SolidGranite

So after weeks and weeks of deliberation I finally got myself in to a new 2011 E550 4Matic. I drove all of the following to make sure this was the right choice for me. BMW 535i, BMW 550i, BMW 750i, Audi A6, 2011 MB E350, 2012 E550 and of course the 2011 MB E550. My E550 came equipped with the following options. White diamond paint, black leather, black maple wood, P2, pano roof, dynamic seats, rear deck spoiler, rear folding seats and illuminated sills. It took a lot of work but I managed to get $14200 off the sticker.

I couldn't be happier with my choice and love this car through and through. I am only slightly disappointed it doesn't have the color gauge cluster but after all the searching and dealing there was no way I could be even more picky.

A few comments about all the different cars I drove.

535i: Pretty ugly in the rear and not enough power for my taste. Nice interior and great seats and LOVE the giant nav screen. Great 8-speed trans. Steering wheel is way too thin.

550i: All the same points about 535i but much faster. Still couldn't get over the ugly rear and overall uninspiring look of the 5 series.

750i: Gorgeous in and out. Plenty of power. Service history scares the crap out of me as these cars have issues. Same probably goes for the 5 series. Also, in the end it was just too big.

Audi A6: Was my 2nd choice after the E550. This car has it ALL and then some. Wonderful toys. Amazing color screen inside gauge cluster. Powerful MMI. Very fast. Very fast transmission. VERY fuel efficient. What's not to like? Ugly wood trim/aluminum options and almost no discount off the price. A 60k A6 will be worth 40k in a year or so. The car is just too hot right now to consider.

2011 E350: Just not quite enough oomph for my taste. Forced to pay a lot more for a P2 car since they are so rare on the 350s. No airmatic. Non-existant engine and exhaust notes. Drives quite well and is super quiet when not under duress.

Coming from a 2009 RWD E550, the 2011 with 4Matic is surprisingly fun. It was about 20 degrees here today and whenever I mashed the gas I just WENT. Whereas in the 2009 RWD, my tires would spin constantly and even in warmer weather but just not as bad. The transmission in "E" mode also feels much more responsive than the 7-speeder in my 09. In "C" on the '09 you were always waiting for a shift. I was forced to put the car in "S" to get it to respond quicker. I would never tick the $800 box for illuminated sills but I have to say I like having them. Why are they $800!?!?! Noise levels from inside the cabin seem to be noticeably quieter versus my 09 as well which surprised me a little bit. All in all just a fantastic automobile. Luxury, class, sporty, comfort, safety and POWER. What more could a guy ask for?

CEB

Congrats. Great color combo and good price. Much better than black outside.

BM2BZ

congrats, solidgranite ! you've finally done it and i think you've picked the right car. i'm a long time bmw guy and it's hurting me to say but i personally don't really care the exterior style of the new 5er . that's the main reason why i made the change. love audi a6's interior but exterior is too plain. but man the 7er is one hot machine . did you try the 740i? i really think it's bang for the buck. but just a bit too big for me. no matter what, you won't regret a bit on what you've done especially after you got a good deal. enjoy your new toy !

BenzV12

Congrats, I believe you did a good choice

hyperion667

awesome and congrats, and door sills are so sweet.......
I love mine and am so pissed I don't have thn on either AMG

K-A

CONGRATS broham! Great choice, damn. I agree with your assessments of the other cars.

You'll love the character differences-yet similarities with the venerable W211.

ngerstman

Wow, $14,000 off sticker!!!! Great bargaining. That is one heck of a car for the mid $50s. Your patience paid off. That's playing it pretty close to the vest as you won't find any new 2011's soon. I guess for that price it wasn't worth testing the new e350 with the new bigger engine. I have had my e550 for over a year now and am still impressed by how well the car is made. Feels like a tank. No rattles, solid. I did just have my rear air shocks replaced. I believe there is a problem there, maybe even a TSB. If your rear sinks over night by more than 20mm, there is a problem. Congrats and enjoy. Regards. Ned.

K-A

Helluva ride for mid $50's indeed. Damn.

SolidGranite

Thanks guys. I am definitely impressed with the white diamond paint but do agree with some of the folks who said it's only noticeable when clean. Probably another option I would not have paid for if I were ordering one but heck, after this kind of discount I don't care for a second.

Raymond Lee

Take a good care of your baby. The car needs to be loved! It is a good car indeed.

gmeup

Hi nice purchase, congratulations. In Australia they do not sell AWD Mercedes only RWD as no snow here suits me fine so i can do my burnouts from time to tme haha.

Did you get the 5.5 v8 or the new twin turbo?

Mbenz260e

Congrats sounds like an awesome config and awesome deal!

I agree with you on the Diamond white which is what I have. I never would have ordered it and wasn't really considering white at all until I saw how great it looked in person.

Ed99

I was looking into the same cars like yourself and ended up with an E550 4matic. Can't be happier and still loving it.