New Wagon---2011 or 2014?
 

I have to replace my wife's Volvo wagon and will be buying an E350 4matic as it is a much better all wheel drive.
I have been a Mercedes and all other brands mechanic for 50 years but sold my last shop 15 years ago so I am not completely up to speed on certain issues with later model cars.
In this case I would like to get some feedback concerning the operating cost and fixability of the two models----2011 and 2014. Operating cost meaning maintenance, not mpg etc. And fixability meaning what percentage of all maintenance will I be able to do. In other words, since I don't have Star how much maintenance etc. can I still do?
Many Thanks in advance

Maintenance costs between the two are similar. The 2011 has the older 3.5 with less power and older 7GTronic transmission which requires a flush every 40k miles. the 2014 has the newer M276 engine with more power and better fuel efficiency and the newer 7GTronic Plus transmission which doesn't need a flush till 70k miles.

So overall the 2014 might be a little bit lower cost to maintain and operate (about 25% better fuel efficiency). 2012 was the year they switched to the new engine/transmission. 2014 was first year of the face lift.

If you've been working on cars for 50 years, you can do all the regular maintenance yourself should you choose to.
You may be able to do some of the troubleshooting and repairs without a STAR system, just a generic ODBII reader that you can pickup for $20 or so.

Hi, I am in a similar situation and planning to replace my Audi wagon - i hope the 4-matic is just as good

In terms of maintenance, can alot of wrenching be done by the home mechanic, or is that not feasible?

For instance, I have an aftermarket VAG interface, which allows my laptop to connect with any VW/Audi (and even Lambo apparently!) do diagnose and adjust at home

Does MB have something similar, or do you guys have to use the dealership? Can independent shops do the same?

I have owned and worked on both Audi/VW and MB so I can try to answer this question.

Mechanically they are very similar and if you've done some basic mechanical work on Audi, you should be able to do the same with MB.

As far as diagnosis, there is no VAGCOM equivalent for MB. However any ODBC II compatible reader will be able to read out simple/generic codes to get you in the right direction.
Some of the better equipped independent shops will have the MB star machine. But what I've found in my area is, those shops with these machines charges about the same rate as the MB dealer, so it's a wash as far as repair costs go.

I've been fortunate that all of my BMW/VAG/MB vehicles have been extremely reliable over the last 21 years so haven't had to do any repairs other than regular maintenance.

I have a 2013 E350 wagon and have not had the chance to test the 4matic in snow. I've driven quattro/4motion in snow plenty of times without issue. Most of the reviews and video's I've seen seems to suggest 4matic isn't as good as quattro, but for some light snow duty should suffice. and for heavier snow, get snow tires and it should have no problems.

I have a 2011 with 95k miles on it and still love it. Winter and sloped gravel driveways with the 4Matic are a non-event. The car is absolutely quiet to drive and a joy on long trips. Routine oil changes. In terms of preference between the model years, unless you MUST have the facelift (>'14), there probably isn't enough difference to justify more than the usual premium between model years. I'd personally base the choice on condition and included options....pano roof being non-optional.

That has also been my experience with Audi and hopefully most German brands - ie: generally reliable. I have had to replace some general wear and tear items such as timing belts, tensioners, bearings, suspension components. I consider that part of the cost of ownership.

I've also been hit with known problems like steering pump leaking, electrical gremlins, fuel pump failures (mainly my fault from driving on an empty gas tank and not enough gas to keep from overheating). These have been covered under factory warranty and the dealership has been very pleasant to work with. (Dropping of a case of been does wonders with the service department!)

MBs reputation and stereotype in my mind means expensive luxury but also durability - cars with badges that say 300,000 or 400,000 km. I hope that still holds true these days...

Thanks for chiming in
I am seeing a few listings for wagons in your year and similar mileage. But it's quite rare, as most people in my area are buying SUVs so the selection of available wagons is really low. I'm glad you're happy with the car, it gives me confidence i'm choosing a good model, and it will be worth the hunt.

Question - have you driven the 302 HP 2012 version? For such a big and heavy car, i'm assuming the extra 30 ponies makes a slight difference. But can anyone tell by seat-of-the-pants experience the extra power? There are more 2011 models on the market and less so for 2012-2013

THe M276 engine in the 2012 and newer is not only more powerful but also significantly more fuel efficient. I believe official #'s are 20 to 30% more fuel efficient.
I can get 31mpg highway if I stay close to speed limit. pretty impressive for a 2.2 ton 4wd 302hp vehicle.

I'm getting a 2016 wagon and was wondering what was really possible. Glad to hear that mpg is that good.

My neighbor just picked up a white E400 wagon, 2017. Man it is sharp looking!

I looked at going with a new wagon but it was $20k more than I paid for the 16. Granted it was a P3 I was looking at with ventilated seats and a few other extras.