neverlose

Hello all brand new member but been lurking for months. This forum has been a great source of information so first I'd like to just thank you all for all of the content and information provided.

So I've got a lease up on my current car in April and have been researching cars the past few months. I'm 90% sure I'm going with a w212.. it's a matter of just which one. The reason for this thread specifically is how noticeably different is the power in the 350 between 2011 and 2012. The 2012 goes up to 302 hp, however most of the stats I've been able to find online indicate no change in zero to 60 time, is this the case? Would a tune from oetuning (which pushes the NA 2011 motor to 284 hp) actually feel faster than the 2012?

The only thing that's pulling me away from picking the w212 is the power. I test drove a 2010 350 and while it wasn't a dog, it wasn't necessarily invigorating either. I could go for the 550 but in my price range I'd be looking at a 2010 550 and I'd like to have that extra year of warranty if possible. Aside from the fact that the airmatic suspension is a concern as far as long term maintenance costs.

Alternatively I've looked at 2011 535i's, 2012 xf's, and 2012 a6's (3.0) however each of those come with long term reliability concerns not present in the mb and the jag/audi price would have to come down a bit to be in my sweet spot.

K-A

I felt the 2012 felt noticeably faster when you really got on it, but around town it felt pretty similar. The 2012 kind of felt like the 2011 with more anger and aggression when you punched it. I wouldn't say it's night and day due to the range of power not being so noticeable at all times, but again, you can actually feel the extra oomph when you're looking for it.

neverlose

Thanks for the info dude appreciate the feedback. How did the 2012 feel compared to your f10 535?

K-A

No prob man. The 535 feels considerably faster to me. I'd say the 535 feels more like a V8 with all that low end torque. Also namely because the figures BMW puts out for the N55 motor are pretty largely underrated. A big kicker is also the 8 Speed tranny being so well geared especially with the various settings that accompany it which really change its character.

Of course we're taking an I6 Turbo vs V6 so the overall feel is also pretty different. I think 535i 1/4 mile figures generally should be about a half second or so quicker than the new E350.

That said I found the new E350 plenty fast for me and of course being an MB the power delivery is smooth and all. It has some anger to it when you Punch it off the line.

petee1997

I have owned a 2010 and 2011 E350. My wife now has a 2013 E350 with direct fuel injection and it is a much superior performing car. This engine has been in North America for two years now and you will not find any complaints.

The BMW has the same hp but more torque due to turbo fuel injection, making it a little faster o to 60. K-A says the Bimmer hp is underrated. That, simply is not true.

As far as the BMW335 being more like a V8, is also incorrect. I have a 2013 CLS 550 4.6l twin turbo V8 with 443 lbs of torque. It just blows the doors off the BMW 335.

You will not be disappointed with the E350 but if power is a big deal, wait a few months and order the 2014 E350. This is a face lifted model with a new twin turbo engine that develops 329hp and will leave the BMW in the dust.

ImInPA

I have had both as loaners from my dealership. I think the bump in power is very noticable. I also very much like the sound of the DI motor at the higher revs. I have also noticed that the newer notor returns noticably better mpg as well, at least with my driving style. I do not think you would be disappointed with either engine.

K-A

Actually the N55 is quite underrated. a 4100 lb car that generates a trap speed of 99-101 MPH and dyno's at 277 RWHP (and well over 280 RW Torque) on a completely un-broken in motor, will net over 320 crank HP. The 2012 E350 is a more accurate description of a true 300-ish HP as it trapped around 95-97 when I read statistics on it in a magazine (can't remember which one). It also weighs less than the 535i which further shows how underrated the N55 is.

As far as "feeling like a V8", you've said that before yourself, lol. Didn't your 3 Series have an N54? I'm not comparing it to a TT V8 like the CLS, I'm saying the down-low torque and grunt of the N55 feels more like a V8 than a V6 (it makes its peak torque at around 1,200 RPM's and holds it). In fact the motor is known to be stronger down low and if anything run out of breath at higher RPM's, which is VERY uncharacteristic of a BMW I6 engine, and more characteristic of a typical V8 motor.

I recently drove a brand new CLS550, and around town I didn't notice a big difference in torque than from my car. In fact, due to gearing more than anything I felt more usable torque at the pedal with the 535i as the CLS550 had more noticeable Turbo lag. It was when I punched it the CLS's power difference shined and the car pulled me back to my seat in a way my car certainly won't.

As for the facelift. The 329 HP in the E will probably have it putting out numbers similar to the 535i, with a slight edge due to less weight I'd assume. However the 329 HP from what I understand is not confirmed to be the E350 as it may have the exact same output and motor as the current years.

K-A

Found some specs I was looking for, since Petee is very sensitive toward me when I utter the words "BMW" these days.

C&D tested a 2012 E350 Wagon 4Matic to a 14.6 @ 97 MPH. The Sedan should post probably a a MPH higher due to (maybe?) some weight savings.

C&D got a 2011 535i at a 14.2 @ 102 MPH.

The E350 makes its PEAK torque at of 273 lbs/ft at 3,500 RPMS. The 535i makes its PEAK torque of probably a realistic 330 lbs-ft (I've seen dyno's range from 280 to over 300 at the wheels) at a whopping 1200 RPM's and holds it. Hence why I said it "feels more like a V8".

The 2010-2011 E350 will make its peak torque of 258 lbs/ft at 2400 RPM's. Which gives it a nice smooth ride around town, IMO. Its 1/4 mile tests usually range around 14.9-15.0 at around 94-95 MPH (for the Sedan).

Hopefully those figures help you out, O/P. I'd recommend the 2012 E350 if you are in any way concerned about acceleration. Though I found my 2010/2011 E's more than capable around town, if performance is something you're seeking, you'll most certainly be happiest with the 2012+.