Seeking opinions from W212 owners who were prior W211 owners..
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 459
Likes: 6
From: N.J USA
2010 E550.. Gone but never forgotton - E63 AMG..
Throw looks and design out the window for a second, At the end of the day the W212 is a far better engineered vehicle than the W211, The command , Handling, Chassis, 30% + rigidity, drag coificient, more solid,W212 the most aerodynamic MB sedan ever. This case is cinched, case closed as to which is the better car. Looks are subjective so to each their own. I love the design of the new E inside n out.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 613
Likes: 3
From: Newport Coast, CA
makes your daughter horny
The navigation in the W212 is much better although I'm still getting used to it and at the moment it is far more difficult/distracting for me to use. Annoyingly, as far as I can tell in the W212 theres no way to input a destination while you're moving which is something I can do in the W211. Honestly everyone always hates on the previous gen nav systems such as the ones in the W211 but it does its job getting me from point A to point B with minimal hassle.
The stereo in the W211 is MUCH better than that in the W212 which is really surprising to me I can't believe MB would do this??
As far as handling I prefer the feedback from the 2007+ W211 over the W212 however the W212 is definately better handling-wise than the pre-facelift (03-06?) e classes. The W212 steering feels floaty without much feedback. Although the ride quality and (lack of) noise level is much better than the W211.
One oddity I found is the W212 defaults into Comfort mode and after skimming the manual I can't find a way to change the default to Sport? Only problem I had with the car is the other day while driving at night I could not get the front dome light to turn off for the life of me. I had to pull over and shut off the car to get it to turn off.
The stereo in the W211 is MUCH better than that in the W212 which is really surprising to me I can't believe MB would do this??
As far as handling I prefer the feedback from the 2007+ W211 over the W212 however the W212 is definately better handling-wise than the pre-facelift (03-06?) e classes. The W212 steering feels floaty without much feedback. Although the ride quality and (lack of) noise level is much better than the W211.
One oddity I found is the W212 defaults into Comfort mode and after skimming the manual I can't find a way to change the default to Sport? Only problem I had with the car is the other day while driving at night I could not get the front dome light to turn off for the life of me. I had to pull over and shut off the car to get it to turn off.
Last edited by W Cole; Dec 8, 2009 at 06:59 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 783
Likes: 1
From: Murrieta, Southern California
Late Built 2005 W-211 E-320 CDI
Don't Agree
Throw looks and design out the window for a second, At the end of the day the W212 is a far better engineered vehicle than the W211, The command , Handling, Chassis, 30% + rigidity, drag coificient, more solid,W212 the most aerodynamic MB sedan ever. This case is cinched, case closed as to which is the better car. Looks are subjective so to each their own. I love the design of the new E inside n out.
Have a friend who took delivery of a W-212 E-350 Luxury model (not the Sport) just three
weeks ago, and he is really upset with the poor ride of his new car. So much so that he
is trying to get the selling dealer to take the car back and return his trade-in.
Be careful, and make sure you really test drive one for some
distance over all kinds of roads before you take delivery.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 459
Likes: 6
From: N.J USA
2010 E550.. Gone but never forgotton - E63 AMG..
are you for real ??? Do you have the P2 package with the HK stereo system ? or some kind of stock radio in your 350 ? There is no comparison as to which Stereo system is better. The Stereo in my 08 E63 cannot even be compared to the Stereo in my E550.W212 - 610 watts 14 speakers
W211 - 510 watts 12 speakers
I have no idea what kind of stereo was fitted into your car,definatley not the stereo i have in my 550.. The mids and Highs are very crisp,loud and clear. The Bass hits soft but hard, imo the Stereo is top notch.
Last edited by ESIX3POWER; Dec 8, 2009 at 08:00 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: NYC
E63, GT500
are you for real ??? Do you have the P2 package with the HK stereo system ? or some kind of stock radio in your 350 ? There is no comparison as to which Stereo system is better. The Stereo in my 08 E63 cannot even be compared to the Stereo in my E550.W212 - 610 watts 14 speakers
W211 - 510 watts 12 speakers
I have no idea what kind of stereo was fitted into your car,definatley not the stereo i have in my 550.. The mids and Highs are very crisp,loud and clear. The Bass hits soft but hard, imo the Stereo is top notch.
Yeah I have to agree with you on this one...Tough to call the 211's system better never mind much better.
JD
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,850
Likes: 56
From: New York
2025 Range Rover, 2022 BMW M850 , 2017 MB E400 Coupe
are you for real ??? Do you have the P2 package with the HK stereo system ? or some kind of stock radio in your 350 ? There is no comparison as to which Stereo system is better. The Stereo in my 08 E63 cannot even be compared to the Stereo in my E550.W212 - 610 watts 14 speakers
W211 - 510 watts 12 speakers
I have no idea what kind of stereo was fitted into your car,definatley not the stereo i have in my 550.. The mids and Highs are very crisp,loud and clear. The Bass hits soft but hard, imo the Stereo is top notch.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 459
Likes: 6
From: N.J USA
2010 E550.. Gone but never forgotton - E63 AMG..
You must have a defective stereo or something, bring it to the dealer for inspection.
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From: Huntington NY
S560
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 349
From: Huntington NY
S560
Throw looks and design out the window for a second, At the end of the day the W212 is a far better engineered vehicle than the W211, The command , Handling, Chassis, 30% + rigidity, drag coificient, more solid,W212 the most aerodynamic MB sedan ever. This case is cinched, case closed as to which is the better car. Looks are subjective so to each their own. I love the design of the new E inside n out.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Westchester County, NY
2010 E350 4Matic w/sport package
I have around 1000 miles on my W212 and I dreaded going from the W211 to the W212 but now I sort of dry heave when I see the "old" model drive by me. I finally got on it the other day (after the 1000 mile break in) and it has a WAY better pick up than the W211 and so many other things are way better than its predecessor. The stereo is much better in the W212 though I see others on here feel different which I find odd and I wonder why that is. The steering wheel response is so amazing that I can turn it with my pinky. My new car has definitely grown on me and its amazing how much better it drives than the W211. 1-2 tests drives is not enough, give it a month and you too will feel bad for the guys still stuck in a W211.
The only thing I still wish I had is the center shifter, I really miss it.
The only thing I still wish I had is the center shifter, I really miss it.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Westchester County, NY
2010 E350 4Matic w/sport package
Yeah the car just has more pep too it, feels more aggressive yet smooth at the same time. Even if it is a slight difference I can feel it. I am also convinced no 2 cars are alike even built in the same factory. I see so many people with all sorts of problems and so many people with no problems. On my W211 I was always at the dealer trying to fix the deathly dangerous ESP warning that came on while I was driving and brought me to an almost dead stop, I can't imagine how many accidents that has caused with other people. That being said I still chanced it and got another Benz so I am hoping I do not get that same problem again.
I also notice 6 of the circles (bulbs?) on the rear passenger light are out (my client noticed it driving behind me).. a problem? no, will I get it fixed? sure in time. But I just think there is something going on when people who have the same car have different opinions, problems, etc like the stereo, etc. On my W211 when the service manager took it home for a few days he said it felt like a dog and if I was using 87 octane and I told him I always used premium and he said he felt a huge difference when he used Mobil 93 which I did use mostly but also used other premiums as well but then started using Mobil it all the time. Maybe that and maybe I never broke it in or got on it enough to get the engine to its full potential and maybe that is why the new one feels faster to me? Who knows.
I also notice 6 of the circles (bulbs?) on the rear passenger light are out (my client noticed it driving behind me).. a problem? no, will I get it fixed? sure in time. But I just think there is something going on when people who have the same car have different opinions, problems, etc like the stereo, etc. On my W211 when the service manager took it home for a few days he said it felt like a dog and if I was using 87 octane and I told him I always used premium and he said he felt a huge difference when he used Mobil 93 which I did use mostly but also used other premiums as well but then started using Mobil it all the time. Maybe that and maybe I never broke it in or got on it enough to get the engine to its full potential and maybe that is why the new one feels faster to me? Who knows.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 783
Likes: 1
From: Murrieta, Southern California
Late Built 2005 W-211 E-320 CDI
Explain
300 pounds heavier? No way Jose. The W-212 is only 54 pounds heavier. 3979-3925=54
Aren't the rear end gears the same at 3.07 for both years.
What do you mean by 'higher'?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Just got back from the L.A Auto Show. Went with a few friends, none of which have seen much of or know of the new E-Class. All agreed with me on the interior. I can't help but feel someone has to be wearing blinders to feel the 212's materials or attention to detail are even on par with the 211's. Lots of cheap hard plastic, overall kind of cold after sitting in so many other cars, pretty "soulless" inside. Sitting in a 221 afterward was like night and day with the warmer and richer feel.
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
I finally got on it the other day (after the 1000 mile break in) and it has a WAY better pick up than the W211. The steering wheel response is so amazing that I can turn it with my pinky.
I told him I always used premium and he said he felt a huge difference when he used Mobil 93 which I did use mostly but also used other premiums as well but then started using Mobil it all the time.
I told him I always used premium and he said he felt a huge difference when he used Mobil 93 which I did use mostly but also used other premiums as well but then started using Mobil it all the time.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 4
From: Sweden
W166 ML350 BT
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Lol. Nah, they just weren't impressed with cold and overly hard and plastic interior. 
Last edited by K-A; Dec 9, 2009 at 05:27 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 459
Likes: 6
From: N.J USA
2010 E550.. Gone but never forgotton - E63 AMG..
My 550 runs flawlessly and has no such issues. I love driving the car
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 459
Likes: 6
From: N.J USA
2010 E550.. Gone but never forgotton - E63 AMG..
Just got back from the L.A Auto Show. Went with a few friends, none of which have seen much of or know of the new E-Class. All agreed with me on the interior. I can't help but feel someone has to be wearing blinders to feel the 212's materials or attention to detail are even on par with the 211's. Lots of cheap hard plastic, overall kind of cold after sitting in so many other cars, pretty "soulless" inside. Sitting in a 221 afterward was like night and day with the warmer and richer feel.
Alright already for the 4 millionth time, my god, we have heard this song thousands of times already. Move on dude, get over it, seriously. Youre starting to be straight up annoying. We know you're not a fan, what else do you have to contribute here ? Nothing obviously,other than repeating your self over and over again. Go on and chat about the luxurious interior in your car with the fellow W211ers or hit the BMW F10 boards, what are you doing here again ?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Expressing how much I don't like the car. 
This is a Thread about the W211 VS W212, and the other Threads I'm participation in are about the F10. Not my concern if my thought-out and non-biased opinions are repetitive, I will be cruising to the F10 Boards more-so soon though.
This is a Thread about the W211 VS W212, and the other Threads I'm participation in are about the F10. Not my concern if my thought-out and non-biased opinions are repetitive, I will be cruising to the F10 Boards more-so soon though.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 459
Likes: 6
From: N.J USA
2010 E550.. Gone but never forgotton - E63 AMG..
Expressing how much I don't like the car. This is a Thread about the W211 VS W212, and the other Threads I'm participation in are about the F10. Not my concern if my thought-out and non-biased opinions are repetitive, I will be cruising to the F10 Boards more-so soon though.
This is a Thread about the W211 VS W212, and the other Threads I'm participation in are about the F10. Not my concern if my thought-out and non-biased opinions are repetitive, I will be cruising to the F10 Boards more-so soon though.Great news! Since you will most likely wait a few years to purchase a used F10, you can spend the next few years on the 5er boards, discussing the amazing shape and styling of the BMW.
It will be great, You can start right now !
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
So the "Used" thing is the new topic huh. Aright I'm game.
Yeah, I like to actually own my cars, not rent.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,914
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
[quote=K-A;3844238]Just got back from the L.A Auto Show. Went with a few friends, none of which have seen much of or know of the new E-Class. All agreed with me on the interior. I can't help but feel someone has to be wearing blinders to feel the 212's materials or attention to detail are even on par with the 211's. Lots of cheap hard plastic, overall kind of cold after sitting in so many other cars, pretty "soulless" inside. Sitting in a 221 afterward was like night and day with the warmer and richer feel. [/quote
K-A this guy is seeking opinions from W212 owners who were prior W211 owners. Where exactly do you fit in this?
[/quoteK-A this guy is seeking opinions from W212 owners who were prior W211 owners. Where exactly do you fit in this?
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Westchester County, NY
2010 E350 4Matic w/sport package
I have to agree that nothing comes close to Mobil 93...when I was a kid I had a summer car and winter car and the winter one was a piece of crap that pinged all the time unless I used Mobil 93 even back then when we had Sunoco 94 it still pinged and Mobil 93 was the only one that stopped the pinging. So not sure what is in there but it did something.
