trshot

Hello, I’m new here and looking for some input. I currently own a 2014 E350 4matic and am looking into purchasing a 2016 3.0 bi turbo E400 4matic sport sedan, US version w/84,000 miles.
I’ve never seen one on the road and I don’t see much here on this model and am wondering if I should be concerned. Any input is welcomed be it good or bad, thanks.
some concerns,
How often should the plugs be changed being a bi turbo engine?
Do you need to index spark plugs on the US engines or just torque them as I see mixed responses.
How long do the turbos typically last?
Is removing the intercooler a pain to get at the serpentine belt?
Can you change the motor mounts with engine in the car or is it true you need to remove the engine?

Senecat

Just buy it dude.

chassis

50k mile spark plug change interval.

Yes, the indexing is accomplished by using OEM plugs purchased from the dealer and using the MB torque spec of 23Nm.

trshot

Thanks but I like to do my homework before just buying.

Left Coast Geek

thats a turbo 3.0L version of the same V6 our E350's have, with closer to 400 horses. and a lot of torque early on.


edit turbo motors tend not to last as long as non turbo motors. at least, thats been my experience.

ygmn

I like my 2015 version. Have not hit 50K yet; almost
Good mpg too on interstate; 28-30 mpg doing 75-80 flat.

Plus car comes with way more bells and whistles then a e350.
Heated and ventilated seats and pretty much all those safety features and driver option thingys.
Does have staggered size tires which can be a PIA as no rotation and the rears for some reason tend to wear first no matter how hard you drive it into the corners.

Go test drive it.
See if it has apple car play stock as I think 2016 was first year for that.
Check what map version it has too since MB is proud of their updates.

Left Coast Geek

2016 can be converted to carplay/android, but it is not enabled by default. it first has to be dealer updated to the latest firmware, then you can use an enabler ODBC dongle to turn on the option that allows it.

DubVBenz

The 4matics don't have staggered wheel sizes, which is a plus.

I really like mine. I saw an identical one yesterday in VA for the first time in 3 years of ownership. Both of us were looking at each other's cars like we'd just seen a ghost.

trshot

I found a company who said Carplay can be activated with their dongle. However, he also said MB is coming out with a software update that will not allow them to work and working ones will no longer work.
​​​​​​http://mbenzcoder.com/

trshot

Some do have staggered wheels. My friends 2017 C class 4matic has them.
I like the ghost reference! How many miles on yours and any unexpected big repairs?

DubVBenz

Bought it CPO in March of 2019 with 28k miles. I am approaching 50K now and the only complaints so far:

• Front wheel bearing roached when I received the car, ****ty move on the Pittsburgh dealer (who I had it shipped from sight unseen due to recovering from surgery), but it was repaired under CPO
• Blower motor for the HVAC has a bit of a noise and I'll replace it at some point. Sort of squeaky, but it has to be low speed and no music to hear
• When it's cool the 7-speed has some harshish downshifts from 3-2 and 4-3 when the transmission is not warmed up - I tried replicating it with a dealer SA one day and could not. It doesn't happen when the ambient temp is hot or cold, only a bit chilly (like 50s). Very odd, but I had similar issues with my 2007 bluetec using an earlier version of the same transmission

I've also had it basically tuned since day one with a BMS JB4, which is fun.

trshot

Those 7 speed transmissions are finicky for sure throughout the years. 30K is early for a bearing but I agree with you on the dealer. Otherwise it sounds pretty solid so far. What did the tune do for hp increase?

Left Coast Geek

I don't see that about any software updates ?

Idklol69

84,000 miles is a **** ton..

DubVBenz

It has multiple maps and you can also alter variables yourself for custom maps. I'm running one of the pre-packaged maps that increases boost by 5.5 PSI above stock, which puts the boost slightly above a stock E43/C43 version of the engine. I haven't had it on a dyno unfortunately, but it's significantly faster than stock now. The biggest thing missing as compared to a newer E43 or C43 are the more aggressive modes on the transmission unfortunately.

badbenz94

Please extrapolate your response. Your statement has no meat. Are the turbos nearing end of life...are there serious upcoming service issues needing to be done..why is it a lot?

Help us out.

Thank you,

Chris

OnlyGerman

No it isn't

sbradleyhall

This is a bit misleading, and sorry if this is off topic from the OP, but it is relevant to anyone who caught the comment. I intend to make an individual post about this to share my experience because there is one KEY data point I wish I had known about the OBD dongle CarPlay solution, unrelated to this. Back to the point though:
MB is working on a flashware/firmware/software update for Command (told by my dealer it was due to compatibility issues with some iPhones - of which I actually experienced) and the sellers of these devices are warning that if you have the dealer update to the "as yet released" software, they MAY disable or erase the lines of code that have been inserted by your dongle, thereby rendering it useless. I have no intention of having them perform this update but I don't think it's really an issue. Even if there is a newer version to update to, they are VERY reluctant to do so... I had to do everything but blackmail my SA to get the tech to update to the latest in order for my new dongle to work. Eventually he relented and when I got home I performed the update with my dongle and bingo, I have CarPlay on my 2016 S212. The bugger is that it works for crap with my iPhone 12, which is what the upcoming update is supposed to fix. Anyway, I think I need to make a new thread.
To the OP - I just sold my GLC43 to buy my Wagon and although the ECU and TCU software is different between the E400 and the GLC43 - I absolutely freaking LOVED that drivetrain. I too had a JB4 on mine (which will be for sale here soon) and man was that thing a little animal. I only had 46k miles on mine but there were flawless trouble fee miles and that engine is really something else. My current #s212 with that drivetrain and software would literally be 100% perfect. I wouldn't be afraid of those miles provided there is a solid service history on the car. If it's dodgy, or service wasn't done at the dealer, I'd be wary. Pick below is when I was putting the GLC back to stock to sell it. The intakes don't really add much in the way of measurable performance gains but they did unleash all the fun boosty noises

SteveE400

My E400 is a 2015 4Matic sedan. I've had it since original delivery (test drove it with 9 miles on the clock). We call it "Gonzo" due to its resemblance to the puppet on the children's TV show. Its nose is longer than its tail. It is a kind of grey/blue color. It will do some REALLY freaky things when you push its buttons! Talk about a sleeper!

I am a "recovering gearhead" who drove hot rodded cars for decades. I drag raced, autocrossed, ran road rallyes, entered custom car shows. . . lots of car stuff. The E400 is one of the best automotive choices I've ever made. It is big enough for 4 or 5 adults to ride in comfort. It is well equipped from the factory and has many of the sought after options. It also has a GREAT powertrain. I've driven the AMG E63, so I know what that car can do. But the AMG is a lot like driving one of my old hot rods. It is loud, stiff, aggressive, and impossible to hide in traffic. The E400 is not as fast, but it is really quick for an "invisible" car. Nobody sees it coming. It just blends into traffic. The engine is a joy to drive. I went from a 290 HP Lexus V8 (LS430) to the 329 HP E400. Absolutely no comparison. The "little" V6 blows the doors off the Lexus. I could sum the performance comparison up by saying "Horsepower sells cars. Torque wins races."

I did have one nagging problem, but the problem was one that could have affected any W212 E-Class sedan. I had a "creak" noise in the front suspension, only on colder days. . . for the first 5 1/2 years I owned the car! Two dealers tried and failed to find the noise. They replaces thousands of dollars worth of parts. Finally dealer number 2 identified the noise. It was a bushing on the front anti-sway bar that was probably defective at delivery. Change the anti-sway bar, noise gone. I am back to being a happy camper.

Gonzo is now 61/2 years old, and has about 48K miles on the clock. I see no reason to replace him. It is just too much fun to drive. I also claim that they incorrectly named/labeled the driving mode switch. They call the modes "Comfort" and "Sport." I think the "S" mode should be named "Stupid" for that big, stupid grin it pastes onto my face when I push that button and lean on the throttle.

I agree with the others. If the service history of the car looks good, and if Carfax is clear, buy it. You may eventually replace some wear items, but the platform is tried and true, and the drive train is just too much fun to pass up.

Idklol69

The reason why I said it's a lot is because there is a chance that this person may not get all of the service records from previous owner(s). With a vehicle of that mileage, what if a transmission service has never occurred? Also, this 3.0L biturbo engine started in 2015 as far as I know, and there isn't really a lot of data out there on what problems arise on higher mileage vehicles and if they're major or not.

Left Coast Geek

yeesh, our 1994 E wagon has 280000 miles and still runs and drives great. yes, it has a rebuilt transmssion, yes, its had plenty of TLC.. yes, it needs some minor cosmetic stuff like bumper trim. i'm finding it really disturbing that folks think 80K miles it high mileage on newer cars. On that classic Mercedes that was barely broken in.

Senecat

That's because you haven't factored in planned obsolescence. Everything is throw-away now. Business models change over three decades.

Left Coast Geek

sigh. so in 20 years, we're all going to be lamenting late 90s, early 2000's Toyotas as being the ultimate in reliability.

Left Coast Geek

we bought our E350 wagon figuring it would probably be the last major car we bought, we'll drive it til they take our licenses away.

of course, now I'm thinking of upgrading our 'travel / tow" vehicle, which currently is a 2002 F250 Ford F250 XLT 4x4 Powerstroke 7.3 diesel long bed, and replacing it with a late model Ford Expedition big SUV that can easily tow our trailer, has half the turning circle, and is quieter/smoother, and gets better gas mileage..

chassis

I have been lamenting this already for years, having had two early 2000s Toyotas. Truly ultimate vehicles for their intended purposes.