Thinking of getting E550 2012 used
 

Hi all, just saying hi, and wanted to share some thoughts :) Don't have a E-class yet, but thinking of a 2012 E550, for the following reasons:

1. V8 bi-turbo engine
2. 4-matic and air suspension (comfort, and adjustability)
3. Easy ability to chip for close to E63-levels of HP/torque in the future

That's about it! I'm thinking of looking for an example with the following options:

1. Keyless go
2. Backup camera
3. heated/vented seats
4. Anything else?

One thing I've noticed, 2010 and 2011 are much cheaper than 2012 models used. I assume this is due to the bi-turbo? Also, on the west coast (California, etc), prices are $45k+, while on east coast (NJ, NY, etc) prices are $30-$40k, significantly lower. I've never bought a car outside of CA, any tips? Also does anyone know what explains the huge (I expected a smaller price difference, due to snow in east coast, etc) difference in price? Thanks!

- Tony

I love distronic for long drives. The 2010-2011 are much cheaper because MB depreciate like a Pinto. The 2016 cars will be out in June as well which is just kind of silly.

2010-2011 are much cheaper because they are out of warranty.

try to find MB certified 2012 and trade it or sell it before warranty expires.

Believe Airmatic was much more rare and a special order beginning in 2012.

I purchased my 2008 E550 off the show room floor and have loved it from day 1. It's an animal -- Lots of power and speed -- great ride -- super fun to drive -- Only have 50,000 miles on it. Prefer the 08 body style.

Or get them to give you the extended warranty!

I'm <6 months into owning my first Merc and love my '12 biturbo E550. I was / am a Lexus homer, but the biturbo M278 is downright magical. If turbo charging is the future, I want to be George Jetson. I can only imagine what the big daddy AMG 63 must be like.

In my opinion, the '12-13 biturbo E550 fills a sweet spot in the market. Its sure-footed 4Matic is standard. The biturbo delivers effortless acceleration with all that torque down low right off idle. It doesn't sacrifice much mpg to competitive big sixes either. Best of all, the '12-13 seem to have been hit hard by depreciation when the face lifted 14 launched. Buyers market!

Regrets? No biggies, yet. My Merc is significantly faster than my outgoing Lexus 2GS4, quieter when underway and elegant in an understated manner. The sport steering wheel and sinister black ash with black leather sealed the deal on the inside. I'm getting about the same mpg as my last car, except my Merc is awd, and way faster. Fortunately, my ins company didn't stick it to me. The keyless go, heated / cooled seats, 14 different audio options and pano roof are great. The motorized trunk is a fun novelty, but the parking sensors are an annoying novelty. Happily, my car didn't come with Airmatic. If Lexus can't make one that works, then no one can.

I wish my car had blind spot monitoring, color HUD, heated steering wheel (too bad it's ugly), active dynamic driver's seat and a more user-friendly navi. I wouldn't have believed it, but Distronic gets rave reviews so that seems like it c/would've been nice.

Don't know what you're missing buy not having airmatic. Car handles so much better that my previous W212. Not sure what I like better that or Distronic

Clarification - C&D (or similar rag) stated the Airmatic made little noticeable difference, but Airmatic owners on this board seem to love it. Regardless, I do not want to be saddled with the seemingly inevitable (and $$$) fixes. Seeing all those sagging, unintentionally dumped Merc's on the road is a non-stop reminder.

The twin turbo V8 is a beast - you will not regret getting one. I was driving mine today on the highway and I forgot how easy it is to go way fast. This car is so smooth on the highway.

There is a big difference driving over broken pavement in the comfort or sport mode with the airmatic option. Are people here saying that a leaking air bag strands the car on the side of the road often? Air bags have been around forever on big trucks.

Wait, what? I have never seen a sagging dumped benz on the side of the road ever. :rolf: Matter of fact I can not recall ever seeing a broken down W212 on the side of the road, let alone sagging. Thanks for the chuckle...

Like I said having had both, I can tell you that you can hit on and off ramps with much more vigor with airmatic than without. Very noticeable to me.

If you're not seeing dumped AMG E-classes and other AMGs, then you're not looking hard enough. They can't be failing more here than there. :nix:

If you'd rather skip hunting, then just tool through your stealer's back lot.

I only test drove a single Airmatic-equipped W212, so I'll take your word(s) for it being better than steel springs. That said, I happily accepted the trade-off with steel springs.

My 2012 E550 4matic is amazing. I have one with Distronic and pretty much every option but airmatic (would have bought one with it). The 2010-2011 are cheaper because they lack the direct injection twin/turbo. Even the E350 from these years is pre-direct-injection.

Ahh, that makes sense. It's a rather big drop! Thanks.

Hrm... I bought a 2010 E550 P01 in October 2014 with CPO 1-year warranty and was able to extend the warranty another two years beyond that.

I guess the original warranty for these models is, gone...

my 2010 has airmatic suspension the reason for a higher price on 2012 is because they changed it to 4matic and also has a lot to do with the engine and miles on the car big difference…..

What does it smell like? There were 4M in 2010-2011, but the M278 engine came in 2012 and has more power and better fuel economy so it cost more.

lol typo
 

lol it was a typo but my car does smell good and yes your right but i was just mainly or meant to saying that its more expensive due to the upgrades i.e. engine,4m and packages… is all:y

Somewhat, but more likely it's because the original warranty is expiring, making a MB ELW more challenging. Also more importantly, as the 3 year lease cycle runs, there will be a drop in price on previous years, as more come on the market with lease returns. This regardless of model or features added or deleted.

2012 worth it
 

Just bought a CPO E550...love the biturbo V8, just need to decide on ECU upgrade. Waiting on New England weather to clear up so I can really have some fun!

Good luck Art, you'll have fun

any pics?? congrats!!

Just my .02 from a new E550 Cabriolet owner. The M278 engine is like driving a sling shot. Great exhaust sound. I do drive it in Sport mode most of the time, ECO mode just lugs the engine and mutes throttle response.