markinnaples

Ugh, hate to be "that" guy, but I'm thinking of taking a new job that will require quite a bit of driving and I need a newer car to replace my W203 and have been considering a W212. So, should I get a CPO diesel or regular E350? What options should I avoid? The air suspension was one I'd probably rather not have to deal with if/when it goes bad. Appreciate your experienced opinions, thanks.

cetialpha5

I just prefer gas because they sold a lot more of them. Diesels seem to come up with weird problems and it's hard to find an indy mechanic that knows much about them. Regular E350's didn't have airmatic, those were the E550's. Good luck finding one with all the options. I don't think there's one specific one to avoid, the pano roof makes noise when going over a ramp, but if you get a CPO model, have them fix it under warranty, they have to take the headliner down and tighten up the bolts.

400ixl

Depends where in the world you are. In Europe the Diesel outsells the petrol by a large number. Not in North America though.

markinnaples

I'm located in the US; SW Florida to be specific. I'm not too concerned about getting every single option, but more so wanting to avoid any problematic ones. Thanks.

cetialpha5

Probably about 90% of the cars out there are just basic models with just the P1 package. What years are you looking at? Real leather seems to hold up better than Mb-Tex, they had a bad batch where the seat rips. Bixenons were only up til 2013 and sometimes you get a V notch in the headlight, but that's just cosmetic, still nice having active curve illumination, headlamp washers and automatic high beams. No one has really complained about the blind spot or lane keeping assist, but if you smash the mirror, those extra electronics in them make it expensive. Keyless go, power trunk closer, those seem pretty solid. Most problems I think are associated with the base model like seat heaters and faded wood trim, but then again, that may be because many people don't have the other options.

markinnaples

I was initially looking at 2011-2013 E's. I'd even consider a 'vert but probably a sedan. Thanks.

cetialpha5

Well in 2012, they went with the M276 direct injection engine so you get 302hp instead of the 268 in the 2010-2011. I suppose you could still find a CPO 2012-2013. Of course the later the year, the longer your warranty will last. The 2014+ had a lot of changes, some good some bad like parktronic went from parking guidance to actually parking the car. There's also lots of 2014's out there because they're coming off lease now. Bad would be the eco start/stop which some people find annoying and you can't permanently shut off, you have to disable it each time you start the car.

El Cid

Article in this month's Motor Trend by some European auto executive type. He predicts between more efficient gas and electric vehicles, the diesel car will eventually disappear.
His opinion.
You have a really difficult task. I delayed getting an MB for a long time because I drove 20,000 miles per year and cars took a beating. Also would spend couple of days up to three weeks in some areas where nearest luxury car dealer/indy was 100 miles away. Really put in a bind a couple of times, not to mention expense.
My MBTex is over 7 years old and in perfect condition.
The more options, the more problems as with anything else. Check to see which ones you realy want/need. When I go my E350 I looked at P2 vs. P1 packages and decided that nothing on the P2 that I really wanted. Cost was not a factor.
Same with 550 (V8) vs. 350 (V6). MB makes a hell of a great V6.
You may also want to evaluate the insurance costs, property taxes, etc. for different models.

thefisch

If you will do a lot of highway driving, than the diesel has the advantage. Check out the E250 threads - a lot of happy folks getting great mileage on the highway.

I think most folks are either in the diesel camp or not. I am not personally but there are plenty who love them. Just not for me.

Lanzz

Mark, you may want to consider a leftover 2016 if you can find one. My dealer here in Charlotte had a very heavily optioned 2016 E400 and they were looking to make a deal on it. I ended up going with the 2017, but that 2016 E400 was a stunner, and there is a good deal to be had on it.

mfab

The diesel is a fantastic car.

The diesel excels where you spend the majority of your time when driving (up to speed on highway 41 or I95). I recently drove from New York to Savannah Georgia on a single tank of fuel. Even more impressive is I'm not sure the car moved out of 7th gear the entire time. Literally just purred along at 1700 rpm. You can't even hear the engine. You'll easily get 50 mpg on the highway (unless you drive 80 in which case you'll only see low 40's).

Folks that talk bad about diesels have probably never driven one...

Drive one, you will buy it.

/

markinnaples

Thanks guys. Yeah, we just put in a swimming pool and did a shiz-ton of upgrades to our house, so a 2016 or 2017 isn't quite in the budget, but I agree, there's nothing like a brand new Benz. I bought my W203 new and it was an awesome experience.

Thanks for the info on the diesel. I'm seriously considering one just because I like the idea of their durability and fuel efficiency.

shak

IMO, more option for MD = More $$$ you will be spending out of warranty.

I personally have 12, still a CPO for few more month, MB text seats still look new, car drives like brand new @80k miles, and I am glad it does not have the air suspension e550 have. The only thing this car was missing was HID headlights, but for few 150$ the issue was resolved.

If you prefer the classic look, go with 12-13, if you like the facelift go with 14+. I personally do not find the facelift appealing, but the LED ones do look nice at night. CPO's would be ideal if you can find a good deal, they screen the cars before putting a certification on them, and you get 5 years (from original purchase date) no mileage limit warranty.

Good luck.

gary1944

I have had a 2012 E350 since 2013 , almost new(9000 miles), with the P1 and sport package. Also have MB tex, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning. I have to say that this has been the most reliable car ever. I am still under factory extended warranty for the next two years but honestly this car is a rock. NOT one issue all these years. I like the MB Tex as it always looks good and cleans up nicely. I own 3 other MB cars and this is the most reliable by a long shot.