Considering going to a 2012 S350 Blutec or an S550
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S350 BT 4MATIC
Considering going to a 2012 S350 Blutec or an S550
Hello All, i am considering trading my E350 in on a S550 or an S350, . Currently I am looking at 2 S550s one has <40k miles, the other has > 45k miles, and the S350 has 59k miles. All certified with the two higher mileage cars including Driver Assist Package Distronic. Anyone have any advice? This will be my weekend car replacing my current weekend car?
Thanks
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2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I would take the Bluetec. I have one, and it is just a great car. Great performance, and great fuel mileage. Standard 4Matic. What's not to like?
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2012 S350 Bluetec
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S350 BT 4MATIC
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
Incredible. With more torque than the V8 passing and merging operations are just instantaneous. Much better mid-range than the V8 in my opinion. Love merging and passing in my S350
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S350 BT 4MATIC
Thanks for the input. I like this plus the gas mileage. It seems the S350's 0 - 60 time is 7 seconds, a little slower than the E350's 0 - 60 time.
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W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
Remember 2012-2013 0-60 is 4.8! It's a rocket. And I'd say since it's only going to be a weekend car, the savings in gas isn't going to make much difference. Going from your E to this is like going to a lambo
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S350 BT 4MATIC
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2012 S350 Bluetec
I agree with Jason that since this will only be a weekend car the fuel savings might not make that much difference. I drive my Lexus IS350 on the weekends for fun and get 17 MPG but I don't go very far from home. During my hour long weekly commute the fuel savings on my S350 is significant.
I would test drive both the 550 and 350 as many times as you can. Both have very different power delivery profiles. I have come to really enjoy the way Mercedes turbo diesels drive...there are buckets of torque and the power is pretty symmetric. I feel completely confident in merging and passing on the freeway. There are times in stop and go traffic the 4Matic is a little "jerky" but other than that I would not change a thing about my 350's powertrain.
I would test drive both the 550 and 350 as many times as you can. Both have very different power delivery profiles. I have come to really enjoy the way Mercedes turbo diesels drive...there are buckets of torque and the power is pretty symmetric. I feel completely confident in merging and passing on the freeway. There are times in stop and go traffic the 4Matic is a little "jerky" but other than that I would not change a thing about my 350's powertrain.
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S350 BT 4MATIC
I agree with Jason that since this will only be a weekend car the fuel savings might not make that much difference. I drive my Lexus IS350 on the weekends for fun and get 17 MPG but I don't go very far from home. During my hour long weekly commute the fuel savings on my S350 is significant.
I would test drive both the 550 and 350 as many times as you can. Both have very different power delivery profiles. I have come to really enjoy the way Mercedes turbo diesels drive...there are buckets of torque and the power is pretty symmetric. I feel completely confident in merging and passing on the freeway. There are times in stop and go traffic the 4Matic is a little "jerky" but other than that I would not change a thing about my 350's powertrain.
I would test drive both the 550 and 350 as many times as you can. Both have very different power delivery profiles. I have come to really enjoy the way Mercedes turbo diesels drive...there are buckets of torque and the power is pretty symmetric. I feel completely confident in merging and passing on the freeway. There are times in stop and go traffic the 4Matic is a little "jerky" but other than that I would not change a thing about my 350's powertrain.
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From: BC
G11 750i Individual, X166 GL550 Designo, W222 S550e, W221 S63
Both offer an effortless driving experience. The bluetec would be great for city driving, not to mention how practical it is. However, since it's going to be your weekend car, I would spring for the 550 since the TT V8 is a beast of an engine.
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S350 BT 4MATIC
Yeah that has weighed heavily on my mind. I will drive them both this weekend and see who I like the most.
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S350 BT 4MATIC
Drove a 2012 S350 BT, with 24k miles ($59k), and I really was impressed. I did not make the deal even though I fell in love with that car as I want to see what else is out there. That 350 BT was so, so quiet it startled me.
Going to drive an S550 ($58K and 46k miles) and another diesel (59k miles) today. Hopefully later this week, I will get a chance to drive another S550 ($57k and 20k miles).
I am starting to turn away from the high mileage Diesel as it has already exceeded its factory warranty and so all I would have is a 1 year warranty, instead of 2 years and a 1 year CPO warranty. I will see how the S550 drives today and see if I start being a bit more serious about the S550s.
Going to drive an S550 ($58K and 46k miles) and another diesel (59k miles) today. Hopefully later this week, I will get a chance to drive another S550 ($57k and 20k miles).
I am starting to turn away from the high mileage Diesel as it has already exceeded its factory warranty and so all I would have is a 1 year warranty, instead of 2 years and a 1 year CPO warranty. I will see how the S550 drives today and see if I start being a bit more serious about the S550s.
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S350 BT 4MATIC
Ok, I drove a S550 and another S350 BT today. The S350BT (59k miles), seemed to be sluggish compared to to the first one I drove which had 1/2 as many miles on it. Also the active lane keeping did not work and the blind spot did not work consistently, so this car is off the consideration list. The S550 was fast but it did not have the 266 Drivers assist features, but I do see how one would like the available and very smooth power it provides. I am going to take a look at another S550 (20k miles and $57k) sometime this week. I was able to get the first dealer location to rate my current car at $36k. so, sofar even though that car is about $2 - 3k more than I want to pay for a car it is currently the best deal. I am hoping that they drop the price a little in the coming days before the end of the month and then I could probably swing it. The car is only a $300 dollar uptake on my insurance so not a big deal.
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
While I love my S350 BT, I missed your earlier point that this would just be a weekend car. Have you considered a CL? almost as much space for passengers and much better handling due to its shorter wheelbase. That would be the direction I would go if I only had to worry about the weekends.
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S350 BT 4MATIC
While I love my S350 BT, I missed your earlier point that this would just be a weekend car. Have you considered a CL? almost as much space for passengers and much better handling due to its shorter wheelbase. That would be the direction I would go if I only had to worry about the weekends.
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S350 BT 4MATIC
Ok here is the latest update:
I drove another S550 today and the car was definitely another rocket. It has 20k miles and they want $56k. They got me approved for 2.74% rate at 72 months with a payment of $618/month with MBFS or a deal with another financial institution at 4.99% at 84 months at $589. I prefer the $618/month The one thing is that this is the second S550 that the dealers did not know how to get the car's lane keeping assist to work correctly. This one kinda worked to the right and did not work at all on the left. The car also needs an alignment as it pulls to the left. I will tell them yes or no tomorrow. In the meantime they will show the car to another potential buyer tomorrow.
You know, I also still like that diesel I drove on Saturday.
I drove another S550 today and the car was definitely another rocket. It has 20k miles and they want $56k. They got me approved for 2.74% rate at 72 months with a payment of $618/month with MBFS or a deal with another financial institution at 4.99% at 84 months at $589. I prefer the $618/month The one thing is that this is the second S550 that the dealers did not know how to get the car's lane keeping assist to work correctly. This one kinda worked to the right and did not work at all on the left. The car also needs an alignment as it pulls to the left. I will tell them yes or no tomorrow. In the meantime they will show the car to another potential buyer tomorrow.
You know, I also still like that diesel I drove on Saturday.
Last edited by Nuru; Jul 28, 2014 at 08:10 PM.
