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-   -   Eyeing a 2012 E350 wagon (https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/711392-eyeing-2012-e350-wagon.html)

faugrad 06-20-2018 01:28 PM
Eyeing a 2012 E350 wagon
 
New to the forum and I had a few questions. I did search but the results were all over the place and figured I can ask a few questions and have a central point for answers. I'm currently driving a 2013 GTI but have been eyeing a E350 wagon. I'm getting older (36 going on 37) work a Director level position and just feel like I need a little bit something more grown up.
I despise SUVs, and not bit into sedans which is the reason my current GTI is the third one in over 12 years, which is the reason I'm eyeing a E350 wagon. I wanted to see if the direct injected E350s suffer from timing chain and carbon deposit issues. These two issues are quite common on the 2.0T engines that are in the GTI to the point were some engines blow at 60k miles due to timing chain having jumped multiple teeth. I'm aware that the new Mercedes aren't the same as the ones from the 80s that you still see driving around but I would like to be able to keep it for 10+ years if possible.

thenew3 06-20-2018 02:32 PM
I have not read much about timing chain or carbon issue on the M276 engine. My own 2013 E350 wagon has been almost flawless. I think the E class is one of the most reliable MB vehicles. and there are so many of the M276 engines out there we would've heard more if there is a design issue with the timing chain or carbon build up.

VdubbG 06-21-2018 09:40 AM
Part of the reason I went with a 2011. I have had mine 6 months. I love it. I drove a 13 and really didn't notice the uptick in horse power.

nc211 06-21-2018 02:34 PM
I have my 2014 E350 sedan for 2 main reasons (1) I felt much the same as you re: mature car, age (44), job level (SVP), and feeling need for a cruiser, and (2) I simply did not want to give up my 2015 VW GTI (also my 3rd in a row following an 07 and 13). I went to trade the GTI last summer for a new Toureq Executive that was heavily discounted. All was lining up until the trade value on my GTI (flawless, loaded, 32k miles). That’s when I realized what the subprime lending world has done to the automotive world. No way was I going to give away my beloved GTI. So went CPO shopping instead and lead me right to my Benz. Bought it with 22k miles as a CPO one year ago. Just drove it 1,500 miles on a road trip. Back in the office today - and guess what I drove this morning? Yep, my little pocket rocket GTI.

If if you can swing it - keep both! You’ll miss that GTI my friend, I promise you. Not saying the Benz isn’t much nicer, but two totally different cars that are masters at what they do. Perfect combo.

End of the day - I have both for about 80% of what that Toureq was going to cost.

faugrad 06-21-2018 04:07 PM
Originally Posted by nc211 (Post 7484737)
I have my 2014 E350 sedan for 2 main reasons (1) I felt much the same as you re: mature car, age (44), job level (SVP), and feeling need for a cruiser, and (2) I simply did not want to give up my 2015 VW GTI (also my 3rd in a row following an 07 and 13). I went to trade the GTI last summer for a new Toureq Executive that was heavily discounted. All was lining up until the trade value on my GTI (flawless, loaded, 32k miles). That’s when I realized what the subprime lending world has done to the automotive world. No way was I going to give away my beloved GTI. So went CPO shopping instead and lead me right to my Benz. Bought it with 22k miles as a CPO one year ago. Just drove it 1,500 miles on a road trip. Back in the office today - and guess what I drove this morning? Yep, my little pocket rocket GTI.

If if you can swing it - keep both! You’ll miss that GTI my friend, I promise you. Not saying the Benz isn’t much nicer, but two totally different cars that are masters at what they do. Perfect combo.

End of the day - I have both for about 80% of what that Toureq was going to cost.
Yes, I could definitely swing both as the GTI has been paid off for years and that's a good idea.

nc211 06-21-2018 04:31 PM
Originally Posted by faugrad (Post 7484833)
Yes, I could definitely swing both as the GTI has been paid off for years and that's a good idea.
just run a couple of bottles of GumOut with PEA through the tank of the VW and drive it relatively hard. Also change the PCV unit ($10). Once the GTI becomes the toy - get it tuned with an APR Stage 1 software update and enjoy the holy snot out of it! I did on my 13 and the thing turned into a land missile. It was fantastic! I only have my 15 because it was the exact same price as my 13 and decided to just trade to the newer version while getting the DSG fluid serviced one day instead of paying for the service. Good and bad decision. The 13 has some plus above the 15 in several areas. I miss my 13!

I love the feeling in the morning of trying to decide between driving a Mercedes Benz to work or a GTI. Keeping the GTI was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

But to answer your initial question of carbon build up - not a big topic here. Research I found was that these cars don’t have an egr valve (exhaust gas return, I believe) which helps to prevent the carbon from the direct injection. Also read somewhere on here of double variable cam/valve timing to prevent it. Also remember the 2.0 has a turbo. The 350 is a pure 6. Comes in the front, out the back, no recirculating of already cooked air.

These E’s are taxi cabs in Germany. So you can imagine how tough they can be in the grand scheme of Mercedes Benz.


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