jlag

I have owned Audi A6's since 1997 and all of the engines have been great except for the fact that they leak oil like an Italian sandwich after 70K miles and keeping up with these leaks to keep hoses from getting soaked and exhaust from smoking has been a constant battle.

If anyone has any higher than average mileage on a M276 (I know this engine is relatively new) and could give me any info on how tight these engines are sealed I would appreciate it. I am looking to get 150K miles out of the engine before selling the vehicle.

Munich77

If the M276 is like its predecessors no worries - my wife has a 2008 E350 with about 126K miles on the engine - nothing wrong with it at all.

Zavato

Had an '06 A6, now a '12 E350. Very pleased with my E350-in fact, i like the E350's steering feel better than the A6's steering feel. Felt the A6's steering feel was virtually nonexistant and disconnected. Otherwise, the A6 was very good. The E350 is better

DallasMB

I had an A4 in 2009 which turned heads with the "Audi LED's". Drove the in laws' A6 on a long trip from Dallas to Key West(both were nice). My E350 is on a different plateau with regards to ride quality and looks.
Once you get one, you'll never look back!
Good luck.

jlag

That's good to hear Munich, hopefully the 276 will be an improvement

Zavato, funny you say that as I sold my 2007 A6 and am now driving my 2002 A6 2.7t with the factory sport package because it just had much better driver feedback compared to the 2007.

Looking to get behind the wheel of a W212 this week. The leather ones are rare it seems.

jlag

Yes Dallas, you are probably correct, I drove a W211 in Germany back in 2009 and have been leaning that way ever since. Too bad no German speed limits here in the US...

Munich77

Easy solution get the V8 instead - they come standard with leather

KEY08

Go for the 550. Priced around 35-38 for a loaded up model now with around 30K miles. That is a great deal on a fantastic ride.

jlag

I have considered the V8 350. Just scared if my commute ever changes I would be looking at a bit higher of a fuel budget, but if I was in an S series it may not bother me as much

I have a Ford Expedition in the deeper side of my garage which is 206", roughly the same as an S550. I would need to swap out my deep work bench for an 18" bench to get a S550 in the other side. I would consider a Mercedes SUV to swap for the Expedition but not sure how much up to trailer towing they are.

I am really starting to think about the S series now, darn... would be nice. Would probably need to settle for a 2010 or a 2011 at the 30 to 35K price range it appears.

Munich77

Jlag the S550 is gorgeous - we were talking about the E550 - which is the E class with the S550's powertrain.

KEY08

Correct, E550. 2014's can be found for 35-39 all day long with 30K miles.

blegthbloo

MPGs on my 2013 E550 are better than in my 2011 E350... just saying. And more smiles per gallon as well.

bgruhn76

I am brand new to the Benz world as far as ownership goes. I sold them for 18 months in 01-02 but never bought one. Just picked up a 2014 E350 sedan with 23K miles last week. I absolutely love it! It actually has some get up in Sport mode. I couldn't get the 550 due to my commute. Very happy with my decision. I drove Audi A4, A6, BMW 3 and 5 series, as well as Volvo and even a Caddy ATS. Love my choice! I am averaging 22-26 mpg so far.

nws

I just bought my wife a CPO '14 E350 Sport with 26K miles. Diamond White on chestnut leather and Black Ash trim. Going to extend the CPO another 2 years for almost 5 years and unlimited miles. We are very happy with the car and it's much better than anything at this price point. MB service is not cheap but allows you to get one off lease CPO for an excellent price.

We test drove the comparable 5 series and A6. The BMW was not that appealing interior and exterior. The A6 was way under powered with the 2.0T. The interior space was surprisingly lacking. The seats were huge and the dash and doors protruded out so much. You would have to upgrade to the 3.0T and I could not find them used in any desirable condition or even CPO.

exTDI

I also just picked up a 2014 E350. Love it! I was going to stay in the VW/Audi world but the seats on the A6 were a no go. If you don't my asking , how are you averaging 22-26 mpg? I easily beat EPA estimates for the Passat TDI I'm about to sell back, but I've struggled so far on the E350.

bgruhn76

I leave it in E mode. I drive like an old lady. I step on it here and there. I just got rid of a sports car, so no need to go fast in this thing. This morning in traffic I saw 22.9 mpg. On Friday with combo of highway and traffic I actually saw 25.9 mpg.

berman2921

I wonder if complete lack of steering feel bothers you guys. I drove a number of BMWs before trading for 2016 E350 and while I like the car quite a bit I still can't get used to the extremely light, lifeless steering. I actually just rented CLA for a week and its steering was enjoyable.

Tank7

I find the steering effortless when needed in a tight u turn and just right on the highway.

Had a 535 ix for a while, loaded... was not my cup of tea and so far 4matic far better than x drive in the 12% inclines where i live.