise Luxury champion. It's not as much fun with them trying to grab each others Market Share so vehemently, they're invading on the others turfs so wildly, in some cases they're crossing over.

stoulan

Hi,
Thanks for all the replies and clarifications, I'll wait for E550 to test drive, also based on comments will definitely try A6. In the meantime will keep my E60 (535i). One issue I found with BMW F10 is departure from hydraulic steering to electrical. That made feedback from road lacking and numb feeling. Even with handling package still not as my old model.
But that is life and will move on.
Regards.

ghh429

No, the E350 is nowhere near the E60 in terms of nimbleness or driver feel. The new F10 is pretty bad also (only went on a few test drives). Far better than the W211 but still drives pretty heavy. That said the F10 I believe is 200lbs heavier than the W212 at a super porky 4200lbs. I really had my heart set on the new M5 but that's probably not going to happen anymore... Used Panamera turbo or E63 AMG I guess...

BenzE350

As a former owner of the E60 (535i) and current owner of an E350 let me advise that you give the E350 a long test drive before committing.

The new F10 electronic steering may be subpar compared to the E60, however, it is still superior to the E350.

IMO, the biggest issue with the E350 Sport is that the ride is jarring and harsh over anything less than perfect roads.

K-A

The harshness factor hasn't bugged me for a while on my new 2011, but recently, as if the structure is already being compromised, due to poor suspension qualities in diffusing harsh roads, it's starting to really bug me again. Also, I'm noticing some rattles (that I think are coming from inane places, unrelated to road impacts, hopefully), that may or may not be related to that. It's once again come to be my biggest and almost only major issue with this car.

BenzE350

It's definitely my biggest issue with the E350 Sport. It's so bad that I mainly use the MB for long highway rides. For most trips around town I use my son's Mazda 3 (he is away at college) that has a far superior ride for less than 1/3 the cost.

stoulan

Hi,
I did test drive for Audi A6 2012 last week and awaiting E550 to come to Canadian show rooms. A6 was fun, great handling and no lean in sharp turns or signs of body roll. I'm sure new E550 with twin turbo is great just have to wait. I do not know if Airmatic system can be covered by extended warranty as I saw folks talking about 6K repair but will ask dealer. Thanks for all input that really helped.

K-A

My Chevy Malibu also gobbled up road imperfections, granted that car made my E feel like a 911 in terms of handling, and had 16" wheels, but c'mon, this is M-B, we should be able to have our 18's, with a nice lowered stance, and a plush ride.

When I go over the road reflectors that divide the lanes, it sounds like my car is gonna explode, it's so loud and jarring.

ImInPA

With possible exception of the E63, I personally do not understand why anyone would consider and E for any type of sporting intentions. By its very design, the E was built to be a cruiser. The luxury suspension truly makes this vehicle feel like a more expensive car than it is. Now, I would think the E63 would come closer, but, in all fairness, at the price of the E63, there are other cars I would consider instead. During my test drives of both the E sport and E luxury sedans, I thought the sport felt better initially, but, I felt that the luxury suspension would be better over the long term for me.

K-A

I agree. I don't get how people are expecting sportiness out of the E, in fact, sportiness takes away from the very large appeal that the E has always held over the competition (Classic M-B Luxury and Comfort), hence our complaints about jarring, uncharacteristic rides.

I wish I could get the functionality of the Luxury Suspension with the look and stance of the Sport Suspension/Wheels. I'm sure the ride is much more dialed in/not-confused, and I'm sure the car will stand the test of time without pressure to the frame and eventual possible rattles from the Sport Suspensions inability to diffuse those well enough.

ImInPA

LOL...K-A, I think you are being too hard on the sport suspension. Trust me, the body shell of the W212 is strong...very strong. You could probably run solid bushings and stiffen the suspension quite a bit more without compromising the chassis's integrity. The interior sounds you hear will likely just go away as the car settles. At 23K miles virtually all of the annoying noises have settled in. I have to hit a pretty sharp bump to upset the interior bits. I do not think the Luxury suspension's compliance is likely to make much difference on the body integrity. For me, I set out to get the most fuel efficient, large, heavy, and comfortable cruiser. In this size, the E350 Bluetec has no competition in the US. It is virtually in a class of its own.