Munich77

Yep - part of the reason I bought the car in the first place. I always wanted a V8 powered sedan so when I learned that 2014 was the last year for the E550 in the US, I just had to get one (plus my BMW at the time was living in the shop).

davidjohnbamber

I am on my fourth e class, W124,W211,W212, all bought used. The W212s Were CPO'd. The first three I bought were 6 cylinders.Each newer E had around 30 more HP, than what I had earlier.My 2014 E350 stayed in my garage for less than 8 months.Why? I finally decided I had to get an M278 TT. I've owned my present 2013 E550 for over a year now. I really enjoy driving it a lot more, as it has a lot more upgrades than my previous E. Performance is a major one! Obviously if MPG is essential, the M276 got about 5 miles per gallon than the V8 for me.Other than a trip back to the dealer for a couple of parts, that I felt should have been caught before I got it. The only "issue" that I had, that required a trip back to the dealer was for replacement of the secondary timing change check valves ,and tensioners. There is an eXentry (Sp) bulletins for both the M276, and M278. Good Luck!

cetialpha5

Well there's always the E63. The E43 is probably a slight step back, 396hp vs 402hp and the E400 is coming out soon, but that's just a V6 with a turbo and has 329hp. Still better than a 241hp turbo 4 in the E300.

- Mover -

I got my 5.5 for the same reason.

After searching around for a naturally aspirated 500hp V10 BMW M5 for about a year, I decided on the M273.
I drove several M5's and they had an awesome exhaust note and a ton of power. I've also driven a 2011 BMW 550 (400 hp 450 ft lbs torque)

After driving the 5.5, I was happy with it. It pulled like a train at low speed and continued all the way to redline easily.
Whether it did 0-60 in high 4 seconds or low 4s didn't matter to me. In reality, its a negligible difference on the public road. I don't drag the car next to me everyday at the lights nor do I go to the drapstrip.

Peachy

I bought my 5.5 NA because I couldn't afford the turbo

But seriously, I really enjoy the NA. Very smooth. And after changing the exhaust it has a beautiful, noticeably V8 sound. It makes me sad V8s are a dying breed, even with turbos.

Quattrodude

I got the 5.5 because their I feel there is a huge price difference between the two, I also had no issues with my previous 2010 E550(rwd) that had 160K miles on - so I figured - I would not have any issues with my 2011 same...with a lot less on it.
Plus I have had turbos in the past and the thought to fixing anything TT = $$$$
But there are times I do wish I had the extra power.
(and with regards to mileage - best I have got on my 5.5 was 29.2mpg - so if you are careful it can be done - but where is the fun in that)
Good luck!

ghlkal

I think we'd all agree that both V8s are magnificent engines. Whether you have the NA 5.5 or the TT 4.7 you have something special. I don't know about you guys, but I do have trouble keeping my foot our of it

Oda112

29 mpg? How is that possible? I thought I was being an Econofreak when I got 26.5. I had an average speed of 68 mph and hit a bit of St. Louis's 270N traffic to the airport towards the end of the trip. 26mpg is still impressive for a 5,5, 29 would be rubbing it in the face of people with Ecoboost Fusions.

thefisch

During a roadtrip over the summer, my 'from start' trip meter was showing 29.0mpg after 373 miles. Of course the trip meter is usually 0.5-1.0mpg too optimistic.

Oda112

That new reduced friction transmission fluid they started using a couple months after my car was built must be working as advertised, I'm slightly jealous...

Arrie

i have gotten 26 real calculated mpg a couple of times driving 75+ mph speeds. Normally drive 79 mph on interstates and get 25+ calculated mpg.

If I drove the speed limit I bet I would get 28+ calculated real mpg but I don't have patience to do that.

And for everyone to realize running A/C in a hot day lowers your mpg quite a bit. This can explain why some folks get better mpg than others.

Peachy

I was able to get 26-27 mpg while on the highway going on a long descent from the mountains. I generally get 24-25 mpg on the highway with no traffic.

Oda112

That's what I usually get too. I think the there is also a difference between the RWD and the 4matics when it comes to fuel consumption. Still, for a 5,5 NA these are very honorable average MPG numbers.

Munich77

I get about the same for my 2014 E550 4matic.

Jan AMG

Get a 5.5 biturbo

cocobeex

no no....get a 4.0 Biturbo E-class!!!

rediesel

Get both - M278 & M157.

XxDesmoxX

reviving an old thread.

Any news about carbon buildup on the Direct injection engines?

If not, how has MB avoided the biggest downfall of DI engines?

jsgill

My friend which exhaust system did you put on your 5.5L, I have 2009 S550 I’ve been trying to figure out good exhaust system for it.

Byzance1

I have had mine since new, now having 150000kms , issue that I had was the cam adjusters, were costly to fix but otherwise great, just make sure you cooling system is checked and hoses internally and externally needing changing every 50000k.

diesel_dan

They have a better CCV design and the DIs can spray sideways and hit the intake valves. This has been a non issue for MB bi-turbo 4.7s, likely the same for the 5.5 bi-turbo (AMG) as well...

purri777

NO REPLECEMENT FOR DISPLACEMENT!