disadvantages in 4 matic
#1
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disadvantages in 4 matic
what would they be if any
im asking in case we decide on an e550 instead of cls
we dont live in a snowy or rainy environment
the car will not be modified. we just need a nice comfortable ride
im asking in case we decide on an e550 instead of cls
we dont live in a snowy or rainy environment
the car will not be modified. we just need a nice comfortable ride
#2
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From a stand-still, when you need maximum acceleration, you can't make an idiot of yourself by needlessly embarrassing yourself with spinning rear wheels and noise when you want the car to just fly away with no drama ![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Seriously, the E550 V8 works superbly with 4MATIC. It is great for surefooted acceleration and handling. Even if I lived some place that only gets occasional rain and no snow, I would still get it.
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Seriously, the E550 V8 works superbly with 4MATIC. It is great for surefooted acceleration and handling. Even if I lived some place that only gets occasional rain and no snow, I would still get it.
#3
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As an engineer, I just can't get past having AWD (all the time) living in OC. As such, I'll wait to see what MB does in the future with the E-Class before I get my next one (I'm on my second).
If you really like the car and you like the way it drives, then go for it and I'm sure you'll love it. If you're worried about the reliability then purchase an extended warrantee that will cover the time you anticipate owning it.
#4
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
More things to go wrong, no staggered wheels, less MPG, heavier car, not as "fun" (if you care about exploiting "fun" virtues of a RWD car on the likes of an E-Class Benz), maybe noisier drivetrain?, maybe less smooth to operate, less HP going to the wheels therefore less actual HP which mainly shows up in the higher speeds, etc. Also, TJdeya I think it was had an RWD E550 and had to pick up a 4WD for some reason after, and said that it felt a lot less refined, more rough and crude in the drive department, for what it's worth.
Many of those are very minor factors in comparison with RWD, but they're there.
Many of those are very minor factors in comparison with RWD, but they're there.
#5
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More things to go wrong, no staggered wheels, less MPG, heavier car, not as "fun" (if you care about exploiting "fun" virtues of a RWD car on the likes of an E-Class Benz), maybe noisier drivetrain?, maybe less smooth to operate, less HP going to the wheels therefore less actual HP which mainly shows up in the higher speeds, etc. Also, TJdeya I think it was had an RWD E550 and had to pick up a 4WD for some reason after, and said that it felt a lot less refined, more rough and crude in the drive department, for what it's worth.
Many of those are very minor factors in comparison with RWD, but they're there.
Many of those are very minor factors in comparison with RWD, but they're there.
Obviously,KA you have never owned one. It actually drives better and feels glued to the road no matter what the road conditions are. Reliability is equal to RWD. I have owned both and would never go back to RWD. My wife's 2013 E Coupe 4Matic will be our 19th MB. This is based on real experience and not from a guy who knew a guy that said....
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#6
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Obviously,KA you have never owned one. It actually drives better and feels glued to the road no matter what the road conditions are. Reliability is equal to RWD. I have owned both and would never go back to RWD. My wife's 2013 E Coupe 4Matic will be our 19th MB. This is based on real experience and not from a guy who knew a guy that said....
Obviously AWD has many of its own benefits. I for one prefer RWD due to my geographical location not "needing" AWD, but am not opposed to AWD.
Then again, as a safety>all type of person, I would embrace the added safety benefits of AWD over RWD as well. I guess I'll take whatever's closest.
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2012 CLS63
no burnouts!! haha...
but lots of traction....
that's why I wanted it....
NC gets gnarly ice in the winters, and rain too....
sometimes snow......
just wanted some estra assurance you know?
but lots of traction....
that's why I wanted it....
NC gets gnarly ice in the winters, and rain too....
sometimes snow......
just wanted some estra assurance you know?
#10
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right but in my situation, no snow, barely any rain, so i dont care for it, but if my dad decides he likes the E better than CLS then we are stuck with it....
#12
anyway, 4matic only adds about 100lbs to the weight and has no effect on ride hieight (unlike some other luxury cars where the AWD version is noticeably higher). the disavantages are really negligible, and unless you're a RWD fanatic who just won't be happy if you can't do donuts and go sideways at stop lights (been there...), there's no reason to hold it against the car.
-brent
#14
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#15
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I have owned AWD and RWD MB E Class's and prefer RWD model. It feels more sporty and dynamic compared to AWD. For me AWD drives like SUV.
I think you need to go to your nearest dealer and try both cars. It is all the matter of personal preference.
I think you need to go to your nearest dealer and try both cars. It is all the matter of personal preference.
#16
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I was born and still live in New England, and so have driven in snow my whole life.
We own a 4WD Ford truck, and also a Honda Odyssey (front wheel drive) and the E350 bluetec, so rear wheel drive. I guess we have one of each.
To me, I can boil down driving in snow to a few simple bullet points:
1. Keep great tires on the car with plenty of tread. I do switch the Honda to Blizzaks in the winter.
2. Slow down A LOT.
3. Four wheel DRIVE is not four wheel STOP. Even with ABS, it will take a LOT longer to stop than if you're on dry pavement. I see a lot of SUV's in ditches on the highway because they are foolish enough to think they can go fast and stop fast.
When I bought the E350, the salesman told me that 95% of what they sell is 4MATIC, which I believe. For the $1000 extra, if you live in snow country, you might as well have four wheels driving instead of two.
For me, buying the Bluetec, which forced me to 2WD, was not a deal killer. The huge gas mileage difference was worth the very tiny downside of having 2WD instead of 4WD, but then I have grown up driving in snow, and know how to be smart and safe when the road is white or wet.
We own a 4WD Ford truck, and also a Honda Odyssey (front wheel drive) and the E350 bluetec, so rear wheel drive. I guess we have one of each.
To me, I can boil down driving in snow to a few simple bullet points:
1. Keep great tires on the car with plenty of tread. I do switch the Honda to Blizzaks in the winter.
2. Slow down A LOT.
3. Four wheel DRIVE is not four wheel STOP. Even with ABS, it will take a LOT longer to stop than if you're on dry pavement. I see a lot of SUV's in ditches on the highway because they are foolish enough to think they can go fast and stop fast.
When I bought the E350, the salesman told me that 95% of what they sell is 4MATIC, which I believe. For the $1000 extra, if you live in snow country, you might as well have four wheels driving instead of two.
For me, buying the Bluetec, which forced me to 2WD, was not a deal killer. The huge gas mileage difference was worth the very tiny downside of having 2WD instead of 4WD, but then I have grown up driving in snow, and know how to be smart and safe when the road is white or wet.
#17
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No snow, no rain - You do not even need to think about a 4 - wheel drive or an AWD. And, when it comes to MB with it I would not have it if I did not need it, period.
For some reason MB makes the worst AWD drive system of all car makers based on what can be read in the internet. If I lived in a winter snow area and needed an AWD car I would not be driving a MB made vehicle until the other maker's patents run out and they can make one good one too.
#18
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whats your issue with MB;s system
problem i have is the e550 is only 4wd, my dad doesnt like the cls, even tho im pushing for that
wonder if 2013 will get no awd. ...
problem i have is the e550 is only 4wd, my dad doesnt like the cls, even tho im pushing for that
wonder if 2013 will get no awd. ...
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
I guess it depends on how you drive as well. As I'm quite heavy footed, I much enjoy the traction of AWD paired with large engines with lots of low end torque. Having owned several AMG RWD cars, I actually prefer the E550 4matic for street driving, I'm just sick of the traction control lights flashing away when I drive aggressively.
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Porsche 911 Turbo S 2014! E63S 14, Audi S8 13, CLS63 12, E550 12, C63 09, all tuned
Ok, I tuned my e550 4 matic to 530hp 606tq, put Amg 255/285 wheels on it.
Took it to the strip ran a 12.5 qtr mi, 111.5mph. Runs with no drama, just launches quietly, stealth speed! Looks great. Anyother questions?
Took it to the strip ran a 12.5 qtr mi, 111.5mph. Runs with no drama, just launches quietly, stealth speed! Looks great. Anyother questions?
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#23
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4Matic cars cannot use staggered wheel setup. Why is that? Answer is that they cannot allow speed difference between front and rear axles.
Reason for this is that they use a very cheap differential locking system between the axles. I understand it is just like a multi disk brake/coupling arrangement, which will wear out and over heat with too much speed difference between axles.
I don't think, for example, Audi has this problem.
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Porsche 911 Turbo S 2014! E63S 14, Audi S8 13, CLS63 12, E550 12, C63 09, all tuned
Arrie,
What speed difference? The front and rear are the same diameter.
The CLS 550 comes with 265/285 tread widths.
What speed difference? The front and rear are the same diameter.
The CLS 550 comes with 265/285 tread widths.
#25
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4Matic cars cannot use staggered wheel setup. Why is that? Answer is that they cannot allow speed difference between front and rear axles.
Reason for this is that they use a very cheap differential locking system between the axles. I understand it is just like a multi disk brake/coupling arrangement, which will wear out and over heat with too much speed difference between axles.
I don't think, for example, Audi has this problem.
Reason for this is that they use a very cheap differential locking system between the axles. I understand it is just like a multi disk brake/coupling arrangement, which will wear out and over heat with too much speed difference between axles.
I don't think, for example, Audi has this problem.
BTW Audis, except Lambo based R8, all use non-staggered OEM setups.