Buying used W211 vs. W212
 

Seems like the price of used 2010's are not much more than 2009's. Given the model change I figured the 2009 would depreciate more. Have they de-contented the W212 so they start lower?

Wondering about the merits of buying an older generation body style vs. newer. I think the E550 is the way to go as mileage is almost the same as the E350. Problem is lot's of E350 w/ 321 sport package but very few E550 came with the AMG sport package.

Wondering how people like the W211 vs. W212 - quality of materials used, handling and ride quality, build quality, etc.

Depends on your buying power and attitude. Cars lose 50% of value (25-30K) in their 1st 3 years but almost 10-15k in the second you drive off the lot.

Drive everything before you make a choice. If you have to have a v8, you will find a way. If you don't, you'll save money.

if you're super cheap, find a 2006-07 with the optimal trade-off on wear and tear vs price.

I think the w211 may be the last MB you can buy and service yourself (if you want or need to)

I'm biased to the W211 since I own one!

Whichever year you buy get a warranty.

Almost all car mags prefer the older W211 over the 2010 W212 (ride, styling etc.)

+1 :D

Just dont buy the first year W212.... wait for 1 more year

wait till they upgrade the engines.

I think, most of the 211 since the facelift in 2006 are cars with less problems.

212, nice car!
The design is a matter of taste, one loves it, ....
But I would wait for one year.

Yea, just wait for 1 more year, i remember the W211 03 has a lot of issues....... Just dont buy the first year car.

As someone pointed out, I think from the W212 camp, it becomes a toss up btw new (although I like used, call me cheap) W212, a 2007 E63, maybe a 2009 E550. Really depends if I want to use it for my daily driver as I'm in sales. Mainly fly to customers so not everyday driving.

If I justify the mileage difference btw E350 and E550, the E63 isn't that much worse than the E550, at least on paper. I've driven the 55's at the AMG driving academy a few years ago, haven't driven the 550 or the 63. I'm sure all have plenty of power for daily driving, even the 350.

Like the S550 but unsure if customers will think it a bit pretentious when I show up at their offices...

Of course the quick acid test is to drive all. Easier to pontificate with you guys than get the few hours at the dealer... although I need to get there soon.

w212 is ugly.

I would not get a W212 now given the the current engine is on its way out.
W211 is still holding up pretty well if ask me! Get yourself a nice 09 CPO E550 or E63. :D

+1, driven/owned them all. E550 4Matic Sport with P2 is great for a daily driver; lots of power, comfortable, not too obvious, reliable and you have to know what it is to appreciate it.

+1

Exactly what I drive w/out the 4matic (dnt really need it here in Socal) :y

As for looks it's all subjective but shouldn't a 2010 w212 have similar reliability to a late model w211 since the main change was styling.

Although the drivetrain is the same or very similar to the W211, according to the car mags and Merc it's a totally new design that includes suspension, interior, body style and other unnoticeable changes. As noted earlier, the 03 W211 had/has a host of new car bugs that were not completely worked out until later years (MY05-09). There is no question that Merc quality has improved dramitically but FWIW, I too would not buy a first year production car; just too many unknowns.

from the sound of it in your case, i'd go with an e350 or 550 depending on how much power u need/want (i.e. i'd personally go with 550). the mpg between 350 and 550 (basing this on my experience between my e320 and our cl500) isn't probably that much difference, but i'm sure you'll notice a difference with the 63. i wouldn't go with 63 just cause of your comment about the S550.

i like what LOVEMYBS said in regards to the 550 and you have to know what it is to appreciate it.

Personally, I don't care for the new styling of the W212 and though am cheap, even if I have to buy it used, I'll still not buy the first MY car. They are usually littered with issues that will put a dent in your pocket.

I have an 08 350 4MATIC with 28K miles as my daily commute car, I came from an 05 Honda Accord with just 4cylinders (reliable car, not a single issue for the 5years we owned it - only oil changes) so the power on the 350 V6 is more than enough for me. Am in my early 40s...want to keep this car for the long haul, so not too keen on blowing off other drivers when the stoplights turn green or revving the engine hard unnecessarily. Though I must admit, I ripped one on I-10 during a recent visit to IkEA....doing about 100MPH to see how the car handles. Car was stable and didn't even noticed I was going that fast until wifey screamed :(
It all depends on your taste and purchasing power, the W211 is the last of the “summer wine” in terms of the styling. W212 backend starting to look like a Toyota Camry....but hey as I always say....to each his own!

I love my 211.....im so so on the 212...I think the w211 just has a timeless look...I think either way you will love your car.

+1 It is always a good idea to give Mercedes a year or two at least so that they can iron out some of the bugs of first-year models. A 2009 W211 would be attractive right now since it is the end-of-the-run model (7 to 8 years) and most of the issues/bugs have been (hopefully) addressed/resolved.

Do not buy W211. Actually I am surprised that you still can find any of them new. Anyway, P2 and leather are a must. so you seem get them only from W212 batch.

I too am considering trading up from my 2007 E350 to a 2010. Those that say don't buy the 2010 since it's the first year and wait for the new engine, what would you say when the new engine is introduced, wait another year?

The thought that the 2010 may have problems to me is just theory.

2010's are rock solid. M-B got the car right on the quality front. I'd say, if anything, maybe avoid the early build 2010's, since they had more DTB's, but even then, they were all easy and minimal fixes.

When I opted for a w211 it was between the e500 (sport) or the e55 AMG.

The insurance when comparing the 2 had a large difference in price. I opted for the '06 e500 - because the year I knew had all the bugs worked out, and I know the e55 sucked even bigger gas.