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I was at the store tonight and parked my W212 next to a 211 and across from a new 213. Each model had its strengths and it got me thinking based SOLELY on looks which E body style is your favorite and is it the style you own?
For me, it is a toss up between the W210 and my FL W212 pictured below.
I actually really dislike the W213 in terms of exterior looks, I dunno why the 2017 C, E and S look like a shrunk or stretched version of each other. Of the three I think the E looks the worst.
As far as the W212 goes, I really like the rear fenders of the pre-facelift version. I think it gives it a really masculine look. I'm sad they changed it for the facelift version, I heard they were extremely difficult to repair if there was a dent where the line is. No one else was doing rear-fenders that way so maybe it was also "out of style." I like where the daytime running LEDs are located in the pre-FL model. Admittedly though, it looks very aged when parked next to a FL model.
For me, I like them in this order:
1) W210
2) W212
3) W211
4) W213
Maybe my heart is still in the W210 because that's what I remember my parents having, and that era of Mercedes seemed so solidly built and the interiors were so classy. I also loved my W202 back in the day, which is in the same design scheme. To this day, I still regret selling it.
I like the W212 next, because the face-lifted versions are so very sexy (especially with the full-LED lighting package). I just never cared for the pre-facelift models---they just seemed likee a bunch of geometrical shapes thrown together.
Next, the W211 always resonated with me. Like the W210, the design (exterior and interior) has stood the test of time, and would always bring a smile.
Last, and certainly least, is the W213. If we're basing it solely on exterior looks, I think this is the worst looking E-class Mercedes has ever produced. The 2014 S-class is a masterpiece; the 2015 C-class is a huge leap in the right direction, taking cues from Daddy S. But the E-class just looks like a slinky, never-quite-got-the-proportions-right, compromise that was just thrown onto the assembly line. It looks much like a bigger C, instead of a smaller S. Like the S and C, the interior is excellent though. Very weird.
Last edited by tresean1; May 20, 2017 at 08:34 AM.
besides the fact that I owned two different W212's; I'd have to say the 2010-11 was my favorite design......the ones with the 'hockey' led's out front
I still really enjoy seeing that front end out in the wild, and of course the pix I had done in an E550: black on black with black
I've had 2 pre-FL W212s, so I guess my preference is obvious. As Peachy said, the rear fenders are a PITA to get right if they're damaged... had to go back 3 times to get them to alter the lines to make them only "okay enough" before I got tired of bringing it back. Unfortunately, there is way too much involved in replacing the rear fenders with new pieces if they get crunched like mine did. Oh well.
To me, the pre-FL W212 is the last "classic" MB look... last model with the split headlamps, mine has the headlight washers which I've always associated with luxury brands, it's a boxy shape all around (which I'm partial to anyway), which I believe adds to its elegance.
I think my second favorite in the E lineup of recent memory is the FL W211 E63s, since those look aggressive like they should but still has a bit of class to round them out. After that I think I like the old W124 turbo diesels... almost bought one for a commuter car, but couldn't find one in decent shape near me.
To echo Hyperion the 2010-11 look is down right menacing but extremely classy. MB has given up on even trying to replicate that and is going further and further into non descript classless designs. Which is sad and makes everything look the same.
Baybomers, I have to agree with you on the W212 but it has to have the LED Lighting Package and be a Sport Model. I don't like the luxury version (no offense to anyone) or the standard headlights.
I was at the store tonight and parked my W212 next to a 211 and across from a new 213. Each model had its strengths and it got me thinking based SOLELY on looks which E body style is your favorite and is it the style you own?
For me, it is a toss up between the W210 and my FL W212 pictured below.
I drool over your wheels (I have them too) every single time I see them; I think they are the absolute best looking AMG sport wheels for this model---much better than the 794 style.
Originally Posted by apg231
Baybomers, I have to agree with you on the W212 but it has to have the LED Lighting Package and be a Sport Model. I don't like the luxury version (no offense to anyone) or the standard headlights.
I agree with you 100%; the Sport model and LED Lighting Package really makes this car pop! I don't care for the Luxury version or the squared 2010-2013 models.
I have to agree with you on the W212 but it has to have the LED Lighting Package and be a Sport Model.
When I was looking, the two make or break items were active LED package and Sport model. I like the Luxury version too but wanted the 18" rims and firmer suspension.
Pre FL 212 then FL 212 then F211..like some others I've had 2 pre FL and have held onto this latest longer than any other car I've had in a long time. What I really want is the pre FL with the w213 interior layout in red leather!
Within the 212 series I do prefer the pre-facelift rear fenders. They remind me not only of Pontons but the 1962-63 Studebaker Larks (I owned a '63) and the IH Travelalls of the same vintage:
I prefer the grille treatment of the pre-facelift 212s (don't like the big star in the Sport version or the thicker chrome surround of the Luxury version) but the headlights of the facelift models, especially with the Lighting Package.
What a beauty! Now that is a real Mercedes Benz! One the men at our church had a black over red one. It looked so modern and upscale compared to my Dads 180 ponton.
There's also some of that line coming off the rear wheel opening on my fintail:
Fins just need to make a comeback now
I'm almost positive there is a lady that gets her car serviced at Prestige MB in Paramus that has this same car or very similiar. Idk if she was the owner or just dropping it off but everyone in the place stop doing whatever and went over to admire it. I'm not the biggest MB historian but it was like seeing a Unicorn.
They are certainly not an everyday sight anymore. They aren't particularly rare, but survival rates aren't high relative to build quality, and the youngest fintails are ~50 years old now. If someone drives that in NJ, it is probably a dry weather car, as they are also far from being rust-resistant. My car has spent its life on the west coast, which has helped it age fairly gracefully. This isn't a restored car, what you see is what you get, there's some patina.
Originally Posted by jahquan3
I'm almost positive there is a lady that gets her car serviced at Prestige MB in Paramus that has this same car or very similiar. Idk if she was the owner or just dropping it off but everyone in the place stop doing whatever and went over to admire it. I'm not the biggest MB historian but it was like seeing a Unicorn.
Fins and chrome. Any complaints about garish modern MBs should be compared to what ponton drivers thought when they saw a new fintail in 1959/60. The same complaints existed then. The cars were unloved for a long time, but I think they have a little cult now.
Originally Posted by MBNUT1
What a beauty! Now that is a real Mercedes Benz! One the men at our church had a black over red one. It looked so modern and upscale compared to my Dads 180 ponton.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
