So with the new CPO unlimited miles warranty, I am thinking to change to a CPO car from my 2010 E350 W4. I know the cars well, and all the 2012 changes etc. I am Inquring on the drive and risk in going with one vs the other. I know Diesel goes "1 million miles", but the cost associated with getting it there is worrying me.

i have 2 options located with similar option packages.

2012 E350w4 with newer engine and 2011 E350 Bluetec.

plan is to keep it for 4-5 years which is 150-180k miles on top of the current mileage of 30k miles for both models

2012 gas points are: less maintenance cost ($1800 at dealer every 40k mi, vs $2500 for BT) , 2012 has newer nav ( i am interested if it does text messages for iphone...not sure if it does), has the 18" amg sport wheels I like, 7G+ tranny( people say it shifts better but I have no issue with mine), 4 matic for the 4 snow days we get in DC (so not too important to me) 28mpg hwy vs 23 mpg in my 2010. Possibly upgraded bushings for a better ride than 2010.

2011 Bluetec: supposedly runs quieter on highway (110 mile RT commute daily), 38 mpg hwy, older nav, older text style LCD in dash, run-flat tires are a negative, Cheaper in fuel by $4000 over 150k miles, runs 700 miles a tank, Cheaper by $5k initially than the 2012 model, Needs about 3k more in maintenance AT LEAST over 150k miles.


Big Question is the maintenance of the Bluetec, it needs fuel filters, but I read of more engine sludge and DPF filter failure ($4000) and carbon build up ($750) that is not covered by warranty which kills any savings in cost if those show up in the 200,000 miles I can keep it running.

Second is I have not driven either and both are upgrade over 2010, but those who test drove the 2012 gas and 2011 BT, which is better on highway for sound/ride/ commuting 100 miles?

2012 gas seems "safer" bet to me cause of bluetec maintenance. But the BT seems way cheaper only if all the stars align in the right places over 150k miles with no DPF failure or carbon buildup.

Advice requested from the board please. What would you do and why?

thanks in advance

anup

 

I would go for the 2012 Gas if it is a 4MATIC, a 4MATIC BT would also be a good buy, if one is available.

 

The V6 BT diesel engine is first rate ! Fuel efficient and gobs of torque ! Most components of the emissions system are covered for 8 years or 130,000 km in Canada. I will check with MB Canada as to the warranty coverage with respect to the DPF. USA coverage should be similar.

If you can live with RWD, why not search for a 2012 or 2013 E350BT ? You could easily change the tires to non-runflats.

If you really need 4Matic for the winter, then E350BT is not for you, since they are all RWD. 2014 E250BT is the first MY for 4Matic with diesel in North America. Have you considered looking @ a 2014 E250BT 4Matic ? It seems that dealers in the US are offering substantial discounts off new car list prices (10% or more), along with very cheap financing.

It is worth remembering why all of the E Class taxis in Europe have diesel engines: more fuel efficient, greater engine durability and less maintenance compared similar gas engines. Every time that I have ridden in a diesel E Class taxi in Amsterdam, I am always amazed at the odometer's high kilometres, the incredibly comfortable rear seats and the rattle free ride !

 

Those european taxis have a different diesel engine

I had a 2011 BT now a 2014 gas E350. IMHO, the BT is a much better, smoother and even quieter car, and a delight on long trips (I'd consider your commute a long trip). I can't really address the maintenance costs...I only had it for 2 years/24000 miles...but I did add bluetec fluid myself which is very easy to do. I did it once during the time I owned the car....bought the fluid at my local VW dealer but could have just gone to a truck stop.

You really need to drive both cars...they drive, sound and feel different. I would certainly replace the run flats with regular tires, but then I would also buy an emergency inflator kit since there is no room for a spare tire in the BT It's used for the BT fluid tank.

 

Most E Class euro taxis have the same OM 651 diesel engine block as the E250BT. Very few of these taxis use the thirstier V6. Depending on which version, E220 or E250, the horsepower varies, along with single or twin turbo, but the cast iron block is the same as our E250BT.

This engine has been in production since late 2008; they are about 20 different versions, for both transverse and longitudinal application. The Euro versions use Delphi injectors while the North American 2.14L version uses Bosch piezo-electric injectors to cope with our lessor quality diesel fuel.

 

I have an 11 E350BTC with now about 55,000 miles on it.

Put that car on the highway, and it just loves to go, all day.

I average over 30 mpg, a full highway day will be over 35pmg, and 700+ miles on a tank.

Low maintenance, and it's better for the environment than a gas engine.

I put four snows on it in the winter, and even here in New England, have no problem with Rear Wheel Drive.

I would go with the diesel, I love mine.

 

I have never found the maintenance costs with my Bluetecs, or any previous diesel, to exceed the gas version cost. The Bluetec diesel, in my honest opinion, is a technologically superior engine than the Gas V6. It is built for Highway cruising. Unfortuneately the E350 Bluetecs are only available with RWD. The new E250s can be had with or without 4Matic. If you need 4Matic, only the gas version will suit your needs.

 

I have been averaging low 30s in the DC area on my BTC. I wouldn't switch to a gasser at this point especially if I continue at 15-20k a year driving.

Interesting I hadn't heard of the unlimited CPO mileage warranty?

Is the E250 really an iron block?

 

Thanks so far for all the advice so far. after more research it seems the AdBlue is not an issue, just fill on your own as needed. It is expensive to drain and fill if you do the "required" service at every 20k mi, but It should be easy to do on your own. The other extra cost over gas is every 20k needs the fuel filter which is about $250 at dealer. ($125 for DIY). Rest of the stuff is same gas and Diesel.

I can do alot myself, oil, brakes, filters and enjoy the satisfaction of the DIY etc. But sadly, I think its is smarter to do this at the dealer to maintain the CPO. I can see non maintenance at a MB dealer as a primary reason to deny warranty items even if you service the car well. It could be a "scapegoat" excuse they WILL use.

I do not need 4 matic, wife wants me to have it, but only 3-4 days of snow a year and we have a 4wd SUV for extreme cases.

Leaning towards the 2011 BT. Will post the deal if it works out this week.

40k maint alone seems to be about 1100 in my area for gas and 1300 for diesel. the 3 yr prepaid maint is 999 for gas and 1269 for diesel. That seems the best way to go. They can't answer if the pre paid covers all required like 40k major service etc.

Seems Diesel owners are real passionate and happy bunch about there car, almost a cult and Every review online says its a great engine back to 2011 and onwards.

Hope it works out.

Being a part time dealer it is hard to be on the buying side vs selling. Most CPO are so high over Mannheim auction its crazy. I can even buy cars off lease from MB before they hit the auction on a special site they have. Those are more than manheim but better condition. As CPO on a dealers lot, Some are 10k + over Mannheim . Most are 7k over. I am aiming 4k over minus the 1200 finance rebate and then the unlimited mile wrty which is worth 3-5k in my head for 150k miles i will get out of it.

 

Yes, the OM 651 block is cast iron; cylinder head is aluminum alloy. MB produces some 750,000 of these 4 cylinder diesels every year !

The V6 diesel is entirely aluminum alloy. When it was first introduced, many so called experts said it would not be a durable engine, since the block was made out of aluminum. But time has proved them wrong. The V6 is a fine engine !

 

Interesting thanks for the info!

 

i think either choice would do fine. it just depends on how much cost and time you are willing to devote to fuel and fueling up vs. slightly extra maintenance cost. 4-matic is a deal maker for some.

note that all direct injection engines have the carbon build-up issues. spraying fuel into the cylinder vs. the port causes evap residue on the outside of the pistons. also note that de-carboning the engine is not recommended in the service manual - if it were to cause failure the warranty should cover it.

i agree the benz diesels are cult-like, but for logical reasons - they run a long time and conserve fuel. nowadays, the diesel model E costs less than the gasser. it's a no brainer for many...

 

You're welcome ! It may be worth remembering that the majority of MB taxis in Europe are powered by a version of the OM 651 diesel. Many of these taxis run for 300,000 kilometres or more.