squid23

I'm interested in getting an E class diesel. It's getting a bit late to settle for a W211.

There is a bit negativity out there about the changes from the i6 to the v6 between W211 and W212, including worse efficiency (which is kind of the point of the exercise) and inability to rebuild in case of a major failure.

Is there anybody here who switched from a W211 to a W212 diesel? What's your experience?

DerekACS

Concerns about the durability of the OM 642 V6 diesel usually come from uninformed naysayers, who claim that diesel engines should not be built of aluminum alloy.

This engine has been proven to be very robust. Just google OM 642 diesel durability and you will see links to one major test of the V6 that was done in Laredo, Texas in 2005. Three E Class with the V6 diesel set a world record by driving 100,000 miles each @ full throttle, stopping only for driver changes and oil & filter changes (every 15,000 miles !). These cars averaged well over 100 miles per hour for 30 days ! No mechanical issues were incurred.

I cannot speak to the I6 engine, having only test driven one, but I can comment on the W211 V6 vs the W212 V6 found in the E350BT. Although these engines are very similar, the newer version performs significantly better and runs more efficiently with the Adblue system. The E350BT has an absence of turbo lag, which you cannot say about the E320BT. The W212 chassis is a much stronger and well built machine compared to the W211.

Having just taken delivery of a 2013 E350 Bluetec yesterday, I have to say that I'm extremely impressed with this car and with the superbly smooth and powerful engine. Numerous owners quote highway mileage exceeding 40 mpg, well beyond the EPA rating of 32. Thus far, I have not been able to do a long distance test for mileage. But, I can tell you from my research that the real world fuel economy of the E350BT is apparently not much less than the new E250BT.

Shadow5501

You seem to be misinformed regarding which engine is used in which model years. In North America the I6 (om648) was used in the 2005-2006 w211. The 2007-2009 w211 and the 2010-2013 w212 used the v6 om642 engine. As Derek states above there are differences between the v6 in the w211 and w212 but it is the same basic engine and transmission in both cars.

Both the w211 and w212 are fine automobiles, so buy whichever one suits your needs, likes, and pocketbook.

drsaab

I think all w211 diesels had 5 spd transmissions and the W212 have 7g or 7g+

Only the gas w211 has 7 spd trannies same as w212.

There totally different cars. I had a gas w211 and w212. Both good but W211 drove more lower and sportier. The W212 is more of a comfort luxury drive to me, I went from rwd to awd so that may be why too.

squid23

Yeah, the 7 speed transmission is a concern, too. Quite honestly I prefer keeping the complexity at bay.

Shadow5501

No, I am afraid you are incorrect. The 2007-2009 w211 Bluetec has the 722.9 7 speed transmission. I own one. If you tap the shifter to drop a gear at highway speed, the display changes from "D" to "6."

The I6 diesels in the 211 came with the 5 speed transmission.

drsaab

Woops, you are correct. I had a 2006 gas, so I knew they were different then.

btesar

The biggest change I found was going from quiet and comfortable 16" grand-touring tires to the 17"(Luxury Suspension) with the Goodyear ROF tires. The Goodyear Eagle L/S2 ROF's are horrible. I have ordered a set of Continental PureContact tires to install next week to correct. Otherwise, the NT4.5 Comand system is far better then the version in my 2007.

Also, the interior ambient lighting is a lot nicer in the W212.

DerekACS

My 2013 E350BT has 245/40 x18" ContiProContact tires; they seem to perform well.

To answer the OP's questions about changes noted in going from E320BT to E350BT, I would say that the car's handling has been much improved. The fuel economy of the E350BT is also better and there is a no turbo lag. The W212 chassis also feels much more solid than the W211.