W212 5.5 V8 na.....issues?

[ALFAitalia]

Maybe later this year I might be looking to replace my 350 CDI with a 5.5 V8....not the AMG twin turbo... nice as that would be... but the naturally aspirated version. Insurance is, bizarrely, much the same as my CDI and I don't do enough miles to worry about mpg. The seven hundred odd pound VED is a pain...but it is what it is.
This is only really thinking out loud at the moment....but I'm curious to know the collectives view on this engine....the M273 i believe. At sub 400 horses it's hardly in a high enough state of tune to stress the engine......but there don't seem to be many forum members running a w212 in E500 (E550 if you are from over the puddle!) form....at least not enough to build up a picture of any common problems. So I'd like the hive minds opinion on this motor.... which will only be my second (roadworthy at least) V8 after my A8 4.2.....but that was "only" 300 horses and had lpg! Thanks in advance.

 

[bolidemichael]

It’s prone to some leaks but overall it’s a good and strong engine. I run one in an R500, quite a rare beastie in a car with seven seats.

 

[MD5]

It’s prone to some leaks but overall it’s a good and strong engine. I run one in an R500, quite a rare beastie in a car with seven seats.

Hello, Michael, it's been a while! Have you replaced your E500? I didn't know the 273 was available in a W251.

I have an 08 SL500 (m273) along with an 04 E500 (S211/m113) estate. I've also had a couple of small oil leaks in the SL, but nothing gasket wise. The extra power is slightly compromised by what seems to be awkward (longer) gearing in the 7G+ plus box, compared to the smoother gearing of the 7G box in the E500. I don't know if the 212 would have the same gearing as the SL?

I'd struggle to get 25 mpg in the SL, currently on 49k miles, but it's a fun car which I've had for 8 years with no issues, apart from a new starter motor a couple of years ago. The E500 is a fantastic all rounder, which I've had 13 years. It's a smoother drive, and I prefer its looks to the 212, hence I've stayed with it, but I've often wondered how the two would compare.

 

[ToeKnee]

The only problem I had in my old SL with the sabre engine was a cam magnet needed changing, a very easy job to do. Personally, is try and go for the newer M278 500, more power and cheaper rfl too.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Good suggestion..and to be honest I was not aware this was fitted to the E saloon...although I've seen a couple in CLS models. All the 4.7 M278 versions I can find on AT are two door coupes???

 

[ToeKnee]

Good suggestion..and to be honest I was not aware this was fitted to the E saloon...although I've seen a couple in CLS models. All the 4.7 M278 versions I can find on AT are two door coupes???

To be honest Dean I've never looked to see, just thought I'd put my 2p in. For reference, my M278 SL rfl costs £430, still a lot but cheaper than over £700.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Good suggestion..and to be honest I was not aware this was fitted to the E saloon...although I've seen a couple in CLS models. All the 4.7 M278 versions I can find on AT are two door coupes???

I’ve never seen a 2012-14 E500 4.7 (430 bhp) saloon or estate for sale in the UK, although I know they’re in the States.

I had the 4.7 in my CL500 and for some reason I was unimpressed by the driving experience. Plenty fast but just no impression of being fast. It just felt that I never really got it above 2k revs. That might have been the result of the engine but could have just been the whole luxury coupe thing.

I suspect that MB UK refused to sell the E500 4.7 because 2012-2014 was peak diesel time

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Apologies for the late response. I"ve had about 7 years / 70k worth of experience of the M273.

5 vehicles: a W221 S500L,, a W211 E500, an S212 E500, a W212 E500, and S211 E500. All between 20k and 100k on the clock, and virtually all pure main dealer history cars.

Not a single engine or drivetrain problem, nor any rumours of folks having had problems.

The only repairs I've had were a new battery on one (immediately after buying the thing, so on warranty), and a new starter motor on the S211 as it came up to about 95k on the clock

Mpg on each was a consistent 27mpg. But i barely use the brakes, so never need to renew brakes or tyres, despite always driving at the legal limit, Officer.

I was tempted to buy BMW V8's several times but was put off by friends' reliability stories. Breakdowns and huge repair costs, so avoid Munich's V8's.

Why am I not in one now? Because I like a change, wanted to reduce my CO2 emissions and decided to switch to a more nimble family estate, and an SL for swanning around.

But this too shall pass.