E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

W212 E250 Bluetec or A6 TDI?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 10, 2020 | 07:49 PM
  #1  
bluetec15's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Bradford, ON
2009 W211 Bluetec
W212 E250 Bluetec or A6 TDI?

Hi everyone,
I realize this forum might have bias towards certain maker but regardless, which one of these 2 will hold its resale value when buying a 2014-2015 model?
This will have lots of variables of course like mileage, condition etc but looking for general impressions out there.
Also if you have real experience with E250, any long term issues to look out for, have you had the odor/mold issues from vents?
There are lots of W212 E250s in my area up to around 30 or more in Greater Toronto Area, while only 7 A6s.
Whats also interesting is that only 2 of the E250s come in the Luxury trim, as not a big fan of the sporty nose...
Any feedback is welcome
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2020 | 10:14 PM
  #2  
ml3504matic____'s Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 545
Likes: 230
From: Toronto & California
2015 ML400 4MATIC, 2016 C300 4MATIC, 2014 E350 4MATIC (Totaled), 2006 E350 (Sold)
Originally Posted by bluetec15
Hi everyone,
I realize this forum might have bias towards certain maker but regardless, which one of these 2 will hold its resale value when buying a 2014-2015 model?
This will have lots of variables of course like mileage, condition etc but looking for general impressions out there.
Also if you have real experience with E250, any long term issues to look out for, have you had the odor/mold issues from vents?
There are lots of W212 E250s in my area up to around 30 or more in Greater Toronto Area, while only 7 A6s.
Whats also interesting is that only 2 of the E250s come in the Luxury trim, as not a big fan of the sporty nose...
Any feedback is welcome
Hi, I was in a similar position as well, except with gas models. But for diesel’s the E250 does carry a 4 cylinder engine instead of the Audi A6, I assume it has 6 cylinders. I now own a 2014 E350 that used to travel to Florida on the daily from Up north of Toronto, and no I don’t have Moldy cabin smells at all. I personally find the Audi’s to hold up better in terms of resale value as well when looking at autotrader. Pm me I’m in the GTA area as well

given the whole diesel gate issue as well. It’s hard to say which is better. Try both and see what you’re comfortable with.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2020 | 09:08 AM
  #3  
drdantheman1's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 96
Likes: 21
From: Miami, FL
2014 e250 bluetec
I was between the two when looking for a diesel sedan. In the end, it came down to what my priorities were. My main purpose of getting a diesel was for great MPG with less frequent fuel stops and for that, the mercedes wins. A RWD e250 will do 40-45 mpg on the highway easily. The A6 all came with AWD and with the v6 diesel, does around 32-38 mpg highway. I didn't mind the slight penalty in performance since I also have a fast car in my garage. If you want a better performing car with the security of AWD at the penalty of slightly less mpg, the audi is a good choice.

As far as problems, the only diesel specific issue I've had is with the adblue tank heater, which mercedes agreed to pay half of the cost to fix.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2020 | 10:56 AM
  #4  
mfab's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 28
E250 GLE300d
The E250 has been the best car I've ever owned. It's really magic on the highway, smooth and quiet. I just did a round trip to Florida and averaged over 40mpg. I made each leg of the trip on a single fuel stop.

You don't really care which has held it's value better from new, you care about which will hold value from this point forward. I believe that's the Mercedes by far.

I think you have to have some concerns as these cars age about reliability. I think the Mercedes is reliable, but any issue you have will be more expensive to fix than it should be. I like the Audi interior better, but that said, I would NEVER own an Audi out of warranty. The biggest concern with the E250 is how the blueTec system will age.

The E250 luxury model probably has the comfort springs. The comfort springs are still relatively taut. I found the sport springs to be way too firm for me. Get the all wheel drive model if you have a choice (in Canada they might all be, but in the US they make a RWD).

Good luck.

/

Last edited by mfab; Jan 11, 2020 at 11:03 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2020 | 01:34 PM
  #5  
bluetec15's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Bradford, ON
2009 W211 Bluetec
Originally Posted by ml3504matic____
Hi, I was in a similar position as well, except with gas models. But for diesel’s the E250 does carry a 4 cylinder engine instead of the Audi A6, I assume it has 6 cylinders. I now own a 2014 E350 that used to travel to Florida on the daily from Up north of Toronto, and no I don’t have Moldy cabin smells at all. I personally find the Audi’s to hold up better in terms of resale value as well when looking at autotrader. Pm me I’m in the GTA area as well

given the whole diesel gate issue as well. It’s hard to say which is better. Try both and see what you’re comfortable with.
Honestly moldy cabin smell is what would steer me away from this model so good to know you dont have it! I had a W211 E320 bluetec at some point with the smelly vents and as much as I loved it, that was the primary reason it was sold - at just above 305.000 kms while still going strong.
But yes I agree I would have to see how A6 drives and go from there.
Best of luck on the roads!
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2020 | 01:40 PM
  #6  
bluetec15's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Bradford, ON
2009 W211 Bluetec
Originally Posted by drdantheman1
I was between the two when looking for a diesel sedan. In the end, it came down to what my priorities were. My main purpose of getting a diesel was for great MPG with less frequent fuel stops and for that, the mercedes wins. A RWD e250 will do 40-45 mpg on the highway easily. The A6 all came with AWD and with the v6 diesel, does around 32-38 mpg highway. I didn't mind the slight penalty in performance since I also have a fast car in my garage. If you want a better performing car with the security of AWD at the penalty of slightly less mpg, the audi is a good choice.

As far as problems, the only diesel specific issue I've had is with the adblue tank heater, which mercedes agreed to pay half of the cost to fix.
It is my understanding that the E250 only came with 4Matic in Canada so the choice might be obvious
I do love the MB all around having owned the previous model for about 3 yrs. What kind of warranty did E250 come with 3-4-5yrs? Im wondering if I grab a 2016 MY I might have some warranty left.
The TDI on the other hand does have the extended TDI warranty due to the VW scandal which in some cases is good till 2022 and 200000 kms...
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2020 | 01:46 PM
  #7  
bluetec15's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Bradford, ON
2009 W211 Bluetec
Originally Posted by mfab
The E250 has been the best car I've ever owned. It's really magic on the highway, smooth and quiet. I just did a round trip to Florida and averaged over 40mpg. I made each leg of the trip on a single fuel stop.

You don't really care which has held it's value better from new, you care about which will hold value from this point forward. I believe that's the Mercedes by far.

I think you have to have some concerns as these cars age about reliability. I think the Mercedes is reliable, but any issue you have will be more expensive to fix than it should be. I like the Audi interior better, but that said, I would NEVER own an Audi out of warranty. The biggest concern with the E250 is how the blueTec system will age.

The E250 luxury model probably has the comfort springs. The comfort springs are still relatively taut. I found the sport springs to be way too firm for me. Get the all wheel drive model if you have a choice (in Canada they might all be, but in the US they make a RWD).

Good luck.

/
So which model did you end up going with? Due to the Android Auto hidden features in 2016 MY I would like to get that but I just checked AutoTrader Canada wide and there are no Luxury trims available...
Also has anyone done the adblue delete due to the added complexity/potential issues? Getting rid of that plus EGR and engine can surely do 1 million kms easy
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2020 | 02:40 PM
  #8  
mfab's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 28
E250 GLE300d
Originally Posted by bluetec15
So which model did you end up going with? Due to the Android Auto hidden features in 2016 MY I would like to get that but I just checked AutoTrader Canada wide and there are no Luxury trims available...
Also has anyone done the adblue delete due to the added complexity/potential issues? Getting rid of that plus EGR and engine can surely do 1 million kms easy

Mine is an E250 4Matic Sport but I have the comfort springs. This is the best combination for me. The 4Matic is very unobtrusive, but the car is really poised in the snow/wet.

Do the Canadian cars offer a year with the 9 speed transmission? If so, I would get that model. I honestly think the only flaw in the car is it just needs a little more gearing.

I still have my Adblue system and it's working 100%. But, there are a few members who have had it removed by a Canadian company.

I'm at 85K miles and still under 100K CPO warranty. Only issues beyond normal maintenance have been: Key push button not recognized and the parking brake lever. Dealer fixed both under CPO. I figure the expensive things will break in another 20K miles or so...

/

Last edited by mfab; Jan 11, 2020 at 02:44 PM.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 11, 2020 | 08:49 PM
  #9  
kajtek1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Not direct comparison, but years ago when I was driving E320 wagon 4M, I bought Audi Avant quattro for my son.
Hated darn Audi as for much smaller and lighter car it had lower mpg and several options like "take a break" every 2 hr, very weird shifting paddles and higher road noise.
Now we are comparing new era cars, so that might be different story, but OM651 is the best diesel engine that ever made it to America.
Just compare that Sprinters are also sold with those engines and 4-cylinder models have resale value about $4000 higher than V6 siblings.
My black car is limo version, when white is sport. I don't see big difference in ride comfort. Both have low-profile tires and that makes street bumps pretty feelable.

Last edited by kajtek1; Jan 11, 2020 at 08:52 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2020 | 09:00 AM
  #10  
drdantheman1's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 96
Likes: 21
From: Miami, FL
2014 e250 bluetec
Agree with the above. The only other diesel I might consider instead of the E250 would be the Audi A7 TDI and that's only because I could retrofit the wheels/bumpers from an S7, which I think is a fantastic looking car.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2020 | 03:22 PM
  #11  
mikemargolis's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 507
Likes: 16
'11 E350BTC P2 Leather
Let me chime in here as a former owner of an E-350 diesel.

Mine was a 2011 with the 6 cyl OM-642 engine. At 125,000 miles, I got the dreaded oil leak, which is quite common with that engine.

It was $4000 to fix, and the car, despite being perfect condition, had a book value of under $7000. Disgraceful

I sold the car to Carvana, who never even opened the hood by the way, and bought a 2019 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid.

This car blows away the E350 in every regard except two: the hood ornament and the size of the gas tank.

I get an average of 44mpg, tons of power, more technology than you can shake a stick at, and an oil change costs $50. Not $550 or $1050.

Please please please, I get how wonderful it is to own a Mercedes, stop now before you are subjected to DEF heaters which break and cost $3000, and all the other crap MBUSA puts their owners through. Go buy the Honda.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2020 | 07:12 PM
  #12  
kajtek1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
My ski buddy is driving Honda for years. He's got 360k on older one before it would not pass smog test.
So few years back he was driving 3 yo Honda, while I was driving 10 yo MB diesel with 220k miles on it.
We shared driving, so every other weekend I was driving my car and the other he was driving Honda.
He was always amazed how my old, beaten up MB was much smoother than his newer Honda.
When more of us took a ride and I was on back seat, I had to yell to people on front to be heard.
Oil cooler for OM642 cost $200 when you DIY.
Thank you very much.

Last edited by kajtek1; Jan 13, 2020 at 07:17 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2020 | 07:15 PM
  #13  
mikemargolis's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 507
Likes: 16
'11 E350BTC P2 Leather
I don't expect current MB owners to agree with me, but the former ones sure will.

Enjoy your car, I am enjoying mine (which by the way, has active noise cancelling, so zero road noise, even from my snow tires).

Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:32 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE