E550 Rare - Why?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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W218
...and other over rated stuff, like cigarettes, pets and their food and buying rounds at the bar.
I'm dead serious too.
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: New Jersey
2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 85
From: New Jersey
2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
That was well said, Jahquan3. Most of us here can afford to buy anything we want. When I bought my ML it was not because I could not afford an S class or E class, it was because I wanted an SUV simply because it suited me and my needs better at that particular time.
Now I am looking for a nice, comfortable sedan (maybe even a coupe) since only the two of us will be in the car 95% of the time. The days of towing boats, going on off-road adventures, hauling stuff and transporting bunches of people and pets are pretty much over for us now.
The S class is nice but just too busy so the E class should suit us just right. But that does not mean that I want to pay hundreds of dollars for an oil change. If I pay $85,000 for a car I understand I am getting a luxury vehicle and something a little more special for my money than a Chev or Ford. But I don't feel like I should automatically have to pay a luxury price for something that is not a luxury such as oil and filter. I understand that is what I have to do and it goes with the territory but I don't have to like it, even if I can afford it.
Now I am looking for a nice, comfortable sedan (maybe even a coupe) since only the two of us will be in the car 95% of the time. The days of towing boats, going on off-road adventures, hauling stuff and transporting bunches of people and pets are pretty much over for us now.
The S class is nice but just too busy so the E class should suit us just right. But that does not mean that I want to pay hundreds of dollars for an oil change. If I pay $85,000 for a car I understand I am getting a luxury vehicle and something a little more special for my money than a Chev or Ford. But I don't feel like I should automatically have to pay a luxury price for something that is not a luxury such as oil and filter. I understand that is what I have to do and it goes with the territory but I don't have to like it, even if I can afford it.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
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14 IS350F, 18 E400 Coupe
Unfortunately that's not normally how it works. In my experience the more expensive the car, the more it costs to maintain, period. Some people feel great about buying a used MB that retailed for $120K at a bargain price of $50K and complain heavily about the repair bills. Guess what?, it's still a $120K car dummy.
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 85
From: New Jersey
2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
Only if you're going to MB directly for maintenance etc. My Murano cost just as much if not more to maintain if I go directly to Nissan. A wise consumer can make sure not to over spend when not needed. This is an MB not a Lambo.
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
You can save money by using independents or DIY. But an MB still costs far more to maintain than the average car. The parts cost more and the servicing is more time consuming if done correctly. MB also has higher parts failure than many cars.
Of course, you can skip some things or postpone them, but is that a risk you are willing to take?
It's still primarily about what each person wants to drive, what his/her needs are and how it makes him/her feel. Just know that any luxury make is going to cost more to maintain.
As for gas, prediction is that it will go to less than $2.00 this Fall, especially if the Iran nuclear deal is approved.
Of course, you can skip some things or postpone them, but is that a risk you are willing to take?
It's still primarily about what each person wants to drive, what his/her needs are and how it makes him/her feel. Just know that any luxury make is going to cost more to maintain.
As for gas, prediction is that it will go to less than $2.00 this Fall, especially if the Iran nuclear deal is approved.
Last edited by El Cid; Aug 17, 2015 at 08:52 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 85
From: New Jersey
2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
You can save money by using independents or DIY. But an MB still costs far more to maintain than the average car. The parts cost more and the servicing is more time consuming if done correctly. MB also has higher parts failure than many cars.
Of course, you can skip some things or postpone them, but is that a risk you are willing to take?
It's still primarily about what each person wants to drive, what his/her needs are and how it makes him/her feel. Just know that any luxury make is going to cost more to maintain.
As for gas, prediction is that it will go to less than $2.00 this Fall, especially if the Iran nuclear deal is approved.
Of course, you can skip some things or postpone them, but is that a risk you are willing to take?
It's still primarily about what each person wants to drive, what his/her needs are and how it makes him/her feel. Just know that any luxury make is going to cost more to maintain.
As for gas, prediction is that it will go to less than $2.00 this Fall, especially if the Iran nuclear deal is approved.
Only reason I take the Nissan to the dealer is because I bought it from the dealer and my MB I bought from a Mom and Pop.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
2012 E550 Coupe
My Land Jet and I, by a Black Top Jedi !!!! :-)
Okay, it's a MB, not a Lamborghini!!!???? MB parts have a High failure rate !!! ???
Dude, who writes your scrip???
Let me tell you a little story, about getting what you pay for !!!
My ex lady, sister brought a new Ford Mustang, about 3 models back from the present modrl. She started to have some engine issues, her and her father, took the car the just about every garage in the area and the issue was never resolved to satisfaction. I finally convinced her that she needed to take the car to , "FORD", and she did. Has not had another problem with that car since. I could tell you a similar story about my ex and her Honda, they took it every where, finally I took her car to a Certified Honda Repair Shop on Route 22, Scotch Plains, NJ, car never had another problem !!!!!
I reminded of that TV commercial, where the mechanic says, " I all ways did wanna work on , one of them there Japanese Transmissions" !!!!!!
You have wasted more time and money, running around trying to save a couple bucks, only to cost yourself more in the long run !!!! And hope and pray that your Whip, is not damaged further in the process !!!!! You must pick your battles Wisely !!!!
By the way, you a far better off taking your Whip to the dealer for a once over, so you know exactly where you stand and what you may need to prepare for. ..... I don't trust Mom n Pop!!!
I'M JUST SAYING !!!!! I know exactly where I am taking my "Whip " !!!
Dude, who writes your scrip???
Let me tell you a little story, about getting what you pay for !!!
My ex lady, sister brought a new Ford Mustang, about 3 models back from the present modrl. She started to have some engine issues, her and her father, took the car the just about every garage in the area and the issue was never resolved to satisfaction. I finally convinced her that she needed to take the car to , "FORD", and she did. Has not had another problem with that car since. I could tell you a similar story about my ex and her Honda, they took it every where, finally I took her car to a Certified Honda Repair Shop on Route 22, Scotch Plains, NJ, car never had another problem !!!!!
I reminded of that TV commercial, where the mechanic says, " I all ways did wanna work on , one of them there Japanese Transmissions" !!!!!!
You have wasted more time and money, running around trying to save a couple bucks, only to cost yourself more in the long run !!!! And hope and pray that your Whip, is not damaged further in the process !!!!! You must pick your battles Wisely !!!!
By the way, you a far better off taking your Whip to the dealer for a once over, so you know exactly where you stand and what you may need to prepare for. ..... I don't trust Mom n Pop!!!
I'M JUST SAYING !!!!! I know exactly where I am taking my "Whip " !!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 85
From: New Jersey
2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
Funny that you used Ford as an example. Back in 2004 I had a Ford Escape that they "Ford" said I needed 1k in repairs done to make it run properly since it was having engine issues allegedly. I took it to a mechanic literally on the street and he fixed it for $50 bucks and I never had another problem with it Lol. So it goes both ways
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
An earlier post inferred that people buy E350's instead of E550's because they can't afford the more expensive car. Totally wrong. Anybody that constrained would probably not be looking at any "E" and maybe not MB at all.
When I was looking, I never considered the V8 because I didn't want a V8. The 550 does have some better items on it, but I didn't see any of those I really wanted either.
It comes down to fact that many people wanted an MB "E" Class car and the 350 fit them perfectly.
The 550 is so rare because a lot of people just did not want a V8 or the features on the 550. Why pay for something you don't want?
When I was looking, I never considered the V8 because I didn't want a V8. The 550 does have some better items on it, but I didn't see any of those I really wanted either.
It comes down to fact that many people wanted an MB "E" Class car and the 350 fit them perfectly.
The 550 is so rare because a lot of people just did not want a V8 or the features on the 550. Why pay for something you don't want?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 842
Likes: 64
From: Northern NJ
2015 E550 Coupe
You can save money by using independents or DIY. But an MB still costs far more to maintain than the average car. The parts cost more and the servicing is more time consuming if done correctly. MB also has higher parts failure than many cars.
Of course, you can skip some things or postpone them, but is that a risk you are willing to take?
It's still primarily about what each person wants to drive, what his/her needs are and how it makes him/her feel. Just know that any luxury make is going to cost more to maintain.
As for gas, prediction is that it will go to less than $2.00 this Fall, especially if the Iran nuclear deal is approved.
Of course, you can skip some things or postpone them, but is that a risk you are willing to take?
It's still primarily about what each person wants to drive, what his/her needs are and how it makes him/her feel. Just know that any luxury make is going to cost more to maintain.
As for gas, prediction is that it will go to less than $2.00 this Fall, especially if the Iran nuclear deal is approved.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
An earlier post inferred that people buy E350's instead of E550's because they can't afford the more expensive car. Totally wrong. Anybody that constrained would probably not be looking at any "E" and maybe not MB at all.
When I was looking, I never considered the V8 because I didn't want a V8. The 550 does have some better items on it, but I didn't see any of those I really wanted either.
It comes down to fact that many people wanted an MB "E" Class car and the 350 fit them perfectly.
The 550 is so rare because a lot of people just did not want a V8 or the features on the 550. Why pay for something you don't want?
When I was looking, I never considered the V8 because I didn't want a V8. The 550 does have some better items on it, but I didn't see any of those I really wanted either.
It comes down to fact that many people wanted an MB "E" Class car and the 350 fit them perfectly.
The 550 is so rare because a lot of people just did not want a V8 or the features on the 550. Why pay for something you don't want?
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 110
Likes: 3
From: USA
11' E350 PP SP
To each their own
I have owned about 2 dozen vehicles worked at Porsche-Audi and firmly believe you get what you pay for in this world. A lot of your wants, needs, and tastes in life change as you age. After crawling around in grease and tuning race cars that cost 10-20K or more minimum to go a 1/4 second faster once you hit 11 seconds, remember you still have to drive yourself home on the Freeway or your suburban street after the track, so it is all about safety, comfort, amenities, and the fact that in my first MB I ever owned I can still blow someone away because I am a trained driver and my E-350 can produce as needed for a V6, knowing full well that I would total a E-550 because I have a rather heavy right foot. MB parts rock as well, so anyone that says they do not last has never owned very many vehicles or fixed very many vehicles. Your run of the mill vehicle is made to deteriorate after 60 months, or about the time you get it paid off, it is called programmed obsolescence so that manufacturers and especially their shareholders can get their big bonuses and drive MB's. I am not saying that diligent preventive maintenance will not sustain or lengthen a vehicles life but for what you little you put into a MB you receive a healthy ROI.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 501
Likes: 102
From: Los Angeles
2014 E550, 2015 E63S, 2017 G63 - RIP
I have owned about 2 dozen vehicles worked at Porsche-Audi and firmly believe you get what you pay for in this world. A lot of your wants, needs, and tastes in life change as you age. After crawling around in grease and tuning race cars that cost 10-20K or more minimum to go a 1/4 second faster once you hit 11 seconds, remember you still have to drive yourself home on the Freeway or your suburban street after the track, so it is all about safety, comfort, amenities, and the fact that in my first MB I ever owned I can still blow someone away because I am a trained driver and my E-350 can produce as needed for a V6, knowing full well that I would total a E-550 because I have a rather heavy right foot. MB parts rock as well, so anyone that says they do not last has never owned very many vehicles or fixed very many vehicles. Your run of the mill vehicle is made to deteriorate after 60 months, or about the time you get it paid off, it is called programmed obsolescence so that manufacturers and especially their shareholders can get their big bonuses and drive MB's. I am not saying that diligent preventive maintenance will not sustain or lengthen a vehicles life but for what you little you put into a MB you receive a healthy ROI.
+1
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 52
Likes: 3
From: Chicago, IL
2004 CL55 AMG
I have owned about 2 dozen vehicles worked at Porsche-Audi and firmly believe you get what you pay for in this world. A lot of your wants, needs, and tastes in life change as you age. After crawling around in grease and tuning race cars that cost 10-20K or more minimum to go a 1/4 second faster once you hit 11 seconds, remember you still have to drive yourself home on the Freeway or your suburban street after the track, so it is all about safety, comfort, amenities, and the fact that in my first MB I ever owned I can still blow someone away because I am a trained driver and my E-350 can produce as needed for a V6, knowing full well that I would total a E-550 because I have a rather heavy right foot. MB parts rock as well, so anyone that says they do not last has never owned very many vehicles or fixed very many vehicles. Your run of the mill vehicle is made to deteriorate after 60 months, or about the time you get it paid off, it is called programmed obsolescence so that manufacturers and especially their shareholders can get their big bonuses and drive MB's. I am not saying that diligent preventive maintenance will not sustain or lengthen a vehicles life but for what you little you put into a MB you receive a healthy ROI.
This guy gets it!
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Read this forum
Also, read many of the other threads.
Incidentally I have driven Fords, Toyotas, Mazdas that lasted well over 10 years and 100,000 miles with minimal maintenance and no parts being replaced. I did replace the clutch in the Mazda at 50,000 miles but that was because I was burning it up downshifting to slow down and racing back up to high speeds over back country roads. My stupidity, not the part's fault.
Last edited by El Cid; Aug 18, 2015 at 08:22 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 297
Likes: 26
'11 E550 Cpe/'04 GT3
At 15K mi, I was quoted $390 by the dealer for their "recommended" service which included a lot of stuff, including fuel injector cleaner (already in Tier 1 gas). The factory listed service, oil/filter change, tire rotation and multi-pint check, was quoted at $199. My local Wheel works is doing it today for $67 and that using Mobil1 oil - oil filter.
This is something I'd do myself but having had back surgery three weeks ago, my full time assisted living nurse (AKA my lovely wife) suggested I have it done.
"You got what you pay for" but it does help to check around. I do take the 550E coupe to the dealer even though I could have it done for less by another shop or by doing it myself. But since I bought the MB extended warranty (damn all that electronic stuff) I do want the dealers "goodwill" if something comes up.
This is something I'd do myself but having had back surgery three weeks ago, my full time assisted living nurse (AKA my lovely wife) suggested I have it done.
"You got what you pay for" but it does help to check around. I do take the 550E coupe to the dealer even though I could have it done for less by another shop or by doing it myself. But since I bought the MB extended warranty (damn all that electronic stuff) I do want the dealers "goodwill" if something comes up.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,523
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From: New Jersey
2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
MB will never see my current vehicle unless I have too or if they are going to price competitively. However, if I purchased my vehicle from MB directly or if I had a warranty with MB, I'd only go to them.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 379
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From: Portland, OR
2014 CLS550 4Matic
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Joined: Oct 2014
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14 IS350F, 18 E400 Coupe
Airmatic. At least once a month I would see a MB (S, SL, E) with airmatic suspension bottom out. Friend of mine, He bought a brand new 2003 E500,he had at least replaced 2 complete set of bags and other suspension related parts during his 10 year ownership.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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I'd like to see some real statistics on the Airmatic issues that people keep complaining about. I have had two Airmatic MB cars now and have had minimal issues with the system. One rear shock on my E500 and nothing on my E550. I only hear about serious failures with the system that costs $$$ and have no real world information as to how rampant this is among all Airmatic equipped cars. It is probably the number 1 "potential" problem brought up when discussing the 550 series cars as if every one of them has a failure.
