dpayne7571

I'm on the hunt right now for a used S550 and found a nice 2011, but realized it didn't have the new engine. Is paying an extra 7-9k more worth it for a used 2012 model? Please chime in if you have driven both. Thanks!

ImInPA

It wouldn't make a difference to me. Both are excellent engines. Having a 2012 Bluetec, I can tell you that there is very little if anything different between the two model years.

dpayne7571

That's what I figured. Ill be test driving a S350 and a S550 tomorrow. My wife wants to see the difference before I purchase one. That's right, she's calling the shots! . Are you still enjoying your 350?

ImInPA

Very much so. It is an amazing vehicle. I had an E350 Bluetec prior, and, I am very impressed with my S350 Bluetec's fuel economy. I regularly get between 650 and 700 miles per tank. The ride is simply perfect to me.

malahhaor

Although gas mileage is nice on the 350, if OP cares for power, 2012 550 is much better than 2011. it has aprox 30hp more and what’s more important it has over 100lb of torque more. Makes much nicer and stronger acceleration. Better gas mileage and more power.
If I could afford the difference I would certainly get the 2012 TT engine.

Atcpup

I would lean towards the 2011 for a few reasons. I keep my vehicles for a long time and this being the first year for the turbo charged motor, maybe some teething issues to deal with as the mileage climbs. Things like leaking turbos, intercooler issues, stress from boost all could be a factor if you keep it after the warranty goes. The 2011 motor has been around a long time with all the bugs worked out......Just my 02.

malahhaor

2011 CL550 had the TT engine, so its not the first year in prod.

JonMBZ

I would stick to NA for longevity. Force fed cars usually have more issues and are more expensive to repair.

Popo Here

That's not a new engine. Its been around. All in all it entirely depends on your preference. I would go with the more powerful engine that is a lot easier to re-tune with a simple ECU tune from Renntech which will boost power significantly compared to the previous engine. To me its worth the extra $$$$$

steveb9771

The determining factor is how much acceleration do you really need. The original S550 (non turbo) engine will get you from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds which is much better than most cars on the road.

It is true that the new engine with it's turbo will get you there slightly faster. You will get slightly better fuel economy (maybe 1 mpg) but it would take several years for most people to reach a couple of thousand dollars in fuel savings.

The original S550 engine did have a wear problem with an "idle gear" in the engine which was solved after the first couple of years with a redesigned part.

The new engine uses a direct fuel injection system that initially had some problems in Europe. It required a cleaner gasoline (detergents and fewer contaminants) and was susceptible to carbon buildup. I believe these problems are solved, but time will tell as vehicles rack up more miles.

The twin turbos can be very expensive to repair if they fail out of warranty.
If you don't plan to keep the vehicle beyond the warranty or extended warranty period, the issues above do not matter.

If you MUST have the increased performance, go for the new engine. If you intend to tune your engine for maximum performance go with the new engine.

If you want a reliable luxury car that you do not intend to modify for extreme acceleration performance, it is not worth paying a significant premium for the new engine. And if the S350 performance meets or comes close to your performance needs, the original S550 engine (without the turbo) will be more than adequate.

steveb9771

True. but keep in mind that the CL550 is a low production vehicle and may not necessarily have all mass production parts in the engine. Mercedes coupes are often used as initial test beds for new technology. Some of the parts may have undergone more detailed inspection. As production ramps up manufacturers often look for cheaper ways to manufacture parts.

There is very limited CL550 reliability data available due to the limited number of vehicles. Most predicted CL550 reliability data is based on S550 data.

dpayne7571

Makes a lot of sense. I test drove a 2011 yesterday and it was all the power that I needed and I agree it's not worth the extra 6-8k more for the newer engine. Didn't get a chance to test drive the Bluetec, but plan on later this week when I have more time! Lots of deals right now with the new model right around the corner which is truly gorgeous inside and out, I hope this car will not feel dated to me after one year!

Jason B

I agree with the above.

Wolfman

If the extra power is not needed, NA engines are great, long lasting and it sounds like a much better deal.
But there is no reliability issues with the new TT engines whatsoever. I suggest not to assume teething issues when there are none. Keep in mind that MB has been building some of best forced induction engines for over a decade.

They do provide significantly more power at a lower fuel consumption. If one likes it or not, NA engines are in the past and won't really come back due to increased emission standards and stricter fuel consumption requirements.

Atcpup

NA is on the way out? Really? Like it or not, forced induction creates more issues in the long run, period. More parts to break (expensive ones at that), I have been there and done that......But if you only keep a car while it's under warranty, who cares.

Mike5215

The 5.5 seems plenty. It's not really a performance car. Drive them back to back and see if the difference is something you'd want to pay for.

Jason B

I will say this thing is pretty damn fast with the 5.5 for how heavy it is. I prefer NA (naturally aspirated) engines personally. I guess that's why the still make the S600, for those that want the option.

Now, I just read a review where a guy had a 2008 with the 5.5 and got a 2012 and said the he didn't like the sound of the new engine, and mentioned it sounded like a "truck" compared to the 5.5. Interesting.

wilassasin

Honestly, not many of us would even own this car without warranty so when you think about it -it really doesn't matter. I agree with others that state the NA engines are considered less maintenance and more reliable, however, the TT Engines have come a long way and are much more reliable then they were a few years back. From Porsche, to BMW and now with MB they are phasing the NA engines out so you won't have much of a choice in the future. Hopefully, the car makers will reconsider providing spare tires I absolutely hate runflats.

Mike5215

^^+1. Even an S with an NA engine out of warranty can wreak massive havoc on your finances. It seems the push toward smaller displacement fortified by turbocharging is less an effort to enhance performance than it is to improve efficiency. I'm not sure the difference between a turbocharged 4,3 liter and the NA 5,5 is felt much behind the wheel. I drove several 2013's before buying the 2010.

wilassasin

Both are really fast and pack enough punch to make you feel like your king of the road until a true AMG pulls up. I have also owned two 750's and I don't miss the power at all so that's me saying that this car can definitely hold its own.

Wolfman

Is this a question? With Mercedes, NA is on the way out.
When you see the new MB line-up, NA engines are disappearing. A-Class, B-Class, CLA, SLK, the new C-Class and most likely the new E-Class. New S-Class has only forced induction, Diesel or Hybrid models

V6's are being replaced with TT V4's; or TT V6's like the C400 & E400 on the higher end.

This is happening at a very fast pace...

Wolfman

S600 are TT engines for the last 10 years but you are right, both S550 NA and TT models are pretty quick and rewarding cars. The upside potential on a TT engine is just very high. A simple chip tune and you are in AMG territory...

hem85

I just bought my 2012 S550 about 3 weeks ago and I believe the most impressive part IMO its the torque. Im very happy so far. I believe its the same engine as the CL

sakodik

The 5.5TT has as much torque as the old S55 supercharged and THAT was a blast to drive.

LandSeaAir

I think I'd actually prefer the 5.5 NA engine , but thats just me. I love the low growl it makes, the 4.7tt's growl is there but just different with the turbos. When the 5.5 kicks down its instant torque, and while the 4.7tt is in the end quicker, the 5.5 is plenty and really more responsive.