New '12 E55 'vert owner. Few questions, including light mods
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2012 E550 vert
New '12 E55 'vert owner. Few questions, including light mods
Hey everyone! Just purchased a 2012 E550 convertible and looking forward to a ton of fun with it. I've owned a ton of cars, including at least 8 or 9 convertibles, but it's my fiance's first experience with a convertible. The E550 was a good compromise between the German luxury feel she wanted and some of the things I wanted. I'm new to German car ownership, but very much understand what's involved. Ours has been dealer serviced most of its' life, so at least I know it's been well cared for. Just a few questions overall.
I've been trying to do research on the M278 engine. I've found overall that it's fairly reliable. I noted that the early ones can have timing chain issues. I used to own an R56 Mini Cooper S and they had a well known issue nicknamed the "death rattle". If the M278 starts having issues, how noticeable is the rattle? Is it really loud? Is it only during start up? I'm pretty confident I'd be able to hear it, but just want to know what to look out for. What else should I be looking out for as warning signs of potentially larger issues, so I can minimize damage?
I'd like to have a dyno tune done to the car. I also don't want to stress the engine to the limit, especially to where I have to start changing fuel system parts, etc... With a mild and "safe" tune, what kind of numbers are you seeing?
Thanks all!!!
I've been trying to do research on the M278 engine. I've found overall that it's fairly reliable. I noted that the early ones can have timing chain issues. I used to own an R56 Mini Cooper S and they had a well known issue nicknamed the "death rattle". If the M278 starts having issues, how noticeable is the rattle? Is it really loud? Is it only during start up? I'm pretty confident I'd be able to hear it, but just want to know what to look out for. What else should I be looking out for as warning signs of potentially larger issues, so I can minimize damage?
I'd like to have a dyno tune done to the car. I also don't want to stress the engine to the limit, especially to where I have to start changing fuel system parts, etc... With a mild and "safe" tune, what kind of numbers are you seeing?
Thanks all!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 695
From: Northwest Illinois
2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
Welcome MB rides a fairly reliable but when you get a bad one it can be expensive. When you can please post a picture of your ride
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 681
Likes: 405
From: FL
2012 E550 sedan 2019 E63 Wagon
You can also tell if it was replaced with the newer one, if the chain looks different than the stock one by opening the oil cap. My car never rattled, but before my warranty expired I told them it was. And they swapped the tensioners, and guides.
