stoulan

Hi,
coming from 2010 BMW 535i, I saw E550 and was very impressed, we still do not have 2012 in Canadian showrooms to try so appreciate your feedback from owners of (2012 E550) on the following:

1- New engine torque, how does it feel is it available at low rpm or need to rev engine up?
2- I saw complaints on engine tick noise is that only at idle while engine is cold or goes away when it is warmed up?
3- Fuel consumption ?
4- Handling, did anything changes or Airmatic still delivers same performance?
5- What do you dislike about car?
6- Brakes I saw it has bigger brakes does anyone know how it improved 60-0 I think it was 126feet for 2011?

Thanks for your input.

B6JoeS4

1-there is significantly less low end torque comapred to the outgoing 5.5. v8. It's pretty anemic below 3000 rpm. Kind of annoying and it doesnt have a powerful feel to it.
2-It ticks a lot when cold, and still quite a bit when it's hot. It's just how DI engines are
3-too soon to tell. Still breaking in
4-Airmatic is still the same
5-Lack of low end torque. Maybe it will gain some once things are broken in
6-Yeah they are 4-pot Brembo monoblocks. I would guess 110 or so

ImInPA

I have not driven the 2012 E550, but, your observations are contrary to everything I have read about the new engine. Maybe it is just a break-in thing. Once you can really wind it out, you may be pleasantly surprised. I sure hope so.

B6JoeS4

Yeah I hope so too. The car only has 200 miles on it right now, so I will keep you updated. Hopefully it's just the break-in limiting boost and timing that makes it feel like a 4 cylinder

silberrosa

As for the low-end torque, the smooth delivery may be fooling you into thinking is comes on later. However, the facts are in the numbers and these show the new engine is superior in providing more torque at lower rpms compared to the previous engine. The 2011 550 had 391 lb-ft which was delivered 100% from 2,800-4,800 rpm. Impressive yes, but the 2012 550 has 443 lb-ft which is delivered 100% from 1,800-4,750 rpm. Fuel consumption is also better per the certification numbers. 2012 E550W4 16/26 compared to 15/23 for the 2011 E550W4. The 2WD E550 is no longer offered for 2012. Who knows about real world but they'll certainly also be better. Given the cars only launched a few days ago, I would expect opinions to become more plentiful. You might try the CLS, S or CL board as these cars have had this engine a bit longer. From what I have seen, it is awesome in every way. It actually feels like a V12 in how the torque is delivered. Good luck.

ImInPA

silberrosa, it is possible that the poster is also new to MB and is not yet use to the fact that you have to be a bit more deliberate in pressing the accelerator. It is hard to believe the new engine could feel like a four cylinder engine. With only 200 miles on it, it has probably never been romped. I think one the poster slams that pedal down, he will feel all 8 cylinders and a the rush of additioanl torque the new engine produces.

B6JoeS4

We used to have a 2011 E550 that was lemoned by Mercedes, so I do know how it compares first-hand to the 5.5L.

The 4.6tt just feels different and less "raw". But it still is breaking in, so I will say no more until it's been broken in.

I will say this, you can hear the turbos spooling which is cool. Surprised you can hear them but I like it