The W212 E-Class is one of the best Mercedes-Benz Cars Ever?
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I wouldn't say it's the best looking MB, but definitely the best looking E Class to me,
however I hate the face-lifted W212, I love that quad headlight and the body crease on the rear door and quarter panel,
and the cost cutting in the face-lifted model interior just make it looks cheap.
however I hate the face-lifted W212, I love that quad headlight and the body crease on the rear door and quarter panel,
and the cost cutting in the face-lifted model interior just make it looks cheap.
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I thought you could always put a star on the hood. The sports model just has a badge, but I suppose you could put the star on. I think it's all the same star, one star fits C, E, S, pretty much all of them. Might look out of place with the grill though. I always felt that if anyone snapped off my star, I was just going to go with a flat badge, but then when I snapped it off being too aggressive with the snow removal, I just got another star instead of the badge because I got used to seeing it all the time.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I thought you could always put a star on the hood. The sports model just has a badge, but I suppose you could put the star on. I think it's all the same star, one star fits C, E, S, pretty much all of them. Might look out of place with the grill though. I always felt that if anyone snapped off my star, I was just going to go with a flat badge, but then when I snapped it off being too aggressive with the snow removal, I just got another star instead of the badge because I got used to seeing it all the time.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 93
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From: West Los Angeles
2003 W203 C230, 2021 RS6, 2022 992S, 2024 Q8 Etron
212 is probably the best Mercedes this century but I won't go as far as saying it is greatest ever.
I think 124 is probably the greatest ever Mercedes if you take the view that it was old-school over-built but not overly complicated like the 140. More modern than 123 and 126 and with classic good looks and 5 body styles: sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible, pullman. I was born in 1975 so 123 and 124 were the Mercedes of my childhood... 123 was tough and practical machine but 124 elevated the luxury quite a bit and the later models have quite modern engines. Everything after 124 is basically a disaster from a quality and reliability standpoint until 211 came out. But 212 is the first E-class Mercedes sedan since 124/140 that has that vault-like feeling of quality and engineering, and so far, 212 is also showing it has the durability to match the 124. Later year 211 are also showing pretty good durability but some early 211 were still suffering from quality hangover from the horrible 210 days.
I think 124 is probably the greatest ever Mercedes if you take the view that it was old-school over-built but not overly complicated like the 140. More modern than 123 and 126 and with classic good looks and 5 body styles: sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible, pullman. I was born in 1975 so 123 and 124 were the Mercedes of my childhood... 123 was tough and practical machine but 124 elevated the luxury quite a bit and the later models have quite modern engines. Everything after 124 is basically a disaster from a quality and reliability standpoint until 211 came out. But 212 is the first E-class Mercedes sedan since 124/140 that has that vault-like feeling of quality and engineering, and so far, 212 is also showing it has the durability to match the 124. Later year 211 are also showing pretty good durability but some early 211 were still suffering from quality hangover from the horrible 210 days.
Last edited by bzcat; Aug 20, 2020 at 09:08 PM.
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It's not easy to swap the grille in the facelift cars to go to the luxury one with the standing star. You could put a star on anyway, but that's a bit much. The facelift sport grille is riveted to the bumper.
I have always had the standing star, as well. I swapped grilles on both my W204s to accommodate the star. Can't do it with the 2016 like I planned, but it's fine. If you draw the line at the hood star, you might have to start looking for another brand. Mercedes has eliminated it altogether for the US W213 facelift. The new W223 will have a star in the grille on some models for the first time. I expect the disappearance of it on the C-class as well with the W206, though I'm not sure it wasn't eliminated on the facelift W205 already as I've never seen one without the grille star. None of the smaller cars have it at all, and IIRC the only SUV to have it is the Maybach version of the GLS. So the options in the future will be few.
Personally, if I leave the brand after the W212 it will be because of the hideous new interior designs. The W213 is the worst offender to my eye, but I hate pretty much every new Benz with the double screen thing. The only ones I like are the current C and GLC where the screens are separate and gauge screen still in a hood like normal.
Can someone explain to me the "cost cutting" that is talked about in the facelift cars? I don't see it.
I have always had the standing star, as well. I swapped grilles on both my W204s to accommodate the star. Can't do it with the 2016 like I planned, but it's fine. If you draw the line at the hood star, you might have to start looking for another brand. Mercedes has eliminated it altogether for the US W213 facelift. The new W223 will have a star in the grille on some models for the first time. I expect the disappearance of it on the C-class as well with the W206, though I'm not sure it wasn't eliminated on the facelift W205 already as I've never seen one without the grille star. None of the smaller cars have it at all, and IIRC the only SUV to have it is the Maybach version of the GLS. So the options in the future will be few.
Personally, if I leave the brand after the W212 it will be because of the hideous new interior designs. The W213 is the worst offender to my eye, but I hate pretty much every new Benz with the double screen thing. The only ones I like are the current C and GLC where the screens are separate and gauge screen still in a hood like normal.
Can someone explain to me the "cost cutting" that is talked about in the facelift cars? I don't see it.
Last edited by LILBENZ230; Aug 21, 2020 at 07:50 AM.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
It's not easy to swap the grille in the facelift cars to go to the luxury one with the standing star. You could put a star on anyway, but that's a bit much. The facelift sport grille is riveted to the bumper.
I have always had the standing star, as well. I swapped grilles on both my W204s to accommodate the star. Can't do it with the 2016 like I planned, but it's fine. If you draw the line at the hood star, you might have to start looking for another brand. Mercedes has eliminated it altogether for the US W213 facelift. The new W223 will have a star in the grille on some models for the first time. I expect the disappearance of it on the C-class as well with the W206, though I'm not sure it wasn't eliminated on the facelift W205 already as I've never seen one without the grille star. None of the smaller cars have it at all, and IIRC the only SUV to have it is the Maybach version of the GLS. So the options in the future will be few.
Personally, if I leave the brand after the W212 it will be because of the hideous new interior designs. The W213 is the worst offender to my eye, but I hate pretty much every new Benz with the double screen thing. The only ones I like are the current C and GLC where the screens are separate and gauge screen still in a hood like normal.
Can someone explain to me the "cost cutting" that is talked about in the facelift cars? I don't see it.
I have always had the standing star, as well. I swapped grilles on both my W204s to accommodate the star. Can't do it with the 2016 like I planned, but it's fine. If you draw the line at the hood star, you might have to start looking for another brand. Mercedes has eliminated it altogether for the US W213 facelift. The new W223 will have a star in the grille on some models for the first time. I expect the disappearance of it on the C-class as well with the W206, though I'm not sure it wasn't eliminated on the facelift W205 already as I've never seen one without the grille star. None of the smaller cars have it at all, and IIRC the only SUV to have it is the Maybach version of the GLS. So the options in the future will be few.
Personally, if I leave the brand after the W212 it will be because of the hideous new interior designs. The W213 is the worst offender to my eye, but I hate pretty much every new Benz with the double screen thing. The only ones I like are the current C and GLC where the screens are separate and gauge screen still in a hood like normal.
Can someone explain to me the "cost cutting" that is talked about in the facelift cars? I don't see it.
I had to smile because it shows the different tastes people have. I like the W213 interior as it mimics the W222 it they simply scaled it exactly to the C class size I would buy one in a heartbeat. I don't like the iPad but could probably learn to live with one.
My problem is I have been around these cars since early childhood starting with a year old '59 180 and the traditional grill and star are completely ingrained in how these cars should look to me.
I recognize that the star has disappeared from the hood of the C and now the E and will likely eventually depart the S.
If I don't go to a used luxury C or E or S (while I covet them greatly if I am honest with myself they are just too big), there is a good chance that I would buy an A4. My '98 A4 was a much better car from a durability standpoint than the W211 or W212.
It's not that I don't prefer driving my W212 to the A4 it's I don't trust it to go the distance.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Aug 21, 2020 at 02:06 PM.
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Oh I agree, it sounds like we differ in age quite a bit, but my first experience with Benz was a 1985 560SEL. I always thought the standing star was a must, and I even purchased the 2016 with the idea that I'd swap the grille like I always had. Twas a disappointing discovery to learn how much of a PITA it is on the 2014-2016s.
I expect we'll purchase either a facelift W205 RWD C300 AMG line or a facelift GLC300 RWD sometime well in the future. Although at 39,000 miles and not even out of the factory warranty, plus 3 additional years of CPO warranty, I expect the 2016 E350 to be around for some time.
I would also not be opposed to us having a second Macan instead of any Benz. It's a fantastic ride.
I expect we'll purchase either a facelift W205 RWD C300 AMG line or a facelift GLC300 RWD sometime well in the future. Although at 39,000 miles and not even out of the factory warranty, plus 3 additional years of CPO warranty, I expect the 2016 E350 to be around for some time.
I would also not be opposed to us having a second Macan instead of any Benz. It's a fantastic ride.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
212 is probably the best Mercedes this century but I won't go as far as saying it is greatest ever.
I think 124 is probably the greatest ever Mercedes if you take the view that it was old-school over-built but not overly complicated like the 140. More modern than 123 and 126 and with classic good looks and 5 body styles: sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible, pullman. I was born in 1975 so 123 and 124 were the Mercedes of my childhood... 123 was tough and practical machine but 124 elevated the luxury quite a bit and the later models have quite modern engines. Everything after 124 is basically a disaster from a quality and reliability standpoint until 211 came out. But 212 is the first E-class Mercedes sedan since 124/140 that has that vault-like feeling of quality and engineering, and so far, 212 is also showing it has the durability to match the 124. Later year 211 are also showing pretty good durability but some early 211 were still suffering from quality hangover from the horrible 210 days.
I think 124 is probably the greatest ever Mercedes if you take the view that it was old-school over-built but not overly complicated like the 140. More modern than 123 and 126 and with classic good looks and 5 body styles: sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible, pullman. I was born in 1975 so 123 and 124 were the Mercedes of my childhood... 123 was tough and practical machine but 124 elevated the luxury quite a bit and the later models have quite modern engines. Everything after 124 is basically a disaster from a quality and reliability standpoint until 211 came out. But 212 is the first E-class Mercedes sedan since 124/140 that has that vault-like feeling of quality and engineering, and so far, 212 is also showing it has the durability to match the 124. Later year 211 are also showing pretty good durability but some early 211 were still suffering from quality hangover from the horrible 210 days.
I should mention that I am going to have my car aligned with the hope that if something is worn in the suspension that is contributing to the lack of solid feel it will be identified.
Still a nice car best ever don't think so.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Aug 21, 2020 at 02:45 PM.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I should mention that I am going to have my car aligned by the dealership Monday with the hope that if something is worn in the suspension that is contributing to the lack of solid feel it will be identified.
When I had the engine mounts and front diff installed since they dropped the subframe I asked them to evaluate the bushings and the report I got is that they were fine.
When I had the engine mounts and front diff installed since they dropped the subframe I asked them to evaluate the bushings and the report I got is that they were fine.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Aug 21, 2020 at 02:52 PM.
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Hopefully it is something like that. My E350 feels like a rolling fortress, it does not feel at all fragile or flimsy. There has to be some reason that your car feels different. Obviously you have plenty of experience with MB yourself, and I don't think the W212 will ever truly feel like mid-90s or earlier MB, but it should definitely still feel solid.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Hopefully it is something like that. My E350 feels like a rolling fortress, it does not feel at all fragile or flimsy. There has to be some reason that your car feels different. Obviously you have plenty of experience with MB yourself, and I don't think the W212 will ever truly feel like mid-90s or earlier MB, but it should definitely still feel solid.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Unfortunately the 17 and 18" wheels change quite a lot how the car rides over street covers.
For some time I kept older E on 16" wheels and W212 on 17".
The difference in riding was very noticeable.
For some time I kept older E on 16" wheels and W212 on 17".
The difference in riding was very noticeable.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
See this echo's what my service advisor said when I complained about the same thing on my W211. If you go back to my W201 I think that it had 15 in wheels.
To be fair in my old age I may looking for S Class isolation from an E class.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Aug 24, 2020 at 01:42 PM.
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Yes, when I went from three S classes in a row to the 12 E I was glad it was smaller but the ride was certainly "lesser" I got used to it and bought another the next year, my 12 is a luxury and my 13 is a sport, they are not the same car, they look the same mostly, but the 12 is a way better riding car.
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I'm in my 30s and I think of the E350 with the 677 suspension and 18" AMG rims as a bit soft and steering a bit numb. I wish the 486 suspension had been on the sport trims of the W212 like you could get on the W204. Maybe it would not have fit the character of the car, though. My W204s had 486 and they could be quite harsh.
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From: Texas
2011 E350 Bluetec; 2015 ML250 Bluetec; (formerly 2007 E320 Blutec)
It draws up the air from the floor under the seat and pushes it through the perforated leather on the seats. If you have the A/C set on 1/2 coming out of the front vents and 1/2 out the floor vent, of which there is one under the seat, it will run cool air through the seat. Otherwise it will just be ambient temperature air that is pushed through the seat.
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 158
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From: San Francisco
2011 E350 4MATIC Estate Wagon
W212 Pre-FaceLift is better looking
I wouldn't say it's the best looking MB, but definitely the best looking E Class to me,
however I hate the face-lifted W212, I love that quad headlight and the body crease on the rear door and quarter panel,
and the cost cutting in the face-lifted model interior just make it looks cheap.
however I hate the face-lifted W212, I love that quad headlight and the body crease on the rear door and quarter panel,
and the cost cutting in the face-lifted model interior just make it looks cheap.
4Matic Wagon naturally aspirated over the
problematic Direct Injection 2012-2016.
And, the front grill / headlights look more distinctive on the 2011, as does the Ponton rear crease.
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 158
Likes: 44
From: San Francisco
2011 E350 4MATIC Estate Wagon
212 / 210 / 124 comparisons
We replaced our family SUV this week (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited) with a new GLS 450 with lots of bells and whistles on it. This was a birthday present for my wife, as it is the only 3 row SUV that she really liked out there. I also still have my 2014 W212. We are now a 100% german car family (3rd is still my 2015 GTI).
The GLS is the latest from MB. Has the wide dual digital cockpit dash, all tech all over the place. 325 21' in rear tires, 275 21's on the front. Lunar blue with beige MBTex interior (I actually prefer the MBtex over leather for durability, and can't tell that much of a difference between the two to justify the cost and upkeep). By nearly all accounts, this is indeed their flagship SUV offering. And it is spectacular.
But..... Even with all of its creature comforts, EQ Boost engine and turbo straight 6, 0-60 just shy of 6 seconds, air suspension, etc... It still doesn't compare to the W212 in that classic Mercedes Benz bank vault feeling. The sheet metal on the 212 is like the old school 80's big boy benz cruisers - thick with obvious heft. The GLS cruises very well, but again, not like the 212 which just squats down and scoots right along. Nearly $90,000 for the GLS, but the 6 year old 212 sitting next to it, feels a lot more Mercedes Benz to me. Not knocking the GLS, it too is undoubtably a Mercedes Benz, but it's new school vs old school. And old school, is just soooooooo perfect. They really did nail it with the 212. You can tell they threw everything they could at it to bring back the loyalists that Chrysler chased away. I think they did, and picked up a few more along the way (like me).
The GLS is the latest from MB. Has the wide dual digital cockpit dash, all tech all over the place. 325 21' in rear tires, 275 21's on the front. Lunar blue with beige MBTex interior (I actually prefer the MBtex over leather for durability, and can't tell that much of a difference between the two to justify the cost and upkeep). By nearly all accounts, this is indeed their flagship SUV offering. And it is spectacular.
But..... Even with all of its creature comforts, EQ Boost engine and turbo straight 6, 0-60 just shy of 6 seconds, air suspension, etc... It still doesn't compare to the W212 in that classic Mercedes Benz bank vault feeling. The sheet metal on the 212 is like the old school 80's big boy benz cruisers - thick with obvious heft. The GLS cruises very well, but again, not like the 212 which just squats down and scoots right along. Nearly $90,000 for the GLS, but the 6 year old 212 sitting next to it, feels a lot more Mercedes Benz to me. Not knocking the GLS, it too is undoubtably a Mercedes Benz, but it's new school vs old school. And old school, is just soooooooo perfect. They really did nail it with the 212. You can tell they threw everything they could at it to bring back the loyalists that Chrysler chased away. I think they did, and picked up a few more along the way (like me).
I've been fortunate to have had MB's including
a '91 300CE, a '94 E330 Estate, a '94 E320 Cabriolet, a '98 E320 Sedan, a '00 C320 Estate, an '01 E320 Estate 4 Matic & my current '11 E350 Estate 4Matic.
The overall quality stayed high in the 124 & 210
series, with the high grade optional leather seating surfaces.
The wood trim in all models PRIOR to the 212
stayed perfect throughout.
The cost cutting measures started with the 212.
The wood trim had to be replaced (see many reports on MB World of the faded burl wood litigation). I spent $1300 for replacement wood PLUS $600 for pro installation.
The glass UV film
had to be added by me, as MB downgraded the windshield & sunroof UV quality; the soundproofing in the roof was diluted so that the buyer could add optional acoustic glass & extra
soundproofing.
My current 212 Wagon 2011 has standard vinyl
(MB Tex) seating which has split in driver's bottom cushion / this has been amply reported here by many disapointed drivers.
MB Tex USED to be well made & durable.
But, the quality has gone down.
All my previous MB's had optional leather, &
I will NEVER have the cheap vinyl again, no matter if Benz spins it as "Artico" or "MBTex".
I bought the pre-owned E350 '11 Wagon because of its naturally aspirated engine to avoid the problems of the Direct Injection 2012-2016
models.
just wanted to share my observations...
Jack
Last edited by Jack McCarty; Aug 9, 2024 at 06:47 PM. Reason: Adding content
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 158
Likes: 44
From: San Francisco
2011 E350 4MATIC Estate Wagon
Direct Injection Issues in the 2012-2016 E350
CARBON BUILDUP in Direct Injection Engines
naturally aspirated E engines ended in 2011, with facelift W212 models, 2012-2016 move to DI.
I test drove a pre-owned 2013 E 350 Wagon @
Fletcher Jones (Fremont, CA), which had acceptor lag & when I questioned & researched CARFAX, I was told by FJ salesman that engine blew a cylinder @ 23K. Engine had to be removed to clean up all the sprayed fluids.
Deaker refused to do computer checks on Wagon to alleviate the accelerator lag, so I walked away. Dealer wholesaled Wagon to a used car dealer down the street 2 days after I was there.
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 158
Likes: 44
From: San Francisco
2011 E350 4MATIC Estate Wagon
4Matic - Reliability & Driveability
I have not had any reliability issues with any of my Benz cars. I did 146k miles on my W203 and it never let me down, and it should have been the least reliable.
I am only at 39,000 miles on my 2016 E350. What issues or driving experiences are you having?
I see you have a 4Matic, which I also despise. Way back in the day when I was shopping for my W211, I found the most beautifully optioned one in the perfect color and went to buy it. I had already been test driving them, but none of them had the P2 I wanted. This one did, and it was also 4Matic, which at the time didn't mean anything to me. I knew it was AWD but figured it'd be the same... until I drove it... and was heartbroken. The 4Matic seemed to suck the life out of the car. It felt so dull compared to the RWD ones I'd driven. I ended up giving up P2 to get RWD because I couldn't stand 4Matic. I have since had 204/212/205/213 4Matic loaner cars and still hate it and will absolutely never own one. It's weird because I've owned a Q50 with AWD and had no issues with the AWD (though the car was dreadful), but it did operate in RWD mode until slip was detected. I have also extensively test driven Acura cars with SH-AWD and while I don't like the cars, I thought that system really livened them up. And our Macan has AWD that is pretty transparent, I can't tell it takes away from the experience even if it doesn't add to it.
In terms of "bank vault" feeling, I think all Benz doors sound fine. The W212 door is much heavier than the 2020 W205, but I think both sound good. To me the E-class does not feel delicate at all. It feels.. almost.. industrial? For lack of a better term. I mean it is the bones of a livery car overseas, so I'd expect it to be robust. My 203 was a tank, I put that thing through hell.
I am only at 39,000 miles on my 2016 E350. What issues or driving experiences are you having?
I see you have a 4Matic, which I also despise. Way back in the day when I was shopping for my W211, I found the most beautifully optioned one in the perfect color and went to buy it. I had already been test driving them, but none of them had the P2 I wanted. This one did, and it was also 4Matic, which at the time didn't mean anything to me. I knew it was AWD but figured it'd be the same... until I drove it... and was heartbroken. The 4Matic seemed to suck the life out of the car. It felt so dull compared to the RWD ones I'd driven. I ended up giving up P2 to get RWD because I couldn't stand 4Matic. I have since had 204/212/205/213 4Matic loaner cars and still hate it and will absolutely never own one. It's weird because I've owned a Q50 with AWD and had no issues with the AWD (though the car was dreadful), but it did operate in RWD mode until slip was detected. I have also extensively test driven Acura cars with SH-AWD and while I don't like the cars, I thought that system really livened them up. And our Macan has AWD that is pretty transparent, I can't tell it takes away from the experience even if it doesn't add to it.
In terms of "bank vault" feeling, I think all Benz doors sound fine. The W212 door is much heavier than the 2020 W205, but I think both sound good. To me the E-class does not feel delicate at all. It feels.. almost.. industrial? For lack of a better term. I mean it is the bones of a livery car overseas, so I'd expect it to be robust. My 203 was a tank, I put that thing through hell.
I find 4MATIC reliable & stabilizing in stormy
weather.
My current (3rd) E 350Wagon (2011) & my last
E320 Wagon (2001) were both optioned with the AWD systems & now, I wouldn't consider an E
without 4MATIC.
its very smooth & fluid & safe.
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 158
Likes: 44
From: San Francisco
2011 E350 4MATIC Estate Wagon
212 Quality
There were lots of changes from year to year. The 2012 had the direct injection engine. I'm not sure the 2010-2011 could be considered that great. Ripped seat and faded wood was very common in those years, you still had it in later years but it seemed like it wasn't as much. Plus the M272 had the intake manifold issue that I don't think the M276 will have although it's a bit more involved to change the plugs on an M276 vs M272. But you do get 302hp on 2012+ vs 268hp on the M272. The of course there was the facelift in 2014 and a very rare and popular model would be the 2014 E550, one year only in the US. But maybe the best year would be the 2016, you had Apple Carplay/Android auto although now I suppose you can retrofit it to older models. I'm not going to bother with mine though. As usual, the last year of production is usually the best, all the bugs get worked out in time to discontinue it.
the faded wood & ripped upholstery issues are pervasive throughout the run from 2010
thru 2016.
The UV Film component of the wood finish was
left out by MB during the 2010-2016 run.
The mounts are highly problematic, as the 2 oil bag front mounts can develop leaks. When driving, if you feel strong vibrations through the steering wheel & through the chassis in any 212, that's indicative of leaking front mounts.
THERE ARE 3 MOUNTS
you must replace 2 front "mounts" as well as the 3rd one, by transmission. The back mount is of solid rubber, rather like a doughnut.
In my 212 E Wagon, the front mounts were replaced @ 100K, now @ 129K
I had to replace the rear mount @ 115K which leads me to believe it was never changed.
PANORAMIC ROOF ISSUES
the glass panels flex over uneven drives & can
be noisy & leak. Plus, 200 lbs weight over center of gravity was removed for that "airy, open feeling." Pano 350Wagons don't drive as well as the regular sun roof model. And, in hot conditions, the sunshades are inadequate.
this is true across the 212 years, all of them, 2011 (Wagon's first year) to 2016.
.
Last edited by Jack McCarty; Aug 9, 2024 at 10:18 PM. Reason: Add
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 158
Likes: 44
From: San Francisco
2011 E350 4MATIC Estate Wagon
Low Profile Tires ruin the ride
212 Quality & Issues / All Years
the faded wood & ripped upholstery issues are pervasive throughout the run from 2010
thru 2016.
The UV Film component of the wood finish was
left out by MB during the 2010-2016 run.
The mounts are highly problematic, as the 2 oil bag front mounts can develop leaks. When driving, if you feel strong vibrations through the steering wheel & through the chassis in any 212, that's indicative of leaking front mounts.
THERE ARE 3 MOUNTS
you must replace 2 front "mounts" as well as the 3rd one, by transmission. The back mount is of solid rubber, rather like a doughnut.
In my 212 E Wagon, the front mounts were replaced @ 100K, now @ 129K
I had to replace the rear mount @ 115K which leads me to believe it was never changed.
PANORAMIC ROOF ISSUES
the glass panels flex over uneven drives & can
be noisy & leak. Plus, 200 lbs weight over center of gravity was removed for that "airy, open feeling." Pano 350Wagons don't drive as well as the regular sun roof model. And, in hot conditions, the sunshades are inadequate.
this is true across the 212 years, all of them, 2011 (Wagon's first year) to 2016.
.
the faded wood & ripped upholstery issues are pervasive throughout the run from 2010
thru 2016.
The UV Film component of the wood finish was
left out by MB during the 2010-2016 run.
The mounts are highly problematic, as the 2 oil bag front mounts can develop leaks. When driving, if you feel strong vibrations through the steering wheel & through the chassis in any 212, that's indicative of leaking front mounts.
THERE ARE 3 MOUNTS
you must replace 2 front "mounts" as well as the 3rd one, by transmission. The back mount is of solid rubber, rather like a doughnut.
In my 212 E Wagon, the front mounts were replaced @ 100K, now @ 129K
I had to replace the rear mount @ 115K which leads me to believe it was never changed.
PANORAMIC ROOF ISSUES
the glass panels flex over uneven drives & can
be noisy & leak. Plus, 200 lbs weight over center of gravity was removed for that "airy, open feeling." Pano 350Wagons don't drive as well as the regular sun roof model. And, in hot conditions, the sunshades are inadequate.
this is true across the 212 years, all of them, 2011 (Wagon's first year) to 2016.
.
I wouldn't say it's the best looking MB, but definitely the best looking E Class to me,
however I hate the face-lifted W212, I love that quad headlight and the body crease on the rear door and quarter panel,
and the cost cutting in the face-lifted model interior just make it looks cheap.
however I hate the face-lifted W212, I love that quad headlight and the body crease on the rear door and quarter panel,
and the cost cutting in the face-lifted model interior just make it looks cheap.
