Planning to buy a 2010 W212 elegance - what to watch out for?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 62
Likes: 4
From: Queensland
w211
Planning to buy a 2010 W212 elegance - what to watch out for?
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?
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?
Last edited by M-a-x-G; Sep 2, 2017 at 08:33 AM. Reason: added last paragraph
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 255
Likes: 36
From: Las Vegas
2012 E350 sedan
I'd strongly recommend a 2012+ MY
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?
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?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 431
Likes: 44
From: Portsmouth, VA
2010 E350, Sold 1998 C230
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Elegance v. Luxury
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?
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?
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!
Last edited by El Cid; Sep 2, 2017 at 06:09 PM.
Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 126
Likes: 47
From: Idaho
2023 GLE 450
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.
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.
^^^^ 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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,549
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
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.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 62
Likes: 4
From: Queensland
w211
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
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
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 7
2012 E350 Sedan V6
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
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
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
Last edited by paintwerks_au; Sep 3, 2017 at 10:55 PM.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 62
Likes: 4
From: Queensland
w211
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.
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.
Last edited by M-a-x-G; Sep 4, 2017 at 08:18 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 62
Likes: 4
From: Queensland
w211
Currently pre-inspecting a S350CDI 2010 in Melbourne
... 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
...
I started a new thread here: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post7257976
...
Last edited by M-a-x-G; Sep 6, 2017 at 03:16 AM. Reason: typo
