2011 Vs. 2012 MB E350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
The 3.5L V6 in the 2012 is significantly better than the 2010/11. More power and better fuel economy, not to mention the car actually feels "lighter" with it. Add in the other features (color IC, updated Navi, etc), and it's a compelling story. Heck, you could trade LEDs with a 2011 owner who wants the straight-bar if you like.
While the $8k delta you mentioned is not insignificant, remember that both cars will continue to depreciate at similar rates over the first four years of their life (until out of warranty), thus in three years the 2012 should be worth roughly $8k more than the 2011 if you buy it right, and assuming all other things equal.
While the $8k delta you mentioned is not insignificant, remember that both cars will continue to depreciate at similar rates over the first four years of their life (until out of warranty), thus in three years the 2012 should be worth roughly $8k more than the 2011 if you buy it right, and assuming all other things equal.
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I would not say the 2012 motor is better. I would say it is more efficient. Predictions on future values based on the engine is flawed. Most MB buyers are not going to give a crap about 30 extra hp and an extra mpg. Most folks buying a three year old MB are looking for price. The only reason a 2012 will command a higher price than a 2011 in three years is because it is a year newer. It makes no sense to begin your statement of depreciation over four years, then draw your conclusion from a value in three years. I bet car dealers love seeing customers like you walk in the door. lol.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
I would not say the 2012 motor is better. I would say it is more efficient. Predictions on future values based on the engine is flawed. Most MB buyers are not going to give a crap about 30 extra hp and an extra mpg. Most folks buying a three year old MB are looking for price. The only reason a 2012 will command a higher price than a 2011 in three years is because it is a year newer. It makes no sense to begin your statement of depreciation over four years, then draw your conclusion from a value in three years. I bet car dealers love seeing customers like you walk in the door. lol.
At four years when warranty runs out, the value of the car plummets - regardless of engine, interior, options, whatever. In this example, at the end of three years, one of the cars will be four years old! This is why I used a three-year comparison. Obviously when one car is ten years old and the other is nine, the value won't differ much.
I've had a 2010 E350 sedan and now a 2012 E350 sedan (both petrol, obviously). Based on my experience, the DI engine is significantly better to drive. The powerband is better, the sound is better (minus the ticking idle ticking), and the economy is... wait for it... better!
Last edited by YYZ-E55; Feb 15, 2012 at 06:02 PM.
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
Understood. And I agree with everything you just stated. I have had bot 11's and 12's as loaners and the 12 is noticeably peppier. I still don't think the difference is enough to sway a used car buying decision.
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
True enough, but only the latest build 2011s have that. They were forced to put them into the end of year run due to the tsunami in Japan and the manufacturing impact. Probably better than 90% of 2011's do not have that. Thanks for sharing that you have one of the few 2011's with the 2012 Command system.
Last edited by ImInPA; Feb 16, 2012 at 10:26 PM.
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Mercedes e350 BlueTec
I think the ratio is about 90:10 of sports to luxury. Personally, I prefer (and drive) the luxury...smoother ride, symetric tires and I prefer the straight driving lights. I guess I'm in the minority 
I also have a late 2011 bluetec with the 2012 Comand 4.5 system.
I also have a late 2011 bluetec with the 2012 Comand 4.5 system.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 600
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From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
I am in the same minority as you and really only considered luxury. I am glad the sport is out there though, see it as a better competitor to the 5 series but Luxury just seems more E-class like to me somehow.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
Which dealer so you use in PA? down in MD is all C's, used to get an M on occasion and never lucky enough for a CLk when they used to have it but now all Cs. Down in FL where my family is they have Es. Not a big deal but just curious.
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
MBENZ260E: Sun Motor Cars. I usually get a C or GLK, but have had E's on a few occasions. Sun has been wonderful to work with, and from what I read on this site, they also seem to be quite reasonable with their service charges. For example, on my 30k mi. service, a line item said "top off DEF tank with AdBlue" and cost is listed as $0.00. I have not felt nickeled and dimed by them and so far, would recommend them to anyone. They have addressed all of my initial purchase issues satisfactorily and without breaking other things. What more can one ask for?
I too am in the same minority as you and also only considered the luxury configuration. I love my round DRL and Fogs, the additional chrome on the bumper and the way it flows with the bodyside chrome, the additional inch of height, and most of all, that the Luxury Bluetec drives and feels just the way one expects a largish Mercedes Benz sedan to drive and feel. All wrapped in what has been a trouble free wrapper. I love my Bluetec.
I too am in the same minority as you and also only considered the luxury configuration. I love my round DRL and Fogs, the additional chrome on the bumper and the way it flows with the bodyside chrome, the additional inch of height, and most of all, that the Luxury Bluetec drives and feels just the way one expects a largish Mercedes Benz sedan to drive and feel. All wrapped in what has been a trouble free wrapper. I love my Bluetec.
Last edited by ImInPA; Feb 16, 2012 at 10:42 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 60
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From: California
2012 E350
UPDATE: Went to 3 dealers today and prices were about the same for used ones. One of the Mercedes Benz dealers told me if I get a new 2012 model, they will offer me the same price as the used one. Might as well get the 2012 right? Also does all E350 sedans come with P1 or P2 packages??
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From: Paradise
w212 E550
UPDATE: Went to 3 dealers today and prices were about the same for used ones. One of the Mercedes Benz dealers told me if I get a new 2012 model, they will offer me the same price as the used one. Might as well get the 2012 right? Also does all E350 sedans come with P1 or P2 packages??
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 600
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From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
ImInPA,thanks for the response I'll keep it in mind if I am up there near a service.
mbluver, agree I think it will be extremely rare to find a car without P1 or P2. You will probably need to special order and dealer may want a decent deposit as if you don't take the car they will have a tough time selling it. In '09 there was an ML on a lot around here for a while with no P1 or P2, the dealer was offering 10k off MSRP in August...
mbluver, agree I think it will be extremely rare to find a car without P1 or P2. You will probably need to special order and dealer may want a decent deposit as if you don't take the car they will have a tough time selling it. In '09 there was an ML on a lot around here for a while with no P1 or P2, the dealer was offering 10k off MSRP in August...
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Washington DC
2009 CLS63 AMG
LOL @ PA
I'd go for the 2011 with the hockey's and don't look back....
seems it'll be right in the price range you wanna hit, and the hockey's are the best man.....
unless you want that extra horsey and some more command power too right guys?
color display instead of not.....
a bit sleeker of a steering wheel too eh?
good luck, post up when it's done
I'd go for the 2011 with the hockey's and don't look back....
seems it'll be right in the price range you wanna hit, and the hockey's are the best man.....
unless you want that extra horsey and some more command power too right guys?
color display instead of not.....
a bit sleeker of a steering wheel too eh?
good luck, post up when it's done
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 60
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From: California
2012 E350
FOR 2012 E350 OWNERS
@K-A, you stated that "The downside to the 2012's motor is a clacky-tapping sound that you can hear when you're standing next to a 2012 V6 that's on, and longevity of the DI is in question (but should be fine, hopefully)."
Any owners of the 2012 E350 experience what this guy has with the "clacky sound"? I would doubt the motor would sound like that since it's new and more better than the 2011.
Any owners of the 2012 E350 experience what this guy has with the "clacky sound"? I would doubt the motor would sound like that since it's new and more better than the 2011.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 561
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From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
@K-A, you stated that "The downside to the 2012's motor is a clacky-tapping sound that you can hear when you're standing next to a 2012 V6 that's on, and longevity of the DI is in question (but should be fine, hopefully)."
Any owners of the 2012 E350 experience what this guy has with the "clacky sound"? I would doubt the motor would sound like that since it's new and more better than the 2011.
Any owners of the 2012 E350 experience what this guy has with the "clacky sound"? I would doubt the motor would sound like that since it's new and more better than the 2011.
Regards,
Don
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 345
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From: St. Paul, MN
2013 E350 Wagon, prev 2005 ML 500 SE
engine noise
Standing near the hood I could hear no ticky ticky with the engine running BUT my hearing is not perfect so others may experience something different.
With the hood open, there was the ticky ticky but very subdued. The hood had a big pad attached to it that sits directly above the engine, a sonic barrier if you will, that absorbs the engine sound when closed.
I was expecting more noise.
As Don said, the ticking is characteristic of Direct Injection motors.
Bob
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
From: California
2012 E350
2012 sport or luxury sedan??
It's hard to choose between the 2012 sport and luxury sedan. What are your opinions and expertise between the two? I just want my first experience with a Mercedes Benz car to be the best ever. Also are there more sports than luxury available? My ideal car is Black exterior and interior with burl walnut wood trim.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 41
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E350 BlueTEC
I don't think anyone else's opinion matters - but yours. You need to take both for a test drive and decide which model you like. I believe you'll find you'll have your answer very quickly.
Out Of Control!!
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
@K-A, you stated that "The downside to the 2012's motor is a clacky-tapping sound that you can hear when you're standing next to a 2012 V6 that's on, and longevity of the DI is in question (but should be fine, hopefully)."
Any owners of the 2012 E350 experience what this guy has with the "clacky sound"? I would doubt the motor would sound like that since it's new and more better than the 2011.
Any owners of the 2012 E350 experience what this guy has with the "clacky sound"? I would doubt the motor would sound like that since it's new and more better than the 2011.
It's no real big deal, but I've walked by some 2012 E350's that had a noticeable "tick/tap" audible from the outside.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
From: California
2012 E350
Test Drive
Thanks for your helpful answers. I will test drive both the luxury and sport sedan to see which one I prefer so I can make my final decision. By the way, those of you who bought a new 2011 or 2012 model, did it come with a 50,000 mile warranty or 100,000 mile warranty?
Last edited by mbluver111; Feb 18, 2012 at 08:21 PM.
