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A couple years ago I bought an awesome very well maintained high mileage like new condition 06 E320 CDi for my daughter. She loved that car! and it ran great, very reliable, east to maintain etc. (She has great taste in cars and she listens to her dear old dad!!) Unfortunately some idiot crashed into her a few weeks ago, car is totaled. Daughter was hurt, bad concussion & hospitalized. Lucky she survived. I believe the car saved her life, if she was in any other piece of junk vehicle well, the outcome would have been much worse.
So it's time for another car. She likes the W212 e350's and I was wondering if anyone can give me the lowdown on these cars. I'm really well versed with everything about the W211 e320, but not so much W212 E350's
What I've heard so far is avoid models with the Air suspension, and also heard from a reputable MB mechanic to avoid the 4matic as well. Are there any other common known issues? How many miles would be considered high miles for a W212? (High miles of course is no big deal for a well maintained W211 cdi) but how about the W212's? What are the best years & best engine combos for the e-350's?
Avoid diesels, they are no longer as reliable as in past models due to additional pollution control devices.
Seek the newest and lowest mileage car in your budget.
The M276 3.5L 60 degree V6 gasoline engine is arguably the most reliable MB engine in the past several years. I think this was available in the latter W212 model years. Look for this engine.
Avoid the earlier M272 90 degree V6 engine due to balance shaft issues. This was used in the early W212 model years.
Avoid air suspension due to inevitable failures.
Avoid V8 engines if you prioritize reliability over horsepower. Long list of issues with V8s.
There is a recent 4MATIC thread on this site, read that one. Passenger car transfer cases are integral with the transmission and have some issues. The SUVs have standard hang-on transfer cases and some years have chain problems, but recent models seem OK.
The balance shaft issue is only up to ~2008, so it doesn't affect early W212s. I don't see any reliability difference between M272 and M276... both have their own issues, but the M276 does make a little more HP and I believe better MPG. AIrmatic can be troublesome, it depends if caught early it generally isn't a big deal... then again I don't think many E350s have it. 4Matic, yea seems like luck of the draw... but I think there's more member with 4matics and no issues, than one posting with. It does happen, like the transmission cooler leaking and ruining a TC.
2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
In 2014 MB switched there head units for navigation to Garmen. Prior to 2014 the head units were great. If you put garbage in you get garbage. Took 2 years of fighting with MB and finally they replaced head unit with a 2013 unit. Have had no problems since. The other problem is the trans on the 2014. Read the threads and you will find out some of them get jerking between gear shift. After resetting trans about 5 times the jerking finally went away. Car has very bad acoustics. You hear road noise. Overall I would say that the car is great after you get minor problems solved. I get 36 MPG on highway.. Best mileage I have ever gotten on a 6 cylinder car.
Avoid diesels, they are no longer as reliable as in past models due to additional pollution control devices.
Seek the newest and lowest mileage car in your budget.
The M276 3.5L 60 degree V6 gasoline engine is arguably the most reliable MB engine in the past several years. I think this was available in the latter W212 model years. Look for this engine.
Avoid the earlier M272 90 degree V6 engine due to balance shaft issues. This was used in the early W212 model years.
Avoid air suspension due to inevitable failures.
Avoid V8 engines if you prioritize reliability over horsepower. Long list of issues with V8s.
There is a recent 4MATIC thread on this site, read that one. Passenger car transfer cases are integral with the transmission and have some issues. The SUVs have standard hang-on transfer cases and some years have chain problems, but recent models seem OK.
I have to disagree with you in regard to the V8 engines. The M273 has been extremely reliable for me. Gas mileage is obviously a joke but that’s to expect with a displacement of 5.5l. Very reliable power plant.
If budget allows, my recommendation is a RWD 2015 or 2016 E350. The 2014s have some known issues with amplifiers frying speakers and the 2015-2016 got revised parts and also automatic emergency braking.
The 2016 has a different headunit than any other W212, and with the right update you can unlock CarPlay and Android Auto on it if that is important to you.
Correct. 276 which started in the 2012 MY has more HP and better gas mileage
Originally Posted by bmwpowere36m3
The balance shaft issue is only up to ~2008, so it doesn't affect early W212s. I don't see any reliability difference between M272 and M276... both have their own issues, but the M276 does make a little more HP and I believe better MPG. AIrmatic can be troublesome, it depends if caught early it generally isn't a big deal... then again I don't think many E350s have it. 4Matic, yea seems like luck of the draw... but I think there's more member with 4matics and no issues, than one posting with. It does happen, like the transmission cooler leaking and ruining a TC.
Also, the tranny on the 276 has a much longer service interval than the 272. For older and/or high mileage cars, the motor and tranny mounts should be checked since replacing them is a $1K+ job.
As most manufacturers do, Mercedes-Benz takes many "options" and throws them into their final year of production as standard (2016). The idea is to decrease stranded parts inventory. But for consumers, it provides relatively packed cars that will appeal to buyers who know there is a new model on the horizon.
In addition to the features noted by LILBENZ230, the 2016 E350 has Keyless Go, folding rear seats with pass through, auto lane recognitoin and lane-keeping assist (alerts}, Sport package with AMG styling, higher capacity fuel tank, hands-free trunk lid, and oftentimes the "Comfort Box" storage in the trunk, etc. Combine the Keyless Go with the modern navigation package that your 06 W211 likely didn't have, and you have a 5 year-old car with almost all the latest features of a new car.
Sorry to read about your daughter. Hope she recovers fully.
I've had my 2016 E350 for three years now, and no hint of mechanical (or electronic) gremlins.
Ditto on your daughter wish her the best. Good advise on the W212 so far. There are issues with wood fading, blower motors and seat splitting. But in general if you follow the guidance given they are reliable cars.
Everyone thanks for the tips and advice! Much appreciated. The accident hit was pretty hard, and she had some initial severe memory loss. The other car hit her in the rear passenger side while she was stopped in traffic. Like he wasnt paying attention and swerved at the last minutie. His vehicle flipped and ended upside down.
The bells and whistles and latest features are not so important to us. More interested in general overall reliability.
She's also interested in the C class W204. Around 2008 model year. Any tips or advise on that?
Thanks again!
Here is a pic of the 06 e320. Man what a great car this was. Cars are replaceable and she survived! Sure gonna miss this car.
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
I vote for 2016 too. the HGS5.1 head unit is awesome when you enable AndroidAUto. Per several quality surveys, 2016's had the fewest reported service problems of any year of E series
If you appreciate ride quality more than peak cornering speeds, get the "Luxury" package with 17" wheels rather than the "Sports" package with 18's or 19's. Wagons seem to ride better than sedans, too, not surer why, but we test drove a half dozen or so 2014-2016's. Absolutely you want the full ILS LED headlights, but I think just about all the facelift cars have this.
I vote for 2016 too. the HGS5.1 head unit is awesome when you enable AndroidAUto. Per several quality surveys, 2016's had the fewest reported service problems of any year of E series
If you appreciate ride quality more than peak cornering speeds, get the "Luxury" package with 17" wheels rather than the "Sports" package with 18's or 19's. Wagons seem to ride better than sedans, too, not surer why, but we test drove a half dozen or so 2014-2016's. Absolutely you want the full ILS LED headlights, but I think just about all the facelift cars have this.
Just to note, I have seen or heard of only one 2016 "Luxury" model posted here by a member (see pic below). They are almost impossible to find, at least in the US. As I noted earlier (post #8), the vast majority of E350s in 2016 were Sport Models with the grille star, just to standardize on expense in the final year of production.
If daughter will drive a lot at night, the fully tricked out headlights could be useful, but a large number of 2016 facelifts have the standard LED low beams/Halogen high beams, like mine. It's no biggie, as I think those are the best headlights I've ever owned.
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
indeed, in the 2014-2016 facelift years, the Elegance aka Luxury package is a lot rarer than the Avant Garde aka Sport package. probably 10::1 sport::luxury on the used market last fall.
The bells and whistles and latest features are not so important to us. More interested in general overall reliability.
She's also interested in the C class W204. Around 2008 model year. Any tips or advise on that?
If your daughter is not 6 feet tall, nor likely to have many tall passengers in the rear seat, a W204 C-Class will be fine, too. The smaller chassis is slightly more nimble than the W212, IMO. Although a 2008 C-Class will not get the fuel mileage that a 2016 W212 will achieve. My 2001 W203 C-Class will barely crack 30mpg on the interstate, while my 2016 E350 will exceed 36mpg on long runs.
My W203 is still going strong, although the older any car gets, the more problems arise, and as you may know, MB problems can be quite expensive, relative to the retained value of the car itself.
For reliability sake, I would advise against a MY2008 W204. Between subframe rust and EIS failures the 08-09 W204s are cars I'd pass up if reliability was the ultimate goal.
I've owned 2 W204s. I recommend MY12 or newer V6 ONLY if you're looking for a W204. As we've told you to avoid 4Matic that means pretty much a 2012-2014 C350 would be the only ones I would recommend, and likely a 2014 as the early M276s had a few issues.
The C250s using the M271 EVO I4 are notorious for timing chain issues and should be entirely avoided regardless of year.
I have a w204 2010 c300 4matic and it was my daily driver, rain, snow, etc. Am up to 100k miles almost now, car has been fantastic. But I would stick to a 2012+ model, if you have snow and need 4matic then get it - people are really exaggerating the issues here, just make sure you don't skip transmission services.
I'm 6 foot 3 and never had any issues with comfort.its basically the same car as the w212 but easier to park, so for her it may be better. Also, better handling/funner to drive, but, that's optional. Ride is rougher.
I'd stay away from 08/09, in budget should be 12+ easy. The m272 is more reliable than the m276 but both are so reliable it's almost a negligible difference.
Sorry to hear about that nasty incident , best of wishes for her speedy recovery as well .
You can also do a search on Youtube for common problems with W212s .I have to say W212 has been the best car I have ever owned . Only mechanical problem was for me the panoramic roof .Once it opened I had hard times closing it . I think I had abused it
Best of luck for your new car
I'm 6 foot 3 and never had any issues with comfort. its basically the same car as the w212 but easier to park, so for her it may be better. Also, better handling/funner to drive, but, that's optional. Ride is rougher.
What I mean about tall drivers (like myself) is this... A driver's seat pushed all the way back to accommodate a 6'3" frame means that you now have a 2-seater, not a 4-door sedan. You will not want to place anyone you like in the back seat behind you, probably not even a toddler in a rear-facing car seat. There is no leg room, period. Also, you will need to physically lean forward to look out the driver's window directly to your left, as all you will see is the wide B-pillar.
Owning both a C-Class and E-Class, I can tell you with confidence that rear legroom is not an issue in the W212... nor is a clear view out the driver's window with the seat at any position. So, as much as I like my C-Class, the two models are NOT "basically the same" at all.
Originally Posted by Adi-Benz
I'd stay away from 08/09, in budget should be 12+ easy. The m272 is more reliable than the m276 but both are so reliable it's almost a negligible difference.
You would be the first to make this observation. Posts #2, #3 and #7 offer different comparisons and are typical on this W212 forum.
I have a w204 2010 c300 4matic and it was my daily driver, rain, snow, etc. Am up to 100k miles almost now, car has been fantastic. But I would stick to a 2012+ model, if you have snow and need 4matic then get it - people are really exaggerating the issues here, just make sure you don't skip transmission services.
I'm 6 foot 3 and never had any issues with comfort.its basically the same car as the w212 but easier to park, so for her it may be better. Also, better handling/funner to drive, but, that's optional. Ride is rougher.
I'd stay away from 08/09, in budget should be 12+ easy. The m272 is more reliable than the m276 but both are so reliable it's almost a negligible difference.
Just don't buy a 4cyl mb/c250
There are a couple of issues I see in this post.
1) The W204 and W212 are not even close to the same car. I don't mean that as a disrespect to the W204 - again, I've had two myself. But the W212 is a very different experience than the W204 - my 2014 C350 and 2016 E350 share a lot of parts but the E is a step above in many ways. Glaringly, the W212 has seats I would say are acceptable and the W204 seats are atrocious.
2) Having owned 2 M272 cars and 2 M276 cars, again, I disagree with the idea that the M272 is more reliable, though maybe you meant that as theoretical since it is port injected - but both engines had some issues in their early lives, but both were well sorted by a few years into production - and sorted for sorted, the M276 is the superior engine.
Another consideration between the two.. check out the small overlap crash test on the 2014 C-class compared to the 2014 E-class.
In regards to 4Matic, it's just unnecessary complication. If not absolutely needed, it should be avoided. The transfer case is built into the transmission which adds to repair costs.
I vote for 2016 too. the HGS5.1 head unit is awesome when you enable AndroidAUto. Per several quality surveys, 2016's had the fewest reported service problems of any year of E series
If you appreciate ride quality more than peak cornering speeds, get the "Luxury" package with 17" wheels rather than the "Sports" package with 18's or 19's. Wagons seem to ride better than sedans, too, not surer why, but we test drove a half dozen or so 2014-2016's. Absolutely you want the full ILS LED headlights, but I think just about all the facelift cars have this.
I've been looking for a '16 E400 luxury, but they don't seem to exist. There are E350 luxury, but they lack all options I want.
1) The W204 and W212 are not even close to the same car. I don't mean that as a disrespect to the W204 - again, I've had two myself. But the W212 is a very different experience than the W204 - my 2014 C350 and 2016 E350 share a lot of parts but the E is a step above in many ways. Glaringly, the W212 has seats I would say are acceptable and the W204 seats are atrocious.
2) Having owned 2 M272 cars and 2 M276 cars, again, I disagree with the idea that the M272 is more reliable, though maybe you meant that as theoretical since it is port injected - but both engines had some issues in their early lives, but both were well sorted by a few years into production - and sorted for sorted, the M276 is the superior engine.
Another consideration between the two.. check out the small overlap crash test on the 2014 C-class compared to the 2014 E-class.
In regards to 4Matic, it's just unnecessary complication. If not absolutely needed, it should be avoided. The transfer case is built into the transmission which adds to repair costs.
I feel the same way. I would have preferred the C class from a size standpoint but there really is no comparison experientially. The W212 is a much nicer car and given the small overlap performance of the W204 I would say safer.
Everyone thanks for the tips and advice! Much appreciated. The accident hit was pretty hard, and she had some initial severe memory loss. The other car hit her in the rear passenger side while she was stopped in traffic. Like he wasnt paying attention and swerved at the last minutie. His vehicle flipped and ended upside down.
The bells and whistles and latest features are not so important to us. More interested in general overall reliability.
She's also interested in the C class W204. Around 2008 model year. Any tips or advise on that?
Thanks again!
Here is a pic of the 06 e320. Man what a great car this was. Cars are replaceable and she survived! Sure gonna miss this car.
Trying to get a handle on the nature of your daughters injures. This looks like a tough one to protect from as there would be no airbags protecting the driver in the direction that the car would have moved.
1) The W204 and W212 are not even close to the same car. I don't mean that as a disrespect to the W204 - again, I've had two myself. But the W212 is a very different experience than the W204 - my 2014 C350 and 2016 E350 share a lot of parts but the E is a step above in many ways. Glaringly, the W212 has seats I would say are acceptable and the W204 seats are atrocious.
2) Having owned 2 M272 cars and 2 M276 cars, again, I disagree with the idea that the M272 is more reliable, though maybe you meant that as theoretical since it is port injected - but both engines had some issues in their early lives, but both were well sorted by a few years into production - and sorted for sorted, the M276 is the superior engine.
Another consideration between the two.. check out the small overlap crash test on the 2014 C-class compared to the 2014 E-class.
In regards to 4Matic, it's just unnecessary complication. If not absolutely needed, it should be avoided. The transfer case is built into the transmission which adds to repair costs.
Well of course the general consensus here might be M276, but on most of the highest mileage threads and Facebook posts, the m272 takes the cake with the least amount of problems. Sure, the M276 has more power and fuel efficiency, but that wasn't the question. Can't go wrong with either of them anyways.
As far as the seats go, if you're older I can see that as a concern. For younger people, it's no issue. And, as far as "bad visibility with the B pillar" I'm not sure if you've moved your seat *all the way back* because I do not have that issue, nor do I have a problem fitting anyone under 18 behind me. Obviously the E class has more leg room, that's the point. But if it's one person driving the car most of the time, who cares.
As far as quality/materials I'm gonna disagree, and here I am in the w212 forum ready to take heat, but from c300 to e350 it was not a big difference at all in material quality to me. Now, E550, yes, very much so, and I can't say for E400's, but my CLS for example is a significant step up in quality.
As far as the crash test goes, I'm not going to look it up, but we all drive a Mercedes here which has great crash scores all round. Obviously the E is bigger (which doesn't necessarily mean better in accidents, yes, I get your example) but either way it's much improved over the w203.
Well of course the general consensus here might be M276, but on most of the highest mileage threads and Facebook posts, the m272 takes the cake with the least amount of problems. Sure, the M276 has more power and fuel efficiency, but that wasn't the question. Can't go wrong with either of them anyways.
As far as the seats go, if you're older I can see that as a concern. For younger people, it's no issue. And, as far as "bad visibility with the B pillar" I'm not sure if you've moved your seat *all the way back* because I do not have that issue, nor do I have a problem fitting anyone under 18 behind me. Obviously the E class has more leg room, that's the point. But if it's one person driving the car most of the time, who cares.
As far as quality/materials I'm gonna disagree, and here I am in the w212 forum ready to take heat, but from c300 to e350 it was not a big difference at all in quality to me. Now, E550, yes, very much so, and I can't say for E400's, .
Thanks for your reply. Sorry not completely understanding. Are you saying the E550 is better quality? Or worse quality? Thanks!
Glad to hear the M272 takes the cake with the least amount of problems. What about the balance shaft issue? During what years was that a problem? is the balance shaft issue specific to the m272?
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