Hello everyone,

I was looking to get opinions (realize there will be a bias) and information regarding a upcoming purchase.

I am currently looking at getting a new LONG TERM daily driver. I have basically decided on either a Lexus ISF or a 2011 E550. I was scared off from the early gen C63 due to headbolt issues and a little due to the fuel economy.

I love the look of the E550 both inside and out while the ISF has a rather boring interior, the exterior is a little to close to standard IS but I don't mind it (minus the fake exhausts). Fuel economy seems about the same on both. Really my big consideration is reliability as I want to keep the car for at least 6 years (I aim for 10). Also I am coming from a 91 Stealth twin turbo and am use to working on my own cars, is this still do-able with the MB (I've been looking around for parts without much luck)?

Is the Mercedes Factory warranty transferable or should I pay an extra $6k to get a mb dealer vehicle?

Sorry for the long post but this is a large amount of money and a large decision for me. Thanks for your time.

 

My experience is that my E550 has way more problems than my E350. For long term, I would pick the E350, but it won't get you the performance that you are looking for.

 

I think the E550s are great cars. The 2011 and earlier models have a 5.5 liter V8 which is a great engine. The 2012 and up have the 4.7V8 twin turbo. The E550s are total sleepers. They are quite fast and because you cannot differentiate them from other E-classes, they do not stand out. Things to watch out for would be the air matic which can be problematic. If you can swing it see if you can find a 2012 - the twin turbo V8 is a beast.

 

I loved my 550, put 43K miles on it in a little under 4 years........rock solid car!!!!!!
from my experience anyway
mine was 2011 and had everything but drivers assist.....
never had any mechanical issues...........just too many wheels

 

You can find a E350 for a decent price. E550 will cost a little bit more. Both seem to be holding up very well from what I see and hear. Mine has been 100% fine. The E550 has the Airmatic so that is something to consider but worst case at old age you can swap it out for a conventional setup. The E550 to 2011 has the N/A engine as where in 2012 it has the BiTurbo Engine so longevity of turbos might be something to consider as well. I am looking for a E550 myself but I want to see the longevity of a couple of the TT E550 engines first as 12 was the first year.

 

Coming from a 91 Stealth this E550 will be totally different experience in every way. As far as working on it yourself chances are you will have a warranty still. They are transferable and for extra you can extend it. However shop around from different dealers. How many years and miles does that $6,000 cover?

 

The 2010-11 550's with the non-turbo engine are rockets. I am not a turbo fan myself, but I understand the desire to own a turbo for that mod group. I have a P2 car with Pano and heat/cool dynamic driver seat, Parktronic, etc.

The 212 is a much better car than my 211 E500 in every way and I ran that one to 100K. I have no transmission shifting problems or brake issues, airmatic issues. Nothing; and I have 44,000 miles.These are just fantastic cars if you keep up with the maintenance.

It is hard to drive anything else for me. I love the E Class.

 

In 2012 Airmatic was no longer standard on the E550 but 4Matic has been standard for the E550 since 2012. If you are looking for a car to keep for 10yrs you could look for a 2012 without Airmatic.
The other option is to buy a 2011 and if the Airmatic fails, instead of replacing the Airmatic you could just replace it with normal springs seeing as you say that you work on your own cars. I know this was possible with the W211, I don't know for sure but I assume that it might be possible with the W212.

While I am a big supporter of Airmatic, based on its history, I find it hard to believe that Airmatic would be trouble free for a 15yr old car.

 

Can you share the sort of issues you've had with your E550?

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I already read about the airmatic issues, I found a few good companies who make coil over suspension for the E550 so its not a major concern. I was wondering more on electronics.
As for the question about the dealer vehicle its a 2010 for $6,000 with an OPTION for cpo (not included). all the E550's I'm looking at are under 38,000miles. The Lexus ISF I'm looking at is double the km's for the same price.
A 2012 would be at the high range of my budget and am trying to avoid spending that much.

 

I have the well known sticky brake issue, sent back to dealer four times, and still not 100% fixed. After repalce the pads, it is getting little bit better, but still not as smooth as my E350. I have issue once my car feel like it was pushed to one side very hard, but no cars besides me nor the driver's assistant warned me. Dealer can't find any issue about it. The trany shift so hard on certain gear, not as smooth as my E350. I didn't get the airMatic, otherwise, I am sure that would be another problematic, since too many people already complained about it on E-class all over the places.

 

What's the going rate for a 2010 E550? Maybe I need to sell mine. I've invested too much and only 10k miles so not much use for my money unless I keep it but everythings for sale.. Great car, had one air bag replaced as it was leaking from the factory.

 

If you tell us your OTD budget it will help us guide you. $6000 sounds preposterous for taking a 550 to CPO.

 

That poor car. Only 10,000 miles? I just paid $31k for my loaded 2010 E550. Calcite white over chestnut leather with Pano, P2, parktronic, heat/cool drive dynamic seats, etc. 43k miles. You should have put more miles on it as you will take an enormous hit if you decide to sell or trade. Is it fully optioned?

 

Yea mines loaded out cept for parktronic but I opted for the rear seat entertainment system and spent 6k on rims and tires. I put a custom stereo system I put a lot of money and time in as well. I normally don't trade cars or sell them. Reason it has low miles is I still have my 2004 E320 which I drive almost daily. No way I could sell mine for under 40k.

 

My fully loaded MY12 E550 is only $37k when trade in, with only 20k miles on it. The E550 doesn't hold value, E350 actually does better, but I do like the performance that E550 delivers.

 

I did a kelly blue book and it was close to 42k. So you must be getting yours way below KBB.

 

That is low for a 2012 I think. Are you trading it in for something else?

 

Looking for a MY14 S550.

 

The E550 is a very solid car. It has everything you would want in a car such as power, luxury, sophistication, comfortable, holds in value, and reliable. Mercedes been building car engines longer than everyone else and the E550 V8 engine is a great solid engine.