Newbie - 2011 vs 2013 E350 in USA
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Belvedere, CA
2006 CLS55 AMG, 2007 BMW 550i
Newbie - 2011 vs 2013 E350 in USA
Hello, I am considering buying a used, low miles (<50k mi) E350 sedan.
Looking at 2 of them locally available, both well kept very nice condition --- a 2011 model vs 2013 model, both base models (MB Tex interior) with Sport option. By W212 nomenclature both are pre-facelift, with the squared off front end design.
Seems like the main difference is the uprated modernized engine in the 2013 model - 302 hp vs 268 hp. Seems like same gear box, same suspension (non air suspension).
Any other major considerations between the 2 model years? Driving the 2013 car there is definitely more midrange pull, and the engine seems a touch smoother too.
The suspension tuning seems identical as is the ride height... is that correct? Both wear Pirelli P Zero all season tires. Seems like summer tires were not sold on these cars even with so-called Sport package.
Please let me know if the 2011 vs 2013 model has any other meaningful differences, in equipment, tuning, performance, reliability, maintenance, trouble items etc etc...
Thank you!
Looking at 2 of them locally available, both well kept very nice condition --- a 2011 model vs 2013 model, both base models (MB Tex interior) with Sport option. By W212 nomenclature both are pre-facelift, with the squared off front end design.
Seems like the main difference is the uprated modernized engine in the 2013 model - 302 hp vs 268 hp. Seems like same gear box, same suspension (non air suspension).
Any other major considerations between the 2 model years? Driving the 2013 car there is definitely more midrange pull, and the engine seems a touch smoother too.
The suspension tuning seems identical as is the ride height... is that correct? Both wear Pirelli P Zero all season tires. Seems like summer tires were not sold on these cars even with so-called Sport package.
Please let me know if the 2011 vs 2013 model has any other meaningful differences, in equipment, tuning, performance, reliability, maintenance, trouble items etc etc...
Thank you!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,482
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
the M276 is an awesome motor, but early years had some growing pains... One issue I've seen repeated here is oil leaking out of the cam actuators (or is it sensors?) and getting into the wiring harness. if neglected too long it can require replacing the whole main engine harness, but if its caught early, you can just clean the plug and replace the actuator-or-is-it-sensor. I think I've heard this was fixed in 2013, not 100% sure. I have a last year facelift 2016 and for sure its not an issue there.
my impression is, each year of production the w212 got gradual small engineering improvements, the sum of which lead the 2016 E350's to be the most reliable. We opted for the much harder to find 'luxury' rather than 'sport' package as we're more interested in comfort than racing, and its still way plenty sporty enough. I kinda like the facelift sport grill, but I don't like the 18' wheels or lower air dammit curb scraper or stiffer shocks, so be it.
oh, and the facelift full LED headlights are awesome at night.
my impression is, each year of production the w212 got gradual small engineering improvements, the sum of which lead the 2016 E350's to be the most reliable. We opted for the much harder to find 'luxury' rather than 'sport' package as we're more interested in comfort than racing, and its still way plenty sporty enough. I kinda like the facelift sport grill, but I don't like the 18' wheels or lower air dammit curb scraper or stiffer shocks, so be it.
oh, and the facelift full LED headlights are awesome at night.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 1,555
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Hello, I am considering buying a used, low miles (<50k mi) E350 sedan.
Looking at 2 of them locally available, both well kept very nice condition --- a 2011 model vs 2013 model, both base models (MB Tex interior) with Sport option. By W212 nomenclature both are pre-facelift, with the squared off front end design.
Seems like the main difference is the uprated modernized engine in the 2013 model - 302 hp vs 268 hp. Seems like same gear box, same suspension (non air suspension).
Any other major considerations between the 2 model years? Driving the 2013 car there is definitely more midrange pull, and the engine seems a touch smoother too.
The suspension tuning seems identical as is the ride height... is that correct? Both wear Pirelli P Zero all season tires. Seems like summer tires were not sold on these cars even with so-called Sport package.
Please let me know if the 2011 vs 2013 model has any other meaningful differences, in equipment, tuning, performance, reliability, maintenance, trouble items etc etc...
Thank you!
Looking at 2 of them locally available, both well kept very nice condition --- a 2011 model vs 2013 model, both base models (MB Tex interior) with Sport option. By W212 nomenclature both are pre-facelift, with the squared off front end design.
Seems like the main difference is the uprated modernized engine in the 2013 model - 302 hp vs 268 hp. Seems like same gear box, same suspension (non air suspension).
Any other major considerations between the 2 model years? Driving the 2013 car there is definitely more midrange pull, and the engine seems a touch smoother too.
The suspension tuning seems identical as is the ride height... is that correct? Both wear Pirelli P Zero all season tires. Seems like summer tires were not sold on these cars even with so-called Sport package.
Please let me know if the 2011 vs 2013 model has any other meaningful differences, in equipment, tuning, performance, reliability, maintenance, trouble items etc etc...
Thank you!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 1,012
'11 E350, '11 E550, '98 M3, '95 E320
The newer engine is nicer I think, all cars have their gremlins, you can't go wrong with either, I have a '13, it's a great car. 78k and not one broken thing, just maintenance items, brakes wipers fluid, tires. And in Kalifornia, no salt to ruin it with rust. Lots of potholes though, Kalifornia has the worst roads anywhere, New Jersey is close, but Kalifornia is like a third world country.
On the other hand, the M276 is newer... don't know if its "too" early to tell any potential issues in the future. Maintenance on some items is more difficult due to engine packaging. My other "concern" would be high-pressure fuel pumps, DI injectors and carbon deposits. Not saying this engine has a history of it, but those are pretty common "issues" with DI engines in general.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 255
Likes: 36
From: Las Vegas
2012 E350 sedan
More considerations
In addition to being more powerful, the 2012+ engine gets better gas mileage than the 2011. Also the 2011 requires expensive tranny maintenance every 40K miles while the 2012+ is every 70K miles. If you chose the 2011, make sure the tranny maintenance has been done. Also motor/tranny mounts wear out with age as well as miles and are about $1500. Check the mounts on the 2011 before you buy.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I have the 2011, I'd get the 2013 over the 2011. The other standard stuff is more likely to have faded wood and ripped seat in the 2011 although they could still be there in the 2013, just a little less likely. Already did the intake on my 2011, $800+ including labor. Don't be afraid of the options, my bixenons, keyless go, pano roof, parktronic, massage seats, power trunk closer, etc all still work.
