Buyers remorse
12-02-2013, 09:04 AM
#53
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2010 E350 Sport
Bought my '14 e350 (my first mb) about 5 weeks ago. I love everything about it. However, I keep thinking I should've pursued the 550. I just need to know if I sold myself short going with the 350. I love the way the car looks and feels. I just always said I wanted a luxury sports sedan. And I have the looks of it, and don't get me wrong, the v6 is peppy, i just wonder if I'd regret getting the 3 if I drove the 5. My wife would kill me if I told her I was thinking if going back.
I ultimately want to get the E63. So maybe I'll keep this for several years and that'll be my next purchase. I have no need to purchase vehicles since I drive a company owned vehicle day to day so I don't put hardly any miles on my car anyway.
Has anyone felt or gone through what I'm experiencing?
I ultimately want to get the E63. So maybe I'll keep this for several years and that'll be my next purchase. I have no need to purchase vehicles since I drive a company owned vehicle day to day so I don't put hardly any miles on my car anyway.
Has anyone felt or gone through what I'm experiencing?
12-07-2013, 05:54 PM
#54
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Actually, I believe starting in 2011, they were all 4matics. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure it began in 2011.
To the OP, a 12K hit sucks. That's on top of the extra costs of a 550. That being said it might be good to wait a year or two and then pounce on a 550.
I have the 5.4L engine, and with the Brabus exhaust, that beast really comes alive on the hwy. I'm considering the RennTech tune, which will boost it 20 HP/TQ or 5%, which is max for a N/A car. That would get this baby around 420hp with exhaust, plus the wonderful V8 rumble.
To the OP, a 12K hit sucks. That's on top of the extra costs of a 550. That being said it might be good to wait a year or two and then pounce on a 550.
I have the 5.4L engine, and with the Brabus exhaust, that beast really comes alive on the hwy. I'm considering the RennTech tune, which will boost it 20 HP/TQ or 5%, which is max for a N/A car. That would get this baby around 420hp with exhaust, plus the wonderful V8 rumble.
12-07-2013, 06:53 PM
#55
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2014 C63amg, 2014 E350 4matic Sport, 2009 Escalade ESV, 2007 GMC Sierra
I think the best plan for me would be to keep my car for 1-2 years. Then find a low mileage '14 550 and trade in. My car will have low miles. Until then I'll enjoy driving my 350. Some people mentioned going for a pre '14 used but I love the new facelift so it'll be '14 or newer for me. (The last body style took some time but definitely grew on me)
12-08-2013, 06:00 PM
#56
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2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Never even considered the 550. Way more power and expense than I wanted - and for sure didn't need.
Have owned my share of performance cars in the past, so I knew what I wanted and didn't want.
Bottom line, how will the car be used, who will drive it the most, is it really worth the extra cost in the long run? BTW, insurance and property taxes (if you have them) will also go up with the 550.
Have owned my share of performance cars in the past, so I knew what I wanted and didn't want.
Bottom line, how will the car be used, who will drive it the most, is it really worth the extra cost in the long run? BTW, insurance and property taxes (if you have them) will also go up with the 550.
12-08-2013, 07:48 PM
#57
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E350 still has plenty power, so 550 was an option for me just because it has leather. From other side you will notice worse MPG, and it isn't price concern, it is most concern how frequently you need to look for a gas station instead of follow a normal direction. I live in SFBA that road are crowd any day time regardless holidays and weekends, there are simply no room to exercise power of your car enough. You can hit 130mph in one mile road segment and then the rest 20 miles you will follow under 40mph just waste power of your 8 cylinders.
12-08-2013, 10:45 PM
#58
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ecu tune; edok tcu tune; BB intakes; dyno tuned
That feeling of wide open throttle in my 550 is worth every single penny I paid for this car -- to each their own. This car is a beast in a tuxedo. No thanks on the E350 for me, a great car, but underpowered for my desires for my daily driver.
12-09-2013, 06:29 AM
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12-09-2013, 08:20 AM
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2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R
The attractions of the V8 are several: It is not just ultimate power, but fluid, relaxed, power in daily driving. With the E550 I get ample thrust at moderate acceleration without having to listen to high engine RPM as the transmission is forced to downshift to provide engine speed. Relaxed power, for me, is more important that quarter-mile speed potential. Refinement and smoothness--that's one key to mid-sized car luxury. Ride is another consideration, and AirMatic together with the comfort setting provides part of the answer.
Last edited by marvinlee; 12-09-2013 at 04:27 PM.
12-09-2013, 04:13 PM
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2014 CLS550 4Matic
We have both an E550 and E350 and the 350 is well, a disappointment compared to the 550. The smooth effortless power of the BTV8 is both remarkable and intoxicating. The loud harshness of the straining V6 is like I said, disappointing. Its going to cost you quite a bit to change up at this point so understandably it may not make sense right now. But I would keep my eyes and mind open for an opportunity that would be more palletable in the near future because the 550 is just that good. In the meantime your E350 is still a nice car to get you around. 
12-09-2013, 04:29 PM
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2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R
The forthcoming 4.0 liter V8 with a nine speed automatic should make an even better combination. For now, I find the 4.6 engine and seven speed to be just right. It is a bit like the old giant American V8 engines without, however, their horrendous fuel consumption and crude transmissions.
12-09-2013, 08:27 PM
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ecu tune; edok tcu tune; BB intakes; dyno tuned
crude transmissions is right!!
12-09-2013, 09:03 PM
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2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Peter, what do your statements "Defective Transmission package," and "Defective Steering Column package" refer to? Breakdown, operation, finesse, ???
12-09-2013, 09:26 PM
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ecu tune; edok tcu tune; BB intakes; dyno tuned
marvin -
i bought a 2014 E550 pre-order, on delivery, the transmission was "clunky" -- downshifting from 5th to 4th gear was rough -- ultimately after battling with two dealerships and involving MBUSA, mb replaced the valve body and the transmission now is acceptable (not perfect, but acceptable)
Also, the steering made a grinding/creaking noise with slow movements, and there was a TSB for this and they replaced the steering column... both jobs equalled about $8000.00 combined (parts, labor) -- all done under warranty of course.
I still love the car -- i'm just a realist and I know this car isn't built like a honda (to last for years to come)
i bought a 2014 E550 pre-order, on delivery, the transmission was "clunky" -- downshifting from 5th to 4th gear was rough -- ultimately after battling with two dealerships and involving MBUSA, mb replaced the valve body and the transmission now is acceptable (not perfect, but acceptable)
Also, the steering made a grinding/creaking noise with slow movements, and there was a TSB for this and they replaced the steering column... both jobs equalled about $8000.00 combined (parts, labor) -- all done under warranty of course.
I still love the car -- i'm just a realist and I know this car isn't built like a honda (to last for years to come)
12-09-2013, 09:53 PM
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2021 Cirrus Silver S580 AMG, 2020 Polar White GLE350
There is a significant difference between the 350 and 550. I currently have a 2010 and 2014 E550. The 2014 has a better sound upon excelleration and a few more horses than the 2010. Both cars have a smooth powerful feel upon acceleration that tha 350 does not have. I have driven a number of 350's as loaners and like the cars, but there is a huge difference in how the cars handle on the road. I find the 550's to be accelerate powerfully from any speed while the 350's can strain a bit at times. The power is there when you need it with the 550 and you can accelerate with confidence from any stoplight. In the end it comes down to your driving style. Both cars are great rides!
12-10-2013, 02:24 AM
#71
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E550 gives very good subjective power. I compared it recently to CTS-V and to my surprise E550 gave me much more powerful feel that CTS-V which has more HP and claimed to reach 60 from zero in 3.7s.
From other side I tested Jaguar F type with both engines 300 and 500 and found that 300hp version gives much better feel. 500Hp version is simply not controllable. So E550 is good as a very controllable car.
From other side I tested Jaguar F type with both engines 300 and 500 and found that 300hp version gives much better feel. 500Hp version is simply not controllable. So E550 is good as a very controllable car.
12-10-2013, 07:07 AM
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2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R
The transmission harshness is unfortunate, Peter, and I wish you the best in solving the problem. I can feel the 3-2 shift occasionally on our car, but it is tolerable. Troubleshooting modern transmissions can be difficult even for shop mechanics. My car was a late 2013 production and so far is satisfactory. The highest quality car I've ever owned has been our 2014 Subaru Legacy with the 3.6R engine. The Mercedes may do as well, but it is too soon to know.
marvin -
i bought a 2014 E550 pre-order, on delivery, the transmission was "clunky" -- downshifting from 5th to 4th gear was rough -- ultimately after battling with two dealerships and involving MBUSA, mb replaced the valve body and the transmission now is acceptable (not perfect, but acceptable)
Also, the steering made a grinding/creaking noise with slow movements, and there was a TSB for this and they replaced the steering column... both jobs equalled about $8000.00 combined (parts, labor) -- all done under warranty of course.
I still love the car -- i'm just a realist and I know this car isn't built like a honda (to last for years to come)
i bought a 2014 E550 pre-order, on delivery, the transmission was "clunky" -- downshifting from 5th to 4th gear was rough -- ultimately after battling with two dealerships and involving MBUSA, mb replaced the valve body and the transmission now is acceptable (not perfect, but acceptable)
Also, the steering made a grinding/creaking noise with slow movements, and there was a TSB for this and they replaced the steering column... both jobs equalled about $8000.00 combined (parts, labor) -- all done under warranty of course.
I still love the car -- i'm just a realist and I know this car isn't built like a honda (to last for years to come)
12-10-2013, 09:45 PM
#75
MBWorld Fanatic!
Actually, depending on one's location and one's color/options requirements, it may no longer be possible. When I tried to buy one a month ago from the in-stock inventory, I could not find a single car within 300 miles (the fact that the car had to be diamond white with all black interior, made it impossible) unless we would go even further out. Local dealers found it to be very hard to locate one as those who had it (much further out), demanded an E550 (which most local dealers, regardless of color, do not have) as a trade return.
