Decboy

I was told by the dealer that MY2013 will have no changes for the E Class here in the States. Does anyone know any inside info as to whether or not MBUSA will offer the E550 in RWD for 2013? I read here that many complained about the lack of RWD option so I hope MB listened for 2013.

I live in SoCal and don't have a need for the 4 Matic and I don't like how you lose the staggered wheel setup. I may add that I'm not fond of the added weight with 4 Matic. Kind of a deal breaker for me at this point.

dan1495

I have to admit that I was not thrilled having to get 4matic on my 2012 E550. In my case, though the non staggered wheel setup is OK. I put quite a few miles on my cars so this arrangement allows for tire rotation which enhances tire life. Living in Houston I don't need 4matic for snow but it does seem to help while driving in rain. I can't tell any difference in the way the car drives on dry pavement other than the fact that it puts all the power to the ground.
I'm not trying to change your mind, just pointing out some observations after owning one for awhile.

tjkaz

You can read the ordering information here, and it doesn't look like there's a RWD option for the 550 in '13.
I'm with you brother, as I also live in SoCal and am not interested in AWD. This is my second E and I would consider my next MB as an E as well but only if they bring back RWD.

Decboy

Over two years ago when we bought our '11 E350, we were so close to getting the E550 but didn't think we need the extra HP and Airmatic. Seeing the '13 being TT V8, standard 4 Matic and Airmatic being special order, I have regrets.

'10 and 11' E550 owners have their cake and eat it.

rlsolomon

I'll toss in that having owned AWD cars now for 20+ years I will not go back to 2WD regardless of the climate in which I might live.

With that said and well understanding folks' personal preferences/insistences, perhaps take a look at the BMW 550i - you can even get a real transmission if you settle for RWD! For me personally I'm more willing to give up the 3rd pedal (after never in my life owning a 2 pedal car) than I am to give up AWD. YMMV, etc.

Richard (Certified Manual Transmission Bigot)

Karl901

I bought a new E550 4matic 2012 and had a Renntech tune to 530 HP and replace the stock 245s with 255/285 18 Amg wheels. Works fine looks great and the car is faster then a E 63 NA.

rlsolomon

Wow, they're pretty proud of that at almost $2800! Did the upgrade inlude a whole new ECU or is it just a reflash or ? Might not be far off if it's a replacement modified ECU and you retain your original ECU to swap back but seems quite pricey for a reflash (or heaven forbid an interposer)....

What are your before and after dyno or other measured results?

Richard

BudC

When I saw what was coming in 2012, I ordered a 2011 E550. Rear wheel drive, AirMatic, no direct injection (with it's problems), Luxury model and no turbo.

Karl901

RISOLOMON,
You looked at Renntech web site, are you blind, 530hp 606 TQ. It would eat your old Audi's lunch. Spend some money, buy a real car.

rlsolomon

Emphasis added for the obnoxious guy. I saw the claims. I'm interested in real numbers - in no small part because even Renntech is admitting MB under specs the engine. That makes calibrating dyno numbers tough - as he apparently doesn't realize.... Most tuners (if they actually dyno) measure "before" at the wheels and say that's the spec HP/TQ and fudge the difference as the loss - then reverse the calculation for their after wheel numbers to claim crank numbers. If the engine makes more power than rated then how did they figure the drivetrain loss?

Apparently Karl901 is happy spending "some money" without "some facts" but some people (apparently including this blind guy) aren't. I'm further concerned with all tuner products at altitude - but I'm guessing he wouldn't know a compressor map if it leapt out of his apparently oh-so-bottomless checkbook.

Richard

Karl901

Richard,
Come on down to Palm Beach and tell Renntech they are full BS, and then we will go out to Palm Beach raceway for some track time. You must need that Audi for you rocky mountain highs. Why, are you on the MB threads anyways?

rlsolomon

ROFLMAO - let me put this in language you can understand:

Arrie

And it tastes pretty darn good too....!