2012 E550 Twin Turbo V8 Reliability
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
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2011 E350
2012 E550 Twin Turbo V8 Reliability
It's been about a year now so wondering if there is now sufficient data on the new TT V8 on the E550. I took my car for service yesterday and took the chance to test drive the new engines V6 and V8. The new DI V6 is loud and isn't as smooth has my NA V6. I now understand how many folks complain about the ticking noise on the V6.
However the V8 is a different beast by itself. I didn't notice the ticking and it seems much smoother until you floor the thing then you feel a kick. The V8 is DI too but no ticking noise. Wife also has an X5 TT DI V6, no ticking noise. Not sure if it's just the Merc design on the V6.
Anyhow, I'm tempted to upgrade to the 550 so wondering if any current 550 owners can shed some light on their new TT V8. Thanks.
P.S. I found out you can special order Airmatic on the '13 E550.
However the V8 is a different beast by itself. I didn't notice the ticking and it seems much smoother until you floor the thing then you feel a kick. The V8 is DI too but no ticking noise. Wife also has an X5 TT DI V6, no ticking noise. Not sure if it's just the Merc design on the V6.
Anyhow, I'm tempted to upgrade to the 550 so wondering if any current 550 owners can shed some light on their new TT V8. Thanks.
P.S. I found out you can special order Airmatic on the '13 E550.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I hate the ticking of the new 6's. Sounds like a Diesel at idle (I don't like that sound). Interesting that your N/A 6 compared to the new 6 like that. I feel that the previous non-DI V6 is a great and seemingly extremely durable and trouble free motor (no D/I, moderate compression, good powerband, etc.), and should probably outlast most of M-B's newer more "technical" motors. My only real issue with it is the lousy MPG per HP ratio.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 356
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2021 GLE 450
I own a 2012 E550 4 matic here in Canada. I love the engine. It's very smooth and quiet vs what people have said about the engine leading up to it's release. I hear no ticking sounds but has a nice growl to the engine. It is indeed a beast on power but also great on fuel mileage on the highway due I think to the twin turbos.
I have 810 miles on the engine. I guarantee you will like it.
Toban
I have 810 miles on the engine. I guarantee you will like it.
Toban
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I have heard a new CLS on at a Dealer (cold start) and I did hear a very noticeable tick (two of them were on actually, both with audible ticks), however, it's not as bothersome as the 6's I believe, due probably to the fact that the motor itself is louder and a little deeper due to the obvious extra sound providers (more cylinders, turbo's).
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I haven't seen too much discussion comparing the new versus the old v8. Did any off you guys trade from the naturally aspirated engine to the new TT v8? How do they compare? Are there plusses and minuses or all upside. Thanks. Ned.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 216
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From: Clear Lake Shores, Texas
2026 AMG CLE 53, 2026 BMW X5, 1972 Corvette
Most people will agree that the new tt engine is a huge improvement over the old n/a 5.5 engine. I have owned both. I have 11,000 miles on my 2012 E550 and it has been flawless. I have also seen as high as 28 MPG at at a steady 75 MPH.
Don't listen to people that have not driven one,
Don't listen to people that have not driven one,
Last edited by dan1495; Jul 12, 2012 at 08:24 PM.
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Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 111
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From: California, USA
11' E350, 12' E550
Love the TT V8, feels much better than my 11' NA V6. Yes, I think it is little bit louder, but that's comparing with a V6 to V8 though. I have not driven an old MB NA V8 so can't compare that.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I had an 2012 E 350 as a loaner when my car was having the wood trim replaced. I noticed nothing unusual about the engine sounds, and, having a Bluetec, I can absolutely assure anyone that the new DI V6 does not sound anything like a diesel. The injectors are a bit noisier, but, they are also operating at higher pressure levels and are able to inject fuel multiple times during a combustion cycle. I personally think the new V6 is a much nicer engine. Would it make me dissatisfied with my older V6? Nope. It is a nice improvement though.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
2012 E550
i don't think you're going to find much *data* on the reliability of an engine that's only been available for a year, and sells in small quantities (i heard somewhere that ony about 5% of E-classes are V8s). you just have to make an educated guess with new stuff like this.
anyway, i have 8000+ miles on mine and no complaints. full torque comes at like 1700 RPM, and you have AWD to put it all to the ground. 28+ MPG on the highways, too. what's not to like?
BTW, Airmatic was avaible for 2012 as well. i have it on mine.
-brent
anyway, i have 8000+ miles on mine and no complaints. full torque comes at like 1700 RPM, and you have AWD to put it all to the ground. 28+ MPG on the highways, too. what's not to like?
BTW, Airmatic was avaible for 2012 as well. i have it on mine.
-brent
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 11
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E 350
I own a 2012 E550 4 matic here in Canada. I love the engine. It's very smooth and quiet vs what people have said about the engine leading up to it's release. I hear no ticking sounds but has a nice growl to the engine. It is indeed a beast on power but also great on fuel mileage on the highway due I think to the twin turbos.
I have 810 miles on the engine. I guarantee you will like it.
Toban
I have 810 miles on the engine. I guarantee you will like it.
Toban
Last edited by Sandy06; Feb 13, 2013 at 09:28 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: St. Paul, MN
2013 E350 Wagon, prev 2005 ML 500 SE
V6 DI
I had an 2012 E 350 as a loaner when my car was having the wood trim replaced. I noticed nothing unusual about the engine sounds, and, having a Bluetec, I can absolutely assure anyone that the new DI V6 does not sound anything like a diesel. The injectors are a bit noisier, but, they are also operating at higher pressure levels and are able to inject fuel multiple times during a combustion cycle. I personally think the new V6 is a much nicer engine. Would it make me dissatisfied with my older V6? Nope. It is a nice improvement though.
My 2013 seems way quiet---wonder if they changed anything?
I was expecting ticky ticky and I can't hear any.
Pleasently surprised.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 261
From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
My TT V8 in my CLS is flawless. It delivers super power for a 4.6L engine and is very economical on the highway. Cruising at 110 KPH(68mph) the engine turns at only 1500rpm.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
Very reliable and quiet. Was expecting more low end torque when comparing it to the W210 E55 5.4l AMG (similar hp and torque ratings), but then, it's a much smoother experience (with AWD).
Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 233
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From: Texas Hill Country
2020 AMG GTR
Dont confuse DI and FI..... DI is still NA, but FI is not.
There are many many things that can make an engine feel smooth or not smooth from the driver seat.
My E350 is very very quiet, nothing like a diesel. It's quite possible you are tuning into the exhaust note, which is possibly different, most people do highly correlate the sound of an exhaust system with the sound of the engine, even though you can make the same engine sound many different ways with small alterations to the exhaust system.
If you mean it is loud with the hood up, might I ask, why are you driving with the hood up?
There are many many things that can make an engine feel smooth or not smooth from the driver seat.
My E350 is very very quiet, nothing like a diesel. It's quite possible you are tuning into the exhaust note, which is possibly different, most people do highly correlate the sound of an exhaust system with the sound of the engine, even though you can make the same engine sound many different ways with small alterations to the exhaust system.
If you mean it is loud with the hood up, might I ask, why are you driving with the hood up?
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 11
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E 350
Has anyone experienced the following with the E550? Mine is a 2013 model with less than 7000km on it (4500 mikes).
A) rough start up for about a minute. Dealer says engine is designed to misfire for about a minute in order to heat up catalutic converter and meet Califirnia emission standards
B) occasional not smooth roll to a red light, or in heavy traffic. This is like a jerking motion or hesitation, a back and forth non-smooth stop approaching a red light or during stop and go in heavy traffic. Dealer has no explanation for that and could not duplicate. This is perceptible approximately once every 200-300 miles.
C)occasional rough ride even at higher speeds, say up to 30mph (50 km/hr) after the car has been sitting in a parking lot for a couple of days? This could last for 2-3 miles. Dealer says this is normal until the "performance" tires warm up. Again, this is inconsistent happening once every 20-30 start up and after the car has been parked for a few days.
D) occasional engine misfire, not more than 2-4 times in a period of 30 seconds or less, while the car is idling. One feels this misfiring through your body sitting in the drivers seat. Dealer has no explanation for this.
Other than these annoyances, the car us great, smooth, powerful, comfortable.
I would appreciate any comments. Thanks.
A) rough start up for about a minute. Dealer says engine is designed to misfire for about a minute in order to heat up catalutic converter and meet Califirnia emission standards
B) occasional not smooth roll to a red light, or in heavy traffic. This is like a jerking motion or hesitation, a back and forth non-smooth stop approaching a red light or during stop and go in heavy traffic. Dealer has no explanation for that and could not duplicate. This is perceptible approximately once every 200-300 miles.
C)occasional rough ride even at higher speeds, say up to 30mph (50 km/hr) after the car has been sitting in a parking lot for a couple of days? This could last for 2-3 miles. Dealer says this is normal until the "performance" tires warm up. Again, this is inconsistent happening once every 20-30 start up and after the car has been parked for a few days.
D) occasional engine misfire, not more than 2-4 times in a period of 30 seconds or less, while the car is idling. One feels this misfiring through your body sitting in the drivers seat. Dealer has no explanation for this.
Other than these annoyances, the car us great, smooth, powerful, comfortable.
I would appreciate any comments. Thanks.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 27
From: Clear Lake Shores, Texas
2026 AMG CLE 53, 2026 BMW X5, 1972 Corvette
E550
Has anyone experienced the following with the E550? Mine is a 2013 model with less than 7000km on it (4500 mikes
I am now up to 25,000 miles on my 2012 E550 and I have not experienced any of these symptoms. The car has never been back to the dealer other than for normal maintenance.
I am now up to 25,000 miles on my 2012 E550 and I have not experienced any of these symptoms. The car has never been back to the dealer other than for normal maintenance.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 639
Likes: 14
From: Suburban Phila., PA
2012 E350 Coupe
Has anyone experienced the following with the E550? Mine is a 2013 model with less than 7000km on it (4500 mikes).
A) rough start up for about a minute. Dealer says engine is designed to misfire for about a minute in order to heat up catalutic converter and meet Califirnia emission standards
B) occasional not smooth roll to a red light, or in heavy traffic. This is like a jerking motion or hesitation, a back and forth non-smooth stop approaching a red light or during stop and go in heavy traffic. Dealer has no explanation for that and could not duplicate. This is perceptible approximately once every 200-300 miles.
C)occasional rough ride even at higher speeds, say up to 30mph (50 km/hr) after the car has been sitting in a parking lot for a couple of days? This could last for 2-3 miles. Dealer says this is normal until the "performance" tires warm up. Again, this is inconsistent happening once every 20-30 start up and after the car has been parked for a few days.
D) occasional engine misfire, not more than 2-4 times in a period of 30 seconds or less, while the car is idling. One feels this misfiring through your body sitting in the drivers seat. Dealer has no explanation for this.
Other than these annoyances, the car us great, smooth, powerful, comfortable.
I would appreciate any comments. Thanks.
A) rough start up for about a minute. Dealer says engine is designed to misfire for about a minute in order to heat up catalutic converter and meet Califirnia emission standards
B) occasional not smooth roll to a red light, or in heavy traffic. This is like a jerking motion or hesitation, a back and forth non-smooth stop approaching a red light or during stop and go in heavy traffic. Dealer has no explanation for that and could not duplicate. This is perceptible approximately once every 200-300 miles.
C)occasional rough ride even at higher speeds, say up to 30mph (50 km/hr) after the car has been sitting in a parking lot for a couple of days? This could last for 2-3 miles. Dealer says this is normal until the "performance" tires warm up. Again, this is inconsistent happening once every 20-30 start up and after the car has been parked for a few days.
D) occasional engine misfire, not more than 2-4 times in a period of 30 seconds or less, while the car is idling. One feels this misfiring through your body sitting in the drivers seat. Dealer has no explanation for this.
Other than these annoyances, the car us great, smooth, powerful, comfortable.
I would appreciate any comments. Thanks.
Anyway:
There are many outstanding MB dealerships/service departments throughout the world. Unfortunately, it's clear yours isn't one of them.
Find another dealer with a good rep. and take your car there ASAP. I'm no techie, but there is NO excuse for the symptoms your car is exhibiting. It may be a simple fix, like a software problem, or something more complex in the engine/powertrain. Whatever it is, don't waste time getting it properly diagnosed and repaired. There is a possibility of serious damage if allowed to continue.
The new DI engines may sound noisy on the outside of the car, but inside they are quiet and smooooooooooth under nearly all conditions!
Others here may be able to give you more specific advice. If you don't get many responses, try posting this in a stand-alone thread.
Good luck and please let everyone know the outcome. Perhaps also the name of this dealer-to-be-avoided, if it turns out I'm right.
Last edited by BenzMan369; Mar 28, 2013 at 02:04 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,914
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
The two main dealerships in Toronto are factory stores. The 4.6tt in my car is flawless.
Last edited by petee1997; Mar 29, 2013 at 11:53 AM.
