karlward

Hi Everyone, this is the first time for me posting in the forum. I am thinking about buying 2012+ W212 Mercedes Benz E550. I currently own a W211 E55 but want some a little newer to daily drive. It has to be the Twin Turbo Model.

I like the twin Turbo for the option to tune it over 500hp+. But not knowing nothing about this car. What do I need to know or check when looking to buy one.

1. How reliable are these engines? Do they have any Timing Chain issues or oil consumption problems?
2. What are common failure points?
3. What do I need to look for when buying (I know service history obviously but anything else)
4. How reliable are they with a base tune. 480-500hp?
5. Can you buy longtube headers for them?

I am looking to learn about the car. As it will be a daily I do 30k a year at least.

Thanks everyone.

chassis

This engine doesn't seem to be aging too well.

Valve guides had a run of bad luck on this engine, I think something timing-chain related also. Search will find it for you. This engine was widely used on E-, CLS-, S-, SL-, G-, ML/GLE-, and GL/GLS-Class.

Open the cam position sensor and cam magnet wiring harness connectors and inspect for oil.

Read codes.

Compression check.

Borescope looking for scuffed cylinders.

Look for oil leaks around the front cylinder head covers, common factory defect. Hopefully addressed by a previous owner.

Turbo oil and coolant hoses can leak. Search feature will bring this up.

Senecat

Take care of it and you'll be fine.

By the way, your post count actually shows 31 posts.

Have fun.

karlward

Thanks. Sorry I meant on the W212 forum.

Dane500

Long tube headers are for naturally aspirated engines. You lose thermal efficiency. Down pipes are the usual modification.

Senecat

Add that long tube headers + integrated turbo manifolds aren't exactly a "thing".

Blkvip

im at 135k cars been fantastic for me, cars also been tuned for 50k or so. no major break downs till a recent issue with my fan and/or ac not sure going in a week or two. 2 small coolant leaks at the hard plastic lines which i expected at some point (old & brittle)
granted iv done all my normal services. most of which you can do in your driveway. plugs/coils, belt, pulleys etc. tranny service is easy IF you have a lift.

KEY08

No tune on my ‘14 facelift and it has been rock solid for the past 5-1/2 years of ownership.

karlward

Thanks for everyone support thus far. I am torn as to what to do. Is the 10-11/NA engines good?

cetialpha5

It's the older engine but has a different set of problems. I always figured the M278 was a nice jump over the M273 in the 2010-2011 engines but yeah stories of scuffed cylinders on the M278 means it doesn't have the longevity that seems to be there in the M273. The M273 was like the M272 which had the intake manifold problem when the flaps would get gummed up. But at least that didn't tank the engine unless you let it go too long and the flaps break and fall into the engine causing damage. Also for a tune, you get a lot of power for a small priced tune, for the NA engine, a tune doesn't really give you that much extra hp and it's about the same cost. For me, the one to get would be 2014 E550, that had the facelift and it was the last year for the E550 in the US. Also if you want it to last, I'd skip any tunes.

BenzV12

Besides those aforementioned neatly messages posted by the members , I have also seen engine mount problems . I find it very weird because I think the designers didn't spend too much to improve those . Those engines are very powerful to put a wear and tear on those items . It should not be a deal breaker though to me

KEY08

I also had a 2010 E550 4M and it was a great car as well, but the M278 is a different beast and MB underrated the horsepower as dynos have shown. 430 HP is plenty to get around town and it returns high 20+ mpg in highway cruising. I never travel more than 5,000 miles before an oil change and it is only serviced at my MB dealer, who has always taken care of me. You take care of it and it will take care of you.

Zynthe

I was torn between the NA and the bi-turbo too. I ended up buying the NA version because I plan to keep this car for a long time and I did not want any turbo issues down the road. Also the NA V8 just sounds so nice.

bstreep

I'm at 123K on my 2013 E550. Not a single issue other than maintenance.

Westgate141

I'm at 87k Miles on my E550. I had a few minor issues fixed under warranty (squeaky drivers seat and steering wheel), and then recently I had a major issues (but I caused it I'm pretty sure driving into a hiking trailhead parking lot that had a 1ft deep sink-hole I didn't see) and had to replace the front drivetrain ($3k).

Other than that, it's just regular maintenance (always at the dealer), and Tires (if I get 2 years out of 4AS+ I'm happy)

DanS_NJ

I bought a 2010 E550 in 2013 and owned it until 2018. Drove it from 35,000 miles up to about 75,000 during these 4-1/2 years. The car was very clean, without a ding or dent anywhere, and had lots of power, however, it was always leaking either coolant or oil. I had an extended warranty which covered most of this work, but I was surprised at how much time the car spent at the dealer. Also, it spent time at the dealer about 4 separate times for Airmatic suspension issues.

Austin Bruhn

I have a 2010 E550 with 163k miles and it is amazing. Ive had it for years. Rear air shocks at 125k miles ,driveshaft/waterpump at 150k miles, air compressor for Airmatic at 163K. I have it tuned by Renntech and I drive it very hard! It rips!

chassis

M273 naturally aspirated engine, correct?

juanmor40

Add this one to the list,

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post8596377

CaliBenzDriver

... reality sets in once the new smell and warranty are gone: turbos are hot maintenance items!
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Left Coast Geek

yeah... $300 worth of new coolant pipes that need $2500 labor to replace due to how much stuff you have to take apart to replace them. eek.