Call me crazy but I like the stockers better:nix:

No worries, it happens.
Why do you want to debadge the unicorn lol. I can understand debadging other models but having an E550 is unique and something to be proud of. Not really a price thing but just because of it's rarity. So, I'm always a little shocked when people debadge it unless you're trying to be a sleeper.

i went from porsche cayenne turbo to the e550 coupe...it is a rare car...ive seen very few here and there...

Congrats and enjoy:)

About $8000 higher price tag would be a good reason together with people not knowing what that $8000 bought.

Gotcha! I'm worried about that too! By the time I'm done with my current baby, V8s will probably be history :eek:

In my Houston suburb, every stop you will see MBs, and E350 are everywhere. I have yet to see an E550, yes plenty of s550 too. But I can't handle s550 due to it makes me feel too old and E is just the right size. Why I choose a 2014 E550, I can't stand MBTex, and just about all E350s out there are MBTex. Therefore went with 550 and V8 is for hubby. I can't imagine why anyone would want to drive an E with fake leather.

This is part of the reason I selected the 2017 CLS 550. The E class was my first choice but not in four cylinder, no matter how refined the motor was. Besides, I could not find big differences in appearance ranging from C class all the way to S class, other than size. Unfortunately, the classes are loosing their individual identity. Not so with the unique CLS. That it retains that great 278, time tested twin turbo V8 is a major selling point and did I say that it is an absolute joy to drive and to hear?!!

The CLS may not be as modern in or out as the new E class but its style is timeless and iconic in that it created the entire concept of four door "coupe" in the automotive world, and has been copied by nearly all luxury manufacturers. And the interior's fit and finish is second to none. The CLS is a little more expensive than E class but as long as you do not need a big back seat, it is a much more unique car than the E class and much, much more fun to drive. As you point out, the E class can be seen on every corner while the rarely seen CLS offers the performance, luxury and true exclusivity that has normally been associated with the MB badge.

The way I look at it, having driven both the E350 and the E550 before buying a E550, is that the E350 is aimed more at the person who just wants to get from point A to point B in a nice luxury ride. Not particularly concerned with performance style driving and, at least from the number of E350 owners I've talked to, don't seem to just enjoy driving for the sake of driving. They lease their cars and swap them out every two or three years, so it's like a disposable cell phone to them. Not a criticism, just an observation. So they seem to view MBTex as completely acceptable.

The E550 is aimed more at someone who views a car as a way to have some fun and actually enjoys driving. Someone who wants the practical functionality of a DD car, but doesn't want the annual auto insurance tab of an AMG. So it's a very nice trade-off in that aspect. All in a decent luxury ride where, if necessary you can actually have more than one passenger and everyone is comfortable on long drives. Not something you can say about a Vette, Porsche, Aston Martin or most other luxury cars. Those are more geared to be simply to be either pure sports cars or sports sedans with only two occupants and no real usable trunk space.

Anyway, that's my perspective and I hope you enjoy your E550. It's real fun to drive. By the way, if you think it's rare now, wait in a few years when all MB is selling in its non-AMG vehicles will be 4 and 6 cylinder models.

MBTex as good as leather
 

This debate has been going on forever.
Have had cars with both leather and MBTex and have one of each now.
I prefer MBTex as it is just as comfortable, more durable, lasts longer and doesn't cost $1,000+ extra.
Everyone who has been in my car, including those who have leather in theirs, assumes my MBTex is leather.
I purchased an E350 because of the exterior and interior styling, ride comfort and performance. The V6 provides plenty of performance for me. Plan to keep it for 10 years, maybe more.
It's all about choices so don't belittle the other guy for not making yours.
:zoom:Happy Motoring!

GREAT POINT ^^^
like them all.

Funny this post came up today after a year of being dormant. Just this morning driving into work I was behind an E550, which is probably the 2nd one I have ever seen on the road. I also agree with the other posts as I normally lease a E350 every 3 years as my daily, it was a disposable car. However, as I hope to retire soon, I didn't want to lease another E350, therefore I found a used 2012 E550 as my wife's daily keeper.

Does everyone put premium gas in their E550? Just bought a 2011 with 22,500 miles on it. Salesperson said only premium. Thoughts?

Congrats on that low mileage e550...
yes 91 AT LEAST!!!

About a 1 MPG increase in going with premium. Haven't seen any stats as far as 0-60 times go.

As I understand, your car's computer will allow the motor to make full power on premium. With a lower octane petrol, the car / motor may deliver a few less ponies.

I keep seeing the word rare and unicorn. Does anyone have a production number? When I think rare benz I think 190e 2.5, 500e, CL 65, e55 wagon things like that.

I also have a CLK63 black series limited to 350 in North America. I have seen more of these black series on the road then E550's.

Having owned 3 E class 6 cylinders, I was always thinking that the 35+ HP increase over my previous car would be more than adequate. After a few months of owning my last E350, I traded it in for a E550. My first reaction was why did I wait so long? The cost of insurance between the two was minuscule, and driving less than 1k miles a month I could easily pay for a few less MPG. Living in a state with no sales, or excise tax obviously helps. The other major factor in buying now is that 2014 was the last year for a V8 powered E class other than an AMG models. Having a relationship with a dealer helped where they bought a car from M-B Fin. and CPO'd it, and I bought it sight unseen. BTW 2 free services, and a APR less than my credit union pushed me way over the edge. I don't know how many E550's are sold compared to the E350, but I found less than 6 CPO 2013 E550 in the USA when I last looked a few days ago. YMMV.

Yes premium.

All Mercedes take Premium

Always highest the pump has. But I have seen big differences between gas stations and most of the time I don't think I get 93 when I pay for it.


I have learned that CITGO gives the best gasoline. I think they actually give you 93 when you pump it in.


But, 12 days ago after driving my other low octane car for almost two weeks I accidentally filled my E550 with 87. The thing ran just fine. No issues at any kind and even the gas mileage did not drop. And this was CITGO gas.

Even when I combine the times I had 2010 E550 4Matic and current 2014 E550 4Matic, I think I could probably count the number of times I have seen other 550 4Matic on the road with one hand. Seen definitely a LOT of 350s especially pre 14 models since they are relatively cheap now days. Seen quite a few Audi S6 and BMW 550i in the area. I am planning on extending CPO warranty with 2 more extra years, local dealer quoted me $3600. Once warranty is all used, I am going to start modding it!

your car is smart enough to retard the timing when using low octane gas. That doesn't mean you are not causing damage to the engine. However slight it is still not good for the car. It will ping before it retards and that is not good. Also you will get worse fuel economy and have hire emissions to boot.

I'll go one step further, maybe two: use not only premium fuel but also look for Top Tier brands. Specifically, Conoco or Chevron if you can find them. Why? Because my last two vehicles have been the 2012 ML350 SUV (6 cyl.) and now the 2017 CLS550 twin turbo V8. Two very different vehicles and two very different motors. I have used nothing but these two brands for both cars and have had excellent performance and gas mileage - not a single problem. I have to attribute it to the quality of their additive packs. Based on this experience, I would say the relatively small increase in your fuel budget in buying the best gas is well worth it.