Hi All!

I’m a former owner (20 years ago) of a beautiful W126 300SD. I switched to Toyota SUVs and still have one as my daily. I am interested in getting a newer diesel as I am a big fan and love MB.

I’m looking between three models to potentially purchase. based on what I’ve read on each I’m leaning towards the E250 Bluetec. I’m intrigued by the efficiency of the 4 cylinder engine and many have said that the newer OM651 is more reliable and durable than the OM642 powered vehicles. I think each engine has pros and cons but the emissions system is the kicker of course. And that is the same on all since 2010, right? I know the E320s (2007-2009) are not Adblue cars. Does that make them any more reliable?

Much appreciated.
Jeff

 

OM642 is a robust engine. I have own 2 vehicles with OM642 engine. The infamous oil cooler seal issue is costly to fix. I saw somewhere MB started using the new oil cooler seal from MY2012.

 

You did not post your location, but if in USA, both models are subject to AEM, who started this spring and is followed by 4-years warranty on all emission-related parts, so now it is good time to buy 1.
I had both engines in sedans and Spritners.
OM642 does have lovely torque at low speeds, but it comes with about 30% fuel consumption penalty and higher maintenance cost as mentioned.
When I love OM651 engine, when I wanted Sprinter dually, it was available only with OM642 and engine was not a decision maker. Both of them will last 1 milion miles, although with different cost.
But technology comes with helping hand. The famous intake gunk, freezing flaps on OM642 can be easily removed with Liqui Molly intake cleaner.
I drove almost all MB diesels available in USA since 1985.
The 3l engine from 1980's can be compared to dial phone, when OM651 would be iPhone.
Still remember big surprise when 4-cylinder diesel would drift the car on dry asphalt.

 

At 109,000mikes my 2014 Bluetec 642 has been perfect. At some point the gunk could affect the intake flaps but I “assume” that a flap problem could be covered by AEM. I have wondered about cleaning process but not sure it would be worthwhile if problem is covered.

 

Cleaning the flaps is maintenance, when warranty covers failures.
It is tricky subject and the few cases where Bluetec owner had parts failure after AEM seems to be reviewed differently by different dealers, but I'd say 109k miles is good time for intake cleaning.
MB dealers don't do cleaning, where manifold replacement makes nice sigure$$$

 

Agree on maintenance of that item but since it is intrigue part of manifold I think a strong case could be made that it should be replaced if there was a problem related to performance. Again, agree different Dealers seem to think different, so far I have been treated great in MN, IA, and FL. Time will tell

 

Jeff - go for it! The E250 is a wonderful car, and it's also the right choice for a modern Mercedes diesel in the US.

The 4 cylinder diesel has very similar power and output to the 6, but it has superior fuel economy. I believe you will have a better cost of ownership on the E250 as well - fewer problems, and less likely to have catastrophic failure.

I just had Mercedes do the AEM modification, so my diesel exhaust system is now warrantied for 4 years.

I would find one with evidence of proper maintenance. Correct oil, fuel filter changes, air filter changes, etc. My car is going into it's 6th year and 115K miles (or so) and it's runs and looks like new. I probably have receipts for 14 or 15 oil changes. I would avoid any diesel without maintenance history.

Have you driven one? The E250 is peppy as low speeds, and sneaky fast on the open road. The car is effortlessly smooth and quiet on the road - which is a luxury. Like any diesel, it does sound a bit like a farm tractor though at idle though.

Let us know what questions you have about the E250.

/

 

Both of them share the emission after-treatment system. The main difference from a future maintenance cost perspective are the oil cooler seals on the OM642, which have been known to fail (especially the earlier variants) and are a PITA to replace.

Both of them will require more frequent oil changes in the USA due to the relatively high biodiesel content that dilutes the oil in short order during a DPF regen cycle. Provided that you regularly change the oil (as in at least twice as often as what MB recommends), they should be relatively trouble-free and last for many miles.

As others have said, find one that has a full service history. If you are not going to be towing a trailer, the E250 BT with the OM651 is a wonderful car. The E350 BT with the OM642 is a bit quicker and notably has more torque, but again, unless you are using it for towing, it would make relatively little difference as a daily driver and could potentially have a higher maintenance cost down the line.

 

I am using OM651 in GLE for 20' patio boat towing.
The boat weight rocking the SUV is a problem, Horsepower or torque are not.
You need to be power freak to pay thru your nose for small performance gain in V6

 

Hi All,

Thank you for the great feedback on your personal experiences with your cars. I really appreciate it and the education on these models. I am located in the US on the West Coast and learning more about the AEM. It does seem like a good time to purchase one of these cars. I have not test driven an E350 or E250 Bluetec yet but I will do so soon. I've already got a V6 gas motor in my 4Runner so no need to pull anything with the sedan. I put the 4Runner to work if I need to pull a small trailer. I love diesel and wish we had more options for them in the US, but such is life. I want to get a newer diesel while I still can. I'm really intrigued by the E250 especially and I give it a nod in the good looks category over the pre-face lift W212 too. Both seem like great cars though with different benefits. I had a few additional questions for the group below.

(1) E250 US Sales Figures: It seems like there are fewer of these around than the older E350 and E320 Bluetecs. I see those two cars weekly in my area or on the highway yet rarely see an E250 (I think in total I've seen maybe 5 E250s on the road). Were sales pretty low in the US for the E250 compared to the older V6 models from 2007-2013?
(2) Timing Chains: I've read some concerns with the timing chains, particularly on earlier build sprinters in Europe. Has anyone had issues with their chains in the US on the OM651? The chain in the rear of the engine will be an engine out job and very expensive.
(3) I'm guessing if I purchase the car before the AEM is done and something goes south on the emissions system prior to Mercedes doing the AEM, I'm on the hook. Does anyone know if this is accurate? I'm trying to decide if it might be best to wait until shortly after the AEM is done on the car as it is transferable to all subsequent owners. That might be the smarter move....Thoughts?
(4) Oil Changes: I will definitely do oil changes at 5,000 mile intervals. I've never been a fan of letting any vehicle go to 10,000 miles, even running full synthetics. The longer oil change logic just seems to benefit the service shops and manufacturer. What type of oil are you running through your bluetecs? I know some have said climate matters. I'm on the West Coast in a temperate marine/ mediterranean climate with temps maxing out in the 90s most years.

Much appreciated.
Jeff

 

The E250 came with the luxury and sport models. The Sport has the sport suspension, sport grille (big star) with flat hood badge. The luxury has the classic grille with standup star hood ornament, no body kit and the standard interior. My car is the sport but I have the luxury (comfort) springs which was an option. I still find it firm enough (and the sport suspension too firm).

1 - Sales Figures - sorry I don't know. Volkswagen screwed up diesel in the US in the fall of 2015, and diesels future was in question in 2016. So I would expect lower numbers.
2 - Timing chain is more of an issue on the earlier cars (6 cylinder).
3 - AEM - You won't get the settlement money, you had to own the car last year. But buy any car, have it done - get the warranty. I wouldn't worry about the diesel emission system on any Bluetec.
4 - Oil changes. I have mine done at the Mercedes dealer using Mercedes oil to the proper spec. It's a very specific oil. I'd be wary of anything else.

Good luck.

/

 

Thank you for the good details, mfab. That makes sense why the few E250s I've seen have been 2014s. I'm sure after the Volkswagen fiasco the sales dropped off. To me the sport and luxury editions both look good. It sounds like you have the ideal setup with the softer ride with the luxury package too.

 

Interesting because reading the settlement it says that current owners can submit a claim if the AEM hasn't been done to the vehicle by October 1st, 2022. Now the payout is a little less but according to the settlement document I read from Mercedes you can buy an E250. get the AEM done then submit a claim. Assuming the previous owner did not do the AEM which is very likely this early on.

https://www.mbbluetecsettlement.com/
"If you purchased or leased and Registered a Subject Vehicle in the United States, you may be a Class Member and eligible for a cash payment even if you no longer own or lease the Subject Vehicle.

The Class is composed of all current and former owners or lessees of Subject Vehicles who:

• On or before September 14, 2020 owned or leased and Registered a Subject Vehicle;

or

• After September 14, 2020 began owning or leasing and Register a Subject Vehicle for which an AEM has not been installed.

The Class includes automobile dealers and resellers who meet either of the above qualifications for Class membership (including registration of the Subject Vehicle). "

So the after part applies if you bought an E250 bluetec and the previous owner did not submit a claim and have the AEM done.
This can be checked easily by using the VIN to see if you can submit or not and your payout would be $2,467.50 from Mercedes + $225 from Bosch.

 

x2 on getting settlement if you find Bluetec with AEM not done.
My friend just bought such GLK. He did AEM and file a claim. Now we wonder if he can get $3500 as the original owner was elderly lady who is not reading internet.
BTW the E250 BT I sold this year was limo trim, what makes 3rd model on US market.