E550 vs BMW 550i
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
SLC43,E500
In my case, the W212 has done almost the opposite of 'growing on me'.
From the initial test drive to now, my experience is that the car continues to impress me with value that far surpasses my initial expectations prior to first seeing it in person.
From the initial test drive to now, my experience is that the car continues to impress me with value that far surpasses my initial expectations prior to first seeing it in person.
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 feel like the people who get bent about what I say, take what I say too much to heart. These are just cars, after all, I like this one, you like that one, what's the problem?
Fact is, we can have passionate debates about which car is better without resorting to taking it personally. Tell me the 5er sucks.... all good! I'm not going to lash out at you for it, I'll just rebut with why I think otherwise.
That's what makes forums interesting.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 325
Likes: 3
From: Boston
2010 E550
Thank you for taking to this healthily.
I feel like the people who get bent about what I say, take what I say too much to heart. These are just cars, after all, I like this one, you like that one, what's the problem?
Fact is, we can have passionate debates about which car is better without resorting to taking it personally. Tell me the 5er sucks.... all good! I'm not going to lash out at you for it, I'll just rebut with why I think otherwise. That's what makes forums interesting.
I feel like the people who get bent about what I say, take what I say too much to heart. These are just cars, after all, I like this one, you like that one, what's the problem?
Fact is, we can have passionate debates about which car is better without resorting to taking it personally. Tell me the 5er sucks.... all good! I'm not going to lash out at you for it, I'll just rebut with why I think otherwise.
That's what makes forums interesting.Last edited by stale-bread; May 20, 2014 at 12:30 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 405
Likes: 46
S213 E450 4Matic, W111 220SE - prior cars: 3x W212, W210 E55 AMG, W202 C43 AMG, W126 300SE
Sport does seem to be in the minority for F10 - which makes the majority of them somewhat bland, of course - the base wheels catch my eye from some distance. I don't know if the non-sport model is luxury, or just a bigger lease special 3 series. I have a P2/pano/Bluetec car, I like having something relatively unusual, too.
When I first drove a W212, a lower spec cloth car in Germany, I thought "W124", and I still think that - and I think that model influenced the interior. Some of the plastics are old school, but I don't think they are cheap per se.
When I first drove a W212, a lower spec cloth car in Germany, I thought "W124", and I still think that - and I think that model influenced the interior. Some of the plastics are old school, but I don't think they are cheap per se.
Agreed 100% and well said. Making it cost extra is necessary. If it's a valuable option, and provides true sporty needs, then charge for it. It'll also make them more interesting and "special" to see on the roads. I rarely park my F10 next to another M Sport model, yet when I had my E's, every single Joe/Jane with a lease-spec E350 (mine had P2 and more which in itself is rare on E's, again, showing how MBUSA has cultured their shoppers to never "specialize" their E's, hence me using the term "fleet car look") next to me had the exact same car. I had to mod the exterior to set it apart at least a little. My F10 didn't need any mods to get the same effect really, just the simple things I do to every car.
Yeah, I love the W211. Very timeless design to me, one consistent flow throughout the whole generation, thus will continue to age gracefully, IMO. Unfortunately, the quality isn't great and it's quite "fragile" for a Mercedes, so the W212 is a definite step up there. I do feel the W211 interior is more befit to a luxury car with nicer materials than the W212 though.
Yeah, I love the W211. Very timeless design to me, one consistent flow throughout the whole generation, thus will continue to age gracefully, IMO. Unfortunately, the quality isn't great and it's quite "fragile" for a Mercedes, so the W212 is a definite step up there. I do feel the W211 interior is more befit to a luxury car with nicer materials than the W212 though.
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
Sport does seem to be in the minority for F10 - which makes the majority of them somewhat bland, of course - the base wheels catch my eye from some distance. I don't know if the non-sport model is luxury, or just a bigger lease special 3 series. I have a P2/pano/Bluetec car, I like having something relatively unusual, too.
When I first drove a W212, a lower spec cloth car in Germany, I thought "W124", and I still think that - and I think that model influenced the interior. Some of the plastics are old school, but I don't think they are cheap per se.
When I first drove a W212, a lower spec cloth car in Germany, I thought "W124", and I still think that - and I think that model influenced the interior. Some of the plastics are old school, but I don't think they are cheap per se.
I think that the W212 (pre-facelift, looks wise) harkens a W126 theme, of course with M-B's modern styling themes/gimmicks/what-have-you's taken into account. But I can see the W124 harkening inside. The W212 interior is very 80's-esque, and I don't mean that insultingly, I think M-B made a purposeful effort to do that, to give a mental lineage from the robust 80's cars. The materials I don't think are cheap in the sense where they aren't durable, quite the opposite. However, I do think they lack in overall soft touch luxury flair, which the F10 has in spades as does the W211 even, for that matter. Though, perhaps that wasn't the W212's intention. The interior is very Germanic in the sense where it's rigid, to the point and of durable materials, though they aren't necessarily coddling or "warming" per-se. Like it's not trying hard to impress you. I enjoyed the sensical approach to my W212's interiors, very calming and secure environments, though always admitted that it didn't feel "expensive" like a luxury car sense-of-occasion kind of way to me. The 5 Series interior comparatively goes a longer way into dazzling and feeling more special inside, to me.
The facelift did warm up the interior a little bit though, but it still stays true to the original W212's inside theme.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 56
From: East coast
2010 E550 4M P2 Distronic, CLK550 Cab P2
I like a good debate too, but with KA its the same stuff over and over.......and over......and over....no new content...
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 573
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles
'19 MBZ E450 Wagon, '19 BMW 530e
Random thought as I just switched cars with my wife this week.
As I drive my F10 ActiveHybrid5, I really miss having the Panoramic sunroof in my W212 which BMW doesn't offer unless you get X3 or X5.
However if you have rear passengers then the optional 4-zone climate controls on the BMW is really cool feature to have. (I keep my dog extra cool in the backseat of the BMW)
As I drive my F10 ActiveHybrid5, I really miss having the Panoramic sunroof in my W212 which BMW doesn't offer unless you get X3 or X5.
However if you have rear passengers then the optional 4-zone climate controls on the BMW is really cool feature to have. (I keep my dog extra cool in the backseat of the BMW)
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 56
Likes: 4
w212 E350
...I'll just step out of the mud now.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,133
Likes: 265
From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
The only thing more annoying than trolls is the moron/s that keep feeding them. It is not a discussion, it is not a difference of opinion, it is trolling!
This forum is by far the worst forum when it comes to dealing with trolls.
I assume its the fact that 90% of you are too old to understand trolls and don't know how to recognize or handle them.
He only trolls the E and S class forum, because the younger guys in the C class forum treat him like a troll (they ignore him) and he gets no attention from them.
This forum is both comical and pathetic!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 325
Likes: 3
From: Boston
2010 E550
I am sorry but it seems that the only person that doesn't "get it" are the idiots that keep responding to him. He "gets it!" He knows he is a troll, he is enjoying trolling... that is what a troll does. Duh!
The only thing more annoying than trolls is the moron/s that keep feeding them. It is not a discussion, it is not a difference of opinion, it is trolling!
This forum is by far the worst forum when it comes to dealing with trolls.
I assume its the fact that 90% of you are too old to understand trolls and don't know how to recognize or handle them.
He only trolls the E and S class forum, because the younger guys in the C class forum treat him like a troll (they ignore him) and he gets no attention from them.
This forum is both comical and pathetic!
The only thing more annoying than trolls is the moron/s that keep feeding them. It is not a discussion, it is not a difference of opinion, it is trolling!
This forum is by far the worst forum when it comes to dealing with trolls.
I assume its the fact that 90% of you are too old to understand trolls and don't know how to recognize or handle them.
He only trolls the E and S class forum, because the younger guys in the C class forum treat him like a troll (they ignore him) and he gets no attention from them.
This forum is both comical and pathetic!
And we are not "morons" Tjdehya.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 394
From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
Some people like to feed the trolls. It's like feeding the animals at the zoo. Sure they may bite your hand and throw feces at you, but at least it is virtual feces on the interwebs.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 56
Likes: 4
w212 E350
I am sorry but it seems that the only person that doesn't "get it" are the idiots that keep responding to him. He "gets it!" He knows he is a troll, he is enjoying trolling... that is what a troll does. Duh!
The only thing more annoying than trolls is the moron/s that keep feeding them. It is not a discussion, it is not a difference of opinion, it is trolling!
This forum is by far the worst forum when it comes to dealing with trolls.
I assume its the fact that 90% of you are too old to understand trolls and don't know how to recognize or handle them.
He only trolls the E and S class forum, because the younger guys in the C class forum treat him like a troll (they ignore him) and he gets no attention from them.
This forum is both comical and pathetic!
The only thing more annoying than trolls is the moron/s that keep feeding them. It is not a discussion, it is not a difference of opinion, it is trolling!
This forum is by far the worst forum when it comes to dealing with trolls.
I assume its the fact that 90% of you are too old to understand trolls and don't know how to recognize or handle them.
He only trolls the E and S class forum, because the younger guys in the C class forum treat him like a troll (they ignore him) and he gets no attention from them.
This forum is both comical and pathetic!
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 405
Likes: 46
S213 E450 4Matic, W111 220SE - prior cars: 3x W212, W210 E55 AMG, W202 C43 AMG, W126 300SE
I don't know if anyone can take the "one sausage" theme further than Audi, and BMW is really in it, too. W205 vs W222 isn't much different than W203 vs W220 if you look at it - where the E was still differentiated from both. Nobody will confuse a W205 from a W222 due to sheer size - but from a distance, the BMWs and Audis can be a little harder to discern. As long as the E can have some uniqueness, the plan shouldn't be a disaster. If the E becomes a W222 clone, then there might be an issue. But as historically it has been a little unique, this might not happen.
Being reminiscent of the 80s is probably the nicest thing anyone can say about a new MB, as that the high water mark for the brand. Cars like the E are primarily intended to attract traditionalists IMO - repeat buyers who don't want something as showy as an S, but something nicer than an C. People who might relate to the design and materials. Would using more soft touch (and it's not like the E dash is hard) materials that might not have superior longterm durability help sales? I don't know if I'd bet on it. I don't need to be coddled, I want something high quality and unpretentious. I have no complaints about dash materials in my car. If anything, that same material should be used on the rear deck. I've spent time in an F11 in Germany, what I liked most was the "chime" sound - MB should come up with a corporate tone like that.
Best feature of the facelift interior is the use of metal on switches.
Being reminiscent of the 80s is probably the nicest thing anyone can say about a new MB, as that the high water mark for the brand. Cars like the E are primarily intended to attract traditionalists IMO - repeat buyers who don't want something as showy as an S, but something nicer than an C. People who might relate to the design and materials. Would using more soft touch (and it's not like the E dash is hard) materials that might not have superior longterm durability help sales? I don't know if I'd bet on it. I don't need to be coddled, I want something high quality and unpretentious. I have no complaints about dash materials in my car. If anything, that same material should be used on the rear deck. I've spent time in an F11 in Germany, what I liked most was the "chime" sound - MB should come up with a corporate tone like that.
Best feature of the facelift interior is the use of metal on switches.
Good points. Unfortunately, M-B are going even further with the "one sausage" theme now, as the W205 C looks literally like a sized down S, sans the corporate "Star grille" change. The lines and forms, lights, etc. are identically shaped to even further degrees than the 3/5/7 or even homogenous Audi Sedans.
I think that the W212 (pre-facelift, looks wise) harkens a W126 theme, of course with M-B's modern styling themes/gimmicks/what-have-you's taken into account. But I can see the W124 harkening inside. The W212 interior is very 80's-esque, and I don't mean that insultingly, I think M-B made a purposeful effort to do that, to give a mental lineage from the robust 80's cars. The materials I don't think are cheap in the sense where they aren't durable, quite the opposite. However, I do think they lack in overall soft touch luxury flair, which the F10 has in spades as does the W211 even, for that matter. Though, perhaps that wasn't the W212's intention. The interior is very Germanic in the sense where it's rigid, to the point and of durable materials, though they aren't necessarily coddling or "warming" per-se. Like it's not trying hard to impress you. I enjoyed the sensical approach to my W212's interiors, very calming and secure environments, though always admitted that it didn't feel "expensive" like a luxury car sense-of-occasion kind of way to me. The 5 Series interior comparatively goes a longer way into dazzling and feeling more special inside, to me.
The facelift did warm up the interior a little bit though, but it still stays true to the original W212's inside theme.
I think that the W212 (pre-facelift, looks wise) harkens a W126 theme, of course with M-B's modern styling themes/gimmicks/what-have-you's taken into account. But I can see the W124 harkening inside. The W212 interior is very 80's-esque, and I don't mean that insultingly, I think M-B made a purposeful effort to do that, to give a mental lineage from the robust 80's cars. The materials I don't think are cheap in the sense where they aren't durable, quite the opposite. However, I do think they lack in overall soft touch luxury flair, which the F10 has in spades as does the W211 even, for that matter. Though, perhaps that wasn't the W212's intention. The interior is very Germanic in the sense where it's rigid, to the point and of durable materials, though they aren't necessarily coddling or "warming" per-se. Like it's not trying hard to impress you. I enjoyed the sensical approach to my W212's interiors, very calming and secure environments, though always admitted that it didn't feel "expensive" like a luxury car sense-of-occasion kind of way to me. The 5 Series interior comparatively goes a longer way into dazzling and feeling more special inside, to me.
The facelift did warm up the interior a little bit though, but it still stays true to the original W212's inside theme.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
No new posts today. I guess K-A has worn us out!! You have to admire the energy that he has to write all of those mini-tomes about how vastly superior the 5 series is versus the e class and how bad our e's are. Power to him!! My final word on the topic is that there are many quantitative as well as qualitative things that go into deciding to spend as much on a luxury sedan as we all do as opposed to buying a Honda Accord that would serve the identical function for a lot less. It is definitely a total package kind of thing that in the end also has an emotional aspect that is impossible to quantify. I know that I could afford to own either vehicle and at the end of the day the e class is what I chose to buy and continue to own very happily. When I add up the plusses and minuses, the e class is the better vehicle to me and no one can tell me otherwise. As compared to the Accord, nicer design, better fit and finish, better performance, more solid, better parts, nicer paint, higher engineering tolerances. I don't think anyone would argue that. Obviously the same would be said about the 5 series as well. So as far as comparing the e to the 5 series, lots of subjective stuff and it all comes down to which total package appeals to you. They are both the next level up. Thanks. Regards. Ned.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 744
Likes: 28
From: Houston, TX
2014 E550 Coupe and 2010 E350 Sedan
Different strokes for different folks. Thank goodness for options and competition.
Personally, there are some BMW models I think are great. I just don't like the 5 series in particular. At first, the 5 looked very plain. Every one I saw was a non-M packaged one. Then they started putting (or people started buying) the M package on all their cars which seemed like a facelift to me since they started showing up everywhere. It caught my eye, nice looking car. To me though, it got old fast. On the flip side, I think the facelifted E looks great (especially in 550 coupe form
), and it doesn't "grow on" me, it just continues to look better and better.
I had options available to me after deciding to move on from the 2010 E350 sport sedan. The 5 and 6 series (and M4) in it's various trims were among those options. I think I stated this before somewhere, but I just felt better at the MB dealership. After all, that's what it is about right? How you feel, while shopping, during the purchase, and as you drive the car. MB does it for me. The BMW dealership seemed very uptight and I got the "are you lost" vibe from it. I didn't even want to test drive a car at that point.
Personally, there are some BMW models I think are great. I just don't like the 5 series in particular. At first, the 5 looked very plain. Every one I saw was a non-M packaged one. Then they started putting (or people started buying) the M package on all their cars which seemed like a facelift to me since they started showing up everywhere. It caught my eye, nice looking car. To me though, it got old fast. On the flip side, I think the facelifted E looks great (especially in 550 coupe form
), and it doesn't "grow on" me, it just continues to look better and better.I had options available to me after deciding to move on from the 2010 E350 sport sedan. The 5 and 6 series (and M4) in it's various trims were among those options. I think I stated this before somewhere, but I just felt better at the MB dealership. After all, that's what it is about right? How you feel, while shopping, during the purchase, and as you drive the car. MB does it for me. The BMW dealership seemed very uptight and I got the "are you lost" vibe from it. I didn't even want to test drive a car at that point.
Last edited by SnakeDoctor; May 21, 2014 at 02:07 PM.
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
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 325
Likes: 18
From: Canada
W213, C238
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
The new S Class goes far into fluffy-dome though. Perfume dispensers, Strip-Club like neon changing interior light, etc. The interior is quite British to me, actually, such as the little circular A/C vents, etc.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 744
Likes: 28
From: Houston, TX
2014 E550 Coupe and 2010 E350 Sedan
I have to agree with K-A on the smelly things and lighting...come to think of it, it probably is going for the strip club feel.
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
Choices are good and very necessary, but never give the consumers tooooo many choices. Otherwise you'll have the current state of certain S Classes striped in neon purple or hot pink interior lighting.
(Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler would NOT APPROVE! 
).
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
SLC43,E500
I also agree about the gaudy interiors, preferring the basic black with the burl walnut in the W212.
Unless the perfume dispenser is M-B-leather-scented, it is useless.
Anything that interferes with the unique M-B leather scent is sacrilege.
Unless the perfume dispenser is M-B-leather-scented, it is useless.
Anything that interferes with the unique M-B leather scent is sacrilege.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 405
Likes: 46
S213 E450 4Matic, W111 220SE - prior cars: 3x W212, W210 E55 AMG, W202 C43 AMG, W126 300SE
You notice the smell too? Every time I go to an auto show or the dealer and sit in a new highline model, the smell is intoxicating, so sweet and clean. My W212 might have 1/10th of that - or I am just used to it now.
W222 is something, much of it seems to be extravagant and overdone just for the sake of it - think Homer Simpson's personalized talking astrolabe. But at the same time, it seems like an amazing amount of machine for the money - it's head and shoulders above the other mainstream luxobarges, and closer to a Bentley (especially with the diamond pleated upholstery) than close to the others. I suspect rumors of an upcoming BMW 9 series are simply to have it competing with upper range S-class.
To me, the most tasteful interior in a modern model is in a W126 - the late run 89-91 models specifically. Spartan by the gaudy mcmansion tastes of today, but clean, timeless, elegant.
W222 is something, much of it seems to be extravagant and overdone just for the sake of it - think Homer Simpson's personalized talking astrolabe. But at the same time, it seems like an amazing amount of machine for the money - it's head and shoulders above the other mainstream luxobarges, and closer to a Bentley (especially with the diamond pleated upholstery) than close to the others. I suspect rumors of an upcoming BMW 9 series are simply to have it competing with upper range S-class.
To me, the most tasteful interior in a modern model is in a W126 - the late run 89-91 models specifically. Spartan by the gaudy mcmansion tastes of today, but clean, timeless, elegant.
