Longer Road Trip Experience
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Northwest
2012 E 350
Longer Road Trip Experience
Just got back from a 3K drive from Seattle to San Diego. In short, I love my new E350. Driving fatigue much better than my previous Lexus.
I actually got the advertised 30 mpg on mid grade. I became much more
comfortable with the features that overwhelmed me the first couple of weeks.
Unfortunately, the joy stick is guess work for me. Never know whether to move
forward/sideways/ or down. Usually get to where I want but never on first move.
Now about the active lane assist. With heavy truck/logging etc traffic, I frequently had to drift over to left shoulder to avoid side swipe by them.
The lane assist then responded but in my anxiety, I never knew what was going on. Did it brake? or swerve me back into lane? No big deal and undoubtedly very helpful if one should get drowsy.
I summary, I am very pleased with my new purchase.
I actually got the advertised 30 mpg on mid grade. I became much more
comfortable with the features that overwhelmed me the first couple of weeks.
Unfortunately, the joy stick is guess work for me. Never know whether to move
forward/sideways/ or down. Usually get to where I want but never on first move.
Now about the active lane assist. With heavy truck/logging etc traffic, I frequently had to drift over to left shoulder to avoid side swipe by them.
The lane assist then responded but in my anxiety, I never knew what was going on. Did it brake? or swerve me back into lane? No big deal and undoubtedly very helpful if one should get drowsy.
I summary, I am very pleased with my new purchase.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,379
Likes: 952
W212 FL
It's always great to read a positive feedback on W212s 
What you say joy stick I think you refer to Comand knob . Alternatively , you can use buttons on the center console as well as steering wheel
Happy safe driving
What you say joy stick I think you refer to Comand knob . Alternatively , you can use buttons on the center console as well as steering wheel
Happy safe driving
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 12
From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
I've done two road trips so far...3K and 4K.Just completed the 4K which featured,among other things,105 degree temps and a 14,000 foot mountain.Very nice,indeed.
Are you aware that 91 is *required*,not "recommended",by MB? Just askin'.
I,too,have Distronic.*Active* Lane Assist and Blind Spot Assist both apply the brakes in certain situations,whereas "regular" assists just give a visual/audio warning.What you experienced was the brakes on one side of the car being applied automatically to coax you back into your lane.
Are you aware that 91 is *required*,not "recommended",by MB? Just askin'.
Now about the active lane assist. With heavy truck/logging etc traffic, I frequently had to drift over to left shoulder to avoid side swipe by them.The lane assist then responded but in my anxiety, I never knew what was going on. Did it brake? or swerve me back into lane? No big deal and undoubtedly very helpful if one should get drowsy.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Germany
2012 E350 Wagon, 2011 VW GTI
We just completed a 1200 mile round trip vacation to Denmark and I agree with your post. Long distance driving is quite pleasant and I love our S212 even more after this road trip. We didn't get 30 mpg, we were around 23...then again we drove around 85 mph the whole trip.
My only regret is not getting the distronic.
My only regret is not getting the distronic.
