DC-IT

In 2009 when the W212 was launched in Summer I went to a M-B dealer and put a $2,500.00 deposit to order an E350 BlueTec which I was promised would be delivered in Dec 2009.
Atlas that was not to be, as in Sept 2009 the dealer called to say that the BT was not to be available in Canada till Summer 2010.

Meanwhile, I had sold my primary vehicle and had to get a replacement so I cancelled my order and got my deposit back.

Since I had my mind set on getting a Diesel I ended up getting the then new BMW 335D which was delivered in Nov 2009.

The 335D was a blast to drive with 265HB/425Lb-Ft Torque.
For the past 3.5 years I really loved the performance and handling of my 335D and enjoyed over 65,000 miles (105,000 KM) of trouble free driving.
I thought that since it wasn't having any issues I did not bother to get an extended warranty.
That was a big mistake, as shortly after 65,000 miles the first SES lit up and BMW had to replace one fuel injector which had failed.
But on the same day I picked up the car and drove for 40 miles the SES came back and back it went to BMW.
This time around BMW discovered there was severe carbon build up and had to blast the cylinder head with walnut shell blasting to clean out the carbon.
At the same time the intake manifold was replaced plus accompanying parts.

AGAIN after driving around 50 miles the dreaded SES appeared.

The third time around I did some researched and requested BMW to replace the DDE (Digital Diesel Electronic module/ECU). This was done and finally the SES lights stopped appearing.
It took over two months to finally fixed the problems.
The total costs was over $13,000.00!!!
Since I was out of warranty I pressed my dealer to get BMW to step up and help out.
In the end I had to pay around $3,800.00 while BMW covered the rest.
The dealership shop foreman said my 335d should be good for another 60,000 miles before needing to clean out carbon build up!

The whole incident left a bad feeling in me as these issues are not new and a few had the work done free by BMWUSA even out of warranty.

I expressed to the Sales Manager that I have lost confidence in the BMW Diesel powertrain.
The SM said the dealership will take care of me and offered to trade in my car when the new F10 535D is available this September.

My thinking is that there is no assurance that the new Diesel powertrain will not have the same issues so I decided to get rid of my 335D before something else breaks!

This past week Mercedes-Benz Canada had a 3 day sale so I contacted the CA who leased me the 2011 ML350 BlueTec and went to the dealership to check out several new and CPO BlueTecs.

First I tested the new 2013 GLK250 BlueTec.
It is a nice vehicle with the new 4 cylinder Diesel powertrain.
While it drove well I wasn't too pleased with the noise of the 4 cylinder engine and the GLK was quite a bit smaller than my ML.

I also tested the 2013 E350 BlueTec which was my original picked in 2009.
I had to choice of ordering the 2014 E250 BlueTec or get a CPO 2013 E350 BlueTec.
I wasn't sure if the 4 cylinder Diesel engine will be right for the E350 and I had to wait till September of later to get order the vehicle.
By then the current promo would be over (0% financing for 60 months).

My CA offered to terminate my 3 year lease for my 2011 ML one year early and still pay me $5,000.00 towards a new or CPO vehicle.

The dealership also offered me $24,000.00 for my 335D which was on the high side of the Black Book trade in (Low:$20,00/High:$25,000).

I took the deal and got me a CPO 2013 E350 BlueTec (under 8,000 miles).

Finally after 3.5 years delay I got me an E350 BlueTec that I had originally wanted!

I took delivery last Thursday and on Saturday I took the family on a road trip from Toronto to Montreal.

I am amazed with the FE of the E350 BlueTec.
I just returned today and the entire trip was 1,040 KM (652 miles) and there was still 280 KM range left over which means the range was over 1,300 KM (800+ miles). Amazing.

After I got home I filled up with 66 Litres of Shell Diesel giving me 36.4 US MPG (6.46 L/100 KM).
On the way to Montreal I drove it hard between 120~140 KM/Hr and the trip meter gave me a reading of 5.7 L/100 KM (41 USMPG).
On the return trip I decided to activate the cruise control and set the speed to 105~110 KM/H for 90% of the journey and this time the trip meter gave an incredible reading of 5.1 L/100 KM (46 USMPG).
The two days of driving in Montreal city with the traffic congestion brought the overall FE down to 36.4 USMPG for the tank.

By comparison my 335D gave me a combined FE over 65,000 mile of 30 USMPG with the best tank of 32.6 USMPG.

I'm glad I finally got me the vehicle I've originally wanted and am very pleased with it's performance and FE.

Here is a quick picture of my E350BT beside my ex-ML350BT at the M-B Dealership.

Thanks for reading this long winded post.
Cheers,

E Classy

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DC-IT

When I test drove the GLK250 on the highway, I mashed the trottle and could hear the engine making quite a noise to accelerate.
I'm not saying it can't handle the task but the 4 cylinder just isn't as smooth as the 6 cylinder.

Also during the test drive it rained very heavily for a stretch and the wind shield wiper blades made quite a racket when it worked hard to clear the rain.

The Sales Manager said the real world FE of the GLK is not going to be much better than the E350BT but the E350BT is more refined which I tend to agree.

I'm sure the 250 BlueTec will work great in the C class which is more like the 3 Series BMW.

If only the 2014 E comes with the same new powertrain as the W166 ML350BT, I'd wait till the end of my ML lease and order one.

listerone

You and I have gone similar routes...apart from out-of-warranty trouble with the "d".Mine had fewer than 50K miles when I traded.I still miss the "d" in some ways...particularly its ability to loosen one's fillings.But the BT is a different vehicle,more suited to my needs in many ways.So far I've had three of four service visits that weren't of a routine maintenance nature.

DC-IT

Hi Listerone,

I agree that the D is a great vehicle and I was very tempted to keep it since it was all paid for.
But as I didn't get the extended warranty, I reluctantly had to cut my loss and trade it in to avoid likely future break downs.

Can you elaborate what unscheduled repairs did your E350BT have done?

BTW, this time around I negotiated an extended warranty to cover 100,000 miles (160,000 KM) for an additional $1,200.00.

With the BMW the same warranty would have costs $3,500.00 from the dealer.

I figured I'd drive the E350BT for the next few years and trade it in when the new model comes out. Who knows by then we'll see Twin-Turbo Diesel/Hybrid!

E Classy

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martinlarose

Congrats DC. We both got our MLs around the same time and I remember reading your posts on the ml blog. I too got rid of my ml about a month ago for a new e. the ml was great but just wanted a change. You will love the e. only question are you concerned that it is not 4 matic in Toronto area....sharp looking and I like the colour change.

BenzV12

Welcome and congrats on your purchase a great car
Your car as other Bluetech engines deliver impressive fuel consumption feature yet you can cruise along 120-140 km/h , that's awesome
I am not surprised at all when you said V6 engines were smoother than that of the 4 cylinders given same driving conditions but 4 cylinders are also fulfilling their duties I think

DC-IT

Hi Martin.
The ML is a great truck especially mine was the Grand Edition with the MBTex dash and contrast stitching which makes the interior quite upscale.
The on going issues with the DRL switching on even in bright sunshine (due to M-B's so called "Blue-Sky syndrome!") continues to bug me and whilst the FE is great being a Diesel each fill up is $105.00 and only lasts me 4 days if I use it daily!

I also have some issues with the power delivery as often when I mash the paddle around 30~40 KM/H the engine would shudder as if no fuel is getting to the cylinders. I then have to take my foot off the paddle for a split second and then press hard and it would then work properly.
I guess this is 'cos of turbo lag?

On my BMW 335d the power delivery is instantaneous and your head would snap back and you would then be thrust back to the seat as the 425 Lb-Ft of torque kicks in! This is what I'll be missing greatly now that the D is history.

So far the E350BT doesn't suffer from this turbo lag (hesitation) like the ML. I hope it stays this way.
The E is more stately and refine and the luxurious ride makes up for the thrills of the 335d.

The 335d's seats are also hard and uncomfortable for long drives whilst the E's seats are so comfortable and I could drive all the way to Montreal without feeling any fatigue except the family has to make rest room stops.

Whilst I'll certainly miss my D I'm very happy with finally getting my E.

I was very tempted to order the 2014 E250BT but the chrome tip front spoiler scares me as with my driving I'm bound to hit it against the parking curb and it looks like an expensive replacement part.
Also I prefer the Luxury to the Sport if I were to get one.

Having driven inline 6 and V6 I'm a bit reluctant to step down to a 4 cylinder for a luxury vehicle.

I was given an F30 (328xi/4cylinder) loaner for almost 2 months while my 335d was being repaired. The auto stop/start feature drove me crazy and I had to turn it off each time I start the car.
It's crudeness in operation cheapens the drive experience and while the 4 cylinder does have the power delivery it has to work much harder than my inline 6 twin turbo Diesel. When pressed hard the 4 cylinder engine sounded well like a 4 cylinder engine while my 335D doesn't even break a sweat and you'll zoom past an 18-wheeler before you can say uncle!
Driven hard the I6 Diesel has an unique "growl" and the engine sound is quite something to experience in conjunction with the monster torque.

As for Winter driving I had no problems with my 335d (RWD) with proper Winter tires for the past 3+ years.

My E will also have Winter Tires and I more often will drive the VW TDI for the Winter and it also has Winter tires.

Cheers

Below are several more shot of my E350BT:

DC-IT

I fully agree as fuel prices goes higher 3 and 4 cylinder engines will play a more important role and the V8 and even I6 or V6 will slowly be done away with for the main stream vehicles.

But for the luxury category I think people will still want the smoothness of at least a V6 or I6 here in North America.

In the near future we'll see turbo Diesel/Hybrid.

CEB

I too had that love/hate relationship with BMW. I had a 335xi which was a lovely car when it was running but 4 high pressure fuel pumps in 20k miles were 4 too many.

Power delivery was seamless when the fuel pumps were working but scary when they weren't.

I'm looking at a 250 BTC 4matic now - too bad it won't come in a wagon. I suspect the E250 will do very badly here in the US as the perception is that a 4cyl (and a diesel to boot) is unsuited for a luxury car.

listerone

Understood.I've heard and read more than a few times that cars like the "d" and the BT can get a bit "pricey" when they're out of warranty.

Hmmm,OK.

1) Diesel "bucking",an issue that's pretty well documented in recent BT's...but which never occurred with my "d".This problem remains unresolved (IMO) and I've decided to live with it...with the fervent hope that serious harm to the engine/transmission doesn't appear down the road.

2) The fuel filter...which was the subject of a national (US) recall.Don't know if it was an issue in Canada but it seems possible to me that it was.Maybe a quick call to your dealer might be wise (just my opinion).

3) Couldn't pass state emissions inspection (not all US states do such inspections).A bit of a fiasco IMO (22K miles),but resolved in about a week.

4) "Auto up" malfunction with the windows which,I learned,was the subject of an MB service bulletin.

5) A tear in the stitching of the driver's seat (MB Tex).A bit disappointing after 2 years given that I weigh 195,not 300.




A couple of years ago MB displayed a diesel/hybrid E Class at the Detroit Auto Show (which I attended).On the side in big characters it said "4.1L/100km" which figures out to something like 55 miles per US gallon (I'm not good at "metric").If I'm even close with that calculation that's amazing IMO.That vehicle is currently on sale in at least parts of Europe...probably *all* of Europe.If it ever appears here...sign me up!

DC-IT

At least M-B should have both the E250BT and the E350BT available since the Ml already has the new 350 Diesel engine.
This way we have a choice like the E300 oe E350.

I'd personally go with the new E350BT as I love the power and the FE is still excellent.

BMW has the F10 528 xi (4 cylinder) as well as the 535xi or 535D and the 550xi.

The 4 cylinder is only available in the F30 328D.

Today I drop by my BMW dealer and the SM and SA were disappointed that I went with the E350BT and not order the F10 535D but they understand why in view of my issues with the 335d.

I went there looking for a 128i which my daughter was interested in.

CEB

Yes, I'd probably go with a 350 if it were available - but it won't be.

The 128 should be fine although not as reliable as a 328 and the 1 series has a poor resale value. Stay away from the x35's as I'm still hearing about fuel pump issues.

Cyber GS

Congrats and best of luck, I really like the E in white.

mikemargolis

I've had mine for 16 months and 22,000 miles.

Love it more each time I drive it.

DC-IT

Thanks.
The car I test drive was a black on black and it looked too gloomy.
The White with beige leather looks much better.



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DC-IT

Great.
Just wondering if our BlueTec suffers from fuel injector failure and carbon build up issues?
Has there been any cases so far?


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mikemargolis

Not one mention here or at benzworld.org

I have 44,500 miles on mine (2011) and it's perfect so far.

CEB

The basic diesel technology has been around for 100 years. DI and increased carbon fouling is a new technology bringing new issues to gasoline powered cars.

Raymond Lee

Thank you to you all. I enjoyed reading all your experiences and thoughts. I am in 2nd year ownership with 2012 BlueTec and I love it like all you of you, 42 highway miles per gallon!