Common problems with W212?

[Bimmer fan]

Forgive me if there is a stickie or thread that I didn't find that covers this. I'm a BMW guy (hence the handle) who currently owns a 2011 535i which I'm not too happy with. So I went and looked at a new E350 and I gotta say, I was quite impressed with it. Nice car. And obviously BMW & MB are quite competitive in this segment. Now, I know all about the common problems with the BMW (F10 platform) but I wonder if I'd be jumping from the fire into the pan leaving BMW for Mercedes. What are some common issues, complaints, problems, etc. with these cars? I'm sure they're not perfect. And how is the MB-Tex? Is that something that I can live with in the South, or is it really worth upgrading to the leather? And why can't I buy a $50,000 and not get leather included at no cost? BMW does the same thing, and it just seems ridiculous to me. Thanks, Michael

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[ImInPA]

Most E212's are not having problems. If you go through the "sticky" post in this forum that lists Service Bulletins, you will see what fixes are available. I have nearly 15K on my 2011 Bluetec and have only had a seat adjuster repaired per a service bulleting. No other problems. Actually, I am not sure leather is standard on a BMW 5 series either in the 50K range. I personally prefer the MB-Tex over leather. It doesn't crease, wrinkle, and will look new for a long period of time compared with leather.

[sosh]

Have had my 2010 E350 4M for a bit over a year. Can't say what the common problems are as I have experienced none. Car has been bullet proof!! As far as leather/tex is concerned. Nothing wrong with tex however all my MB's have had full leather. I have always ordered my cars in lieu of taking one from dealer inventory and compromising on equipment and colors. I just do not like sitting on plastic. Personal preference.

[aeggroup]

Can I ask you - why don't you like BMW ? I'm thinking to lease BMW after my MB lease is over. It's my 4th E-Class and I'm kind of tired of the same thing year by year.

Thanks.

[ngerstman]

I've had my 2011 e550 for 5 months and no problems. A very solid feeling vehicle. I suspect that the e350 is a somewhat "bigger feeling" ride, more of a luxury sedan than a sports sedan. Depends what you want. And you should be aware of the fact that Mercedes will be putting new engines in the e class for model year 2012 which should be available in the fall. There could be some good deals available on new 2011 and used e350's pretty soon. I would also be curious as to what you don't like about the 535. I work with someone who has one and he needed a new rear end after two weeks!! But I think he is happy now. Regards. Ned.

[Bimmer fan]

Originally Posted by aeggroup

Can I ask you - why don't you like BMW ? I'm thinking to lease BMW after my MB lease is over. It's my 4th E-Class and I'm kind of tired of the same thing year by year.

Thanks.

It's not that I don't like BMWs, I'm just having some issues with my particular car, including a tendency to pull to the right (common problem with early cars) and a terrible idle. Add to that it has electric steering assist which feels very odd, especially when driving in a spirited fashion on winding roads, and my car sort of flipped out at around 4K miles and went into "limp home" mode for no particular reason.

So I'm a little discouraged with it.

But hey, keep those replies coming. If the M-B is super reliable and problems are infrequent, well, that's what I want to hear! I will check out the sticky mentioned above.

So, what happens in 2012, are they going with forced induction like BMW has done?

[hyperion667]

I'd agree.....my car has had no issue's yet...had it since halloween of 2010..maybe being too fast, lol...I ordered my car with the things I wanted it to have, vs what they had in stock at the time....I'm not that impressed with the night vision, although it does okay.
I didn't want the tex either.......if I'm spending.....I'm sitting in, and smelling leather.....
one of the things that turned me off of bmw was everything being a la cart during a build....
you'd enjoy a nice slick Mercedes Benz...and the hockey stick LED's are a plus too....no one else really has them shaped like that.....

stay cool

[ngerstman]

Originally Posted by Bimmer fan

It's not that I don't like BMWs, I'm just having some issues with my particular car, including a tendency to pull to the right (common problem with early cars) and a terrible idle. Add to that it has electric steering assist which feels very odd, especially when driving in a spirited fashion on winding roads, and my car sort of flipped out at around 4K miles and went into "limp home" mode for no particular reason.

So I'm a little discouraged with it.

But hey, keep those replies coming. If the M-B is super reliable and problems are infrequent, well, that's what I want to hear! I will check out the sticky mentioned above.

So, what happens in 2012, are they going with forced induction like BMW has done?

The engines will be direct injection, the v6 306hp vs 268 now, more fuel efficient, the v8 bi turbo with over 400hp vs 380 now and more fuel efficient, both with lots more torque as well. Regards. Ned.

[park423]

I've had my car for about 7 months now and no issues. A better build and quality than the ML my wife drives (can definitely feel a difference btw the American Benz and German Benz). The MB-Tex is fine as the MB Leather is not all that much nicer, even the leather smell is kinda faint (I had an 2003 E320 with full leather that smelled of nice leather for months). You may find the 2011 E350 quite underpowered compared to your 535i, may want to wait for the 2012.

[hyperion667]

Originally Posted by ngerstman

The engines will be direct injection, the v6 306hp vs 268 now, more fuel efficient, the v8 bi turbo with over 400hp vs 380 now and more fuel efficient, both with lots more torque as well. Regards. Ned.

do you think it's true that a large portion of the fuel saving will be from the ON/OFF thing they're putting on for 2012?
just wondering.....
peace

[BudC]

Originally Posted by hyperion667

do you think it's true that a large portion of the fuel saving will be from the ON/OFF thing they're putting on for 2012?
just wondering.....
peace

Yes, along with lean burn which isn't coming to the U.S. either.

I wouldn't put too much emphasis on fuel economy as a reason to buy a 2012 U.S. version W212.

[scfishnman]

I had a 2011 BMW 535i which I did not like either. Mine, too, went into limp mode and then quit as well as having other issues.

I traded it in on a 2011 MB E550 after 3 months and 3000 miles. I am extremely pleased with the Mercedes. To me the difference between the two cars is like night and day.

My E550 has leather (standard on that model), but I did own a MB years ago with MB Tex upholstery. I find it very difficult to distinguish between MB Tex and leather. If leather had not been standard on my car, I would have gone with MB Tex. BTW, I live in the South.

Good luck on your decision.

[hyperion667]

Originally Posted by BudC

Yes, along with lean burn which isn't coming to the U.S. either.

I wouldn't put too much emphasis on fuel economy as a reason to buy a 2012 U.S. version W212.

our exec's don't like that kind of money saving business I guess

yea America!

[EmE247]

I think the only problem that I really have with my W212 is the suspension and how it doesnt take hitting potholes too well. This is pretty much the same regardless of whether the W212 is completely stock or modded a bit like mine.

There's a forum post here regarding this issue that is well detailed by many of the forum members.

Other than that the W212 is great. Looks a helluva lot better than the new 5 series BMWs and I'm coming from having a BMW 550 before the last body change.

[BudC]

Originally Posted by hyperion667

our exec's don't like that kind of money saving business I guess

yea America!

The problem is the crappy fuel we have in this country. Mercedes have to build two engines, one for Europe and one for the rest of the world that hasn't got the low sulfur fuel that's in western Europe.

[ngerstman]

Originally Posted by hyperion667

do you think it's true that a large portion of the fuel saving will be from the ON/OFF thing they're putting on for 2012?
just wondering.....
peace

I'm not sure. Just quoting the marketing hype. I would think some of it would be due to the direct injection which is a better fuel delivery system. Regards. Ned.

[ngerstman]

I would also concur with EmE247 regarding the suspension and potholes. But I have the e550 with the airmatic suspension which is not available on the e350. And as some other members on the forum would tell you, don't get me started regarding airmatic , so I won't!! Some with the e350 sport also feel the ride is a little hard but that is what one might expect with a sport suspension. All and all, a solid ride. If you surf the forum and go back a ways, you will find much lively debate and lots of silly nit-picking. Regards. Ned.

[220S]

Originally Posted by hyperion667

do you think it's true that a large portion of the fuel saving will be from the ON/OFF thing they're putting on for 2012?
just wondering.....
peace

As Bud C says, ECO start/stop will not be in the US except on the E63. And it can be shut off via sport mode (although it defaults back each time.) The Porsche Cayenne has start/stop in the US now but can also be shut off with a dash button.

To the OP: here are the 2012 E Class platform portfolio order sheets. Prices are only current estimates (Euro/dollar exchange, etc..)

[blackbullit]

I have had my E550 since December 2009 (2010 model), now up to 26K miles.

It has had no problems (except a recall for power steering connection, which required no repair on my car). It has excellent performance and maintenance (done by me) is reasonable. An MB is easier to work on in general than a BMW. However, BMW pays for maintenance.

I would go with leather, as I have it and MB Tex I have tried here in Florida is sweaty and sticky. The leather seems to breathe and is cooler. Not to mention the MB Tex gives off an odd onion-like odor, especially on hot days. Agree with you, leather should be standard (it is on E550, option on E350).

[listerone]

Two months...2,000 miles...no probs so far.

[Arrie]

Originally Posted by blackbullit

I have had my E550 since December 2009 (2010 model), now up to 26K miles.

It has had no problems (except a recall for power steering connection, which required no repair on my car). It has excellent performance and maintenance (done by me) is reasonable. An MB is easier to work on in general than a BMW. However, BMW pays for maintenance.

I would go with leather, as I have it and MB Tex I have tried here in Florida is sweaty and sticky. The leather seems to breathe and is cooler. Not to mention the MB Tex gives off an odd onion-like odor, especially on hot days. Agree with you, leather should be standard (it is on E550, option on E350).

Since December 2009 and only 26 000 miles on it? Is it just a show piece?

I have a 2011 E350 since October 10 2010 and i have 13 000+ miles on it...will have 25 000 miles by the one year anniversary.

I have had a couple of issues:

1. Out of the box the plastic trim around the instrument cluster was hanging loose. Did not notice this during the test drive but did after bought the car when driving on rough road surface as it started making very annoying rattling noise. Next thing to happen was the glass (plastic) on the cluster got a crack. The whole cluster was replaced. Plastic trim still hangs loose but does not make noise so it is ok.

2. Right back corner (C-pillar) area makes rattling noise when driving on certain rough road surfaces. This is extremely annoying sometimes when driving over "attention grooves" on road or over multiple lane reflectors. This issue is much worse with cold climate, which tells me there is a plastic piece of something around the gas filler door. It is not he door itself but something behind the fender above filler door. You can check for this by gently hitting the fender just above the fuel filler door with side of your fist. Don't need to hit it hard at all and you will hear the rattle from the loose part inside. This rattle is the thing keeping me from thinking to buy another MB car if it does not get fixed under warranty by MB.

Item 1 above could be a separate issue and just with my car, item 2 is with several cars.

Other than the above two this car is awesome ans solid and my engine does not burn one drop of oil between oil changes, which I have done every 5000 miles. Some of the engines are not this good.

[csquared]

I have an 2011 E550 and the multicontour seat is making "leaking gas" sounds. Going to get it fixed at the dealer soon. Other that, no major problems. Extremely comfortable ride quality and excellent handling. Does not feel like your grandfather's old benz, this can be serious driver's car in sport mode. Also looks better than the F10 in my opinion, but not the new upcoming M5. My 2003 BMW X5 runs excellent with 135K KMs with no issues EVER (I guess buying new does make a difference). I would hate to sell it cuz there's absolutely nothing wrong with it other than its thirst for gas. I always buy new cars so never had an issue with any car I've had. You can save a few bucks with used Mercedes or BMW, but they always have issues and can get costly with maintenance. Buy new or don't buy at all.

[BudC]

Originally Posted by csquared

Buy new or don't buy at all.

Better yet, order a new one and get a fresh car

[Grau E350]

I bought a 2010 E350 4matic w/sport package, P1, P2. The car had some of the worst rattles that were never fixed (absurd amount of time at the dealer), along with some electrical gremlins. I gave up and dumped it, and went with BMW a 328 in desparation. What I found was a terrible riding POS.

On this forum some have had some rattles. Most have had good luck. The Sport Pack AMG package does ride firm with some uncomfortable shocks from potholes.

I looked very hard at the new 535xdrive and did not want to take the risk with another BMW ride-quality problem. BMW's use of runflats (the forums are all lit up with RFT's bubbling up from potholes).

I went with a new 11 ML. I've had an 06 C230, 09 E350, 10 E350 and the ML is the best built one yet. Solid, quiet and very comfortable. It was only a few thousand (MSRP) cheaper than my W212 E350. I would say the build (W212 materials are better) in the ML is better than my 10 E350.

The xenons are fantastic in the E. I made sure to get xenons in my ML--which are good.

The BMW fans b1tch too much about MB-Tex. Standard BMW leather is just on seating surfaces, and its like pig-hide. There's nothing there to really brag about. It does not wear well (and I've 4 BMWs; 3 and 5 series since 07).

MB Tex wears in over time. It's pretty maint. free and doesn't wrinke up. It does wear like iron. You don't have to worry about rain and snow damaging it. Most people have no idea it isn't leather. But, I do like leather.

Just my .02.

[htn75]

Have had my 2011 E550 for 10 months now and with 12500 miles. Everything is in great. Also have 2011 Bmw 550i GT. I prefer bmw nav much more.