btrepper

I knew what I was getting into when I ordered the Bluetec. Guess I am still on my honeymoon because I still really love this car. Best benz I have owned and I go back to the 240D days. There is so much more technolgy in this when you think back to the 240D that could not get up a hill.But all the improvements come with a cost. You are willing or not to pay that tab, and you should make that decision before you purchase. I did, and I feel fine with my decsion and my car.

HBerman

Enjoy your ride! Honeymoon aside, the E350 Bluetec is definitely a fine machine and the engine combination performs as well as a V8 in town. However, the 240D was a much simplier vehicle when it came to the fuel system. The AdBlue system has to be treated with respect with regard to contamination and maintainance. I'm not sure if the runflats are an issue or not. They are not all that common for tire stores (need to be ordered) and you lose the spare tire (from the AdBlue system tank) and all of the tire changing equipment that normally comes with the regular fueled cars. I have seen numerous comments about the lack of repairability and the 50 mile range when "flat".

As I previously posted, I weighed the pros and cons and finally decided to forgo the better fuel economy for a more predictable maintainance scenario.

It's also interesting to note that the E350 Bluetec in Canada does not use runflat tires. I wonder why.

YMMV

gvseostud

Thanks for the tip on DEF - did not realize they were the same thing. If they both meet the same standards I am not shy about saving the money ($26 vs $180).

For me the cash price is one thing, and operating costs another. I am willing to spend cash up front for a nicer car that is cheaper to operate, and diesels usually fall into that category. And I'm still pretty high on the notion of getting 400 ft-lbs of torque out of the lighter 3 litre engine.

btrepper

maybe too many pot holes??

HBerman

I hate to burst your bubble, but the E350 Bluetec is HEAVIER than the E550. Specification curb weights are as follows:

E350 Bluetec 4059 lbs
E550 4034 lbs

HBerman

No idea, but Canada also gets the 5 spoke AMG wheels (non-staggered) and the Tire inflator kit (with sealant system).

AMGFREAK

25lbs is nothing.... with 400 ft. lbs of torque...

HBerman

I was replying to the comment made that the 3 liter diesel engine was lighter than the E550 with the airmatic suspension and the V8 included in the comparison. Of course, 25 lbs is insignificant on a two ton vehicle.

YMMV

listerone

Just FYI...and note that there'll be slight differences with MBs...I've researched the DEF issue thoroughly.My "d" takes about 6 gallons of DEF and is supposed to go 12k miles plus with those 6 gallons.A VW dealership near me sold me a 1/2 gallon bottles of DEF *with* the special spout required for our cars (BMW and MB having the same filler "port") for $8.They also sell a 2.5 gallon jug for $13.I know that actually filling the tank is easy because I tried it...just to see how difficult it is.

So for *my* car,at least,it will cost me about $30 (and about 10 minutes of my time) to refill the tank every year or so.IMO,unless they'll do it for free under a full maintenence plan,you'd be crazy to let the dealer charge you $200+ to refill the tank.

And BTW...in case you're unfamiliar with current diesels (BMW,MB,etc).... once you've experienced the torque they provide you'll never go back.Guaranteed!

Just my $0.02 worth....

YYZ-E55

The first W212 E BlueTECs have arrived in Canada...











This one has Premium Package (MPP), Advanced Driving Assistance Package (includes DISTRONIC PLUS) (MAP) and rear-view camera (218). Palladium Silver w/Alpaca Grey interior.

YYZ-E55

No run-flats on Canadian MBs (except the GL with 20s) because feedback on run-flats has been highly negative. From the stiff sidewalls and excessive cost of replacement to the cost of installing run-flat winter tires, they're a huge pain in the butt.

The non-staggered are to make winter switchovers easier (can rotate front-to-rear, etc) and to maintain consistency across the entire E-Class sedan range (except E63 obviously). The tire inflator kit is necessary because run-flats are not installed and there is no spare tire (due to the AdBlue tank).

HBerman

The wheel design doesn't look like the AMG split 5 spoke. What are they?

YYZ-E55

The AMG twin 5-spoke wheels (code 791) are optional. This car has the standard 18" 5-spoke wheels.

HBerman

Ah, I forgot about that. It's nice to have the 18" wheels and no run-flats. I would have purchased the E350 Bluetec in the US if that had been the specification.

Pocito Dinero

Hello all
Is MB rationing E350 Bluetechs in the San Diego area?Thanks

belgoen

Is it worth it to upgrade the engine with a chiptuning?
the dealer offers for 600 EURO a +30 BHP tuning, and also extra in torque.
on the internet i found a tuner to 250 Euro, with more BHP and easy install.
Another dealer said it would damage the warranty.

belgoen

I see that many want the widest tires as possible..
When you talk about getting bigger tires, is it only for the beauty or for the safety.
They are more expensive to change and the consumption/ pollution gets worse. no?
I would prefer the 16 inch instead of 18 inch, but here I can see that the forum has another opinion.

ImInPA

I find that I use about 2 gallons of AdBlue every 5000 miles. I pay about $18 for 2.5 gallons of AdBlue. The cost of AdBlue is minimal for all of the benefits.