2011 E350 vs. E350 blutec
03-17-2018 | 01:33 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 17
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From: Austin, TX
2010 C300
2011 E350 vs. E350 blutec
Hey guys. So I'm looking for some opinions. We are looking at two 2011 E350's. One gas, one disel. Same number of miles ~93k. The gas is about $1K more at $15,900 and is at the local mercedes dealer. We've bought three vehicles from them and no issues with them or the dealer. The gas vehicle has better options than the disel. The disel is at some no name dealer. Both have clear carfax and I have repair histories for both and no major issues. The gas car has new brakes performed at the dealer. So all that being said, which would you pick? My main concern is future repair issues. I'm a pretty good amateur mechanic and could handle most stuff myself unless its a major failure.
03-17-2018 | 02:27 PM
#2
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
From about 15 MB I bought in last 20 years, only 3 had gasoline engines. That is becouse the diesel options were not available on SUV and wagons that is what those 3 were. Can you tell I am biased? 
So how do you compare 35 mpg to 25 mpg?
How do you compare instant torque at 60 mph passing to gasoline engine where you press the gas pedal and you have to wait 2 seconds for computer/engine to "make their mind" what gear to apply?
I will not even try to calculate how much time and frustration you will save bypassing those gasoline stations.
I loved airmatic and dynamic/massage seats I had on last wagon, but gave them up for diesel option. Not looking back.
So how do you compare 35 mpg to 25 mpg?
How do you compare instant torque at 60 mph passing to gasoline engine where you press the gas pedal and you have to wait 2 seconds for computer/engine to "make their mind" what gear to apply?
I will not even try to calculate how much time and frustration you will save bypassing those gasoline stations.
I loved airmatic and dynamic/massage seats I had on last wagon, but gave them up for diesel option. Not looking back.
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raja777m (03-17-2018)
03-17-2018 | 02:34 PM
#3
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 17
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From: Austin, TX
2010 C300
I'm leaning to the diesel myself. The main concern is that its at a no name dealership. I'll have to take it to an independent mechanic. My wifes ML was a diesel and it was a fantastic vehicle. I kinda wish we never got rid of it.
03-17-2018 | 02:40 PM
#4
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
On 350 Bluetec the only thing you have to worry about is oil cooler. If it was replaced, it is perfect. If it is not, you should offset some cash for future replacement.
I bought my W211 with 320 Bluetec from .... Ford dealer. Their mechanic hesitated to pull engine cover for inspection, but they gave me the price I could not refuse and later on I contact servicing dealer to find the oil cooler was replaced. Icing on the cake, as I calculated the cooler into the offer.
I bought my W211 with 320 Bluetec from .... Ford dealer. Their mechanic hesitated to pull engine cover for inspection, but they gave me the price I could not refuse and later on I contact servicing dealer to find the oil cooler was replaced. Icing on the cake, as I calculated the cooler into the offer.
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03-18-2018 | 12:08 AM
#9
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
The video probably show oil cooler replaced by itself, but did it show that the oil cooler is
-under EGR cooler, who is
-under fuel filter and intake manifolds, who is
-under whole maze of electrical and fuel lines, who is
-under turbo
Than you have all the air piping and covers on top of it.
-under EGR cooler, who is
-under fuel filter and intake manifolds, who is
-under whole maze of electrical and fuel lines, who is
-under turbo
Than you have all the air piping and covers on top of it.
03-18-2018 | 01:08 AM
#10
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 17
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From: Austin, TX
2010 C300
It showed the gasket change. But it didn’t seem as in depth as you show it. So he probably skipped steps or something. I’d have to look at the engine myself. But if it’s take stuff off then put back on type stuff I’m not worried about it. I did the head gaskets on my old disco in my garage that was a complete nightmare. If it’s less complicated then I’m happy.
03-18-2018 | 05:42 AM
#11
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 96
Likes: 21
From: Miami, FL
2014 e250 bluetec
Personally, I think you can't beat a mercedes diesel. They are very unique, well built, engines that offer extremely fun torque and very good mpg. My mother has a ML350 bluetec and has only ever had 1 issue with the engine (although it was a big one requiring an engine out fix). She had an issue where the intake manifold runner/flap was stuck closed, although that issue is not necessarily unique to the 350 bluetec models.
03-18-2018 | 12:25 PM
#12
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,121
Likes: 1,753
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I just swapped 624 engine that bend the rod on water and am taking old block apart out of curiosity. Will make a topic about it in diesel section in couple of days, but so far the engine shows no wear out at 183k miles. The only thing I see so far that might not last 1/2 mil is timing chain.
So beside oil cooler seals and cleaning EGR + swirl flaps at higher mileage.you can log hundreds of thousand miles with only oil/filter changes. The newer 4-cylinder seems to be even better and can't beat easy repair access on I4 engine.
So beside oil cooler seals and cleaning EGR + swirl flaps at higher mileage.you can log hundreds of thousand miles with only oil/filter changes. The newer 4-cylinder seems to be even better and can't beat easy repair access on I4 engine.
03-18-2018 | 01:33 PM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 268
Likes: 8
From: California
w212 E350 Bluetec & Mk7 GTI Sport
Hey guys. So I'm looking for some opinions. We are looking at two 2011 E350's. One gas, one disel. Same number of miles ~93k. The gas is about $1K more at $15,900 and is at the local mercedes dealer.
93k is too much for 16kgrand. You should only be using mbusa.com's certified pre owned search tool; you can turn off CPO and search for stuff with over 40k miles, as that will not be a CPO car. Like this 93 k one, you are way overpaying at those miles. Mine is at 57k and the residual value left on it is 18. You can find these on their website if you learn to use the crappy interface. I bought my car from there back at 22k, and i love it. Ive also driven 2 of my dads 2011/2013 e350 gas, and i leased a 2008/2009 e350 both driven to about 60k miles then upgraded. So my advice is from real world, living with the cars experience.
We've bought three vehicles from them and no issues with them or the dealer. The gas vehicle has better options than the disel.
well its p1 or p2, basically..... care to elaborate? the differences can be significant ,despite neither of these being a good deal at 93. **** dude ill send you links for better ones if you want. mbs dealers only
The disel is at some no name dealer. Both have clear carfax and I have repair histories for both and no major issues.
no name dealer = no thank you sir
The gas car has new brakes performed at the dealer. So all that being said, which would you pick?
my brake job was like 500 with rotors.... not a deciding factor... their small brakes
93k is too much for 16kgrand. You should only be using mbusa.com's certified pre owned search tool; you can turn off CPO and search for stuff with over 40k miles, as that will not be a CPO car. Like this 93 k one, you are way overpaying at those miles. Mine is at 57k and the residual value left on it is 18. You can find these on their website if you learn to use the crappy interface. I bought my car from there back at 22k, and i love it. Ive also driven 2 of my dads 2011/2013 e350 gas, and i leased a 2008/2009 e350 both driven to about 60k miles then upgraded. So my advice is from real world, living with the cars experience.
We've bought three vehicles from them and no issues with them or the dealer. The gas vehicle has better options than the disel.
well its p1 or p2, basically..... care to elaborate? the differences can be significant ,despite neither of these being a good deal at 93. **** dude ill send you links for better ones if you want. mbs dealers only
The disel is at some no name dealer. Both have clear carfax and I have repair histories for both and no major issues.
no name dealer = no thank you sir
The gas car has new brakes performed at the dealer. So all that being said, which would you pick?
my brake job was like 500 with rotors.... not a deciding factor... their small brakes
So how do you compare 35 mpg to 25 mpg?
Ok, ive put 100s of thousands of miles on these cars. The gas cars averae 15-17mpg with half city, half highway. Sure on the highway you get up to 27 on a long cross country drive, but you will be idling, youll be sitting around with your a/c on at lights... youll see between 15-27 worst/best, and ive averaged as low as 15 on my e350 gas. not even the 550. california btw
my diesel, gets average 24 over 40k miles put on the car. Including multiple 1000 mile trips getting 33-40 mpgs for the duration, but in city drives is always low-mid 20s. You can get 29/30 sometimes on the street in the v6 if youre going downhill... lol with 0 throttle, but its a real world average of 25-27.... Lowestr of 20, highest of 41 is what ive seen before on a 15 mi fwy drive home from work, downwind =D
How do you compare instant torque at 60 mph passing to gasoline engine where you press the gas pedal and you have to wait 2 seconds for computer/engine to "make their mind" what gear to apply?
the diesels a full second, second and a half depending on tires and trans/diff fluid quality slower in the 0-60 and quarter mile. It also only revs to 4000, so it changes the way you drive and if you're someone who likes to feel the engine, you will sometimes miss it; it does feel great midrange, and does not need to kickdown as often; but the gasoline engine is way smoother. 2011 is port injection, 2013 on is direct, and they do change the throttle feel quite a bit between the two.... but both have a good throttle response.
So the tq rating alone is not a direct explanation of how it feels. diesel, off the line is slow, as its 300 pounds heavier in the nose, (4050lbs i think) then the already heavier w212 over w211. so youll get 6.5 in the gas, ish; and 7.8 in the diesel. good tires, best of 20 launches. It does have less stress on the transmission, the same exact 7g tronic as the 2011 gas e350, but only revving to 4k instead of 6.5k So the trans service is less critical.
if you dont service your gas e350, it will begin slipping by 60k. the diesel is more forgiving, and will not need an engine rebuild until 250k instead of 150k.
Personally, i bought and am keeping the e350 v6 diesel i have. did so infact b4 the 2 liters came out. i prefer the hydraulic steering of the v6. the 250 comes with epas i believe, but i for sure know the new e classes started coming with electric.
mine had the oil cooler repair at 45k, and otherwise you just haveto mind the adblue container and make sure to fill and flush when you should. oil cooler can be 4000$ at some mechanics.... so make sure it was done early. best if before it began leaking, as the color of the new ones indicates it.
If you dont have a gas car to switch off to like me, sometimes youll miss winding out an engine and hearing the scream, but the diesel is wonderful and u can redline it all around the city and stil get 20 mpg. lol (also dont bother chiptuning the diesel. the seals dont like it. if you want to tune, go gas)
Ok, ive put 100s of thousands of miles on these cars. The gas cars averae 15-17mpg with half city, half highway. Sure on the highway you get up to 27 on a long cross country drive, but you will be idling, youll be sitting around with your a/c on at lights... youll see between 15-27 worst/best, and ive averaged as low as 15 on my e350 gas. not even the 550. california btw
my diesel, gets average 24 over 40k miles put on the car. Including multiple 1000 mile trips getting 33-40 mpgs for the duration, but in city drives is always low-mid 20s. You can get 29/30 sometimes on the street in the v6 if youre going downhill... lol with 0 throttle, but its a real world average of 25-27.... Lowestr of 20, highest of 41 is what ive seen before on a 15 mi fwy drive home from work, downwind =D
How do you compare instant torque at 60 mph passing to gasoline engine where you press the gas pedal and you have to wait 2 seconds for computer/engine to "make their mind" what gear to apply?
the diesels a full second, second and a half depending on tires and trans/diff fluid quality slower in the 0-60 and quarter mile. It also only revs to 4000, so it changes the way you drive and if you're someone who likes to feel the engine, you will sometimes miss it; it does feel great midrange, and does not need to kickdown as often; but the gasoline engine is way smoother. 2011 is port injection, 2013 on is direct, and they do change the throttle feel quite a bit between the two.... but both have a good throttle response.
So the tq rating alone is not a direct explanation of how it feels. diesel, off the line is slow, as its 300 pounds heavier in the nose, (4050lbs i think) then the already heavier w212 over w211. so youll get 6.5 in the gas, ish; and 7.8 in the diesel. good tires, best of 20 launches. It does have less stress on the transmission, the same exact 7g tronic as the 2011 gas e350, but only revving to 4k instead of 6.5k So the trans service is less critical.
if you dont service your gas e350, it will begin slipping by 60k. the diesel is more forgiving, and will not need an engine rebuild until 250k instead of 150k.
Personally, i bought and am keeping the e350 v6 diesel i have. did so infact b4 the 2 liters came out. i prefer the hydraulic steering of the v6. the 250 comes with epas i believe, but i for sure know the new e classes started coming with electric.
mine had the oil cooler repair at 45k, and otherwise you just haveto mind the adblue container and make sure to fill and flush when you should. oil cooler can be 4000$ at some mechanics.... so make sure it was done early. best if before it began leaking, as the color of the new ones indicates it.
If you dont have a gas car to switch off to like me, sometimes youll miss winding out an engine and hearing the scream, but the diesel is wonderful and u can redline it all around the city and stil get 20 mpg. lol (also dont bother chiptuning the diesel. the seals dont like it. if you want to tune, go gas)
Last edited by Trancebolt; 03-18-2018 at 01:38 PM.
03-18-2018 | 06:20 PM
#14
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 507
Likes: 16
'11 E350BTC P2 Leather
I have a 2011 E-350 Bluetec Diesel with 120,000 miles on it.
Aside from one EGR valve replaced under warranty, and the Ad-Blue heater (not under warranty) the car has been flawless. Zero leaks, zero problems, knock wood.
The car is still a blast to drive, and she pulls like a tractor when you step on it at 50.
I bought mine to be a highway cruiser (P2, leather and luxury, wish it had distronic) and it is spectacular for that. I have done many 500, 600, 700 mile days, and the car just loves to be put on the highway, set the cruise to 73 and eat the miles up. I've gotten over 600 miles on a tank more than a dozen times; good luck doing that with the gasser.
At this point, I can't imagine ever owning a gasoline engine car again.
Aside from one EGR valve replaced under warranty, and the Ad-Blue heater (not under warranty) the car has been flawless. Zero leaks, zero problems, knock wood.
The car is still a blast to drive, and she pulls like a tractor when you step on it at 50.
I bought mine to be a highway cruiser (P2, leather and luxury, wish it had distronic) and it is spectacular for that. I have done many 500, 600, 700 mile days, and the car just loves to be put on the highway, set the cruise to 73 and eat the miles up. I've gotten over 600 miles on a tank more than a dozen times; good luck doing that with the gasser.
At this point, I can't imagine ever owning a gasoline engine car again.
