[JDMSteven]

Looking to get a 2013+ Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 to replace my 2011 BMW 535i. I have had 4 BMW's and I truly love them, I really wanted a 650i GC next, but I am kind of put off after hearing so many problems with N63s and even TU's having major problems. I know that not all N63s are bad and there are some people who have great luck with them, but I'm ready for a change.

I have 2 family members who both have M278 powered vehicles (S550 and CLS 550) and both have had phenomenal ownership experiences. The CLS racked up 100k before he traded it in on a CLS 63 AMG and he's completely on board with the platform and motor.

Any owners/former owners of cars with this drivetrain in it? What was/is your ownership experience like? I'm looking for one owner vehicles, clean Carfax, and religious dealer/indy specialist serviced vehicles only, with say 50k miles or less. And throwing an extended warranty/CPO into the mix as well.

[jmack]

I test drove W212/W218 E/CLS 550s when cross shopping for my current car. I also considered F10 550i LCIs but was hesitant for the same reasons you mentions. I had only heard good things about the M278 cars unlike the N63/TU.

They are comfy boats and great highway cruisers. Ultimately, I decided to go with the 4 series GC for something a little newer and sportier.

[JDMSteven]

Originally Posted by jmack

I test drove W212/W218 E/CLS 550s when cross shopping for my current car. I also considered F10 550i LCIs but was hesitant for the same reasons you mentions. I had only heard good things about the M278 cars unlike the N63/TU.

They are comfy boats and great highway cruisers. Ultimately, I decided to go with the 4 series GC for something a little newer and sportier.

Yeah that seems to be the consensus that I hear on that platform: they're pretty solid. I'm going from a 535i xDrive weighing in at a whopping 4200lbs, it'll be more of a weekend car I take out for date nights and things of the like, not necessarily for back roads and stuff but I'm sure they handle just fine.

Depreciation is a blessing because I'm 21 and it looks like I'll easily be able to afford even a 4-5 year old model with low mileage easily 😅

[chassis]

Hang out on mbworld.

The W222 S 550 owners with M278 V8 engines love these cars to death.

The M278 is also in the GL/GLS platform and the owners speak highly of the engine.

[x3sm]

I'm in the same about, but recently decided to go for Porsche Panamera instead

[Admiral]

I had a 2018 E Class, fantastic car but had to sell it as I tow a caravan, so it was a big mistake in buying it. I would definitley have another. Lost a load of money in the 12 months I had it

[R N M]

Have you considered M6 - I think S63 is not bad in terms of reliability.
I would also avoid N63 cars.

[stein_325i]

Uncle has a 2016 E550 Coupe with the M278 motor, he loves the car and hasn't had any issues with it in 40k+ miles. The M278 motor is definitely a good V8, I personally would stay away from BMW V8's especially in the used market.

[MisterF80M3]

Originally Posted by JDMSteven

Yeah that seems to be the consensus that I hear on that platform: they're pretty solid. I'm going from a 535i xDrive weighing in at a whopping 4200lbs, it'll be more of a weekend car I take out for date nights and things of the like, not necessarily for back roads and stuff but I'm sure they handle just fine.

Depreciation is a blessing because I'm 21 and it looks like I'll easily be able to afford even a 4-5 year old model with low mileage easily 😅

Why are you driving an old people's car when you are 21?

[JDMSteven]

I'm an old man at heart lol, I would love to have a V8 BMW but they overwhelmingly have more issues than Merc's V8s.

[JDMSteven]

For everyone who commented, I did it!

2015 CLS 550 AMG Sportline
1 Owner, 38k mi CPO
- Designo Diamond White Metallic
- Porcelain & Black Interior, Black Ash Wood
-4.7L V8TT (M278), 402hp, 443lb-ft
-Premium Pkg II- (Basically Comfort Access and same goodies as BMW PP2)
-Wheel Pkg- AMG Wheels, AMG Steering Wheel, Paddle Shifters, Sportline
-Lane Tracking & Park Assist Pkg- LKA & BSA, 360° Cams, Active Park Assist
(self parking)
- Rear Decklid Spoiler, Active Multicontour Driver Seat (massage, heated & cooled)

I am LOVING it so far! I will probably be back to a BMW for an X5 50i M Sport when I get married and have kids (I'm 21 now, dating my girlfriend of 8 years soooo not too long I hope! XD)

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by JDMSteven

I am LOVING it so far! I will probably be back to a BMW for an X5 50i M Sport when I get married and have kids (I'm 21 now, dating my girlfriend of 8 years soooo not too long I hope! XD)

Congrats, in my opinion, there is one perfect family hauler when coming from any Merc V8.

[JDMSteven]

Originally Posted by jstein55

Congrats, in my opinion, there is one perfect family hauler when coming from any Merc V8.

LOVE it! But I watch a Youtuber who did buy an E Class wagon for his wife and 2 kids, and there just isn't enough room to have 2 car seats in the back and have the front seats in a comfortable enough position apparently. It did seem awfully cramped when he showed his setup on video.

I am ALL for wagons, but I preach one thing and do another lol, I love my gigantic body-on-frame SUV's. Grew up with my pops having Expeditions all my life and I know we don't need all that space but it's nice to have

[chassis]

Congrats @jdmsteven! Great looking CLS. I think I saw your intro on mbworld.

[JDMSteven]

That would be me! I surely miss bimmerpost lol, way more people that are active here and the interface is a lot better IMO

[FrostyDC4]

How is the aftermarket for the M278 powered cars?

[JDMSteven]

Originally Posted by FrostyDC4

How is the aftermarket for the M278 powered cars?

Pretty damn good, lots of tuners out there, it's just as popular as the N63 because it's been used in so many cars. The nice thing is, you don't need to touch a single component on these cars to make amazing power. No turbos fuel pumps injectors even intakes. You'll make 460whp and 625 lb-ft on a bone stock car. (~530hp/715lb-ft crank)

[hayliesch2007]

I would love to have a V8 BMW but they overwhelmingly have more issues than Merc's V8s






autoclicker.onl

[DerEisbaer]

Congrats on the new car!

Originally Posted by JDMSteven

LOVE it! But I watch a Youtuber who did buy an E Class wagon for his wife and 2 kids, and there just isn't enough room to have 2 car seats in the back and have the front seats in a comfortable enough position apparently. It did seem awfully cramped when he showed his setup on video.

I am ALL for wagons, but I preach one thing and do another lol, I love my gigantic body-on-frame SUV's. Grew up with my pops having Expeditions all my life and I know we don't need all that space but it's nice to have

As to space in an E-Class Wagon - here in Germany it is THE car to get if you don't want an SUV or Minivan, imho there is plenty of space if your kids are not 6.5ft tall LOL