karamb

I'm having a hard time finding a 2011 e350 with the features and color I want and I was wondering whether to go for the 2010 model.

Is there a huge difference between 2010s and 2011s? I know the 2012s have improved performance and gas mileage.

Thanks!

thenew3

2010 is the first year of the redesign, thus there may be more issues than 2011.

karamb

thanks.

K-A

I had both a 2010 and 2011. I actually liked my '10 more and it seemed to come with less defects. The only thing that was hampering it was this kind of constant "squeak" noise you can hear from the interior coming from the dash area, it coinciding with the firing order of the cylinders. Finally one dealer knew what it was and said it was the injectors M-B was using which were noisy (sounded like crap, like an old cars engine squealing, however it was faint to where you'd only hear it at idle and when all windows were closed and in a quiet environment).

Not sure if all 2010's suffered from that but aside from that the car was great. Just make sure you get a LATE build date, i.e nothing in 2009, most preferably an early to mid 2010 build date.

Odd things got cost cut from the 2011 like inner felt lining the wishbone style doors of the center console, which made the LED light inside them always visible and shining through in the cabin (and making it so you could see inside the "crack" of the console doors). Looked very cheap and like it was from a cheap car brand who gave no attention to fine details. The 2010 models didn't have this.

Also, the 2011+'s get a horrendous "honk alarm" which give the auditory impression of walking up to a $12K Rental Car. The 2010's were the last M-B's to get a sophisticated electronic "beep".

I'd say get a late-build 2010 and you'll be fine.

Firestopper0383

I have a '10. Absolutely no issues at all. Can't speak for an '11 but, I am totally happy with my '10.
The W212 was originally released in Europe in 2009. 2010 was the first year in US.

neverlose

i got an 11 for no other reason then the additional year of warranty... how much is an extra year of piece of mind worth to you?

karamb

I considered that because a 2010 cpo with extended warranty will be covered until 2017 - that's 4 years from now. Although I've had my current car for 13 years, I thought maybe I would not keep the car that long and would trade-in for a newer model. Then again, 4 years goes by quickly. Definitely something to consider.

karamb

I found a 2011 with a production date of June 2010. As the original purchase date was Dec 2010, I have until Dec 2015 for cpo warranty.

ScottNJ

2010 models will have two round fog lights if you don't have the P2 package. if you find a 2010 with the P2 package, you will have the hockey stick LEDs. 2011 models have the hockey stick LEDs standard.

mikemargolis

If it's a SPORT you are correct. If it's LUXURY you have the straight bar LED's.

And round exhaust tips, not square
And a five bar grill, not four
And you loose the ugly body molding
And get a better ride too.

Can you tell which I prefer?

karamb

This is the car I'm after - please let me know what you think.

Can someone give me an idea on price?

ScottNJ

Yes you are right, I forgot about the luxury version because they are so scarce around my town, seems like over 90% are sport nowadays.

stale-bread

Unfortunately I could not open your links on the prior thread you posted but here is the deal I made. 2010 E550 with 45K miles. P2 package Sport with pretty much every option including night assist, but lacking pano roof. first 2 payments paid for by MB on the CPO program with 1.72% financing on an agreed price of 32.5K. As always, mileage has a LOT do do with pricing. Hope this helps.

johnlk25

I have a 2011 E350 Luxury version and I have the 2 round fog lights, no LED's.

JasonMayes

I know a dealership pricing theirs as low as 39,500.

karamb

Thank you. I still haven't found a car and I'm glad the July offer included 2 month payment.

Who would have thought it would be this hard. Really hard to find a 2011 with P2 package.

karamb

Which dealership?