Eurocarlv

After trying out a 2012 W212, I have pretty much determined that the W211 is more comfortable (at least for me). So here is my question...when considering a 2008 or 2009 W211, would you consider the E350 (gasser) or E320 Bluetec the better choice? Given that these cars are now 6 - 7 years old, I also would be interested in whether or not current owners would recommend buying one of these cars used now (assuming no more than 80K Miles). I think these are very classic looking and solidly built cars, but just concerned about buying one at this age now.

Thoughts?

rediesel

I'd take the diesel over the gas 350. I'd really want an E63.

Blitz2639

I'd recommend the 08-09 gas. It's beyond the balance shaft issues and just about all the bugs were worked out. (Even more so on the 09) I wouldn't buy the newer v6 diesel too many issues I've seen with them. (Look up oil cooler) I'd look for an 08-09 gas or straight 6. Which I can't remember those years I think 04-05.

RCPDesigns

Take your time and find an ultra low mile 09 or 08. They are around you just might have to wait. I'm not sure of your location, but you can look to places like Florida where a car might be stored just for use when the owner visits a beach house or such. A recent forum member just found two 09 E350s with very nice configurations and below 35K miles. One only had 15K miles. https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...eage-w211.html
I really liked the W212 when it came out but now I've tired of the body style and much prefer my W211.

cetialpha5

In some places the price of diesel is almost $1 more than gas so any savings from gas mileage over diesel gets wiped out in the higher price. Plus they sold a lot more gas models than diesels so you're more likely to find help on any problem with gas over diesel. Try and get one with the P2 package, not that many out there. If you do an 09, maybe you can find one with the AMG wheels, I think those look nice, but I hardly ever see them on an 08.

Blitz2639

If you're referring to the 5 spoke 18s all 09 sports came with the AMG package standard that included these wheels. It was an option only for 07-08.

Eurocarlv

Thanks guys! So just to confirm, no major issues with the E350 or Bluetec? With my old Bluetec, it had great gas mileage and very comfortable, but the 16' wheels made it very spongy on the road / handling.

GT854T5

My 2 cents: I would suggest the '09 MY for a few reasons: the Comand HU is a lot better; back up camera is an easy add on; most came with the sport packages; and because it's the last year for w211, most bugs should have been sorted out. A dealer once told me the last MY (before a new design) of luxury cars usually gets all of the optional items since they need to make room for the new model options . Not sure if you on the north east of US, but this is an example of what I would buy in a NY minute: lol
http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invento...959_isFeatured

Good luck with your decision....

cmriv

I recently purchased a MY 09 with a 273 motor. It doesnt have all the bells and whistle's. NO PANO, which I am thrilled about. Does have sports package. Interior is in mint condition. Very pleased with my purchase. Oh and btw I get 18.3mpg in the city and 23.5 on the highway... So i don't really see what the difference besides power is in a 350 or 550... Get a 550. Just my two cent's and opinion.

samaritrey

I love my bluetec but it has been expensive to own. I did the Oil cooler fix myself which saved the $1400 I was quoted only about $250 in parts (don't do it yourself lol its worth the money) but also had to have the timing chain replaced which cost $2395. So yeah have owned it about a year now putting about 29k miles on it and it has cost me at least $2,800 in repairs and probably 30 hours of labor. While I guess that could be worse for the amount of miles I put on it my old w203 probably only cost me 5k (in repairs mods don't count) for the over 130k i put on it so I guess I was spoiled.

cmriv

I see you live in McLean... Me too!!!! Yeah diesels are awesome but they cost a pretty penny when stuff goes wrong. Those oil cooler repairs are getting "good will" repaired left and right. Its rare you see a "cash on delivery" oil cooler repair. Timing chain too though?! LAAWWDDDD... Thats a costly repair too. Good for you taking your repairs on yourself, you are brave. I work at MB of Arlington

Eurocarlv

So question...from a maintenance standpoint, would you say I would be better off going with a gasser E350? Sounds like the Bluetec / diesel is not all that sound of an investment compared to the petrol E350. I had always thought with the E-Class, the diesel was the way to go.

BryanW203

Get a 550.

If you drive a lot of highway fuel mileage is not that big of difference.

You can pick them up for pretty much the same $$.

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-...ting=111020113

Half the miles as the one posted above and only $4k more.

Or this same $$, less miles 4matic and loaded.

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invento...ting=101772318

cetialpha5

That one is pretty nice only thing missing is real leather, it has MB-Tex.

The only drawback with the E550 is that it has Airmatic and at some point, the suspension will go, not too bad if you go with Arnott instead. But if you get an E550, there's lots more of them out there that are pretty well loaded, the one above is missing parktronic.

samaritrey

Good to know you guys are the ones who did the chain for me. My family has been using Garry for years best service adviser I have ever had.


Back on topic the cost of basic maintenance will be about the same its only the repairs that could go either way. The really only two issue the Diesels have are the oil cooler seals and the swirl motors. The swirl motors can be fixed with a resistor and the new oil cooler seals have been around for awhile so you could probably find one that has already been taken care of. I would recommend going and driving both types and seeing if you prefer one over the other. The torque of the diesel is awesome but the gas with 4matic depending on where you live could be very useful.

Maddic

Good timing, I was actually looking into getting a 550, but I was afraid of the maintenance cost of owning a V8 engine sedan, and I know the cost of owing a w211 e350. With only the major difference with engine and airmatic suspension in 550 , arent the v6 and v8 cars are fairly the same in term of reliability? Can we agree on that fact?

samaritrey

The 350 vs 550 engine wise should be the same reliability wise the only difference would be the airmatic and any other options you might get. The pano roof and keyless go along with all those other options seem to be what fails more often than the normal standard stuff like the HK stereo and heated seats for example. The airmatic is not too bad to take care of as you can get the rebuilt shocks/struts as mentioned already and really its not too much worse than replacing shocks on a normal car.

Blitz2639

IMO the 550 is slightly better than the 350 in terms of reliability ONLY referring to the balance shaft issue that was corrected early on in the 08 cars. If you don't know the v6 has a balance shaft and the v8 just has a gear that is much easier to do than the v6 and I've seen WAY less v8 issues. My ideal car would be an 09 550 (if not buying a 55) 2wd sport no pano roof with P2 package.

MoarPOWA

I think my 09 550 has every option except for the massaging seats and so far I've only had to replace the keyless-go drivers door handle (DIY job). Of course I'm prepared for airmatic problems but its been a really good car. Taking it to the track tomorrow for some 1/4 mile passes

PelicanParts.com

Just make sure to have the vehicle checked out before you do the purchase. Then you know what repairs may be needed ahead of time so you aren't surprised when they arise.

-Luccia