The Mercedes Benz E-Class 2010 model marked a significant step forward in automotive engineering, blending luxury with cutting-edge technology. As a seasoned automotive repair expert at mercedesxentry.store, I’ve had extensive experience working with these vehicles, and I can attest to the intricate design and robust mechanics that define this generation of the E-Class. This article delves into the chassis, engine, and transmission specifics of the Mercedes Benz E Class 2010, providing a comprehensive overview for enthusiasts and those seeking in-depth knowledge.
Advanced Chassis and Suspension Systems
The Mercedes Benz E Class 2010 chassis is a testament to engineering precision, designed to offer both a comfortable ride and responsive handling. Let’s explore the key components:
Double-Link Strut Front Suspension
The front suspension of the E-Class 2010 utilizes a double-link strut system. This design deviates from the traditional single “A” arm strut by incorporating two lower links paired with a coil spring strut, twin-tube gas shocks, and a stabilizer bar. This configuration offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Impact Absorption: The dual lower links are engineered to improve impact absorption during frontal collisions, contributing to vehicle safety.
- Precise Wheel Control: The low mass of these links allows for more finely tuned wheel control and damping, enhancing handling precision.
- Minimized Sensitivity: The design reduces sensitivity to wheel imbalance and brake fluctuations, leading to a smoother and more stable driving experience.
The forward links are constructed from forged aluminum, while the rearward links are made of forged steel, optimizing strength and weight distribution. The strut tops are connected to the body via triple-path head bearings. This sophisticated system directs spring forces directly to the body, while damping forces are channeled through a rubber bushing that rotates with the bearing during steering. Forces exceeding suspension travel are managed through a buffer stop, directly connected to the body.
Alt text: Diagram illustrating the double-link strut front suspension system of the Mercedes Benz E Class 2010, highlighting the twin lower links, coil spring strut, and stabilizer bar.
The entire front suspension assembly is mounted to a high-strength steel subframe, which also supports the engine, transmission, and the aluminum rack-and-pinion steering unit, positioned ahead of the wheel center.
Multi-Link Rear Suspension
The rear suspension of the Mercedes Benz E Class 2010 features a refined version of Mercedes-Benz’s patented five-link design. This system is crucial for maintaining stability and comfort, especially in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Key features include:
- Lightweight Subframe: Constructed from variable-thickness sheet steel, the subframe supports the suspension links and rear final drive gears while minimizing weight.
- Revised Components: The links, wheel carriers, and struts have been meticulously revised for this model, enhancing performance and durability.
- Material Optimization: While most rear suspension links are steel, a link subjected primarily to stretching and compression is made of forged aluminum, further reducing unsprung mass.
Alt text: Schematic of the multi-link rear suspension system in a Mercedes Benz E Class 2010, showcasing the five-link arrangement and lightweight subframe.
AGILITY CONTROL Suspension
Standard on the E350 models, AGILITY CONTROL suspension provides a versatile driving experience. It intelligently adapts to road conditions, offering:
- Comfortable Ride on Smooth Roads: A small piston within the shock absorber creates a bypass port in the hydraulic flow, resulting in a softer, more compliant ride during normal driving.
- Full Damping for Dynamic Driving: When encountering dips or winding roads, the system ensures full shock damping, maintaining control and stability.
For those seeking a sportier feel, the E350 Coupe offers an upgrade to the AGILITY CONTROL Sport Suspension with firmer damping characteristics.
DYNAMIC HANDLING Suspension and AIRMATIC Air Suspension
The E550 Coupe is equipped with the DYNAMIC HANDLING suspension, which incorporates electronically adjustable shock absorbers and modified throttle response for enhanced performance.
For V8 sedan models (E550 and E63 AMG), Mercedes-Benz offers AIRMATIC air suspension as standard. This sophisticated system replaces traditional coil springs with compressed air in rubber bellows, enabling computer-controlled springing and damping.
AIRMATIC Key Features:
- Computer-Controlled Springing and Damping: An electric compressor charges the struts with compressed air, regulated by solenoid valves to adjust air volume and pressure.
- Comfort and Sport Modes: AIRMATIC adapts to driving conditions and driver preferences, offering both a comfortable and sporty suspension setup.
- Driver-Selectable Damping: Drivers can choose between two damping settings – Comfort and Sport – altering the thresholds between damping stages and spring rates. Sport mode also lowers the car by 0.6 inches.
- Automatic Level Control: Maintains consistent ride height regardless of vehicle load.
- Ride Height Adjustment: Allows the driver to raise the body by one inch for rough terrain, automatically reverting to normal height at higher speeds.
Alt text: Cutaway view of the AIRMATIC air suspension strut used in the Mercedes Benz E Class 2010, illustrating the air bellows and electronic controls.
The AIRMATIC system uses sensors to monitor body level, acceleration, and steering angle, allowing the computer to dynamically adjust damping across four stages in milliseconds, optimizing ride and handling in real-time.
Braking System
All Mercedes Benz E Class 2010 models are equipped with four-wheel vented disc brakes and a tandem vacuum brake booster. The E350 models feature single-piston floating calipers at the front, while the E550 upgrades to four-piston fixed calipers for increased braking power. The high-performance E63 AMG boasts perforated, vented discs with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear, ensuring exceptional stopping power commensurate with its performance capabilities.
Wheels, Tires, and Tire Pressure Monitoring
The E350 and E550 Luxury sedans come with 17-inch wheels and 245/45 all-season tires. Sport sedan models and the E63 AMG sedan are fitted with 18-inch wheels and staggered-width tires (245/40 front, 265/35 rear). E350 coupes feature 17-inch wheels with staggered-width tires (235/45 front, 255/40 rear), with optional 18-inch wheels and tires available.
All Mercedes Benz E Class 2010 models include a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Sensors inside each tire transmit data on pressure, temperature, rotation, and wheel ID to a control unit. This system alerts the driver to significant or rapid pressure loss, enhancing safety and tire longevity.
Engine Options: V6, V8, and AMG Power
The Mercedes Benz E Class 2010 offers a range of powerful and efficient engines, catering to different performance preferences.
High-Torque V6 Engine (E350)
The E350 models are powered by a 3.5-liter all-aluminum V6 engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Key features include:
- Broad Torque Curve: Maximum torque is available from 2,400 to 5,000 rpm, with 87% of peak torque accessible from just 1,500 rpm, ensuring responsive performance across the rev range.
- DOHC with Variable Valve Timing: Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust optimize engine breathing and efficiency.
- Tumble Flaps: Innovative tumble flaps in the intake passages enhance combustion efficiency at part load, improving fuel economy by approximately two percent.
Alt text: Image of the 3.5-liter V6 engine in the Mercedes Benz E Class 2010, highlighting its compact design and aluminum construction.
The V6 engine utilizes a forged crankshaft, aluminum engine block with silicon cylinder liners, and lightweight components to minimize vibration and maximize efficiency. It also features an advanced exhaust system with five mufflers and three catalysts for reduced emissions and a refined sound.
Powerful V8 Engine (E550)
The E550 models are equipped with a 5.5-liter V8 engine (M273), producing 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine boasts:
- Four-Cam Design: Double overhead camshafts in each cylinder bank and four valves per cylinder for optimal airflow and performance.
- Variable Valve Timing: Variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust, enhancing fuel economy and power delivery.
- Tumble Flaps and Two-Stage Intake Manifold: Similar to the V6, it includes tumble flaps for improved fuel efficiency and a two-stage intake manifold to broaden the torque curve.
Alt text: Detailed view of the 5.5-liter V8 engine of the Mercedes Benz E Class 2010, showcasing its four-cam design and intake manifold.
The V8 engine also benefits from lightweight design, with an aluminum block and cylinder heads, and Silitek cylinder liners. It incorporates advanced emission control technologies, including internal exhaust gas recirculation and secondary air injection.
E63 AMG 6.3-Liter V8 Engine
The E63 AMG stands out with its hand-built 6.3-liter AMG V8 engine, the first engine developed entirely by AMG. This naturally aspirated powerhouse delivers 518 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Key AMG engine features:
- High-Revving Performance: Revs freely to over 7,000 rpm, with nearly 90% of peak torque available from 2,000 rpm.
- Racing-Derived Technology: Features derived from AMG’s racing experience, including a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy construction, four valves per cylinder, and variable valve timing.
- TWAS Cylinder Coating: Pioneering Twin-Wire-Arc-Sprayed (TWAS) cylinder bore coating for reduced friction and enhanced durability.
- Rigid Crankcase Bedplate: A one-piece bedplate for increased engine strength and reliability at high RPM.
Alt text: The powerful AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine in the Mercedes Benz E63 AMG 2010, highlighting its unique AMG design and performance-oriented components.
The AMG engine utilizes vertical intake and exhaust ports, bucket followers instead of rocker arms, and a sophisticated engine management system to optimize performance and responsiveness.
Seven-Speed Automatic Transmission
All Mercedes Benz E Class 2010 models are equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and efficient gear changes. Key benefits include:
- Wider Ratio Spread: Seven gear ratios provide a greater spread, improving both acceleration and fuel economy.
- Skip-Shift Functionality: The transmission can skip up to three gears when downshifting for quicker response.
- Lock-Up Clutch: A lock-up clutch engages in all seven gears, minimizing torque converter slippage and maximizing fuel efficiency.
Direct Select and AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT
E350 and E550 sedans feature the Direct Select column-mounted gear selector, freeing up center console space. Coupe models and the E63 AMG sedan retain a console shifter. The E63 AMG utilizes the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, replacing the torque converter with a multi-clutch technology for even faster and more direct gear changes. This transmission offers multiple driving modes, including Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport plus, and Manual, with shift times as quick as 100 milliseconds in manual mode.
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
Shortly after the initial launch, the Mercedes Benz E Class 2010 became available with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This full-time system enhances traction and stability in various driving conditions, with minimal impact on fuel economy. Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC system has gained significant popularity, especially in the luxury market, providing year-round confidence and control.
Conclusion
The Mercedes Benz E Class 2010 represents a pinnacle of automotive engineering, combining luxurious comfort with advanced technology and performance. From its sophisticated suspension systems like AGILITY CONTROL and AIRMATIC to its powerful V6, V8, and AMG engines, every aspect is meticulously designed. The seven-speed transmission and optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive further enhance the driving experience. As an expert at mercedesxentry.store, I recognize the enduring quality and innovative design of the Mercedes Benz E Class 2010, making it a standout model in automotive history. For those seeking reliability, luxury, and performance, the E-Class 2010 remains a compelling choice.
