Considering a E550
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
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1991 Dodge Stealth TT
Considering a E550
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 992
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From: Washington DC area
Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
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.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,277
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
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
from my experience anyway
mine was 2011 and had everything but drivers assist.....
never had any mechanical issues...........just too many wheels
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 595
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
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.
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.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,640
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.
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.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
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.
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.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
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1991 Dodge Stealth TT
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.
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.
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: California, USA
11' E350, 12' E550
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.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 761
Likes: 23
From: Oklahoma
W211 E320 & W212 E550
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.
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.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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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?
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 761
Likes: 23
From: Oklahoma
W211 E320 & W212 E550
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?
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: California, USA
11' E350, 12' E550
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Vienna, VA
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 228
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From: Canuck Town
W212 E550
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.
