I know this has been discussed a zillion times but I ca't find it.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
I know this has been discussed a zillion times but I ca't find it.
What - if anything - are the non-cosmetic differences between a post June 2011 build 2011, 12 and 13 E350 Bluetec. I realize that there are some engine changes for the gas version but I can't see anything about differences for the diesel.
The car I'm looking at is a July build 2011. I've also been offered a 2013 with fewer features but almost the same mileage so I'm leaning towards the 2011.
As far as I can tell, the only real non-cosmetic difference is m-brace2 and I'd opine that Parktronic and P2 is more useful.
Am I missing something?
The car I'm looking at is a July build 2011. I've also been offered a 2013 with fewer features but almost the same mileage so I'm leaning towards the 2011.
As far as I can tell, the only real non-cosmetic difference is m-brace2 and I'd opine that Parktronic and P2 is more useful.
Am I missing something?
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2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
What - if anything - are the non-cosmetic differences between a post June 2011 build 2011, 12 and 13 E350 Bluetec. I realize that there are some engine changes for the gas version but I can't see anything about differences for the diesel.
The car I'm looking at is a July build 2011. I've also been offered a 2013 with fewer features but almost the same mileage so I'm leaning towards the 2011.
As far as I can tell, the only real non-cosmetic difference is m-brace2 and I'd opine that Parktronic and P2 is more useful.
Am I missing something?
The car I'm looking at is a July build 2011. I've also been offered a 2013 with fewer features but almost the same mileage so I'm leaning towards the 2011.
As far as I can tell, the only real non-cosmetic difference is m-brace2 and I'd opine that Parktronic and P2 is more useful.
Am I missing something?
You are on the market for a used car.
First of all, don't go by what is offered to you by your local dealer or the one next door. Make decision what you want to have in your car and then do a nationwide search. I knew what I wanted and drove my previous car 980 miles one way to trade it for my current car.
If you go with local dealers and pick one without features you want you will be dissapointed, guarantee that.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
You are on the market for a used car.
First of all, don't go by what is offered to you by your local dealer or the one next door. Make decision what you want to have in your car and then do a nationwide search. I knew what I wanted and drove my previous car 980 miles one way to trade it for my current car.
If you go with local dealers and pick one without features you want you will be dissapointed, guarantee that.
First of all, don't go by what is offered to you by your local dealer or the one next door. Make decision what you want to have in your car and then do a nationwide search. I knew what I wanted and drove my previous car 980 miles one way to trade it for my current car.
If you go with local dealers and pick one without features you want you will be dissapointed, guarantee that.
Yes, the only way to get what you want is to do a nationwide search. Oddly enough, none of the local dealers in DC (with 9 dealers within an hour's drive) have a diesel with P2 and parktronic. The 2013 has 19k miles and has P2 but no parktronic. The 2011 has both, folding seats and leather. Both have the pano roof.
I'm trying to decide if there is a compelling reason to choose the 2013 over the 2011 because of some significant improvement.
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2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Arrie - absolutely. One of the cars is 1500 miles away and the other is 300 miles away - which obviously makes it more difficult.
Yes, the only way to get what you want is to do a nationwide search. Oddly enough, none of the local dealers in DC (with 9 dealers within an hour's drive) have a diesel with P2 and parktronic. The 2013 has 19k miles and has P2 but no parktronic. The 2011 has both, folding seats and leather. Both have the pano roof.
I'm trying to decide if there is a compelling reason to choose the 2013 over the 2011 because of some significant improvement.
Yes, the only way to get what you want is to do a nationwide search. Oddly enough, none of the local dealers in DC (with 9 dealers within an hour's drive) have a diesel with P2 and parktronic. The 2013 has 19k miles and has P2 but no parktronic. The 2011 has both, folding seats and leather. Both have the pano roof.
I'm trying to decide if there is a compelling reason to choose the 2013 over the 2011 because of some significant improvement.
So it is Leather, Parktronic and Folding seats on the "11 vs. MB-TEX and Updated Comand on the '13.
I don't know how much better the Comand 4.5 is over the 4.0. I'm quite happy with the 4.0.
Folding seats is a VERY important feature. The only thing for the '13 model is the upgraded Comand 4.5 system. If that is the most important thing then this is what you need to go with.
Between these two cars I would go with the '11 assuming it comes with the CPO warranty, which you can extend another two years up to 130 000 miles. And before buying it request the dealer to do the Comand software update. It will allow you to Bluetooth stream music in the car. The '13 model has this feature on the 4.5 Comand system but it also works in the 4.0 system after the software update.
I actually bought my E550 at the American Service center in your neighborhood.
Last edited by Arrie; May 24, 2013 at 10:49 AM.
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From: Stamford, CT
2012 E350 RWD, 2003 Aprilia RSV1000 Tuono
QUOTE: Posted by CEB "absolutely. One of the cars is 1500 miles away and the other is 300 miles away - which obviously makes it more difficult. [QUOTE]
I am in CT and I am buying my new(er) 350 at a Texas dealership! Because they had the combo I wanted at a price I wanted to pay. In fact an 18 wheel car carrier is coming by today to pick up my trade-in! Then in about ten days I am flying into Dallas. The dealer will come to get me and I will pick up my new ride!
I am in CT and I am buying my new(er) 350 at a Texas dealership! Because they had the combo I wanted at a price I wanted to pay. In fact an 18 wheel car carrier is coming by today to pick up my trade-in! Then in about ten days I am flying into Dallas. The dealer will come to get me and I will pick up my new ride!
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2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
I too think the Parktronic is a must-have. I have only used the guidance systems to park it parallel ONCE, with the dealer during the demo ride, but I use the ultrasonic sensors everyday to avoid getting too close to the side of my garage door, or other parked cars people leave in the weirdest places 
on this planet.
Can't wait to try to self-parking mode on the 2014's ...
on this planet.Can't wait to try to self-parking mode on the 2014's ...
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2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
[quote=Bigglen1;5657912]QUOTE: Posted by CEB "absolutely. One of the cars is 1500 miles away and the other is 300 miles away - which obviously makes it more difficult.
I am in CT and I am buying my new(er) 350 at a Texas dealership! Because they had the combo I wanted at a price I wanted to pay. In fact an 18 wheel car carrier is coming by today to pick up my trade-in! Then in about ten days I am flying into Dallas. The dealer will come to get me and I will pick up my new ride!
Now that's what I call a road trip. ~1600 miles from TX to CT in a new MB ... are you preparing for the next Gumball Rally? 
I am in CT and I am buying my new(er) 350 at a Texas dealership! Because they had the combo I wanted at a price I wanted to pay. In fact an 18 wheel car carrier is coming by today to pick up my trade-in! Then in about ten days I am flying into Dallas. The dealer will come to get me and I will pick up my new ride!
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
So it is Leather, Parktronic and Folding seats on the "11 vs. MB-TEX and Updated Comand on the '13.
I don't know how much better the Comand 4.5 is over the 4.0. I'm quite happy with the 4.0.
Folding seats is a VERY important feature. The only thing for the '13 model is the upgraded Comand 4.5 system. If that is the most important thing then this is what you need to go with.
Between these two cars I would go with the '11 assuming it comes with the CPO warranty, which you can extend another two years up to 130 000 miles. And before buying it request the dealer to do the Comand software update. It will allow you to Bluetooth stream music in the car. The '13 model has this feature on the 4.5 Comand system but it also works in the 4.0 system after the software update.
I actually bought my E550 at the American Service center in your neighborhood.
I don't know how much better the Comand 4.5 is over the 4.0. I'm quite happy with the 4.0.
Folding seats is a VERY important feature. The only thing for the '13 model is the upgraded Comand 4.5 system. If that is the most important thing then this is what you need to go with.
Between these two cars I would go with the '11 assuming it comes with the CPO warranty, which you can extend another two years up to 130 000 miles. And before buying it request the dealer to do the Comand software update. It will allow you to Bluetooth stream music in the car. The '13 model has this feature on the 4.5 Comand system but it also works in the 4.0 system after the software update.
I actually bought my E550 at the American Service center in your neighborhood.
The 2011 has (in addition to P2 and the pano roof), folding seats and parktronic. The 2011 is a July build so it has the COMAND 4.5, the SD slot and the iPod cable in the center console (not that I use an iPod)
That one is 1500 miles away. The closer one (the 2013) is Palladium (my favorite color) while the 2011 with the options is white - an OK color.
Yes, the 2011 is CPO and I think I remember when you bought your 550 at ASC.
Thanks. It seems from the lack of replies that the changes from 2011 to 2013 are mostly cosmetic - which is fine with me.
Now to verify condition and talk price.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
[quote=samkimg;5657941] Yep. I periodically go to Houston (but fly) but the weather now is fine for a roadtrip.
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2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
To your original question, to the best of my knowledge the diesel engine is the same in the 2010-2013. EPA actually down rated the MPG i think from 2011-2012 but I think that's them as the specs of the car are the same...
I also live in the DMV area and don't have parktronic on my E but we do have it on the GL. I find though for really tight parking its not that helpful as it's a bit sensitive. If it's a deal breaker for you though go for the 2011. There are aftermarket options as well but somehow that wouldn't appeal to me.
Good luck with your decision!
I also live in the DMV area and don't have parktronic on my E but we do have it on the GL. I find though for really tight parking its not that helpful as it's a bit sensitive. If it's a deal breaker for you though go for the 2011. There are aftermarket options as well but somehow that wouldn't appeal to me.
Good luck with your decision!
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Both cars have P2 and the pano roof.
The 2011 has (in addition to P2 and the pano roof), folding seats and parktronic. The 2011 is a July build so it has the COMAND 4.5, the SD slot and the iPod cable in the center console (not that I use an iPod)
That one is 1500 miles away. The closer one (the 2013) is Palladium (my favorite color) while the 2011 with the options is white - an OK color.
Yes, the 2011 is CPO and I think I remember when you bought your 550 at ASC.
Thanks. It seems from the lack of replies that the changes from 2011 to 2013 are mostly cosmetic - which is fine with me.
Now to verify condition and talk price.
The 2011 has (in addition to P2 and the pano roof), folding seats and parktronic. The 2011 is a July build so it has the COMAND 4.5, the SD slot and the iPod cable in the center console (not that I use an iPod)
That one is 1500 miles away. The closer one (the 2013) is Palladium (my favorite color) while the 2011 with the options is white - an OK color.
Yes, the 2011 is CPO and I think I remember when you bought your 550 at ASC.
Thanks. It seems from the lack of replies that the changes from 2011 to 2013 are mostly cosmetic - which is fine with me.
Now to verify condition and talk price.
Well, if the Comand in the 2011 is the same as in the '13 model then I don't think there should be a question which car to go after.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
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2011 E550, 2008 SL55 AMG
COMAND version isn't the only difference. I just finished the (second) navigation update on my 2011 E550 (2 DVDs, 2 hours 45 minutes). The update clearly stated it was for MY 2010/2011 only. That suggests to me there is a difference. One can only hope the 2012/2013 model year cars got navigation systems that are easier to update.
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
COMAND version isn't the only difference. I just finished the (second) navigation update on my 2011 E550 (2 DVDs, 2 hours 45 minutes). The update clearly stated it was for MY 2010/2011 only. That suggests to me there is a difference. One can only hope the 2012/2013 model year cars got navigation systems that are easier to update.
Sounds like your car has the 4.0 system that based on some other posts was used half way thru 2011. They switched to 4.5 system in mid 2011 I understand.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
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2014 W212 E350 4M
Another consideration with a CPO car is the mileage. If you buy one with 20+K on the odometer, say between 20-25k, by the CPO standards if the consumables are more than half exhausted, tires, brake pads etc they are replaced. So a CPO with 10k has the original tires and brake pads the one with more mileage new tires and brake linings. Always read the CARFAX, some dealers record everything that was done to the vehicle including items I have described. A 2 year old CPO will have the more expensive B service completed also.
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2014 E350, 2012 SL550
COMAND version isn't the only difference. I just finished the (second) navigation update on my 2011 E550 (2 DVDs, 2 hours 45 minutes). The update clearly stated it was for MY 2010/2011 only. That suggests to me there is a difference. One can only hope the 2012/2013 model year cars got navigation systems that are easier to update.
Regards,
Don
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MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Does the 2013 have a rear-view camera? I love PARKTRONIC but on the E-Class I really don't think it is necessary as long as you have the camera.
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2011 E550, 2008 SL55 AMG
Which sort of suggests the 2013 car has a different COMAND system than the 2011. That said, my (02/11 build) E550 has all the characteristics claimed for the 4.5 system. Is there some way I can tell what COMAND system I really have from within the engineering menus? I've looked and there are lots of menu options for version of this or that, but nothing that looks like 4.0 or 4.5.
The June 2011 build date leads me to wonder if COMAND v4.5 systems only went into MY 2012 cars. Anyone know for sure if ANY 2011 MY cars got the 4.5 version?
The June 2011 build date leads me to wonder if COMAND v4.5 systems only went into MY 2012 cars. Anyone know for sure if ANY 2011 MY cars got the 4.5 version?
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2011 E550, 2008 SL55 AMG
I agree - sort of, but given that data on MY 2012 cars would now be one year out of date, the fact that the update is only for MY 2010/2011 suggests it's not compatible with the version of COMAND for MY 2012/2013 cars.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Which sort of suggests the 2013 car has a different COMAND system than the 2011. That said, my (02/11 build) E550 has all the characteristics claimed for the 4.5 system. Is there some way I can tell what COMAND system I really have from within the engineering menus? I've looked and there are lots of menu options for version of this or that, but nothing that looks like 4.0 or 4.5.
The June 2011 build date leads me to wonder if COMAND v4.5 systems only went into MY 2012 cars. Anyone know for sure if ANY 2011 MY cars got the 4.5 version?
The June 2011 build date leads me to wonder if COMAND v4.5 systems only went into MY 2012 cars. Anyone know for sure if ANY 2011 MY cars got the 4.5 version?
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
In addition, the nav data for your car may not be out of date for your area. The mapping folks update sections of the country at different times. The DC area maps for NAVTEQ were just updated lat year - the last time it was updated was in 2005.
NAVTEQ used to list what areas were new every year but they quit doing that a few years ago.
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2011 E550, 2008 SL55 AMG
It's not yet mid 2013 and U.S. dealers are already selling 2014 E class cars. Makes me wonder when the model year changeover from 2011 to 2012 happened and how many U.S. spec 2011 models were produced after the June date for the change to COMAND 4.5 in the E class.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
In Germany, model years have always been a bit squishy as the year of registration identified the "year" of the car and used cars are generally sold by the "date of first registration. Registrations in January are much higher than in December.
The COMAND 4 to 4.5 and other minor changes had nothing to do with a new model year but were merely running changes.
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2014 E350, 2012 SL550
In addition, the nav data for your car may not be out of date for your area. The mapping folks update sections of the country at different times. The DC area maps for NAVTEQ were just updated lat year - the last time it was updated was in 2005.
NAVTEQ used to list what areas were new every year but they quit doing that a few years ago.
NAVTEQ used to list what areas were new every year but they quit doing that a few years ago.
I suspect the reason they no longer tell you what regions have been updated is that only people in those regions would buy them. As it is, you must buy and hope.
Regards,
Don
