Hello,
I wonder what difference in engines between 500 and 550
Here in europe we only got 500 (N/A engine 306HP) and 55 AMG (Compressor and 476HP?)

What is the 550?

Thanks
David

 

500 is really weak if you want some performance. You can floor the gas and the car just feels underpowered. If you just want a relaxing daily, it's fine but don't expect great gas mileage either.

550 drinks a little more gas but finally provides adequate power.

55 is the way to go if this is your only car and you like to go fast.

63 is another option. much cheaper than 65. Best NA engine MB has now.

 

TY. Yea i know the engines well aside from the 550, but some technical specs on the 550 would be great!

 

I think it depends what model, but 550's have like 381hp and 391ft tq i think...just google whatever model you want (CL, S, E, CLS) 550 hp sepcs and you will see the #'s.

 

The 500 motors have been around for years. They are 3 valve motors and are a little dates by today's standards but they certainly are pretty reliable. The 550 motor has more displacement and 4 valves per cylinder. Basically a completely updated new motor and make quite a bit more power without using that much more gas.

This info is in US terms. I think in Europe they may have kept the 500 series number but still updated the motor but I'm not 100% sure. Each motor has a designation number like M156 or M113. That is the number you really want to pay attention to because that will not change from country to country.

 

There is no 550 in europe, only the 500. The 500 in europe has the same HP as the 550, 382 horses. It's called the 550 over here because we really care about bigger numbers

So I believe after 2006, the 500's in Europe have 382 horses...

 

IN US all 2007 cars now become 550's, replacing 500 (5 litre) series.....
5.5 litre, with 4 valves I believe

I.E.
CLK 350 or CLK 550
S 550
CLS 550

where used to be
CLK 500
S 500
CLS 500
etc.......

 

from what i understood, your right...

for the W221 Model S-Classes, the S550 in North America is the same motor as the S500 in europe. The 382hp 5.5ish V8

 

i concur w/ the above. The "500" number has enough history and status to sell itself, while mb went w/ 550 in our upgraded motors in the US because it would influence enough shallow US 500 owners to upgrade in order to get 50 more on their trunk.

 

2007 not 2006, slight correction.

 

I've said from day one that they should have kept the 500 numbers and not make them 550... 500 is classic!

 

ok! Thanks that bring a little light to the subject! Would be kind of weird that a german car maker would not update the engines in europe =)