W211 to w212
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Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 134
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From: west palm beach USA
E320 2004 model Silver sedan
W211 to w212
Hi guys I'm currently an owner of a w211..it's time to upgrade so I'm planning to get a w212.
I'm confused what year to buy starting from 2010 till 2014?
Which one had the most issues?
Any advise?
I searched but couldn't really get a straight comparison.
I appreciate your help.
I'm confused what year to buy starting from 2010 till 2014?
Which one had the most issues?
Any advise?
I searched but couldn't really get a straight comparison.
I appreciate your help.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Since you've included the 2014 in your list and it has been heavily facelifted you need to decide between it and the former four years. I have been told it is a better car than the earlier years. if you have decided on a prefacelift then you have to decide between the '10 and '11 which have the non direct injected engine and the '12 and 13' which have the direct injected engine and upgrades to the command system. the later engine is more powerful and gets better mileage.
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
I have a 2010 (Nov. '09 build date) and it probably had more issues, or different ones anyway, than later models. However, as someone said, everything has been corrected on earlier models by now.
Biggest thing for me is the front end appearance of the 2014's. I just don't like it and it is different from 2010-2013. BTW, the Luxury versions and Sports versions have different grilles, front ends, etc. Luxury will also have the comfort suspension.
Try this link for more reliability reporting. However, the sampling is very small.
http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability
Biggest thing for me is the front end appearance of the 2014's. I just don't like it and it is different from 2010-2013. BTW, the Luxury versions and Sports versions have different grilles, front ends, etc. Luxury will also have the comfort suspension.
Try this link for more reliability reporting. However, the sampling is very small.
http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Hi guys I'm currently an owner of a w211..it's time to upgrade so I'm planning to get a w212.
I'm confused what year to buy starting from 2010 till 2014?
Which one had the most issues?
Any advise?
I searched but couldn't really get a straight comparison.
I appreciate your help.
I'm confused what year to buy starting from 2010 till 2014?
Which one had the most issues?
Any advise?
I searched but couldn't really get a straight comparison.
I appreciate your help.
I don't know how 211 is for rattles but I would not buy any of these cars again. For a $71000 + tax car my 2010 E550 rattles way too much. I have fixed the main rattle myself (middle brake light) but it still has way too much of it in the front.
I have owned many cars during the years that had far less of this problem, cars that cost 1/2 or 1/3 of the car I now have.
The car is fine to drive on smooth roads but the rattles inside the car just takes away the whole enjoyment.
I have already decided not to buy another MB in my life. A big disappointment for me for the rattles in this very expensive car.
If you go for a test drive go on a highway and drive over the lane separator reflectors or better yet over the rumble strip and listen. Turn the radio off and tell the sales guy next to you to be quiet. Do this with different cars and you will hear the difference.
Last edited by Arrie; Sep 7, 2014 at 04:07 PM.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,319
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From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
I don't know how 211 is for rattles but I would not buy any of these cars again. For a $71000 + tax car my 2010 E550 rattles way too much. I have fixed the main rattle myself (middle brake light) but it still has way too much of it in the front.
I have owned many cars during the years that had far less of this problem, cars that cost 1/2 or 1/3 of the car I now have.
The car is fine to drive on smooth roads but the rattles inside the car just takes away the whole enjoyment.
I have already decided not to buy another MB in my life. A big disappointment for me for the rattles in this very expensive car.
If you go for a test drive go on a highway and drive over the lane separator reflectors or better yet over the rumble strip and listen. Turn the radio off and tell the sales guy next to you to be quiet. Do this with different cars and you will hear the difference.
I have owned many cars during the years that had far less of this problem, cars that cost 1/2 or 1/3 of the car I now have.
The car is fine to drive on smooth roads but the rattles inside the car just takes away the whole enjoyment.
I have already decided not to buy another MB in my life. A big disappointment for me for the rattles in this very expensive car.
If you go for a test drive go on a highway and drive over the lane separator reflectors or better yet over the rumble strip and listen. Turn the radio off and tell the sales guy next to you to be quiet. Do this with different cars and you will hear the difference.
I have started my search for a replacement for my 211, but I'm floored that even in 2012 models, you'd have to find one completely optioned out to get the same standard features most domestic and japanese cars come with now
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
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W212 FL
+W212 on the 2012 model year 
Well, I do have pano roof too ,pano roof never rattles nor does it make a popping out noise .
Back to th rattle issue . If I drive on extremely uneven surface like pave roads like Paris - Roubaix Tour I hear rattles but these are in minimal parameters .I almost forgot only rattle normally I hear is my phone is tapping the door panel
Well, I do have pano roof too ,pano roof never rattles nor does it make a popping out noise .
Back to th rattle issue . If I drive on extremely uneven surface like pave roads like Paris - Roubaix Tour I hear rattles but these are in minimal parameters .I almost forgot only rattle normally I hear is my phone is tapping the door panel
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 251
From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
+W212 on the 2012 model year
Well, I do have pano roof too ,pano roof never rattles nor does it make a popping out noise .
Back to th rattle issue . If I drive on extremely uneven surface like pave roads like Paris - Roubaix Tour I hear rattles but these are in minimal parameters .I almost forgot only rattle normally I hear is my phone is tapping the door panel
Well, I do have pano roof too ,pano roof never rattles nor does it make a popping out noise .
Back to th rattle issue . If I drive on extremely uneven surface like pave roads like Paris - Roubaix Tour I hear rattles but these are in minimal parameters .I almost forgot only rattle normally I hear is my phone is tapping the door panel
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
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My 2010 e550 has no rattles and I have 46,000 miles and a Pano roof. It gets great gas mileage considering the V8 and cruises on the highway like a bullet. My only complaint is the Airmatic suspension when it comes to pot holes. This is my second Airmatic suspension and for whatever reason it is just not pot hole friendly and I keep bubbling tires. This is my second MB with Parktronic and the sensors are fussy in heavy rain storms and snow. They give off false warnings for no reason at times. I went from an W211 E500 4Matic to this E550 4Matic and it is a great car. I'm also not a fan of the heavily sculpted front end on the face lift cars.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Since the 350 is a 6 cylinder it gets better gas mileage in all variants. I prefer the V8 and it gets surprisingly great mpg. I can easily get 25-27 on the highway at 70-75, and I have the 4Matic, which puts a drag on the drivetrain. In 2012 the engine is twin turbocharged and direct injected.
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
My car now is decent for the rattles. As I said in my earlier post I got the very worst rattle fixed in the rear, the center brake light.
There are two rattle sources that cannot be fixed. These are the left and right side rear seat belt rollers. Took one of them loose from the car for inspection and the rattle definitely is an internal problem of the part. Fix would be to replace these with parts that do not rattle but I'm quite sure MB will not do this under warranty and I'm not sure they even have a non-rattling part for it.
The dashboard of this car is built to rattle. The most of it comes from the number keys that are very poorly designed. But then there are several other places where rattles seem to be coming from. One is the trim around the gauges that clearly is loose in left top of it.
If my car was like it is now when I got it I would not feel so bad about it but it was not. I could hear the brake light rattle EVERY TIME I drove over the reflectors between the lanes on interstate highways. This absolutely ruined the driving enjoyment. The dealer changed the light assembly but was little help and I did it myself. I glued between the parts that the brake light assembly is made of.
Why did I have to do that on a car with sticker price of $71000?
Last edited by Arrie; Sep 9, 2014 at 08:23 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
$$$$$$$$$$$
Maybe not that many $$$, but 550 will cost more simply because it has the V8 and probably more standard features or options on previously owned models. If fuel economy is important, 350 would be probably be a better choice. Try one out and the performance may be adequate for your needs. Most V6's today are fairly good performance wise. That's why so many companies no longer sell V8's.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,133
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From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
Start getting used to 3 and 4 cyl engines as well as hybrid and electric vehicles.
Pretty soon a 4cyl engine will be the "performance" model.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 353
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From: Wilmington,NC
E63
You will have a significant upgrade from the 211 to the 212.
I had 07 211 E63 that always had its demons. Airmatic, fuel tank smell, head bolt issue, etc. Yes the pano creaked and I had star lowered it so it always had camber/alignment/ eating tire issues. Some my fault, some not.
Going to the 212 I chose to not have a first year run on a new body style so i went with 2011 E63. It eliminates the airmatic (front) issue, no head bolt issues after 2010, and came with the stuff I wanted. Yes pano creaks but whatever. I like mine because it is the last year E having the M156 engine and it has plenty o power. The one I found has an exhaust and I suspect a tune on it and has another year of warranty.
I have mercedes replacing the burlwood trim due to fading and the headlights due to the 'V' pattern that happens in front of the bulb.
There will always be the debate about newer years having more features like updated command etc.
When I was looking i found a bunch of off lease E63's around the D.C. area.
I had 07 211 E63 that always had its demons. Airmatic, fuel tank smell, head bolt issue, etc. Yes the pano creaked and I had star lowered it so it always had camber/alignment/ eating tire issues. Some my fault, some not.
Going to the 212 I chose to not have a first year run on a new body style so i went with 2011 E63. It eliminates the airmatic (front) issue, no head bolt issues after 2010, and came with the stuff I wanted. Yes pano creaks but whatever. I like mine because it is the last year E having the M156 engine and it has plenty o power. The one I found has an exhaust and I suspect a tune on it and has another year of warranty.
I have mercedes replacing the burlwood trim due to fading and the headlights due to the 'V' pattern that happens in front of the bulb.
There will always be the debate about newer years having more features like updated command etc.
When I was looking i found a bunch of off lease E63's around the D.C. area.
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2011 E550 (RIP), 2014 CLS 550C4
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
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^ It is a known issue. I have it and it doesn't bother me at all.
https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...ne-else-3.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...ne-else-3.html
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 36
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From: AZ
2005 E55, 2010 E350
In 2012, the e350 went to direct injection which upped the power and the mileage over the previous version. Honestly, I have not been all that impressed with the mileage in my 2010 E350, on my daily mostly highway trip home from work i'll get about 23mpg, doing 75 on the highway. For comparison, I can get 20 mpg on the same trip in my E55...
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
No issues with 2010 E550, build date 4/2010. Pano roof has been quiet, lowered the car via Renntech V3 Lowering module and AIRMATIC has been great.
The car is solid, closes like a bank vault, and I am not a fan of the facelift, as I think it looks too much like a Hyundai. I prefer the DRL on the lower vents of the bumper rahter than being integrated into the headlights.
V8 engine is solid, decent mileage and pulls like a freight train when needed. Brabus Exhaust doesn't hurt either, LOL.
The car is solid, closes like a bank vault, and I am not a fan of the facelift, as I think it looks too much like a Hyundai. I prefer the DRL on the lower vents of the bumper rahter than being integrated into the headlights.
V8 engine is solid, decent mileage and pulls like a freight train when needed. Brabus Exhaust doesn't hurt either, LOL.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
More than just CAFE
Per a recent article the expected take rate for the 2016 "E" Class will be 2% for V8's. 98% will purchase the V6 or diesel. That also means that the people who purchase V8's will paying a huge premium.
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Earth (Mostly)
2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
So far, so good. Both my 2010 and 2014 E350's have been rattle less and bank vault quiet. Have the Pano's in both and been lucky not to have had any issues.
Regarding OP's original Q, I recommend 2014 over anything earlier. If the FL isn't an instant no-go, the engineering and safety systems are a huge plus over the 2010's (my previous comparison point).
Very happy with mine with everything except the mileage at 80+ down the CA valley to the land of The Mouse. At ~70-75 I was getting over >30mpg, but at 80mph, that dropped to ~28 mpg. Didn't think there would be that much of a drop in mpg. Ah well, still has the most SPM ... Smiles per mile.
Regarding FL vs. non-FL, I've gotten more people staring with smiles at the 2014, then I ever received on the looks of the 2010. Even had one person today walk right into their car while looking at mine.
Regarding OP's original Q, I recommend 2014 over anything earlier. If the FL isn't an instant no-go, the engineering and safety systems are a huge plus over the 2010's (my previous comparison point).
Very happy with mine with everything except the mileage at 80+ down the CA valley to the land of The Mouse. At ~70-75 I was getting over >30mpg, but at 80mph, that dropped to ~28 mpg. Didn't think there would be that much of a drop in mpg. Ah well, still has the most SPM ... Smiles per mile.
Regarding FL vs. non-FL, I've gotten more people staring with smiles at the 2014, then I ever received on the looks of the 2010. Even had one person today walk right into their car while looking at mine.
