toban

What should I do?

I've waited for the 2012 E 550 for 1 1/2 years and it should be here April 4 the dealer tells me. He's what I 'm concerned and therefore frustrated about:

First, all kinds of owners frustrated with the airmatic system with problems. I was nervous when I ordered it. The service mgr who I know and said he has not really seen any problems at all but there is obviously alot of issues out there?

Secondly, I waited for the car because I wanted the "new" engine. Now, I'm reading MB is coming out with a "new newer engine" this year for 2013? It's going to be a single turbo now instead of a twin turbo? So, does this mean this "new" twin turbo engine is NOT as good as they thought? I don't want to buy a lemon engine here. Why would they change so quickly? Has anyone heard of any owners with twin turbo problems?

I have the option of backing out of this deal if I want to and don't want to be a test owner when I spending $80,000 plus.

What the hell should I do? The more I write this, the more I'm getting upset with the whole MB situation.

Help?

Toban

K-A

Firstly, if I'm not mistaken, the Airmatic has been dropped for 2012 models, so you should be in the clear there.

If not, then the chances of it failing are far less likely than it working as intended, although the problems seem to still be around with Airmatic. I wouldn't let it to be a sole reason to stay away from a 550, IF in fact a 2012 E550 has it (which I don't think it does).

Also, 99.99% chance you WILL NOT SEE A NEW MOTOR ANY TIME SOON. That article had so many holes and misinformation on simple things like how long the E-Classes production run is, to what U.S year the facelift comes out, I can't believe it passes quality control. It is incredibly unlikely. Yes, the new Turbo motors which especially coupled with D/I logistically may prove to be more unreliable in the long run than the previous non-D/I N/A motors, but this isn't singled out to only M-B. The only "chance" you're taking on it really is it being a brand new motor, thus unproven so far, so you're putting your faith in M-B and of course the Warranty to back it up. Most motors these days are getting the added complexities of Start/Stop, D/I, Forced Induction, etc., so you'll probably face that chance anywhere.

It seems like you're fine, and just over-analyzing. Take a drive in one and I'm sure your true feelings will come out.

toban

Thanks KA for your reply. Yes, I'm one frustrated MB 2nd time owner/buyer. I appreciate your comments. The airmatic is in fact standard on the 2012 E550 as I'm from Canada. I was so exited with the wait for so long only to hear these comments on the engine.

I'm purchasing this vehicle outright as this is best for me and will be keeping it for a few years but will take out extended warranty though.

Doesn't it feel ridiculous you spend this much money on an engineered vehicle because this is what you are paying for only to feel one has to buy an extended warranty?

My wife's Honda CRV didn't have any extended warranty because it's a HONDA? You don't need one? The car is much simplier though in operation.

Thanks again and will wait for any other replies.

Toban

hyperion667

Maybe Mercedes Benz isn't the car for you Toban.....you know?
You sound like you worry a lot, but maybe you'll reconsider.......

it's your choice.....
there will always be a bigger fish (engine)

ngerstman

There is certainly mixed opinion on the airmatic suspension. Under normal driving conditions it provides a very nice ride and handles well. I find it less than satisfying when the roads get rough or going through bumps or even small potholes. You have to be very careful, for example, going over speed bumps to not bottom out the shocks. There is something not right with the "travel" when there is sudden vertical motion, a key responsibility of any suspension. The owners in California and Florida are fine with it due to better roads, but not so much me in New Jersey. I had a double blowout after hitting a pothole in February 2011 which I in part blame on the airmatic. I also had my rear airshocks(or air springs as some call them) replaced after a little over a year because they were leaking over night and sinking by more than the "allowed, normal" 20mm. That was two months ago and they have been fine since. My opinion continues to be, after about 1.5 years of owning the car is that the airshocks are a potentially a good idea, but not necessarily suitable for all climates and drivers. This product has some serious issues and downsides and I'm not quite sure why Mercedes has continued to stand by it for so long. That said, these are my opinions and many others love the airshocks and would disagree with my assessment. While I grit my teeth when the airshocks do things that I hate, I otherwise really can't fault these e's, they are one of the best vehicles that Mercedes has ever made. Regards. Ned.

eagle_lex

i wouldnt worry about the motor. who knows if the new one will be out in 13 or 14 or 15 for that matter. and all the while you have a BEAST of a motor in your E550. i am however glad that the airshocks are gone in the US as standard. i cant help you there. enjoy your purchase stop stressing out and messing up the experience! if you get it and you dont like it or lust over the newer one.... just do what alot of people do... trade it in. but 99% of people would LOVE to have a 2012 E550. i consider myself lucky to own my 09 63.

Busta Riles

Hey Toban,

I have had 4 E-Classes WITH Airmatic and 2 without, over the years. Not 1 issue with Airmatic. My dad has had numerous ones as well. I also sell Mercedes-Benzes for a living. For every 1 car that has 1 Airmatic issue, there are another 50 that don't. Buy the extended warranty, drive it for 7 years worry free, and get a new car.

I too ordered a 2012 E550 & i've been driving it for 3 months. I like the Airmatic so much that i would have cancelled my order if it wasn't available. I read that same article and i've seen the proposed facelift pics recently...honestly, i don't believe they will make an engine change for next year...and i reaaaally hope they don't change the front bumper to look like those pics. We don't have all the info on 2013 E-Classes yet, but i'm sure we will soon.

If you really want to talk about it, give me a call and i'd be glad to help talk you off the ledge!

Reilly Kuski
Mercedes-Benz of Regina
306-757-2369

YYZ-E55

The 550 engine is not changing.

ImInPA

I would cancel the order and find a different car to buy. You are already not satisfied with what you have purchased, so why continue down the same path?

Live Oak

Agree. Cancel and go buy a nice Toyota Avalon. Save $40,000. Your mental health is important and keeping the MB will be constant aggravation for you.

BenzMan369

... go buy a nice Toyota Avalon.

You're cruel. Funny as hell.....but cruel.

Paxfobiscum

Cancel the order and wait for the 2013 model to officially come out. But remember the 2014 model will be better so you might as well wait for that one. By 2015, however, the car will be different, so consider that too. Bottom line is - it's always good to wait for a better and newer model. I suggest the 2015....


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Live Oak

Not cruel. I'm being supportive. I think he feels trapped in a purchase he doesn't want any more, and I think he, himself, has pointed at the solution --- cancel and get something else. Might as well save $40,000 while he's at it. Five years from now maybe MB, or somebody else will have the perfect car. Right now, for him, I'd bet neither MB nor BMW nor Lexus have the car he needs at this stage.

BenzV12

You may not cancel your order , buy your car and transform to 2013 face lifted models lol

I don't think you should vent about these updates , new changes don't mean your car is dated .
For instance : There are two versions of E350 CDI for 2011 . One is putting out 230 HP and new version is churning out 265 HP . I looked at the prices and believe in me there is only 2K in average between these cars

Engine is same only engine control unit and a few nitwits changed

I believe any 2010 owner can facelift their rides when 2013s are released if they like .
As for the new engines , I read a test review on E500 and despite downsizing it picked up higher performance figures and delievers better fuel consumption

BM2BZ

like most said, i think you've over-analyzed a bit. if you want to get the 2013 engine, you'll be the guinea pig. although it's a new engine, who knows it's better or not. you'll kick yourself if it turns out a piece of crap which i highly doubt it. what you can do if you are so desperate about the new engine, wait til it comes out and test drive it. 2012 price will drop by that time. then decide you want a new engine or lower price.

YYZ-E55

THE 4.6L BITURBO ISN'T GOING ANYWHERE!!

BenzMan369

My point was that sticking a Benz driver with an Avalon is cruel and I was being sarcastic - hence the grinny face. Didn't mean you personally were cruel. I should've worded it better.

BTW, I'm not knocking Avalons. IMO it's just that they suffer from a major Snooze Factor disorder compared to a W212.

FYI, I pretty much agree with you completely. The marriage is not getting off to a good start, which potentially bodes ill for the future.

Live Oak

If only I had been that smart with my first marriage!!!

K-A

If this is intended to be sarcastic, then well said. Get something that you're happy with, and try and find things about a car that will make it timeless to you, meaning that newer models won't necessarily upstage it to your eyes. If you can nail down a purchase like that, new engines and gadgets and even body styles might not diminish how fresh, "new to you" and timeless your car is.

Paxfobiscum

My post was a double-entedre, with one point being a candid advice to the OP that he can always just wait for the next year's model and be happy with the updates. However, my second point was me being facetious in saying that some people have problems not having the "latest gadetry" and will never be happy and satisfied with what they have. And this does not just apply to cars. I am a member of a lot of hobby forums (cameras, bikes, ski gear, etc.) and I know many people who just keep on waiting and waiting and waiting for the next year's model and never ever buy anything because they always want the latest. All that time, waiting? They could have just bought what was available here and now and enjoyed it.


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YYZ-E55

An Avalon is nothing to be embarrassed about!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe...rticle2384556/

boschk

Quit being indecisive?

There is always going to be new newer. Chasing the latest/greatest is for those with more money than they know what to do with or those that don't mind being in habitual debt.

Airmatic. Works fine, but sometimes not. You knew that going in. So, decide if you want a car with airmatic once and for all. It will save you time and your dealer to.

YYZ-E55

The guy is a spaz because he reads forums and they're predominantly "doom and gloom". Nobody is posting every morning how they came out and their car was sitting perfect.

Keepin' it real!

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...t-nervous.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/cls-coupe...-problems.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-airmatic.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...installed.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/wheels-ti...e-potenza.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...nge-tires.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...i-engines.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-airmatic.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...2012-e550.html

That's not all of them, but a good sample!!

EmE247

Already complaining about his w212 and he doesnt even own it yet.

Welcome to the forums. U r gonna fit right in.

Y preorder a car 1.5 years ahead? That doesnt sound right to me. **** you can almost make two babies in that time.

dfordham

You really have a way with words!

Regards,
Don