WEBSRFR

"4Matic is parasitic to HP"

I'm not sure I agree. Based on MB published figures E550 RWD is 5.2 and E550 4MATIC is 5.3 to 60. I would hardly call that parasitic. I understand you want your thrill but I think the 4MATIC system serves the vast majority of MB drivers well and keep them out of trouble on dry and wet pavement alike. It also gives you much more steady and surefooted acceleration from a standstill FWIW.

hyperion667

Parasitic?? tell that to my 550

threeMBs

Oh really? So why the f... do you want 350 BT 4matic? Proper snow tires aren't enough for you?

One maybe able to get away in E350 Rwd under any conditions with proper tires, but E550 (with its massive torque) will definitely benefit by 4matic (still with the same proper tires) under most adverse conditions.

Get it to your head - 4matic does not mean snow, even though it seems that's how MB's 4matic allocations work. One must understand that AWD "options" cost money, and most people in the "sun belt" do not want spending it since they "do not need it as awd=snow". Hence MB sells rwd MLs here as well.

There is a ton of Audi Quattros in FL - no one complains. Personally experienced its benefits when once a rear wheel hit an unnoticed deep puddle on a highway at night - there would be a high chance of losing control or even spinning had it been a rwd at the velocity I was traveling at (yes, I'm not "a responsible adult").

PGT

engrish?

PS - I HATE poddles

threeMBs

Yes, I knew it was comming. I'm staying on the topic, as long as the point is understood, everything else is secondary, IMO.

PS: fixed it for your reading pleasure.

PGT

tires > drive system. AWD doesn't do much good at speed but you pay the weight penalty of carrying it around. Frankly, I do just fine in DC winters with the RWD E550 Coupe and proper tires (Conti DWS).

On my STI, I had custom ECU maps done for the SI-Drive System. One was a "no boost" map; that in conjunction with the the differential locked at 50/50 and performance A/S tires was barely livable in DC winters. Switch to a normal map and it was nothing but wheelspin in the white stuff. The same solution on proper winter rubber would have been much more capable.

I also learned how to drive in a RWD V8 station wagon in upstate NY winters west of Buffalo along Lake Erie, so that helps a lot.

threeMBs

No argument from me on your point - tires are THE most important part of the driving envelope. Unfortunately most people (and especially those with rwd pickups in FL) do not understand this - they keep on driving until they're almost slicks. I remember the first time I drove RS6 (it was delivered to northeast region in winter on UHP summer only tires) just for fun in the snow - all four wheels were spinning, but car would not move.

ttoE550

The driver counts a lot too - IMO, more than the tires because a good driver would know not to drive if the tires are inappropriate.

But I learned to drive on snow and ice while delivering papers in Amarillo, TX. I lived in Boston too, and the snow/ice was much more challenging in Amarillo (these are different time periods, so maybe the comparison is not fair). Amarillo did not have plows and did not salt. It didn't snow or ice often enough to warrant the expense. Amarillo streets also have deep drainage ditches at most secondary intersections. So ice would build up at night (when I delivered papers) and there'd be huge ruts. There was no choice but to learn to drive "rally-style" - barrel in and keep the car moving. Couldn't get stuck because no one was around to help. Did it in a FWD Ford something or another.

My daily driver in Boston was a Porsche Boxster (RWD). Never had a problem because the streets were always clean.

YYZ-E55

4MATIC would be the biggest advantage that you'd have in a 550 vs 63 race.

You should go test drive a CLS 550 2WD and 4MATIC back-to-back - I think it would sway you toward 4MATIC if you're concerned about stoplight drags. Be warned, however, that the ESP sucks in the non-AMGs. It can only be defeated in Dyno mode.

ImInPA

Not to sink to your level of ignorance, I desire a 4Matic with Bluetec, not for handiling, but for better straight line traction in snow. I have owned many AWD vehicles, and the only apreciable difference. assuming you are a good driver in the first place, is better straight line acceleration. With 400 ft-lb of torque AWD does have an advantage in straight line acceleration. No will complain having it, so that point is ignorant. You have done nothing to change the facts that I stated. I respect your opinion, but, the facts you invented are BS. There is no logical argument for AWD in South Florida. You have only shown that you understand very little about vehicle dynamics. I do not fault you for your lack of knowledge though, you simply need to read more for comprehension. Good luck to you in that endeavor.

BenzV12

I see many Ranger Rovers and these come with AWD and you can't turn if off to RWD . So, 4 MATIC is a cool choice and I also don't think 4 MATIC is parasitic to HP but MPG lol
An E350 CDI 4 MATIC gets as worse as 14lt/100 km in city wheras E350 CDI gets a better fuel consumption like 11 lt/100 km in same conditions

I would like to have $ MAtic I mean 4 MATIC

ImInPA

The parasitic losses will always be greater with AWD Vs. 2WD. just more gearing to turn. This, plus the additional weight of AWD components conspire to reduce fuel economy.

ttoE550

Two articles on point:

http://www.baileycar.com/winterdrive_html.html

and

http://www.eclassbenz.com/buyers-gui...l-wheel-drive/

Glad the first points out that AWD shines on hills, which is why I need my 4matic. I love blasting past the neighbors stuck on the hill!

YYZ-E55

Not true. Enjoy the 2012 fuel economy ratings for a subset of MB's 2012 lineup. Shown are the fuel economy values for 2WD vehicles and their 4WD companion.

ImInPA

Is the gearing the same in all of those models? Look, I was just stating a few facts. Don't let them get in your way. Enjoy.