View Poll Results: Will you keep your car long term without a warranty?
No warranty, no way, that's why I lease them.
7
7.95%
Yes, I'm keeping her
68
77.27%
Count me as undecided
13
14.77%
Voters: 88. You may not vote on this poll
How many folks here plan on keeping their W212's long term?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
I typically own cars for 10 years, as I want to upgrade, but since I've started buying MB cars this has changed.
My 2011 E350 Bluetec P2 Sport was bought with CPO at 28K. Now at 48K and out of warranty. It's my wife's car, and she loves it. I do my own wrenching, and have done the oil cooler seals deep in the engine V that typically fail on the 642 diesel. DIY it's only $200, but 16 hours labor. Since that deep dive does not scare me, I'll probably keep the car until I die, which is 20 years or so. I expect a few repairs along the way, but that is cheap compared to a new car.
My 2003 AMG cars are at 93K and 128K, are daily drivers, and I'll have them for at least another 10 years. They are so much fun to drive, and purchased for 10% of what they were new. A perfect DIY car to own, but you need an SDS to make it reasonable to work on. You need deep pockets for a dealer to maintain these cars.
My 2011 E350 Bluetec P2 Sport was bought with CPO at 28K. Now at 48K and out of warranty. It's my wife's car, and she loves it. I do my own wrenching, and have done the oil cooler seals deep in the engine V that typically fail on the 642 diesel. DIY it's only $200, but 16 hours labor. Since that deep dive does not scare me, I'll probably keep the car until I die, which is 20 years or so. I expect a few repairs along the way, but that is cheap compared to a new car.
My 2003 AMG cars are at 93K and 128K, are daily drivers, and I'll have them for at least another 10 years. They are so much fun to drive, and purchased for 10% of what they were new. A perfect DIY car to own, but you need an SDS to make it reasonable to work on. You need deep pockets for a dealer to maintain these cars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Wait
Actually I don't think the depreciation difference between MB "E" and Genesis is that great. Not sure what depreication really means as to how they factor in what people actually paid for the cars to begin with.
Last edited by El Cid; Oct 12, 2016 at 10:20 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 126
From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
I will hold on to my S212 wagon until it falls apart, or until someone releases something with the space, power, efficiency similar to the S212 and also doesn't have the ECO start/stop feature. Or at least one that remembers the last setting.
I have the 2013 model, last year without the ECO Start/Stop. I hate that feature in loaners I've driven. And yes there is a button to disable it, but you have to push it every time you start the car. Why can't they do what BMW does and have it remember the last setting? That would be so much better.
Going to be test driving the Maserati Levante, that could very well be the next vehicle if it doesn't have that stupid eco start/stop or if it works like BMW where it remembers the last setting.
I have the 2013 model, last year without the ECO Start/Stop. I hate that feature in loaners I've driven. And yes there is a button to disable it, but you have to push it every time you start the car. Why can't they do what BMW does and have it remember the last setting? That would be so much better.
Going to be test driving the Maserati Levante, that could very well be the next vehicle if it doesn't have that stupid eco start/stop or if it works like BMW where it remembers the last setting.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
I would bet dollars to donuts this could be disabled with an SDS. Maybe not remember the setting, but disabled.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 126
From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
Would be so much nicer if they just added memory to the existing ECO disable button.
At least with the M276 V6's the start stop was relatively smooth and almost unnoticeable besides the slight lag on acceleration. With the current 4 cylinders, it makes a harsh noise and shake/vibration every time the system kicks in.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 580
Likes: 62
From: Maryland
2013 E550 4Matic
Hmm... adding the setting to the existing memory seating would be interesting... you would think it's just another variable that the memory setting keeps track of. And it's either a 1 or 0... so totally could be done.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 126
From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
In our BMW X3, it remembers the last setting based on the key fob used to unlock the door. So it's tied to key/seat memory setting.
Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 8
2008 R350 and 2012 E350
I will hold on to my S212 wagon until it falls apart, or until someone releases something with the space, power, efficiency similar to the S212 and also doesn't have the ECO start/stop feature. Or at least one that remembers the last setting.
I have the 2013 model, last year without the ECO Start/Stop. I hate that feature in loaners I've driven. And yes there is a button to disable it, but you have to push it every time you start the car. Why can't they do what BMW does and have it remember the last setting? That would be so much better.
Going to be test driving the Maserati Levante, that could very well be the next vehicle if it doesn't have that stupid eco start/stop or if it works like BMW where it remembers the last setting.
I have the 2013 model, last year without the ECO Start/Stop. I hate that feature in loaners I've driven. And yes there is a button to disable it, but you have to push it every time you start the car. Why can't they do what BMW does and have it remember the last setting? That would be so much better.
Going to be test driving the Maserati Levante, that could very well be the next vehicle if it doesn't have that stupid eco start/stop or if it works like BMW where it remembers the last setting.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 126
From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
Also it seems the S212/W212 have fewer issues than the R class and ML class.
So I'm happy with our purchase. Wagons are rare in USA, but here in Central Coast CA, we see lots of MB Wagons and the local dealer usually has a few sitting on their lot.
Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 8
2008 R350 and 2012 E350
We almost bought an R350. If they had made it for 1 more year we probably would've gotten an R350. But I'm glad we ended up with the S212. It's got the same interior room as the R350/ML/GLE but handles better and gets better fuel efficiency (can get 31mpg highway in this heavy beast).
Also it seems the S212/W212 have fewer issues than the R class and ML class.
So I'm happy with our purchase. Wagons are rare in USA, but here in Central Coast CA, we see lots of MB Wagons and the local dealer usually has a few sitting on their lot.
Also it seems the S212/W212 have fewer issues than the R class and ML class.
So I'm happy with our purchase. Wagons are rare in USA, but here in Central Coast CA, we see lots of MB Wagons and the local dealer usually has a few sitting on their lot.
Last edited by Good Stuff; Oct 14, 2016 at 06:22 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 257
Likes: 14
2023 E450 ALL-TERRAIN WAGON
We always keep our cars as long as possible. Sadly our 2004 E320 wagon was totaled when it was in for service recall at dealership in March 2015 or I'd still be driving that as it still would have had under 100k miles. The 2013 wagon that replaced it has under 14k miles and I plan to have this car for as long as possible. I prefer the older styling.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
CL55
Here’s an update; I just hit almost 76k miles. From my last post, that’s another 8k miles in about 3 months, and almost 20k miles in 9 months since purchased. I will be putting it up for sale in a month or two as I typically don’t keeep a car longer than a year.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 842
Likes: 64
From: Northern NJ
2015 E550 Coupe
If you are typically only keeping a vehicle for one year and putting on 25K to 32K miles per year, you must be losing quite a bit in the process each time. I know a few guys who swap out their cars every year, but they all own them under their businesses and write off the vehicles as a business expense. They also all lease them and don't put on the kind of miles you are racking up annually. Hopefully you are at least doing these frequent vehicle swaps via a business write-off and not out of your own pocket.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
CL55
Being married for 26 years answers the commitment question. 
I get reimbursed for my mileage at the IRS rate so if I buy right, it works out. I typically get any needed repairs done up front, including new tires and brakes than drive, a lot. I’ve found that an extra 30k miles does detract much from the the sale price of a 15 year old car as at that age, folks are generally buying condition as much as mileage. As for the yearly sale, I like the variety 
and know that keeping the cars longer risks larger repairs which eats into my cost model.
I get reimbursed for my mileage at the IRS rate so if I buy right, it works out. I typically get any needed repairs done up front, including new tires and brakes than drive, a lot. I’ve found that an extra 30k miles does detract much from the the sale price of a 15 year old car as at that age, folks are generally buying condition as much as mileage. As for the yearly sale, I like the variety and know that keeping the cars longer risks larger repairs which eats into my cost model.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 75
From: Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 SL 500 & 2011 E 550 4Matic
We have driven our 1999 SL 500 for over 16 years now. Still as solid as new.
If the new to us 2011 E550 4Matic is as reliable and strong ... we may never have different cars again.
I am 62 and my Wife is 66 ... so we will be retiring (again) soon. At that point ... going back to being a one car family will be an important factor.
If the new to us 2011 E550 4Matic is as reliable and strong ... we may never have different cars again.
I am 62 and my Wife is 66 ... so we will be retiring (again) soon. At that point ... going back to being a one car family will be an important factor.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 443
Likes: 69
From: California
2013 E550 4MATIC - P1, P2, SPORT
Hoping to keep my E550 for a while. I usually get bored and trade in at around 5 years, but this time I just got a second car to spice things up a bit. I'll probably give/loan my current daily to my girlfriend in a year or two, and then just get another daily. Something with a bit better gas mileage than the Benz.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 431
Likes: 44
From: Portsmouth, VA
2010 E350, Sold 1998 C230
Wow, forgot I started this thread, going on 4 years now. As for me, I still have my car, has about 74K on it now. No major issues, with it to speak of. Had the tranny service done at the dealer about 6 months ago. Still looks nice and drives wonderfully. Otherwise I try and do all the maintenance on it. I thought about buying an extended warranty on it when I first got it, would have been about 3500 or so. I didn't, and I didn't need it so that turned out to be a good call. Definitely a keeper.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,694
Likes: 1,829
From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
My first MB is now 18 years old (2001 C320). Aside from regular maintenance (oil/filter, tires, batteries, air filters), I've spent less than $1200 in unscheduled repairs. This carefree record convinced me to invest in another MB.
I'm now retired, so don't put more than 5,000 miles a year on this car. So, provided it offers as little trouble as the first, I hope to keep the 2016 E350 for 10-15 years... or more.
I'm now retired, so don't put more than 5,000 miles a year on this car. So, provided it offers as little trouble as the first, I hope to keep the 2016 E350 for 10-15 years... or more.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I bought 2nd of 2014 E250 Bluetec as chances that any car making much better than 60 mpg will come on the market in my lifetime are slim.
Bought 2nd to have all the whistles like lane assistance , rear camera and live traffic.
We don't drive cars much anymore as our vacation vehicle is Truck with camper, so that one has to do till self-driving, electric vehicles will become popular.
Bought 2nd to have all the whistles like lane assistance , rear camera and live traffic.
We don't drive cars much anymore as our vacation vehicle is Truck with camper, so that one has to do till self-driving, electric vehicles will become popular.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 39
Likes: 8
2016 GLE 63S AMG SUV, 2015 GLA 250 (Previously: 2010 MB E550 (V8, 5.5L))
E550 with P1 and P2 - At least 10 years or 125000 miles
I am now 5 years into my extended warranty and at 90000 miles, so a few more years to go at about 8000 miles per year. I paid $2400 for the warrant and have gotten at least $6000 out of it, letting the dealership deal with the warrant company, has worked very well.
Hope to buy another slightly used after that, maybe an E63 AMG S...is my dream car.
Hope to buy another slightly used after that, maybe an E63 AMG S...is my dream car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 68
From: Charlotte, NC
2014 E350 4M Diamond Silver
I am now 5 years into my extended warranty and at 90000 miles, so a few more years to go at about 8000 miles per year. I paid $2400 for the warrant and have gotten at least $6000 out of it, letting the dealership deal with the warrant company, has worked very well.
Hope to buy another slightly used after that, maybe an E63 AMG S...is my dream car.
Hope to buy another slightly used after that, maybe an E63 AMG S...is my dream car.
I wanted that fastest wagon E63s and test drove the regular 2019 E4** wagon as well as that would be the one I'll buy in a couple of years (2018 or 2019 under factory warranty). Wife didn't like it at first (as it was way noisier than a sedan with same wheel setup - loaner sedan 2019 E300 with 300 miles vs 2019 brand new E4** wagon off the floor), we have to test drive again and compare it with an SUV (GLE or GLS).
Wife thinks Mercedes is a bad jynx as whenever we get a relative/friends come home, I'll have to deal with a not-at-fault accident (some kid reversed into my vehicle at a stop sign), or deal with warranty (cameras went blank the night after someone praised my 360 pano camera) or broken into (passenger side front door was broken into and shared of glass all over after friends said the car is spotless inside and outside). So, we started scolding the car everyday. lol.
Sorry, If I sound rude or like a bad person with my above statement, but those are based on true events/timing.
