purchase advise 2010 E550 or 2012 E550
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2010 E550 4MATIC
purchase advise 2010 E550 or 2012 E550
Hello everybody, I am new here and am looking to get back into a benz. My last benz was a 2000 E430 and since then I've had nothing but cadillacs. I am looking at the E550 as I wanna get back into a luxury performance sedan and this seems to hit all the points I'm looking for. I was also looking at 2012-2014 CLS 550 but these seem to be more pricy than the Es and the one I went to go look at in my price range had side-swipe damage that was poorly fixed.
Anyways, the 2 I am looking at now is a 2010 E550 sport 4matic with 60k miles, beautiful white w/ black mercedes sport wheels. This one is closest to me and I really like the look of it. Went to test drive it today all electronics work, only thing I noticed was the rotors may need to replaced because they shake when stopping and there seemed to be a sound similar to hub bearings. I told the salesmen and he didn't deny me but said that the previous customers who test rode didn't mention it. I will be calling the dealership who did the service as this dealership is a mitsibushi dealer. Regular service records on the car with carfax, they also had the starer replaced.
The second one is a 2012 E550 4matic with 63k miles, beautiful black w/ standard mercedes star AMG wheels. The 2012 has the 4.6tt v8 I plan to test drive it at the end of the week.
I will be performing a majority of the work myself as I have with all of my cars, motorcycles, and jet skis. From the research I've done these seem to be bullet proof engines and transmissions. The car will also be a daily driver.
Thoughts on these? Things to look for/avoid, common problems I may have looked over?
Thanks so much!
Anyways, the 2 I am looking at now is a 2010 E550 sport 4matic with 60k miles, beautiful white w/ black mercedes sport wheels. This one is closest to me and I really like the look of it. Went to test drive it today all electronics work, only thing I noticed was the rotors may need to replaced because they shake when stopping and there seemed to be a sound similar to hub bearings. I told the salesmen and he didn't deny me but said that the previous customers who test rode didn't mention it. I will be calling the dealership who did the service as this dealership is a mitsibushi dealer. Regular service records on the car with carfax, they also had the starer replaced.
The second one is a 2012 E550 4matic with 63k miles, beautiful black w/ standard mercedes star AMG wheels. The 2012 has the 4.6tt v8 I plan to test drive it at the end of the week.
I will be performing a majority of the work myself as I have with all of my cars, motorcycles, and jet skis. From the research I've done these seem to be bullet proof engines and transmissions. The car will also be a daily driver.
Thoughts on these? Things to look for/avoid, common problems I may have looked over?
Thanks so much!
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From: Fredonia, WI
2012 E550 v8-Biturbo
I don't think you could go wrong with either one. I have a 2012 E550 and I love it. Both engines are great, but there's something about spooling up the twin turbos that puts a stupid grin on my face 
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Brakes being bad on the E550 is pretty common. Not sure what's with OEM MB stuff, people put on aftermarket rotors/pads and don't have a problem, only OEM seems to be a problem.
Check the 2012 model for airmatic, I think it was an option in that year, but for 2010, I believe it was standard. One less thing to break if it doesn't have it.
Check the 2012 model for airmatic, I think it was an option in that year, but for 2010, I believe it was standard. One less thing to break if it doesn't have it.
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Yes, be careful of the AIRMATIC on the 2010 and whether it has been serviced. I’ve had mostly good luck with my AIRMATIC cars, but repairs can get costly. I had a ‘10 E550 and now the ttv8. The ‘10 is amazing and has a better deep sound at WOT. The ttv8 will pin you into your seat and can easily be tuned to 550+ HP. Stock HP is closer to 430, as it is downrated by MB. Most stock dyno numbers are 365-370 at the wheels.
Either one is a great choice. I drive my 550 every day. They do not like to sit around.
Either one is a great choice. I drive my 550 every day. They do not like to sit around.
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2010 E550 4MATIC
Yeah looks like the 2010 has had a decent service history with various maintenance inspections, alignments, tires replaced, performance/suspension checked, airbag recall, other than that don't see anything airmatic related and I know it works. They both have decent service history so I am not worried about 60-63k miles being a lot.
Thanks for all the input I suppose I will try to get down to drive the 2012 in the next few days and decide from there, It does have rear end damage reported but clear title and it may not be from an accident, gonna call the dealer tomorrow and find out for sure. I can get a better price on the 2010 but I suppose the test drive will tell me which driving experience I like better.
Will keep you guys updated and let you know what I get!
Thanks for all the input I suppose I will try to get down to drive the 2012 in the next few days and decide from there, It does have rear end damage reported but clear title and it may not be from an accident, gonna call the dealer tomorrow and find out for sure. I can get a better price on the 2010 but I suppose the test drive will tell me which driving experience I like better.
Will keep you guys updated and let you know what I get!
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2010 E550 4MATIC
Ultimately if the brakes are bad then I want them either replaced or price lowered....
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 70
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2010 E550 4MATIC
Brakes being bad on the E550 is pretty common. Not sure what's with OEM MB stuff, people put on aftermarket rotors/pads and don't have a problem, only OEM seems to be a problem.
Check the 2012 model for airmatic, I think it was an option in that year, but for 2010, I believe it was standard. One less thing to break if it doesn't have it.
Check the 2012 model for airmatic, I think it was an option in that year, but for 2010, I believe it was standard. One less thing to break if it doesn't have it.
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Yes, get the price drop and do your own brake job. You can join the chorus of those who have their preferred non-OEM options. It is the best way to go, then you know what you have moving forward. The job is very simple with minimal effort and tools. You then have the pleasure of your first DIY on the beast.
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Was going to go look at the 2012 today and it just sold. So last option is the 2010 which I am thinking of putting a deposit down on until I can get my dad to come with me for a second opinion. Tried to call the Mercedes dealer that did the most recent work and left voicemails for 2 separate service people and haven't heard back yet...
Ultimately if the brakes are bad then I want them either replaced or price lowered....
Ultimately if the brakes are bad then I want them either replaced or price lowered....
I also feel that the built quality of my car is better than later models. Like the brake rotors on my car are still the originals from factory and they are as smooth as brakes possibly can be. I have changed brake pads though as they wear and used ceramic pads from AutoZone with life time warranty. This was just for less brake dust.
I think the 2010 model is a good buy. This 5.5 liter engine is just awesome without turbo chargers and give very decent gas mileage too.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 973
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From: Austin, TX
2013 SL550 BiTurbo
if you don't mind, what is your budget and where are you located? Maybe I/we can help you find something...
I say hold out for a TT car. They are getting harder to find, but I know of a few for sale... I bought my 2012 E550 on Valentine's Day(my wife was not happy I was leaving the state to go buy a car...but oh well!) with 92k miles for $15,900 and immediately got it tuned and had the mufflers deleted(still too quiet...x-pipe should be here by the end of the week! YAY!). City milage is not great @ 17-18mpg, but she get's 28-29mpg on the highway @ 80mph. And like ghlkal said...just something about those turbos that make me grin!
I say hold out for a TT car. They are getting harder to find, but I know of a few for sale... I bought my 2012 E550 on Valentine's Day(my wife was not happy I was leaving the state to go buy a car...but oh well!) with 92k miles for $15,900 and immediately got it tuned and had the mufflers deleted(still too quiet...x-pipe should be here by the end of the week! YAY!). City milage is not great @ 17-18mpg, but she get's 28-29mpg on the highway @ 80mph. And like ghlkal said...just something about those turbos that make me grin!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
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2010 E550 4MATIC
Yes, get the price drop and do your own brake job. You can join the chorus of those who have their preferred non-OEM options. It is the best way to go, then you know what you have moving forward. The job is very simple with minimal effort and tools. You then have the pleasure of your first DIY on the beast.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 70
Likes: 6
2010 E550 4MATIC
if you don't mind, what is your budget and where are you located? Maybe I/we can help you find something...
I say hold out for a TT car. They are getting harder to find, but I know of a few for sale... I bought my 2012 E550 on Valentine's Day(my wife was not happy I was leaving the state to go buy a car...but oh well!) with 92k miles for $15,900 and immediately got it tuned and had the mufflers deleted(still too quiet...x-pipe should be here by the end of the week! YAY!). City milage is not great @ 17-18mpg, but she get's 28-29mpg on the highway @ 80mph. And like ghlkal said...just something about those turbos that make me grin!
I say hold out for a TT car. They are getting harder to find, but I know of a few for sale... I bought my 2012 E550 on Valentine's Day(my wife was not happy I was leaving the state to go buy a car...but oh well!) with 92k miles for $15,900 and immediately got it tuned and had the mufflers deleted(still too quiet...x-pipe should be here by the end of the week! YAY!). City milage is not great @ 17-18mpg, but she get's 28-29mpg on the highway @ 80mph. And like ghlkal said...just something about those turbos that make me grin!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 277
Likes: 77
From: Alexandria, VA
2000 E430 Sport
Congratulations!!!! I hope your new ride brings you plenty of happy days.
IMHO AMG exhaust from a W212 E63 sounds wonderful on these vehicles.
Might be biased but that's what I have.
Best bang for the buck - bought mine used off eBay.
Resonator delete was too loud for me.
Only thing changed are the mufflers and tips now.
Requires new diffuser with wider cut outs to accommodate the AMG quad tips though.
As far as tuning goes I've heard good things about these guys but have no personal knowledge.
IMHO AMG exhaust from a W212 E63 sounds wonderful on these vehicles.
Might be biased but that's what I have.
Best bang for the buck - bought mine used off eBay.
Resonator delete was too loud for me.
Only thing changed are the mufflers and tips now.
Requires new diffuser with wider cut outs to accommodate the AMG quad tips though.
As far as tuning goes I've heard good things about these guys but have no personal knowledge.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 70
Likes: 6
2010 E550 4MATIC
Congratulations!!!! I hope your new ride brings you plenty of happy days.
IMHO AMG exhaust from a W212 E63 sounds wonderful on these vehicles.
Might be biased but that's what I have.
Best bang for the buck - bought mine used off eBay.
Resonator delete was too loud for me.
Only thing changed are the mufflers and tips now.
Requires new diffuser with wider cut outs to accommodate the AMG quad tips though.
As far as tuning goes I've heard good things about these guys but have no personal knowledge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U_JqnQtYb0
IMHO AMG exhaust from a W212 E63 sounds wonderful on these vehicles.
Might be biased but that's what I have.
Best bang for the buck - bought mine used off eBay.
Resonator delete was too loud for me.
Only thing changed are the mufflers and tips now.
Requires new diffuser with wider cut outs to accommodate the AMG quad tips though.
As far as tuning goes I've heard good things about these guys but have no personal knowledge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U_JqnQtYb0
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 277
Likes: 77
From: Alexandria, VA
2000 E430 Sport
Sure thing. I don't mind sharing. I paid around $1100 shipped for the E63 exhaust including the pipes.
Purchased back in 2016.
Should go for cheaper now.
Here's a set for $950. Disclaimer: I am not nor do I know the seller.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-13-W212-...ry!22191!US!-1
I might be able to hook up a sound clip for you when I get off work.
PS: I wish I could have kept the 430. Was my pride and joy! W210 still one of my favorite Mercedes. Those headlights are iconic IMHO.
Purchased back in 2016.
Should go for cheaper now.
Here's a set for $950. Disclaimer: I am not nor do I know the seller.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-13-W212-...ry!22191!US!-1
I might be able to hook up a sound clip for you when I get off work.
PS: I wish I could have kept the 430. Was my pride and joy! W210 still one of my favorite Mercedes. Those headlights are iconic IMHO.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 70
Likes: 6
2010 E550 4MATIC
Sure thing. I don't mind sharing. I paid around $1100 shipped for the E63 exhaust including the pipes.
Purchased back in 2016.
Should go for cheaper now.
Here's a set for $950. Disclaimer: I am not nor do I know the seller.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-13-W212-...ry!22191!US!-1
I might be able to hook up a sound clip for you when I get off work.
PS: I wish I could have kept the 430. Was my pride and joy! W210 still one of my favorite Mercedes. Those headlights are iconic IMHO.
Purchased back in 2016.
Should go for cheaper now.
Here's a set for $950. Disclaimer: I am not nor do I know the seller.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-13-W212-...ry!22191!US!-1
I might be able to hook up a sound clip for you when I get off work.
PS: I wish I could have kept the 430. Was my pride and joy! W210 still one of my favorite Mercedes. Those headlights are iconic IMHO.
Yes I felt the same way about my 430 however it started rusting so had to get rid of it. The headlights are very iconic and it's what led me to get this one although they are square they are still that double light iconic mercedes look. I do not like the 2013+ E's as much.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 277
Likes: 77
From: Alexandria, VA
2000 E430 Sport
Just took the video.
Unfortunately cant upload MP4 to the forum.
Shoot me a PM with your email address and I'll send it to you that way.
Reference the headlights - I feel the exact same way.
The individual (looking) headlights reminded me of my W210 and the W211.
No more with the newer ones.
End of an era for the E class.
Last of the natural V-8's too.
Insides of the rentals I get from the shop are cheap, plastic and hollow IMO.
Nothing like the W210 - I could actually smell leather every time I opened the door.
Feelings man...feelings.
Unfortunately cant upload MP4 to the forum.
Shoot me a PM with your email address and I'll send it to you that way.
Reference the headlights - I feel the exact same way.
The individual (looking) headlights reminded me of my W210 and the W211.
No more with the newer ones.
End of an era for the E class.
Last of the natural V-8's too.
Insides of the rentals I get from the shop are cheap, plastic and hollow IMO.
Nothing like the W210 - I could actually smell leather every time I opened the door.
Feelings man...feelings.
Last edited by retna7; May 23, 2019 at 02:47 PM.
