berman2921

In September 2016 after owning a string of e90/92 BMWs I was offered a really good lease deal on 2016 E350. During the first year not a day passed that I didn't miss my 328 with its magical steering and sports seats. After listening to my regrets and complains one of the MB managers predicted that I would get used to E350 and wouldn't want to drive anything but a MB. Magically his prediction came true and I started enjoying my Mercedes more and more. On Monday I was offered a very good lease deal on a BMW 340i xdrive with M adaptive suspension that made me think hard. However my MB dealer came thru and was able to give me an even better deal on a loaner E300 with 3,400 miles. After just sitting in the MB cabin I was sold. I know I'm downgrading big time in terms of sheer power but E300 handled surprisingly well, turned flat, and the ride was very compliant even on the 19" tires.

Mud

Welcome. I still find my 2011 to be a great car.
All brands have their challenges, I'm old enough to remember the dark ages before internet and forum resources to help fix troubles

berman2921

Thank you

TeeEl

There was a time before the internet!? *Breaks out in cold sweat*

Personally, the biggest issue I have with BMW are the owners. They almost all tend to be enormous *******s. Even one of my best friends who has owned nothing but BMWs for the last decade tends toward the ******* side. I recognize that the cars are decent but I could never own one. (Put me in an M3 and I'll drive the hell out of it though.)

2012 merc amg

I agree the E300 is a nice car. I had a loaner one the beginning of the week and thought it was plenty of power and handled and rode nice. Unfortunately my E450 is still not done and I'm in a GLA now, don't like this car much.

OnlyGerman

You definitely will not go back after the w213. Much improvement where the w212 felt lacking. The w212 was always missing something in my opinion...It also has not aged well compared to the w211.

berman2921

Hopefully I won't miss the W212's extra power from V6

DFWdude

Welcome aboard. I had a loaner E300 just last Monday while my W212 was being serviced. Very nice car, and plenty peppy for my needs.

Like all car forums, most of the threads here are folks with problems looking for answer help. It's enough to make you think that MBs are piles of junk. But I hope you find the opposite, like me.

I bought my first MB in 2001 as new, and it has been a blessing to drive and service for 18 years now. Aside from tires, brakes and other necessary maintenance, I've spent only $1100-$1200 on unscheduled "repairs." So it's held up amazingly well, and is as solid today as the day I drove it home from the dealer. My daughter drives it now, but it still lives at my home, so I get to see it daily.

I've had my W212 for a year now, and it seems to be shaping up the same.as the 2001 model. Good luck with yours. And welcome aboard again.

teksurv

I've had a few E300 loaners. They have the same torque as the previous V6, just available at earlier RPM. Where the two engines differ is in 60-80mph acceleration on freeways/highways. Around town the E300 is as good or better than the 212 E350. On the highway, it's possible you may see a difference, a bit slower. I went for the 3.0 biturbo V6 in the C238 (213 derived coupe) and couldn't be happier. I drive a lot on freeways. If I didn't, the 2.0 turbo 4 would be fine with me.

berman2921

I tried to negotiate few E43s and E400s but to no avail. I got a $66,000 E300 for $540 a month all in for a 36/10 lease. Moreover, we pay tax on the entire sale price in MD. E43 and E400 were materially more expensive. In 2016 E350 was $415/month though

TeeEl

I personally like the interior of the W213 better, but not the exterior. The W212 is freaking gorgeous to me but could use a few touches inside.

teksurv

Understood. I noticed the same. The E300's lease (relatively) well though they decreased residual values as have others. The V6 models now lease like the V8 models did prior, and the coupes, far far worse than that.

berman2921

I also liked the exterior of W212 although I should not have got it in white. W213 in black looks pretty good to me

rustybear3

If only you could have a W212 exterior with the W213 interior, man, what a sweet best seller you could have!
Why this obsession with having all the models look the same on the exterior....

jonUF02

Nothing shy of 400hp and a load of torque will be "enough power" for me now. I think I'll have the E550 for a long time since they don't make a non-AMG V8 anymore.

TeeEl

I got a GLA loaner from the dealership and I definitely don't like it much either. Going from an E550 to a GLA250? No spankyou. But seriously, the throttle feels super jerky, I HATE the engine shutoff at idle, the shifting is harsh and the revs feel unnaturally high (but that could just be the 4 banger screaming for mercy). I kind of like the "infotainment" display but I haven't played with it much. The one thing that I LOVE about it is the reverse camera. Huge bump up from what I have. It has the pathing that adjusts as you turn the wheel. Thank God I should have my E550 back this evening.

Arrie

All for his own

I seriously think the pre-face lift W212 Avantgarde model is the best looking E-Class ever made. If I was to buy another MB sedan it would absolutely not be a W213. Not the worst looking car on the road but not even close best looking either. Just like S and C class new models. They all look the same and from distance cant tell difference between them. Same problem as BMW has with their sedans.

Mine is a 2010 model built in May 2009 so it becomes 10 years old in a month. In September 15th it is 10 years old on road. Car is in very good condition and has all options but Night View and rear seat entertainment. And it is RWD.

The only eyesore is the Distronic “painted” stripes in front but this i fixed with a big star grille from 55Tech and hood badge from dfwdude.

Personally I don’t know what feature in the new models iI would need as I cannot use internet when I drive. And if i would need one the $20 hot spot I carry works just fine for that.

And others, like my local dealer, also know my car’s value. Just last week i received a letter they would buy my car with Kelley Blue Book + 10%. My car has kbb value at $8800. Would i give it away for $9600? No f**king way! This car is to stay. I’ll repair/replace engine and transmission in this car rather than give it away and then pay hefty money to get driving something as good.