Bi Turbo E550 'what to know' Questions before buying.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 53
Likes: 4
2005 E55 AMG, 2007 E550, 83 380SL and Many Jaguars
Bi Turbo E550 'what to know' Questions before buying.
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.
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.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
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.
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.
Last edited by chassis; Jun 29, 2022 at 09:43 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 765
1983 Nissan Shltbox
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 495
Likes: 47
From: south shore
12' E559
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.
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.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,549
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 945
W212 FL
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
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,640
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.
Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 97
Likes: 45
2011 E550 | M273 | 4Matic NA | W212
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.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 2
E320 (2000), WTB E550 (2013)
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)
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)
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
2015 E63 AMG 4-Matic Sedan
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.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee Wi
2010 e550 sedan airmatic 4matic
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!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
M273 naturally aspirated engine, correct?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 2,041
From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
Likes: 6,775
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,482
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
