Buying an E350 gas or diesel?
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
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2014 GLK
Buying an E350 gas or diesel?
I’ve owned many luxury cars from a few different Mercedes including a GLK, a bmw 740, bmw 330, and bmw Z roadster, and currently I daily drive a 911. I know luxury cars take some extra attention to keep running well, but some have just cost me too much to always be repairing. My 740i after 100k miles was probably costing me $500 a month in repairs, and I don’t want to do that again.
So I’m looking at purchasing an E350 and I have 2 different cars available right now that I’d like some help choosing between. One is a 2010 E350 with about 42000 miles and the other is a 2011 E350 Bluetec with about 46000 miles. Both seem to be well kept and both are the exact same price.
I like the reputation of the mb diesel motors and the better fuel efficiency. But I keep reading about gaskets leaking and crazy repairs with quite low miles... I’d mostly be attracted to the diesel because I thought they were supposed to be more reliable, but online reviews make it sound like a some are just money pits.
I like the idea of the normal gas engine too, I can probably work on it easier, no turbocharger to go bad, but were the 2010 models less reliable because it was the first year for this car? Does the gas engine have the same gasket problem?
Which is going to most likely be more reliable in the end and cost less to own? Are there some things to look out for? Am I better off with a different model all together considering I’m looking for decent reliability?
what one would you buy?
So I’m looking at purchasing an E350 and I have 2 different cars available right now that I’d like some help choosing between. One is a 2010 E350 with about 42000 miles and the other is a 2011 E350 Bluetec with about 46000 miles. Both seem to be well kept and both are the exact same price.
I like the reputation of the mb diesel motors and the better fuel efficiency. But I keep reading about gaskets leaking and crazy repairs with quite low miles... I’d mostly be attracted to the diesel because I thought they were supposed to be more reliable, but online reviews make it sound like a some are just money pits.
I like the idea of the normal gas engine too, I can probably work on it easier, no turbocharger to go bad, but were the 2010 models less reliable because it was the first year for this car? Does the gas engine have the same gasket problem?
Which is going to most likely be more reliable in the end and cost less to own? Are there some things to look out for? Am I better off with a different model all together considering I’m looking for decent reliability?
what one would you buy?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 126
From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
The 2010-2011 E350 gas engine is also less powerful, less fuel efficient and more problem prone then that M276 in the 2012 and newer E350's. So you may want to look for a 2012 or newer.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Here's my input.
I have an '11 E350 Bluetec with 55K miles, and have had the dreaded oil cooler seal leak, which I repaired myself with 16 hours of heavy wrenching. The new Viton seals are lasting a LOT longer from what I know.
There have been a couple other issues with fuel pressure sensors throwing codes, which I replaced, but otherwise the engine has been very strong and very economical. My wife drives it and we never want to sell it.
You can expect crank position sensors to fail every 50K (common on all MB - easy fix), and transmission mounts to sag and need replacing about 50K (again a common failure - easy fix), and the motor mounts to go at about 75K (common MB issue), and batteries to last no longer than 4 years.
If you change the trans fluid every 39K miles (standard interval) the trans is happy. Many will tell you to change the engine oil at 5K, not the 10K interval MB shows. Good idea, can't hurt.
I also use a cetane lubricity additive in the tank which improves mileage another 1-2 MPG and helps the injectors and such.
The failure I expect down the road is the intake tumbler valve, which can be disabled with minimal issues. Otherwise you have to replace the intakes for $1500, which I won't do.
Those are what you can expect from a diesel, as well as a few issues for gas or diesel.
Other than that, I drive it like I stole it and really like the diesel.
I have an '11 E350 Bluetec with 55K miles, and have had the dreaded oil cooler seal leak, which I repaired myself with 16 hours of heavy wrenching. The new Viton seals are lasting a LOT longer from what I know.
There have been a couple other issues with fuel pressure sensors throwing codes, which I replaced, but otherwise the engine has been very strong and very economical. My wife drives it and we never want to sell it.
You can expect crank position sensors to fail every 50K (common on all MB - easy fix), and transmission mounts to sag and need replacing about 50K (again a common failure - easy fix), and the motor mounts to go at about 75K (common MB issue), and batteries to last no longer than 4 years.
If you change the trans fluid every 39K miles (standard interval) the trans is happy. Many will tell you to change the engine oil at 5K, not the 10K interval MB shows. Good idea, can't hurt.
I also use a cetane lubricity additive in the tank which improves mileage another 1-2 MPG and helps the injectors and such.
The failure I expect down the road is the intake tumbler valve, which can be disabled with minimal issues. Otherwise you have to replace the intakes for $1500, which I won't do.
Those are what you can expect from a diesel, as well as a few issues for gas or diesel.
Other than that, I drive it like I stole it and really like the diesel.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I did own all MB diesels (worth owning) that were imported to USA in last 30 years.
In the past they would keep going got 300, 400, 500, 600 thousand miles without much of engine work.
Now due to newer emission requirement and more demanding technology they require more maintenance on the way but so does SBC, Airmatic, balance shafts, radars and dozens of other parts you have not seen on older cars.
I like diesels to start with and I know how to work on them and more than that I love the immediate gas pedal response where engine will pull the car without dropping multiple gears.
Still small details aside, it cost me 7- 8 cents in fuel to drive 1 mile. Try that on premium.
In the past they would keep going got 300, 400, 500, 600 thousand miles without much of engine work.
Now due to newer emission requirement and more demanding technology they require more maintenance on the way but so does SBC, Airmatic, balance shafts, radars and dozens of other parts you have not seen on older cars.
I like diesels to start with and I know how to work on them and more than that I love the immediate gas pedal response where engine will pull the car without dropping multiple gears.
Still small details aside, it cost me 7- 8 cents in fuel to drive 1 mile. Try that on premium.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3
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2011 MB E 350 bluetec
I have the 2011 E 350 Bluetec, it is at 142k. I would say expect to spend on it, they have oil leak and transmission issues which are costly to repair. on my next purchase I will stay away from so called luxury cars... have you looked into the 2019 Hyndai Genesis G90? ranked 4th best luxury car and have double the belts and whistles with a 100k warranty and much cheaper maintenence (: just a thought
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 18
From: Overland Park, KS
2013 SL550 Edition 1 and 2017 GLS 550
2011 Mercedes E-350 Luxury Wagon with 194,600 miles! Had a transmission failure at 191,000 and dealership put in a used transmission with 80k miles with a 12 month unlimited warranty for $5,300. Indy shop would have done it for about $3,800, but I figured it was worth it for the warranty.
Otherwise, no expensive issues. No fluid leaks, does not burn oil and is a fabulous vehicle to drive. Also have a 2015 GL550 and a 2013 SL550 Edition1. I drive the wagon a lot and would take it anywhere without any concerns!
Otherwise, no expensive issues. No fluid leaks, does not burn oil and is a fabulous vehicle to drive. Also have a 2015 GL550 and a 2013 SL550 Edition1. I drive the wagon a lot and would take it anywhere without any concerns!
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
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From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
My new diesel experience.
Bought Sprinter van yesterday in high and extended version.
Powered by the same 4-banger I have in E250 BT, but for van application the engine is detuned to 161 HP.
So I was expecting underpower symptoms I remember from times when I was driving 44 HP Volkswagen.
No such thing. The 4-cylinder torque not only makes it moving in traffic (we cut from San Diego via LA agromelation in early afternoon) but van was taking most of grades without downshifting. Only on 17 miles Baker grade it downshifted 3/4 up the climb and this grade is famous for overheated vehicles fires.
Averaged 22.7 mpg keeping CC at 70 mph, but that include LA traffic.
Van has 255,000 miles on it.
Bought Sprinter van yesterday in high and extended version.
Powered by the same 4-banger I have in E250 BT, but for van application the engine is detuned to 161 HP.
So I was expecting underpower symptoms I remember from times when I was driving 44 HP Volkswagen.
No such thing. The 4-cylinder torque not only makes it moving in traffic (we cut from San Diego via LA agromelation in early afternoon) but van was taking most of grades without downshifting. Only on 17 miles Baker grade it downshifted 3/4 up the climb and this grade is famous for overheated vehicles fires.
Averaged 22.7 mpg keeping CC at 70 mph, but that include LA traffic.
Van has 255,000 miles on it.
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 115
Likes: 93
From: Houston, TX
2010 E550
2010 E550, mileage ~165k
Issues...
(i) rear airmatic springs, replaced with Arnott.
(ii) front airmatic assemblies, replaced with OEM
(iii) brake pads, but original disks (but they're due for a change)
(iv) ECU
(v) corrugated pipe thing that feeds air from above radiator to air filter, disintegrated with heat, need second replacement but don't think part is available.
(vi) rain sensor (reported bad but may be harness) installed new but never calibrated.
(vii) oil level, changed sensor twice, still gives error, need to investigate.
(viii) door locking switch replaced, cosmetic.
(ix) steering wheel push buttons replaced, cosmetic
(x) there was a centrifugal oil scavenging thing that was between the back of the RH bank of cylinder and the firewall, it was leaking, tricky to get to.
(xi) alternator replaced but suspect it was just a bad battery.
(xii) no light bulbs! that'll jinx things
(xiii) I do have a slow freon link, top off every 2 years.
(xiv) twice a year the transmission does a strange downshift.
(xv) I can no longer turn the AC off, but then I'm in Houston so no big loss.
(xvi) have panoramic roof so did drop headliner to tighten bolts.
(xvii) on journeys over 150 miles I get an airmatic warning, but car doesn't drop when parked, may just be weak compressor.
I'm probably missing a couple of things, I've had it way longer than expected, just love the NA V8.
Peter
Issues...
(i) rear airmatic springs, replaced with Arnott.
(ii) front airmatic assemblies, replaced with OEM
(iii) brake pads, but original disks (but they're due for a change)
(iv) ECU
(v) corrugated pipe thing that feeds air from above radiator to air filter, disintegrated with heat, need second replacement but don't think part is available.
(vi) rain sensor (reported bad but may be harness) installed new but never calibrated.
(vii) oil level, changed sensor twice, still gives error, need to investigate.
(viii) door locking switch replaced, cosmetic.
(ix) steering wheel push buttons replaced, cosmetic
(x) there was a centrifugal oil scavenging thing that was between the back of the RH bank of cylinder and the firewall, it was leaking, tricky to get to.
(xi) alternator replaced but suspect it was just a bad battery.
(xii) no light bulbs! that'll jinx things
(xiii) I do have a slow freon link, top off every 2 years.
(xiv) twice a year the transmission does a strange downshift.
(xv) I can no longer turn the AC off, but then I'm in Houston so no big loss.
(xvi) have panoramic roof so did drop headliner to tighten bolts.
(xvii) on journeys over 150 miles I get an airmatic warning, but car doesn't drop when parked, may just be weak compressor.
I'm probably missing a couple of things, I've had it way longer than expected, just love the NA V8.
Peter
