My father has a 2014 350 4matic I put about 200 miles on it yesterday . It is a pleasure to drive , the seats massage you if you choose and the side bolsters move and hug you in turns . Zero outside noise . 4.5 years and so far just maintenance . No complaints .
Buying a 2013 or 2014 Mercedes E-350...Change my mind
- Thread starter Toros
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Originally Posted by Danno
Originally Posted by Farnsworth
Very expensive repairs and often needing special equipment. That's why used ones off warranty are so cheap.
Expensive equipment which often only dealers have.
Not really. The W212s are one of the most reliable MB's that were recently made.
Originally Posted by Farnsworth
Very expensive repairs and often needing special equipment. That's why used ones off warranty are so cheap.
Expensive equipment which often only dealers have.
Not really. The W212s are one of the most reliable MB's that were recently made.
My personal experience with used German cars has been good.
You can buy them quite cheaply and our four old Benzes and two old BMWs proved to be very good cars in actual use.
I've written before that everyone should own and use at least one Mercedes and one BMW during their driving lives just to enjoy the reality of using them, which really does live up to the hype.
Nothing pocket-emptying about the ownership experience either. These are mostly well made and well engineered cars that hold up well in actual use.
You can buy them quite cheaply and our four old Benzes and two old BMWs proved to be very good cars in actual use.
I've written before that everyone should own and use at least one Mercedes and one BMW during their driving lives just to enjoy the reality of using them, which really does live up to the hype.
Nothing pocket-emptying about the ownership experience either. These are mostly well made and well engineered cars that hold up well in actual use.
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted by fdcg27
I've written before that everyone should own and use at least one Mercedes and one BMW during their driving lives just to enjoy the reality of using them, which really does live up to the hype.
Nothing pocket-emptying about the ownership experience either. These are mostly well made and well engineered cars that hold up well in actual use.
Yup, I still miss my E39 M5, the best driving car I've ever owned. It did have some pricey components, being an M-car, but that same thing can be said for my Jeep. The brakes on it aren't any cheaper than they were for the bimmer, and don't last as long either.
I've written before that everyone should own and use at least one Mercedes and one BMW during their driving lives just to enjoy the reality of using them, which really does live up to the hype.
Nothing pocket-emptying about the ownership experience either. These are mostly well made and well engineered cars that hold up well in actual use.
Yup, I still miss my E39 M5, the best driving car I've ever owned. It did have some pricey components, being an M-car, but that same thing can be said for my Jeep. The brakes on it aren't any cheaper than they were for the bimmer, and don't last as long either.
Originally Posted by MCompact
Once again, you need to understand that the only true BITOG experts on European cars are the folks who haven't even sat in a Audi/BMW/Mercedes?Porsche- never mind owned or driven one...
This board is kinda too general. Before I bought the car, I researched it on the forums. A good one would be mbworld.org.
Even really bad years like 2003 E-350 which was the first year of the new model, some were lucky and didn't have the leaking radiator that year that destroyed the transmission when coolant mixed with the ATF. Even today some mention that they find a 2003 with the original radiator and original transmission.
Also the 2012-2014 had the newer M276 direct injection engine so you got 302hp out of it. Less trouble prone than the previous M272, but it does require expensive spark plugs because you have to remove the intake in order to replace the plugs, they went to a 60 degree V6 instead of the 90 in the previous generation. Plugs are supposed to be done at 60k. Also 2014 had auto start/stop at traffic lights. Some hate it as it can't be turned off permanently, needs to be shut off each time. The aux battery that supports it is known to die early and often. Oh and motor mounts are still common failure items, they use liquid filled one so when they're working, it's a very quiet and smooth ride. You get a nasty vibration when they go.
Oh yeah, and I'm still eyeing an S-class at some point, it'd have to be a 2014+, but they're still up there in price at least 35-40k at the low end. They're still a little scary in terms of repairs just because they tend to have airmatic for the suspension, that wasn't on the E-350 but was an option on the E-550. Low volume also means that there aren't too many aftermarket parts and not that many in the junkyard or have used parts for sale on eBay.
Once again, you need to understand that the only true BITOG experts on European cars are the folks who haven't even sat in a Audi/BMW/Mercedes?Porsche- never mind owned or driven one...
This board is kinda too general. Before I bought the car, I researched it on the forums. A good one would be mbworld.org.
Even really bad years like 2003 E-350 which was the first year of the new model, some were lucky and didn't have the leaking radiator that year that destroyed the transmission when coolant mixed with the ATF. Even today some mention that they find a 2003 with the original radiator and original transmission.
Also the 2012-2014 had the newer M276 direct injection engine so you got 302hp out of it. Less trouble prone than the previous M272, but it does require expensive spark plugs because you have to remove the intake in order to replace the plugs, they went to a 60 degree V6 instead of the 90 in the previous generation. Plugs are supposed to be done at 60k. Also 2014 had auto start/stop at traffic lights. Some hate it as it can't be turned off permanently, needs to be shut off each time. The aux battery that supports it is known to die early and often. Oh and motor mounts are still common failure items, they use liquid filled one so when they're working, it's a very quiet and smooth ride. You get a nasty vibration when they go.
Oh yeah, and I'm still eyeing an S-class at some point, it'd have to be a 2014+, but they're still up there in price at least 35-40k at the low end. They're still a little scary in terms of repairs just because they tend to have airmatic for the suspension, that wasn't on the E-350 but was an option on the E-550. Low volume also means that there aren't too many aftermarket parts and not that many in the junkyard or have used parts for sale on eBay.
Originally Posted by OVERKILL
Originally Posted by fdcg27
I've written before that everyone should own and use at least one Mercedes and one BMW during their driving lives just to enjoy the reality of using them, which really does live up to the hype.
Nothing pocket-emptying about the ownership experience either. These are mostly well made and well engineered cars that hold up well in actual use.
Yup, I still miss my E39 M5, the best driving car I've ever owned. It did have some pricey components, being an M-car, but that same thing can be said for my Jeep. The brakes on it aren't any cheaper than they were for the bimmer, and don't last as long either.
Oh yeah, I've done the brakes on the 2011 E recently too. Did a pad slap on the rears with Akebono pads, I think they were only around $60. The fronts I also did Akebono pads, but ended up getting Zimmerman rotors, they ended up costing around $150 for the pair.
Originally Posted by fdcg27
I've written before that everyone should own and use at least one Mercedes and one BMW during their driving lives just to enjoy the reality of using them, which really does live up to the hype.
Nothing pocket-emptying about the ownership experience either. These are mostly well made and well engineered cars that hold up well in actual use.
Yup, I still miss my E39 M5, the best driving car I've ever owned. It did have some pricey components, being an M-car, but that same thing can be said for my Jeep. The brakes on it aren't any cheaper than they were for the bimmer, and don't last as long either.
Oh yeah, I've done the brakes on the 2011 E recently too. Did a pad slap on the rears with Akebono pads, I think they were only around $60. The fronts I also did Akebono pads, but ended up getting Zimmerman rotors, they ended up costing around $150 for the pair.
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
LOL!
Go to parts.mopar.com.
- Front rotors for the Jeep are $312/each.
- Front pads are $492.00
And those are USD prices.
Dealer cost, my front brake job was just under $900 and Chrysler covered 50% of it due to how quickly the parts wore out. You gotta pay to play.
Go to parts.mopar.com.
- Front rotors for the Jeep are $312/each.
- Front pads are $492.00
And those are USD prices.
Dealer cost, my front brake job was just under $900 and Chrysler covered 50% of it due to how quickly the parts wore out. You gotta pay to play.
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by Toros
Why should I not get one ?
Are you able to DIY?
Yes. I can certainly do oil changes.
Originally Posted by Toros
Why should I not get one ?
Are you able to DIY?
Yes. I can certainly do oil changes.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Originally Posted by Toros
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by Toros
Why should I not get one ?
Are you able to DIY?
Yes. I can certainly do oil changes.
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by Toros
Why should I not get one ?
Are you able to DIY?
Yes. I can certainly do oil changes.
The W212 is the model where Mercedes finally emerged from their terrible Chrysler days and it is a very finely engineered car that really has no well known issues except for a few minor items. The facelift 3.5 V6 is a shared engine platform with Chrysler that is a Mercedes Benz massaged Pentastar but really there are no know issues with it, my 2011 is the last year of the well refined M272 that had 13-14+ years of improvements. I was ok with the lower power of the outgoing M272 3.5 vs the M276 3.5 because it was such a tried and true powertrain vs the new design M276. The power of the 3.5 M272 is very much adequate for my needs so really it is not a loss on my end, I would like the better fuel economy of the 276 but that is neither here nor there.
- Engine mounts. This is not a W212 thing, just a Mercedes thing. They use liquid filled mounts that don't last long, if you use in purely city driving you can expect to replace them before 100k miles. My low mileage 2011 the mounts are shot and on the 4Matic it is not a cheap replacement, pricing out 3 different shops (1 dealer and 2 independents) the two engine mounts and 1 transmission mount are anywhere from $2200-2500.
- Interior Burled Walnut Trim. Don't believe this affects face lifted models that you are looking at but the earlier cars (2010-2012 I believe) apparently the supplier omitted putting UV inhibitors in the wood trim lacquer which caused major fading of all the wood trim. This is not a cheap repair but is more aesthetic and does not affect the overall operation of the car, it is just not cute to look at once you notice.
Other than that there is really no major common issues to deal with on the W212. My 2011 E350 4Matic in my sig below just came back from my local dealer from an A service @ 81,405 miles did not have the laundry list of items my C300 had. The only issue is the engine mounts that I still need to handle and the crankcase centrifugal oil separator (basically an over engineered PCV system) is seeping oil onto the head which is only a $400 repair.
The W204 ('08-'14 C Class) was definitely a hangover of the Chrysler days and I can say I had a lot of issues with my '09 C300, my '11 W212 is a much better car in every single way and I don't see the constant issues I had with my W204 but that remains to be seen.
- Engine mounts. This is not a W212 thing, just a Mercedes thing. They use liquid filled mounts that don't last long, if you use in purely city driving you can expect to replace them before 100k miles. My low mileage 2011 the mounts are shot and on the 4Matic it is not a cheap replacement, pricing out 3 different shops (1 dealer and 2 independents) the two engine mounts and 1 transmission mount are anywhere from $2200-2500.
- Interior Burled Walnut Trim. Don't believe this affects face lifted models that you are looking at but the earlier cars (2010-2012 I believe) apparently the supplier omitted putting UV inhibitors in the wood trim lacquer which caused major fading of all the wood trim. This is not a cheap repair but is more aesthetic and does not affect the overall operation of the car, it is just not cute to look at once you notice.
Other than that there is really no major common issues to deal with on the W212. My 2011 E350 4Matic in my sig below just came back from my local dealer from an A service @ 81,405 miles did not have the laundry list of items my C300 had. The only issue is the engine mounts that I still need to handle and the crankcase centrifugal oil separator (basically an over engineered PCV system) is seeping oil onto the head which is only a $400 repair.
The W204 ('08-'14 C Class) was definitely a hangover of the Chrysler days and I can say I had a lot of issues with my '09 C300, my '11 W212 is a much better car in every single way and I don't see the constant issues I had with my W204 but that remains to be seen.
Originally Posted by Toros
Time for a replacement for my wife's 14 year old Saab 9-5 Aero which has served us well. Am looking at 2012-2014 MB E-350 sedans with under 50k on them. We are outside of Philly and it's a target rich environment for them. Plenty to pick from under $25K. Why should I not get one ?
Avoid the headaches and buy a brand new Accord, Camry or Mazda 6.
Time for a replacement for my wife's 14 year old Saab 9-5 Aero which has served us well. Am looking at 2012-2014 MB E-350 sedans with under 50k on them. We are outside of Philly and it's a target rich environment for them. Plenty to pick from under $25K. Why should I not get one ?
Avoid the headaches and buy a brand new Accord, Camry or Mazda 6.
Originally Posted by Toros
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by Toros
Why should I not get one ?
Are you able to DIY?
Yes. I can certainly do oil changes.
I meant more like actual repairs.
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by Toros
Why should I not get one ?
Are you able to DIY?
Yes. I can certainly do oil changes.
I meant more like actual repairs.
Originally Posted by Mr Nice
Avoid the headaches and buy a brand new Accord, Camry or Mazda 6.
I was wondering how long it would take before someone posted this BITOG classic.
Avoid the headaches and buy a brand new Accord, Camry or Mazda 6.
I was wondering how long it would take before someone posted this BITOG classic.
Access to a decent mechanic or yourself DIY is key. Great cars.
Originally Posted by Mr Nice
Originally Posted by Toros
Time for a replacement for my wife's 14 year old Saab 9-5 Aero which has served us well. Am looking at 2012-2014 MB E-350 sedans with under 50k on them. We are outside of Philly and it's a target rich environment for them. Plenty to pick from under $25K. Why should I not get one ?
Avoid the headaches and buy a brand new Accord, Camry or Mazda 6.
$25k buys the lower models not the premium ones. Mazda 6 signature is nice.
Originally Posted by Toros
Time for a replacement for my wife's 14 year old Saab 9-5 Aero which has served us well. Am looking at 2012-2014 MB E-350 sedans with under 50k on them. We are outside of Philly and it's a target rich environment for them. Plenty to pick from under $25K. Why should I not get one ?
Avoid the headaches and buy a brand new Accord, Camry or Mazda 6.
$25k buys the lower models not the premium ones. Mazda 6 signature is nice.
Last edited:
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by Mr Nice
Avoid the headaches and buy a brand new Accord, Camry or Mazda 6.
I was wondering how long it would take before someone posted this BITOG classic.
Methinks that someone missed my first comment in this topic...
Originally Posted by Mr Nice
Avoid the headaches and buy a brand new Accord, Camry or Mazda 6.
I was wondering how long it would take before someone posted this BITOG classic.
Methinks that someone missed my first comment in this topic...
Originally Posted by MCompact
Methinks that someone missed my first comment in this topic...
Yours was in jest.
Methinks that someone missed my first comment in this topic...
Yours was in jest.
The w212 (especially post-facelifted) seem to have an excellent reputation, as you can see from my sig I'm a Toyota and Mercedes guy, and in all honesty I've had a lot more expensive issues with Toyotas over the years than my Benz. Not saying it's common, but the RX froze a front and rear caliper at 50k, bad hatch motor at 30k, and now at 55k needs a climate control servo. I've also had numerous brake issues with the Tundra and my old 4th gen 4runner, which also blew the rear differential and had to be replaced at 60k (under warranty). The Mercedes has the odd sensor or switch here or there but nothing major, although as with all my cars I'm ocd on maintenance and use OEM fluids and parts only at early intervals.
I don't think Japanese cars are what they once were, and I think Mercedes is far better now than they recently were, and yeah mine is from the dark ages but it's beena reliable mover for us for 15 years now. One of my relatives has a 2014 E350 4matic and drives up and down the mountains and west coast a lot and it's racked up the miles like crazy, and it's been an excellent car with no repairs outside of maintenance, and it's closing in on 100k miles already
I don't think Japanese cars are what they once were, and I think Mercedes is far better now than they recently were, and yeah mine is from the dark ages but it's beena reliable mover for us for 15 years now. One of my relatives has a 2014 E350 4matic and drives up and down the mountains and west coast a lot and it's racked up the miles like crazy, and it's been an excellent car with no repairs outside of maintenance, and it's closing in on 100k miles already
Originally Posted by madRiver
Originally Posted by Mr Nice
Originally Posted by Toros
Time for a replacement for my wife's 14 year old Saab 9-5 Aero which has served us well. Am looking at 2012-2014 MB E-350 sedans with under 50k on them. We are outside of Philly and it's a target rich environment for them. Plenty to pick from under $25K. Why should I not get one ?
Avoid the headaches and buy a brand new Accord, Camry or Mazda 6.
$25k buys the lower models not the premium ones. Mazda 6 signature is nice.
Not sure what you mean by that, 25k gets you a 2012-2014 E350. For the 2014, 25k is more like 50-80k in mileage. One reason I got mine is because if you use Nadaguide, they don't offer much additional book value for a car with additional options, they mostly go by the mileage and things like the sport package or the driver assistance package. But one of the key packages is probably the P2 package which is the bixenons with the active curve illumination or the LEDs with the same on the 2014 and keyless go. Book doesn't offer any additional value for it, but a car with lots of options could have listed for 10k more than a base model one with just the P1 package. A 2014 with under 50k is probably more like 25-30k, the ones that are priced at 25k tend to get bad reviews as that's usually a scam price or the car is already sold, but they're out there if you look, another year is rolling by and the prices drop by the month.
As for the mounts, yes, they can be expensive. The transmission mount is actually pretty simple, it's a 20 minute job and just a few bolts. The 4matic is kind of a bear, instructions are to remove the alternator, the ac, the oxygen sensors and drop the exhaust. Quite the project.
Originally Posted by Mr Nice
Originally Posted by Toros
Time for a replacement for my wife's 14 year old Saab 9-5 Aero which has served us well. Am looking at 2012-2014 MB E-350 sedans with under 50k on them. We are outside of Philly and it's a target rich environment for them. Plenty to pick from under $25K. Why should I not get one ?
Avoid the headaches and buy a brand new Accord, Camry or Mazda 6.
$25k buys the lower models not the premium ones. Mazda 6 signature is nice.
Not sure what you mean by that, 25k gets you a 2012-2014 E350. For the 2014, 25k is more like 50-80k in mileage. One reason I got mine is because if you use Nadaguide, they don't offer much additional book value for a car with additional options, they mostly go by the mileage and things like the sport package or the driver assistance package. But one of the key packages is probably the P2 package which is the bixenons with the active curve illumination or the LEDs with the same on the 2014 and keyless go. Book doesn't offer any additional value for it, but a car with lots of options could have listed for 10k more than a base model one with just the P1 package. A 2014 with under 50k is probably more like 25-30k, the ones that are priced at 25k tend to get bad reviews as that's usually a scam price or the car is already sold, but they're out there if you look, another year is rolling by and the prices drop by the month.
As for the mounts, yes, they can be expensive. The transmission mount is actually pretty simple, it's a 20 minute job and just a few bolts. The 4matic is kind of a bear, instructions are to remove the alternator, the ac, the oxygen sensors and drop the exhaust. Quite the project.
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