TH22

I posted a topic about extended warranties last week. I have an '11 E350 fully loaded and I'm trying to evaluate if the MB Extended Warranty is worth the money. What I'm really trying to figure out is if anyone has had the Command system, Adaptive Headlamp, or some other expensive system/part fail after the factory warranty expired. I personally have had the dynamic seat fail (in warranty). I'm curious to find out what others have experienced. Please feel free to elaborate.

El Cid

I got the extended MBUSA warranty because of the things that did break during warranty. Had problems with COMAND and they updated/repaired three times. Once they kept car for three days to make sure they had installed all software updates. Once they kept car for three days to install and program the software for the easy exit/entry system.
Both times they provided a loaner, so no big issue.
My concern is what happens if not under warranty and something goes out?
How much would dealer charge to "tinker" with a car over a three day period? Would they provide a loaner? How much would replacement parts cost?

TH22

I had Command updated several times. I heard it was difficult to update because more than one software (location) was updated and the update took a long time to upload. I think the Command module (hardware) is over $5K. I've had no problems with it. A module failure would certainly offset the cost of the warranty.

C280 Sport

If you have the chance to extend the warranty you mine as well. Just to be on the safe side of things. I plan on extending as well but our E is only at 31k miles.

Live Oak

I'd recommend the extended warranty on a 2011.

I'm at 43,000, not 50,000+, but last week I had two pneumatic springs (Airmatic) replaced (second time) and the air conditioning fan replaced under warranty.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

PeterUbers

Based on my experience, an extended warranty is a must with these cars.

Arrie

Definitely get the extended warranty if you plan to keep the car beyond factory warranty. There should be no second thought about this unless you have money spilling out of your pockets, which I don't think is the case since you asked the question. Get warranty for as long as you plan to keep the car. The max is 7 years/135000 miles with the MB extended warranty but perhaps there are other options too.

boltonblue

since the current E is still new to me the answer is, nothing yet....
on our '03 S-class however, the story was quite different between 50 and 100K.
The biggest probably being replacing the center diff assembly which was on the order of $3400 if I recall correctly. They're were a variety of smaller little goodies as well.
So on that one, the warranty was easily worthwhile.

drsaab

I have a 2010 with just under 80k. No issues. I am switching to a CPO unlimited mile warranty bluetec since I will put 150k in next 4 years. But if that warranty didn't come out 2 weeks ago I would have kept mine till 150 K at least. I have all the goodies. Still work well. Only thing i see not functioning is passenger LCD readout for dual Ac and easy exit steering wheel. Both minor to me.

TH22

Many thanks for the maintenance feedback. Its doesn't seem like anyone has had any catastrophic problems but the "goodies" can add up in maintenance costs. I plan to put at least 150K miles on it and eventually give it to my son when he is old enough to drive. In my personal experience with Euro (non MB) cars, I've had no maintenance issues under 125K miles when properly maintained. It would be great if I could purchase a MB ELW beyond 7/135K. The Engineering and build quality seems to be very good... one of the reasons I bought the car.

BTW, here are some helpful threads I found regarding the purchase of ELW: elw, extended.

sleewell

I bought an extended warranty for my c class and didn't use it once. haven't had one issue with my e class but only have 38k miles so far. I drive like a grandma and super low miles and always keep up with the maintenance though.

BACnMercedes

Had multiple problems with the distronic on my '10. It was in the shop numerous times to get fixed and multiple parts where changed. I even had the car in once for another warranty issue (minor) and when the SA brought the car around because it was ready for me to pick it up he asked, "is there something still wrong with the distronic because the light is now on?" Yeah, it never gets fixed correctly. He just looked at me, hung his head and told me to keep the loaner car. The warranty ran out on the car last month and that's why I'm getting rid of it. Car only had 40k miles on it but the time ran out.
If you own one of these high end cars, it needs to be under warranty. Just my opinion.

2006_C350

If you have a base model, according to a few people on the board, the extended warranty isn't necessary as big ticket items like transmission or engine problems shouldn't break.

Would one consider 2014 E350 with P1 and blind spot assist a base model? I'm starting to second guess if the extended warranty I got is even necessary...

mercedes4ever

You are spot on, not really worth it on lower end models.

E Classy

no. the E250 is technically the base model due to its low starting price in the range. the E63 S-models are the range toppers.

E Classy

the max EW lists for over $4,000

don't confuse extraneous tech gadgets with a "high-end model" most of the price of the car is for what condescending people consider the "base model" version. some of us PREFER not to include all that useless crap in our vehicles. it's not about affordability, as some here carry as a pretense.

BACnMercedes

Yes! If you keep it past the original warranty time. I have an '14 E350 but it does have some extras on it. But when the warranty gets close to ending, it's outta here! Or possible sooner for the right price.

E Classy

^ yeah that's the other way to do it - either lease or trade up into a newer model prior to the original warranty is up. that way you can always have the latest features without worrying about long term operation.

instantfob

If the car is garaged most of the time then the electronics will live a lot longer.

Imagine you leave a notebook computer on the back seat for 5 years and subject it change of temp on daily basis.

instantfob

P1 alone makes it not base model. Imagine that Nav screen or Command unit goes out. That's a BIG ticket item indeed.

My parents had the Cayenne S and we had to replace that twice. All covered under extended warranty. Also after 4-5 years, the factory will only supply refurb units (the 1st swap came with prior users destinations information)

TH22

I have some experience with aircraft and this is very true. Our car is always in a garage at home and a parking garage at work. Hopefully we will have less problems with electronics in the long run.

shortspark

I own a 2012 ML350 and although it has been a very dependable vehicle I have come to the conclusion I really don't need an SUV. Only two of us ever ride in it and I don't even take it out if it is raining. I am retired so I come and go as I please and think that a nice sedan such as the E class would suit me better. But the question of warranty with any car is a no brainer, at least in my situation - when the four year warranty is up trade it in for something else and don't ever bother with an extended warranty. Of course, this would be entirely different if I had to hold on to a car for a long period or I put a lot of miles on the engine.

In my case, I never put more than 10,000 miles a year on a car so it comes out to time factors rather than mileage. I trade it or sell it outright at four years with less than 40,000 miles on it. This may not be the smartest thing to do from a financial (depreciation) aspect but I hate paying for something up front that I probably won't use and it gives me an incentive to do one of my favorite things in life at least once every four years - shop for cars!

aeroconfigs

Buying a new vehicle before the prior one goes out of warranty is by far the most expensive option.

Second most expensive option depends on how lucky you are. I believe it is also a function of how you take care of the car. Do you keep it outside all day and night? Or do you keep it in the garage? Do you drive like a madman even when the engine is cold? Do you drive on terrible roads filled with potholes most of the time? Do you frequently exceed the maintenance schedule? These factors could influence whether expensive repairs will be needed before you're ready to sell the car.

Even if repairs are needed, they still must be more expensive than the cost of the extended warranty for it to be a smart choice to buy the ew. Of course you're paying for the low risk up front, then you don't have to worry about things going wrong. That peace of mind is worth a lot to most people and I think that's why you see so many saying its a good idea, even if they can't give examples of expensive repair costs that were avoided through the ew.