Need help deciding between 2011 and 2012 E550
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Joined: Jan 2018
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E550 W212
Need help deciding between 2011 and 2012 E550
Hey guys i've always been a BMW guy and all my cars were RWD.
Im now switching to Benz for the first time and i have a hard time deciding between those 2 model years of the E550.
I've done my research and i've found out the following:
2011 pros:
-RWD is available
-M273 Reliability, bulletproof NA motor
-Hockey stick LED design
-Staggered wheels (on the RWD)
-Cheaper to buy since its a year older
2012 pros:
-M278 is a more powerful and an awesome engine all around
-7g plus transmission is more responsive
-better Steering wheel
-M brace 2 seats
-Full color clkuster
-Better display
The 2012 was the no brainer for me until i realized that only comes in AWD 4Matic.
Can anyone who has driven both models comment on the "fun factor", between the 4MATIC 2012/2013 E550 versus the RWD 2011 ? This is my biggest concern.
thanx
Im now switching to Benz for the first time and i have a hard time deciding between those 2 model years of the E550.
I've done my research and i've found out the following:
2011 pros:
-RWD is available
-M273 Reliability, bulletproof NA motor
-Hockey stick LED design
-Staggered wheels (on the RWD)
-Cheaper to buy since its a year older
2012 pros:
-M278 is a more powerful and an awesome engine all around
-7g plus transmission is more responsive
-better Steering wheel
-M brace 2 seats
-Full color clkuster
-Better display
The 2012 was the no brainer for me until i realized that only comes in AWD 4Matic.
Can anyone who has driven both models comment on the "fun factor", between the 4MATIC 2012/2013 E550 versus the RWD 2011 ? This is my biggest concern.
thanx
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,189
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I have the E350 so can't really comment as they're both 4matic. I'd get the one with the most options. I'd lean toward the 2012. I think airmatic became an option in 2012 and was standard in 2011. I'd rather not have airmatic as the repair price is much higher, but it doesn't look like they fail as quickly as they did in the past. The other options like P2, partronic, pano roof dynamic seat, driver assistance package, etc can be fun. At least with 4matic you can rotate the tires. RWD tires tends to wear out twice as quick as you can't rotate them.
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 79
Likes: 19
From: Silicon Valley, USA
No AMG unfortunately, and we'll just leave it as that
My experiences are with a RWD TT E63 and an AWD TT E550. Unless you’re going to track your car, the AWD on the TT E550 isn’t intrusive as it is rear-biased; it doesn’t noticeably understeer on freeway on/off ramps, and both have fairly numb feedback (as benfitting a luxury car). I don’t think either can be considered fun like a 1st gen MX-5 or a Lotus Elise — tossable, agile and involving. Then again, neither does the BMW 5-Series (even the E60 M5, which I also have experience with), because in normal sane traffic, they’re all performing well within their performance envelopes. The AWD certainly make hard accelerations less exciting, because the traction control light doesn’t really come on so much; but that’s good in iffy weather and you’re just doing a grocery run.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,123
Likes: 1,288
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Hey guys i've always been a BMW guy and all my cars were RWD.
Im now switching to Benz for the first time and i have a hard time deciding between those 2 model years of the E550.
I've done my research and i've found out the following:
2011 pros:
-RWD is available
-M273 Reliability, bulletproof NA motor
-Hockey stick LED design
-Staggered wheels (on the RWD)
-Cheaper to buy since its a year older
2012 pros:
-M278 is a more powerful and an awesome engine all around
-7g plus transmission is more responsive
-better Steering wheel
-M brace 2 seats
-Full color clkuster
-Better display
The 2012 was the no brainer for me until i realized that only comes in AWD 4Matic.
Can anyone who has driven both models comment on the "fun factor", between the 4MATIC 2012/2013 E550 versus the RWD 2011 ? This is my biggest concern.
thanx
Im now switching to Benz for the first time and i have a hard time deciding between those 2 model years of the E550.
I've done my research and i've found out the following:
2011 pros:
-RWD is available
-M273 Reliability, bulletproof NA motor
-Hockey stick LED design
-Staggered wheels (on the RWD)
-Cheaper to buy since its a year older
2012 pros:
-M278 is a more powerful and an awesome engine all around
-7g plus transmission is more responsive
-better Steering wheel
-M brace 2 seats
-Full color clkuster
-Better display
The 2012 was the no brainer for me until i realized that only comes in AWD 4Matic.
Can anyone who has driven both models comment on the "fun factor", between the 4MATIC 2012/2013 E550 versus the RWD 2011 ? This is my biggest concern.
thanx
I drive 2010 E550 and probably are biased and my complaint about the engine was the throttle lag. I purchased the sprint booster ($300) and that problem is GONE. N/A real 5.5 liter engine is well powerful enough for this car. Gas mileage probably is not as good as with the TT but do you really care if you are buying a BENZ? And without turbo system a whole bucket full less parts to fail.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio
2015 Triumph Thunderbird LT 2008 Dodge Ram Bighorn 2011 Mercedes Benz E550 Sedan
I have the E350 so can't really comment as they're both 4matic. I'd get the one with the most options. I'd lean toward the 2012. I think airmatic became an option in 2012 and was standard in 2011. I'd rather not have airmatic as the repair price is much higher, but it doesn't look like they fail as quickly as they did in the past. The other options like P2, partronic, pano roof dynamic seat, driver assistance package, etc can be fun. At least with 4matic you can rotate the tires. RWD tires tends to wear out twice as quick as you can't rotate them.
Last edited by LindseyDA; Jan 24, 2018 at 07:45 AM.
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285 rear tire
Buy the 4.7L TT 4Matic and tune it to close to 600HP and you will have more fun than you can stand. Both cars are serious fun in any form. I owned a 2010 E550 4Matic and now have a 2014 TT. They are both fantastic cars, but the 5.5 is not a tuning candidate in any way as the TT is. I'm in a northern climate and prefer the 4Matic cars(I'm on #4). That doesn't stop me from a more aggressive wheel/tire setup for the summers. I am running a staggered E63 19" wheel with a summer only tire for better handling. When I get through my warranty, I will tune it to 550+ HP and let it loose. I just love these 8 cylinder E class cars.
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 584
Likes: 147
From: Bay Area, CA
2010 E550
I can't speak for owning the M278 but I would love to have one. I think my next car may be a 2018 CLS550, one of the last cars with that engine. But that'll be like in 6+ years when I can actually afford it 
As for the NA 550, I think it's great. I'm at 90k miles, engine bay is clean and dry, nothing leaking. I do rip through my rear tires though, I had 285/30/19 Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position tires on my rear, they only lasted like 12,000 miles. Whereas my fronts are doing just fine.
Like KEY08 mentioned, the tuning possibilities are just way better for the TT. I think tuning my car, at best will get me about 30 more HP and TQ, whereas on the TT the gains can be incredibly significant. I actually also prefer 4Matic since you can go anywhere and drive in most conditions with confidence. I can't speak for fun factor since I never whip out the tail on my RWD or anything like that.
Honestly, either choice is fine. Save some money on the 2011 and spend it on mods, or get the much faster 2012.
As for the NA 550, I think it's great. I'm at 90k miles, engine bay is clean and dry, nothing leaking. I do rip through my rear tires though, I had 285/30/19 Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position tires on my rear, they only lasted like 12,000 miles. Whereas my fronts are doing just fine.
Like KEY08 mentioned, the tuning possibilities are just way better for the TT. I think tuning my car, at best will get me about 30 more HP and TQ, whereas on the TT the gains can be incredibly significant. I actually also prefer 4Matic since you can go anywhere and drive in most conditions with confidence. I can't speak for fun factor since I never whip out the tail on my RWD or anything like that.
Honestly, either choice is fine. Save some money on the 2011 and spend it on mods, or get the much faster 2012.
Last edited by Peachy; Jan 24, 2018 at 05:31 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 210
From: Sacramento , CA
2010 e550 p2
Had my 10 550 for 4 years , great car love it.
but i wish i had a new twinturbo engine (i get bored sometimes and i wish i could tune it), new tranny(for faster gas response) and no airmatic (even tho i love how smooth it is and comfortable , but all these airmatic issues tho)
otherwise this m273 is awesome! Got 117k mls on it.
but i wish i had a new twinturbo engine (i get bored sometimes and i wish i could tune it), new tranny(for faster gas response) and no airmatic (even tho i love how smooth it is and comfortable , but all these airmatic issues tho)
otherwise this m273 is awesome! Got 117k mls on it.
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From: Fredonia, WI
2012 E550 v8-Biturbo
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8
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From: Indianapolis
2011 E350 4MATIC Wagon
Wood Trim fading
The 2011 and some other models prior experience some pretty bad wood trim fading. Especially the walnut trim. Something to consider. I have the 2011 4matic S212 and have had to replace the rear airmatic suspension. It is great but pricey to repair. I think I would rather have the 2012 all things considered. Good Luck.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 225
Likes: 67
From: West Linn, Oregon
2011 E550 - 4Matic, 2008 ML550
I had a 2010 E550 RWD - and traded it for a 2011 E550 4M - and have never looked back. I think the car handles better - I can punch it hard without fear of the tires break loose in wet weather. even just going around corners feels like there is that much less plough from the front. But test everything first - you might feel differently. There is also a thread that discusses in detail about using staggered fitment on the 4M versions - and its doable. The nice thing about same size all the way around is you can at least properly rotate tires lol...and get more mileage out of them
Im sure the TT E550 4M would be a rocket too! but there is a good price jump - but you do get a lot more.
(and yes my walnut trim in my 2010 was faded, but I have black walnut in my 2011 which is solid black still)
Best of luck!
Im sure the TT E550 4M would be a rocket too! but there is a good price jump - but you do get a lot more.
(and yes my walnut trim in my 2010 was faded, but I have black walnut in my 2011 which is solid black still)
Best of luck!
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
G35 Coupe
I recently Purchased a 2011 E550 and also Looked at the 2012 E550.. and also a 2012+ E350.. You are right the 2012 Does have a Nicer steering wheel and also the Full Color Gauge center screen , and also the Park assist is much better in the 2012+ if you can get that option Also tuning will be much easier on a Turbo Model..
For me I was able to find a 2011 E550 RWD with Dark Burl Trim ($17K with ~93K miles) about $10K less than a 2012 Model... for a car having 93K miles and being 7years old I'm very impressed.. Either the Detail guy did an incredible job, or the previous owner babied the ***** out of this thing, or Mercedes really are built to a much higher standard and better materials than other cars.. The Interior Looks like a BRAND NEW Car.. Barely a scratch or a scuff on it.. I'm very satisfied with my 2011 E550, Its very quick and also very Luxurious..
But yes the 7 speed transmission can be slow to respond to gear changes at times, especially when not in sport mode...Basically when cruising along and then you put your foot down the car has to think for a second or two on what to do. IMO: Its like the car has two programs, One for casual driving and one for spirited aggressive driving where it will hold gears longer and not try to upshift so quickly..
For me I was able to find a 2011 E550 RWD with Dark Burl Trim ($17K with ~93K miles) about $10K less than a 2012 Model... for a car having 93K miles and being 7years old I'm very impressed.. Either the Detail guy did an incredible job, or the previous owner babied the ***** out of this thing, or Mercedes really are built to a much higher standard and better materials than other cars.. The Interior Looks like a BRAND NEW Car.. Barely a scratch or a scuff on it.. I'm very satisfied with my 2011 E550, Its very quick and also very Luxurious..
But yes the 7 speed transmission can be slow to respond to gear changes at times, especially when not in sport mode...Basically when cruising along and then you put your foot down the car has to think for a second or two on what to do. IMO: Its like the car has two programs, One for casual driving and one for spirited aggressive driving where it will hold gears longer and not try to upshift so quickly..
