M-a-x-G

I used to drive all sorts of MBs... then none for 20 years, and now I am interested in a W212 2010.
What do I need to watch out for?
Are there common faults, issues?
Any major repair/service at 100,000km?
Anything else?
I am planning to buy a diagnostic tool, the iCarSoftMBII to check for error codes.
Any other hints?
... will be much appreciated. Thanks!

I found this: http://www.mercedesmedic.com/overvie...mmon-problems/
... any thing else people have encountered?

VegasE

I could not get your link to open. In any event, there was a major makeover in 2012. The engine has significantly more HP than the prior version yet gets better gas mileage. Also, the service interval for the tranny was increased.

aquinob

True dat. But the downside to that engine is that in order to change spark plugs, you have to pull off the intake manifold since they are now hidden down there. Made an hour long in your driveway job into a hours long shop visit.

I would listen to the engine when starting from cold and see if you can hear a little bit of clatter that goes away after a few seconds. If you do hear that, that is from the hydraulic lifters that collapse a bit instead of staying full of oil when the engine sits. Not supposed to be harmful to the motor since as soon as it starts, they pump themselves up, but can be a bit disconcerting.

Also check both seat heaters if equipped. They can go bad from a break in a wire. Can be repaired if you have the time to go in and pull the seat apart, but its a pain. Also look out for the wood getting bleached by the sun if so equipped, expensive to replace and the new wood will probably do the same thing over time.

I have a 2010 e350 and find the engine plenty powerful, gets about 23 mpg running premium.

El Cid

I have a 2010 Luxury version E350 and really like the car. (Love people and animals, not objects). The interior and exterior styling is fantastic and lacking in the newer versions. There were a few problems initially, but all were resolved under warranty. This should apply to the car you are purchasing as well.
Actually I think most of them are related to it being an M-B. The Best or Nothing is a goal they are no where near close to reaching so far. That said, the E350 is the most reliable car M-B has offered in past decade.
You might want to go back to very beginning of the two stickies on this thread re: service and bulletins to see the early problems.
One is the dreaded fading of the wood.
My car is eight years old and plan to keep it for at least two more years, probably longer.
And the engine will get you a ticket in a heart beat. My best MPG is 32 on interstate at 65. Usually get about 28, but do a lot of small town, short trip stop and go.
The MB-Tex is in excellent shape (Use Lexol Vinylex twice a year) and actually prefer it to the cars I have or had with leather.
Happy Motoring!

PLINYELDER

^^^^ This is spot on, the cars are rock solid if they have been taken care of. Good luck! I get about 18-19 in the city, 26+ highway.

cetialpha5

Yeah the 2012 had a 60 degree V6 making 302hp and the older 2010 had the 90 degree V6 making 268hp. Basically the direct injection engine produced more power. I think plugs are at 60k so if you're the dealer type, a maintenance package is probably the way to go as you can get a 3 pack and get the plugs done at 60 and the transmission flush at 80k. The driver and passenger seat can rip in seam if you have MB-tex and the seat heater can also go. If you have the pano roof, the roof may make creaking/cracking noise when going over ramps at an angle, basically the body flexes and the screws for the pano roof get loose over time. Faded wood affected cars up to 2013. Open the door and look at the trim hidden by the door, that will tell you if you have faded wood. Not much you can do about it at this stage, you could probably get some discounts but a new set from MB is over 2k plus labor so I doubt if you can get any dealer to replace it as part of the negotiations as it'd be way out of warranty at this stage.

M-a-x-G

Thanks guys... I have square eyes now... after looking at W212s all day... my key requirement was a smooth ride; so the Elegance is it. I'd like a S350, but my wife thinks an E should do... fair enough and fine with me. Distronic is a must; given I travel 100km to work one way. every day.
Now I have to beat the dealer to the punch and get a 2010 listed for 36,900AUD for 32-33 and I will be happy

paintwerks_au

Max, that sounds like a lot of money they're asking. Two weeks ago, through a private sale in Melbourne, I bought a one owner 2012 E350 V6 Avantgarde with AMG pack with only 29,000km for AUD$39K. It has the update motor and ungraded interior with leather.

I would say this 2010 should be high $20's depending on kilometres, options and condition.

Oh, and my AMG pack with the 10mm lower suspension and bigger wheels rides very smoothly.

Cheers,
Sime

M-a-x-G

Well, this is Queensland
You may know that bigger Benzes; e.g. anything greater C and 280 is a much rarer commodity in Qld than it is in New South Wales and Victoria. As such, these are cheaper in Sydney and Melbourne than compared to Brisbane.
I want Distronic; and dealers readily admit, that most customers did neither understand the benefits, nor weren't they prepared to fork out the extra $4,500 for this safety package -- as such Distronic, before it became standard from August 2013 -- is relatively rare; as is the Elegance.
I have been keeping taps on CarSales since February, and added each E350 and S350 to a spreadsheet (only 18) which have Distronic; only 2 are the Elegance version.
I am currently struggling with the decision as to where to buy from; private, dealership, wholesaler... and the implied or non-existent warranties; even a MB 'certified' does not hold up in the fine print. Hence. why I never bought a used vehicle in Australia.
Anyway... I will test drive said car tomorrow and see what can be done on price...
On that note, I found that dealer, wholesale and private prices are often (and interestingly) not too far apart.
Also, the car I am looking at has 98,000km; 2010, Distroninc and lane assist, blind spot package, AMG extras, etc. and based on my research 33-ish would be reasonable in QLD.

paintwerks_au

Have you considered expanding your search to NSW? I have bought a car interstate before and the process was easy to transfer the vehicle to my state of residence.

M-a-x-G

... finding it difficult to find Distronic in an E350 Elegance, and wanting the 'conservative' smooth ride, also having test-driven an E350 Avantgarde, not liking the low profile tires... I opted to look at the S350 and found a 2010 diesel for 50 grant; yes, those in AU know about the AU tax, which is simply ridiculous.
I started a new thread here: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post7257976
...