rogeugeek

Hey all. I’m looking at a picking up a W212 E550. I’m wondering what people’s thoughts are on the maintenance/reliability of the M273 vs the M278 and would love to get the educated community's feedback on this. Anything I should be looking out for here?

I’m also wondering how serious I should be taking the Airmatic concerns. Everywhere you read about it, the general consensus is to run as quickly as you can from Airmatic-equiped cars. I’d rather just deal with the standard coil over setup, but nearly all of the E550’s I’ve looked at have the air and half of them had issues. Is it a real problem or just an internet bogeyman? What years did the E550 have coilovers and Airmatic? Is converting Airmatic to coilovers something the community does? Is that a viable option or is it not worth the trouble?

Also, while we’re talking about it, any other advice you could give me for my hunt?

Thank you, kindly, ladies and gents.

S550e

The E 550 is an interesting platform. Everyone has different experiences with them, and it really depends on service history and mileage...

10 and 11 have the M273 NA V8 which got a few revisions from the W211 E 550. It is very stout and reliable in its final form. They also have a problem with warped rotors... you may want to upgrade to the 2012+ calipers.

12 through 17 (14 Sedan in USA) has the M278 V8 Biturbo which had some catastrophic issues at first and got a few revisions for 13+

While the M278 isn't perfect (leaky camshaft sensors, cylinder scoring, tensioners, etc.) it sure is a hell of a lot of fun. AMG-like power, without all the extra costs of AMG brakes, AMG speedshift transmission, and other AMG-specific costs associated.

If you want the most reliable model, try to find a 2011 E 550 in RWD, without airmatic. It will suck a lot of gas and may need some maintenance. But overall the engine and transmission are very strong. If you want a faster model with better fuel economy, I would go for a 2013+ E 550. Make sure the 2013 has the additional split cooling tank, I believe they added that mid-year... all 2014+ have split cooling but the downfall of the 14 is that it was only offered for 1 year in the states and they are all 4matic cars (extra headache and costs associated).

All model years had optional airmatic, I would avoid it, but it's not the end of the world... enjoy it until it breaks, and there is a coil-over conversion kit for these cars (blanking out on the name right now). Good luck!

rogeugeek

Thanks for the feedback. I'm less concerned about getting the most reliable model and just trying to wrap my head around reliability expectations. I'm trying to be clear because I've already gotten the thoughtless, "If you're concerned about reliability, you can't afford the MB and maybe a you should be looking at Toyota/Honda," comments. No, everything requires maintenance. From the feedback I'm getting, it sounds like the M273 is going to be the motor for me. Simpler. NA. Probably has a nice high ceiling for upgrades.

Ok, it's nice to see the platform has enough support that coilover kits exist. Thanks again!

Zynthe

2011 E550 owner here who went through the same thing you did before i got my current car. Airmatic is a wear and tear item. You are going to have to replace it sooner or later. Usually they start dying around the 10yr mark. The rears will go first, slowly followed by the fronts. The good thing is Arnotts sells a airmatic shocks/struts or you can choose to go the Ebay route like other members have.

I chose the M273 V8 NA because i did not want to deal with turbo issues. Also the last year before a refresh is usually one of the better produced vehicles which further convinced me to go 2011 instead of the newer 2012+.

People will say there is no point in trying to mod the M273 for power. With the extra 5-9k you are putting in, might as well have bought the bi-turbo W212 to begin with.

Bahnstormer

I was in the market for a used W212 E550 two years ago and an E63 with the legendary M156 motor dropped into my lap. Best decision ever.

rogeugeek

The Arnotts sound like the right way to go. Lifetime warranty, although I don't really understand how they can swing that considering how much these things fail, but I'm ok with it. Question about these. When you have them installed, do you need to do any kinda recalibration or is it simply replace and drive?

Yeah, I'm with you here. I'm now hoping to find a 2011 (or '10) RWD E550 with the OEM coilover setup. Although if it's an Airmatic car, that doesn't scare me at this point. I guess 4matic would be fine too, but I'd prefer to keep the whole platform as simple as possible.

The Arnotts sound like the right way to go. Lifetime warranty, although I don't really understand how they can swing that considering how much these things fail, but I'm ok with it. Question about these. When you have them installed, do you need to do any kinda recalibration or is it simply replace and drive?[/QUOTE]
I mean, that makes sense from a cost perspective, but you're also giving up natural aspiration and displacement (of which there's no replacement, of course). Yeah, I'm gonna aim for that M273.

heh I'll hope for the same luck that you were blessed with!

rogeugeek

You know, I'm seeing some out there that look pretty good. How is that M156 and M157?

Edit: Looks like it's what to be expected out of a hand-built performance motor. No worries. I already deal with plenty of those.

juanmor40

rogeugeek

I saw that. I think a combination of seeing that and reading people’s feedback have cemented the M273 for me. Thanks very much!

juanmor40

Though I like driving turbo engines, I rather stick to NA for a longer-term piece of mind. With proper maintenance and care, they are good engines; however, I think one requires more dough than the other.

Bahnstormer

My car and motor have been rock solid the past two years, runs like a top. Feels like a rocketship on rails compared to my old W211 E500.

rogeugeek

So all I'm hearing from you is that if I have a chance to grab a decent E63, I should do it.

BenzV12

M278 is not a bad engine reliability wise at all but I talked to a few mechanics and they said me to stay away from such engines without a maintenance record or high mileage ones . I think that should also apply to all other engines as well . I would get the M278 because twin turbo engines are fantastic and other engines feels slow once you are used to those .
Airmatic wise, I think it no longer holds true that Airmatic equipped cars are terrible and should be staying away from . Well, Mercedes-Benz got those sorted out as later cars with the Airmatic seem to have better reliability but let's not forget maximum 10 years regardless of mileage those systems need a major overhaul which translates to $$$$ .

Bahnstormer

If you can test drive both models I would highly recommend it. When I was checking out W212 E550s I had the chance to drive both the N/A and turbo models. Both were very nice and their ride a bit more comfortable than the AMG suspension I eventually ended up with but to me the E63 just feels like it's on another level in terms of handling, braking, exterior styling, etc. The very linear power band is something I also really enjoy in the naturally aspirated version especially driving in sport plus mode. I grew accustomed to the firmer suspension in the AMG very quickly and now actually prefer that type of feel, it really inspires confidence when throwing the car around. Anyway, you probably can't go wrong with either model they're both great cars, good luck with your search.

rogeugeek

I worked in automotive journalism and was lucky enough to test thousands vehicles over two decades. I tested the M273, M278, M156, and M157 back when they first arrived, but that was too long ago for me to remember specifics about them. This week I drove the M273 and M278 from private sellers. Both felt great. The problem is I do like the pre-facelift look instead. Tomorrow I'm testing an M156. I'm sure that's going to feel great as well. I own other cars that are over 700hp, track and street tuned, so I'm not in need for something with ridiculous power. I'm sure the E550 will be the sweet spot, but who knows. Maybe after the E63 drive tomorrow, I'll change my mind.

Yeah, speaking with all of you and others about the Airmatic, it doesn't really scare me at this point, so I thank you all for that. I'll drive it until it breaks, get new shocks, and keep on going.

rogeugeek

Ok, so quick update. Driving a lot of cars and… well… I could use a little more feedback on the M156 in the 2010-11 E63, because I might be leaning that way. Doesn’t seem like there’s too many problems with it that aren't entirely preventable with proper care. Obviously, buying used means I’m taking on someone else’s problems, but… E63 AMG. Is there a point where it's just too high mileage for that motor? Thoughts?

juanmor40

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/mercedes-be...-common-issues

From that list, the head bolts are perhaps the most critical to know if it apply to the car of interest, and it it has been done or not. Others issues are like typical maintenance for any MB engine.

rogeugeek

That's a really helpful site. There's not much on there that's scary and looking at some of the videos out there of the service, it looks relatively easy to do. The head bolt issue looks like it's just an issue on all 2010-11 E63's, so yeah. That's something I'm gonna want to watch out for.

Bahnstormer

Would be curious to hear your driving impressions of the E63 and M156 motor.