E550 reliability and common problems?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 900
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From: Toronto
2012 C63, 2014 E550
E550 reliability and common problems?
Currently own a 2012 c63 and thinking of adding a Mercedes for my wife. Would be looking at around 2012-2015 e550 with all the assists and safety stuff. We test drove some new small/midsize SUVs like
hyundais and Toyota’s but honesty, for the same price, I’d rather get a depreciated E class with all the features for the same price
How liveable is it with a baby? We don’t have children but plan on it in a few years
Any particular problems to look out for? Any particular models years to buy or avoid? I heard good things about this generations reliability.
Any cool packages/options to look out for? This will mainly be a daily driver for my wife’s short commute to the train station. Or my ride to work if I feel like dropping her off/ picking up. Grocery getter, mall crawler etc, which will allow me to move my c63 over to weekends-and-sunny-days category.
How is the tubn ability/ aftermarket support? I’m thinking of doing doenpipe and tune right away if I purchase one (if reliability wont be too sacrificed). How reliable is the added HP? Any members with big miles on their tuned 550?
Really appreciate the input guys.
hyundais and Toyota’s but honesty, for the same price, I’d rather get a depreciated E class with all the features for the same price
How liveable is it with a baby? We don’t have children but plan on it in a few years
Any particular problems to look out for? Any particular models years to buy or avoid? I heard good things about this generations reliability.
Any cool packages/options to look out for? This will mainly be a daily driver for my wife’s short commute to the train station. Or my ride to work if I feel like dropping her off/ picking up. Grocery getter, mall crawler etc, which will allow me to move my c63 over to weekends-and-sunny-days category.
How is the tubn ability/ aftermarket support? I’m thinking of doing doenpipe and tune right away if I purchase one (if reliability wont be too sacrificed). How reliable is the added HP? Any members with big miles on their tuned 550?
Really appreciate the input guys.
Last edited by NotABaller; Aug 15, 2019 at 01:45 PM.
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I have had both the naturally aspirated E550 4M and now my ‘14 E550 4M. Cars have been trouble free and a joy to own. On the highway at speed they are hard to beat, get great gas mileage and fly. As a commuter the mileage will suffer, but the luxury more than makes up for it. I have every option available on my 2014 and I think it listed for $80,000. You can buy for around $30K or so if you can find one. They are very rare. A renn tech tune can take you from 430HP to 550. They are blinding fast even at the stock 430. My car is still under CPO, so no tune just yet in this one. My GT350 has plenty of HP for those track days of fun. The E class is perfect for safe child commuting as well. Easy access and the total Mercedes safety environment. If you can find a 550 with Distronic and full driver assist, Full LED, Pano, and the ‘14 face lift, buy it. They are fantastic machines and at the discounted price hard to pass up.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 900
Likes: 113
From: Toronto
2012 C63, 2014 E550
I have had both the naturally aspirated E550 4M and now my ‘14 E550 4M. Cars have been trouble free and a joy to own. On the highway at speed they are hard to beat, get great gas mileage and fly. As a commuter the mileage will suffer, but the luxury more than makes up for it. I have every option available on my 2014 and I think it listed for $80,000. You can buy for around $30K or so if you can find one. They are very rare. A renn tech tune can take you from 430HP to 550. They are blinding fast even at the stock 430. My car is still under CPO, so no tune just yet in this one. My GT350 has plenty of HP for those track days of fun. The E class is perfect for safe child commuting as well. Easy access and the total Mercedes safety environment. If you can find a 550 with Distronic and full driver assist, Full LED, Pano, and the ‘14 face lift, buy it. They are fantastic machines and at the discounted price hard to pass up.
How does this listing look? https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/...ationFlag=true
Seems to have all the options, service records from dealership, no accidents on report.
2014 E550 with around 60k miles for 27k cad. Would you guys recommend an example with lower miles for a few thousand more?
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
When KEY buys low-mileage with warranties, I don't hesitate to buy high-mileage MB for cheap. I buy mostly diesels, so that is different animal.
But I would not pay "few" thousands more just for the lower mileage. If the car has more options and look better -yes, but if you plan to keep the car for 5+ years, at the end aged car with 120k miles will have marginal different value than the one with 135k miles.
For me crucial is paint condition, as that is what can't be matched if you'd need to fix it down the road.
Only issue we seem to have on those cars are Czech-made AMG wheels, who seem to crack like crazy.
So check the wheels carefully as they are not cheap item.
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Looks to be a great example and I wouldn’t worry about those miles. At 60K the plugs are due for a change so check if that has been done. Transmission service is at 70K.
if you haven’t driven a TTV8 E550, you are in for a treat. Test drive it and you will want it. Nice find
if you haven’t driven a TTV8 E550, you are in for a treat. Test drive it and you will want it. Nice find
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From: USA - Minnesota
2014 GL350
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From: Toronto
2012 C63, 2014 E550
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Joined: May 2018
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2016 E550, 2018 GTC
Being you're in Canada you have some more options and can get the E550 up until 2016 in the same body style. This car will meet all of your needs and put a stupid grin on your face when you press your right foot down. Just have to ask yourself (or wife) if you want/need all the power or not. E350's will open up quite a few more options second hand.
If you go E550 you definitely won't be disappointed.
If you go E550 you definitely won't be disappointed.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Fredonia, WI
2012 E550 v8-Biturbo
I love my 2012 E550. I can't believe that a 5500 pound car can accelerate as fast as it does and still get 28 mpg cruising on the highway. I haven't had any issues with mine.
Good luck with the search.
Good luck with the search.
Super Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 818
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From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
2014 E550 4MATIC TUNED - Turbo Upgraded Stage 3
Renntech, Weistec, AMS, and Eurocharge. As long as you stay with these companies. It should be very reliable. And they do support their own tune and products.
My 2014 E550 Sedan just got into 12,4000 KM = 77050 Miles. And its heavily mod and custom tuned.
I have replaced Engine and Transmission mount a month ago.
Last year, drag race run, My front passenger side axle broke next day. Cost $2200 CAD with labor.
Also, One of the Coolant pipe got brittle and cracked. Got them replaced back in March this year.
It also equipped with Air Matic and its still going. Fingers crossed for now on these sets.
I do change my engine oil every 5K km (3000 miles).
ATF was done every 30K Miles.
Changed few sets of spark plugs, because i was trying to find the best spark plug sets and settings.
Ignition coil also replaced when it was around 50K miles. (Car was a bit shaky at idle.)
OVERALL !!! I LOVE MY CAR!!!
PS. AC issue kinda fixed by changing different tune files.
Last edited by cocobeex; Aug 16, 2019 at 12:58 AM.
Senior Member
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From: California
2013 E550 4MATIC - P1, P2, SPORT
Where did you get that weight? I'm pretty sure it tops just over 4000 lbs. Even with a full tank you're not adding an extra 1500 lbs.
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Thanks a lot, was looking for exactly this kinda info.
How does this listing look? https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/...ationFlag=true
Seems to have all the options, service records from dealership, no accidents on report.
2014 E550 with around 60k miles for 27k cad. Would you guys recommend an example with lower miles for a few thousand more?
How does this listing look? https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/...ationFlag=true
Seems to have all the options, service records from dealership, no accidents on report.
2014 E550 with around 60k miles for 27k cad. Would you guys recommend an example with lower miles for a few thousand more?
If this is just that it is missing the inspection THAT THE DEALER SHOULD TAKE CAFRE OF I would buy the car. BUT. HAVE THE DEALER DO THE INSPECTION AND GET IT WORTHY FOR THE ROADS BEFORE YOU BUY IT AS THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WHY IT IS NOT INSPECTED TO BE ROAD WORTHY!!!
Great price if the car proves to be fine.
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...n-test-review/
Senior Member
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From: California
2013 E550 4MATIC - P1, P2, SPORT
CD claims 4411 pounds. Maybe the placard has a 5500 max weight. That's probably full passengers, full load in the trunk, full fuel tank and all fluids.
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...n-test-review/
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...n-test-review/
But that still wouldn't be a 5500 lb car...
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 973
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From: Austin, TX
2013 SL550 BiTurbo
I have a 2012 E550 with 100k miles and an Eurocharged tune and I love it. It was almost as fast as a stock E63(ran a 12.4@114 with the stock exhaust on it) but now all resonators/mufflers have been removed and it pulls on Camaros that run 11.90's and ALWAYS puts a smile on my face. (still has stock catted downpipes)
I don't have any babies, but I do have 3 kids(2 of which are bigger than me) and they all fit in the back seat with minimal grumbling as it is quite a bit bigger than the C63 Coupe. Also the W212 trunk is massive, plenty of stroller/playpen/baby-stuff room in there.
I don't have any babies, but I do have 3 kids(2 of which are bigger than me) and they all fit in the back seat with minimal grumbling as it is quite a bit bigger than the C63 Coupe. Also the W212 trunk is massive, plenty of stroller/playpen/baby-stuff room in there.
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 44
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From: Alberta, Canada
2019 e63s amg, 2014 e550
Have a 2014 e550, had for just about 2 years now and love it. Two main issues I've had besides normal wear and tear have been
1) The 2 rear drive assist sensors in the bumper malfunctioning, causing the pre-safe functions limited error. Both changed on MB's dime after my warranty ended as apparently it's a very common issue.
2) Rear air struts started rattling like crazy, driving me nuts, with barely 50k on the car. Strange part is when I took them off to inspect neither shock was leaking and when manually pushing them back in they returned to full length pretty quick. Changed both in my driveway in about 2 hours with hand tools, dealer wanted 5.5hrs lol..
Have the OEtuning stage 1 on the car right now, nice little bump in pep, definitely more responsive. Getting cats removed on Friday so I can load the stage 2 tune, been told by other owners that a stage 2 with downpipes is faster than a stock amg. Lowering the car is also quite easy and cheap if you have airmatic, get a set of lowering links for about $150. Within an hour you can install them and adjust them to your desired height. Car is smooth, refined, moves like stink, and gets compliments all the time. Can't go wrong with the e550, unless you have the extra 30k for an amg. All depends on what your end goal is.
1) The 2 rear drive assist sensors in the bumper malfunctioning, causing the pre-safe functions limited error. Both changed on MB's dime after my warranty ended as apparently it's a very common issue.
2) Rear air struts started rattling like crazy, driving me nuts, with barely 50k on the car. Strange part is when I took them off to inspect neither shock was leaking and when manually pushing them back in they returned to full length pretty quick. Changed both in my driveway in about 2 hours with hand tools, dealer wanted 5.5hrs lol..
Have the OEtuning stage 1 on the car right now, nice little bump in pep, definitely more responsive. Getting cats removed on Friday so I can load the stage 2 tune, been told by other owners that a stage 2 with downpipes is faster than a stock amg. Lowering the car is also quite easy and cheap if you have airmatic, get a set of lowering links for about $150. Within an hour you can install them and adjust them to your desired height. Car is smooth, refined, moves like stink, and gets compliments all the time. Can't go wrong with the e550, unless you have the extra 30k for an amg. All depends on what your end goal is.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 900
Likes: 113
From: Toronto
2012 C63, 2014 E550
There was some paint damage on the car I linked. The GPS was also extremely laggy (compared to my c63 and another e550 I tried). Overall, it looks like the car was not super-well cared for which is a big deal for me. I'm okay with higher mileage or price, but I want a car that was treated well! Also, the used car lot I went to tried some really sketchy tactics on me so I passed. Am fine with waiting a bit for a lower mileage, great condition one from a more reputable seller.
From the feedback I'm getting, I should be looking for all the options and assists but NOT air suspension?
From the feedback I'm getting, I should be looking for all the options and assists but NOT air suspension?
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 44
Likes: 20
From: Alberta, Canada
2019 e63s amg, 2014 e550
From the feedback I'm getting, I should be looking for all the options and assists but NOT air suspension?
Good move to pass on the car btw, even the slightest doubt, move on to the next one. There are enough in Canada, especially the G.T.A. that you can find pretty much what you're looking for and not regret the purchase later.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 973
Likes: 376
From: Austin, TX
2013 SL550 BiTurbo
yeah, I could not for the life of me wrap my head around why the drivers headrest looked like it did...weird, looked like it had been bent in half! lol
Airmatic is one option my E550 does not have but I wish it did...but, I was a MB tech and I'm not scared of the system...some people are...
Airmatic is one option my E550 does not have but I wish it did...but, I was a MB tech and I'm not scared of the system...some people are...
Junior Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 61
Likes: 22
2016 E550, 2018 GTC
From the feedback I'm getting, I should be looking for all the options and assists but NOT air suspension?
Super Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 818
Likes: 79
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
2014 E550 4MATIC TUNED - Turbo Upgraded Stage 3
Have a 2014 e550, had for just about 2 years now and love it. Two main issues I've had besides normal wear and tear have been
1) The 2 rear drive assist sensors in the bumper malfunctioning, causing the pre-safe functions limited error. Both changed on MB's dime after my warranty ended as apparently it's a very common issue.
2) Rear air struts started rattling like crazy, driving me nuts, with barely 50k on the car. Strange part is when I took them off to inspect neither shock was leaking and when manually pushing them back in they returned to full length pretty quick. Changed both in my driveway in about 2 hours with hand tools, dealer wanted 5.5hrs lol..
Have the OEtuning stage 1 on the car right now, nice little bump in pep, definitely more responsive. Getting cats removed on Friday so I can load the stage 2 tune, been told by other owners that a stage 2 with downpipes is faster than a stock amg. Lowering the car is also quite easy and cheap if you have airmatic, get a set of lowering links for about $150. Within an hour you can install them and adjust them to your desired height. Car is smooth, refined, moves like stink, and gets compliments all the time. Can't go wrong with the e550, unless you have the extra 30k for an amg. All depends on what your end goal is.
1) The 2 rear drive assist sensors in the bumper malfunctioning, causing the pre-safe functions limited error. Both changed on MB's dime after my warranty ended as apparently it's a very common issue.
2) Rear air struts started rattling like crazy, driving me nuts, with barely 50k on the car. Strange part is when I took them off to inspect neither shock was leaking and when manually pushing them back in they returned to full length pretty quick. Changed both in my driveway in about 2 hours with hand tools, dealer wanted 5.5hrs lol..
Have the OEtuning stage 1 on the car right now, nice little bump in pep, definitely more responsive. Getting cats removed on Friday so I can load the stage 2 tune, been told by other owners that a stage 2 with downpipes is faster than a stock amg. Lowering the car is also quite easy and cheap if you have airmatic, get a set of lowering links for about $150. Within an hour you can install them and adjust them to your desired height. Car is smooth, refined, moves like stink, and gets compliments all the time. Can't go wrong with the e550, unless you have the extra 30k for an amg. All depends on what your end goal is.
My car was with Weistec Downpipe and stage 2 tune. only ran 12.07 1/4 miles.
Stock AMG goes in 11.8 - 11.9 in 1/4 miles.
After turbo upgrades and stage 3 tune, it will kill stock AMG cars.
Super Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 818
Likes: 79
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
2014 E550 4MATIC TUNED - Turbo Upgraded Stage 3
I lost to my buddies Porsche Panamera GTS in cornering and turns. But i passed him in straight road like butter.
