What's a solid wagon to get?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
What's a solid wagon to get?
I am asking here in this forum because you guys prob have all that awesome MB-history at the tip of your tongue and I haven't a clue what era to search in, so I hope y'all can help me
So if I'm thinking of hunting for a basic runabout wagon, no 4-matic, no air suspension, no turbos nor diesels; just a solid-running wagon that simply delivers excellent utility without the fluff, what year/models am I looking for? Cheap and solid so current models don't qualify as "cheap" for me. FWIW, I recall the heyday of the circa 80s-90s MBs that were everywhere, everywhere, and seemed to enjoy lots of trouble-free miles. So help me out: what's a good "ute" that isn't a sport ute
Edward
So if I'm thinking of hunting for a basic runabout wagon, no 4-matic, no air suspension, no turbos nor diesels; just a solid-running wagon that simply delivers excellent utility without the fluff, what year/models am I looking for? Cheap and solid so current models don't qualify as "cheap" for me. FWIW, I recall the heyday of the circa 80s-90s MBs that were everywhere, everywhere, and seemed to enjoy lots of trouble-free miles. So help me out: what's a good "ute" that isn't a sport ute
Edward
Last edited by Edward993; 05-16-2022 at 12:20 PM.
#2
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: unbegrenzt
Posts: 13,473
Received 3,994 Likes
on
3,139 Posts
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I am asking here in this forum because you guys prob have all that awesome MB-history at the tip of your tongue and I haven't a clue what era to search in, so I hope y'all can help me
So if I'm thinking of hunting for a basic runabout wagon, no 4-matic, no air suspension, no turbos nor diesels; just a solid-running wagon that simply delivers excellent utility without the fluff, what year/models am I looking for? Cheap and solid so current models don't qualify as "cheap" for me. FWIW, I recall the heyday of the circa 80s-90s MBs that were everywhere, everywhere, and seemed to enjoy lots of trouble-free miles. So help me out: what's a good "ute" that isn't a sport ute
Edward
So if I'm thinking of hunting for a basic runabout wagon, no 4-matic, no air suspension, no turbos nor diesels; just a solid-running wagon that simply delivers excellent utility without the fluff, what year/models am I looking for? Cheap and solid so current models don't qualify as "cheap" for me. FWIW, I recall the heyday of the circa 80s-90s MBs that were everywhere, everywhere, and seemed to enjoy lots of trouble-free miles. So help me out: what's a good "ute" that isn't a sport ute
Edward
The following 3 users liked this post by chassis:
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
OP - the easiest way to tell the difference of the two engines is in the HP rating. If it’s 302 HP, that’s the M276 engine with direct injection, and I think started in 2012? If it’s around 270HP, that’s the M272 engine. That means you’re likely looking in the 2012-2016 window.
But I’m not sure why the M272 isn’t consider an excellent engine though? I’m not knowledgeable enough on the differences to speak about pros/cons/concerns of one over the other…
The following users liked this post:
pierrejoliat (05-16-2022)
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Pepper Pike Ohio
Posts: 1,983
Received 1,158 Likes
on
773 Posts
12 E350 4Matic 13 E350 4Matic AMG Sport
correct me if I’m wrong here guys….
OP - the easiest way to tell the difference of the two engines is in the HP rating. If it’s 302 HP, that’s the M276 engine with direct injection, and I think started in 2012? If it’s around 270HP, that’s the M272 engine. That means you’re likely looking in the 2012-2016 window.
But I’m not sure why the M272 isn’t consider an excellent engine though? I’m not knowledgeable enough on the differences to speak about pros/cons/concerns of one over the other…
OP - the easiest way to tell the difference of the two engines is in the HP rating. If it’s 302 HP, that’s the M276 engine with direct injection, and I think started in 2012? If it’s around 270HP, that’s the M272 engine. That means you’re likely looking in the 2012-2016 window.
But I’m not sure why the M272 isn’t consider an excellent engine though? I’m not knowledgeable enough on the differences to speak about pros/cons/concerns of one over the other…
#5
The kind of wagon the OP is looking for is only sold in Europe and is typically found in taxi fleets in European cities. I wish MB imported this utility E wagon to North America, but for many years only loaded wagons are imported to this side of the Atlantic - 4 Matic, sunroofs, lots of bells and whistles are standard equipment and you just cannot buy a basic wagon here.
#6
Member
I bought a CPO 2011 S212 which had @26k miles and was proverbially owned by a little old lady. All maintenance was performed by previous owner at the dealership with corresponding records in the MB dealer database. The engine that was fitted in the 2009-2011 W212/S212 was the M272 which by the end of its run, 2011, had most if not all the kinks worked out. 2012 saw the introduction of the M276 engine with the requisite bump up in horsepower and complexity. I try to wrench as much as possible on my vehicle and while researching topics online there is definitely ease of working on the M272 versus the M276 engine. My feeling is that proper and on time documented maintenance will cut out most of the worry in buying an older wagon but that is not completely guaranteed because they are machines after all. Good luck in your search.
The following 2 users liked this post by Raj1471:
chassis (05-16-2022),
pierrejoliat (05-16-2022)
#7
Member
AFAIK, MB wagons for a while have come standard with airmatic in the rear. So if you want a wagon, there's no escaping it. Also, I believe the early 2000's E had an E500 wagon option with the V8. I would have personally loved to have one of those.
The following users liked this post:
pierrejoliat (05-17-2022)
Trending Topics
#8
Member
My two cents...W211 E500. Best car I ever owned, but 4matic and bags. Battleship.
Yes, aware this is the 212 forum.
Yes, aware this is the 212 forum.
Last edited by Dane500; 05-17-2022 at 07:58 PM.
The following users liked this post:
pierrejoliat (05-17-2022)
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
indeed, even the early 1980s W123's (the classic 300TD), the wagons all had hydropneumatic self leveling suspension in the rear, this was the predecessor of airmatic (and was a superior system, albeit more complicated).
you can't get a W212 wagon in the USA without 4matic, they simply were not sold here. maybe a 'taxi-spec' car in .EU
my wife went from a 1994 W124 E320 wagon she loved to a 2016 W212 E350 4matic wagon she also loves. key in the 212 is to get a 'luxury' version, not the 'sports' version.
you can't get a W212 wagon in the USA without 4matic, they simply were not sold here. maybe a 'taxi-spec' car in .EU
my wife went from a 1994 W124 E320 wagon she loved to a 2016 W212 E350 4matic wagon she also loves. key in the 212 is to get a 'luxury' version, not the 'sports' version.
The following 2 users liked this post by Left Coast Geek:
pierrejoliat (05-17-2022),
Raj1471 (05-17-2022)
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Great info guys ...I appreciate the background. It bums me out, of course, as I want simple, fewer mechanics to break which is time and $$ of course. I guess I really am out of luck with an MB. I loved the old Beemer wagons, but don't care for the maintenance of that marque. Prob will just look at domestic. Or maybe the tried n true Volvo, but some had reliability issues there, too. On with the hunt ...thanks, gents!
Edward
Edward
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Pepper Pike Ohio
Posts: 1,983
Received 1,158 Likes
on
773 Posts
12 E350 4Matic 13 E350 4Matic AMG Sport
Great info guys ...I appreciate the background. It bums me out, of course, as I want simple, fewer mechanics to break which is time and $$ of course. I guess I really am out of luck with an MB. I loved the old Beemer wagons, but don't care for the maintenance of that marque. Prob will just look at domestic. Or maybe the tried n true Volvo, but some had reliability issues there, too. On with the hunt ...thanks, gents!
Edward
Edward
The following users liked this post:
Raj1471 (05-20-2022)
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Great info guys ...I appreciate the background. It bums me out, of course, as I want simple, fewer mechanics to break which is time and $$ of course. I guess I really am out of luck with an MB. I loved the old Beemer wagons, but don't care for the maintenance of that marque. Prob will just look at domestic. Or maybe the tried n true Volvo, but some had reliability issues there, too. On with the hunt ...thanks, gents!
Edward
Edward
afaik, my son's ex GF is still driving it
The following users liked this post:
pierrejoliat (05-22-2022)
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Geography teacher's car
I' m not saying that but I prefer those Volvos than today's Volvo models
I' m not saying that but I prefer those Volvos than today's Volvo models
The following users liked this post:
pierrejoliat (05-22-2022)
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
kid 2 leaving for college in 2013
The following 2 users liked this post by Left Coast Geek:
BenzV12 (05-23-2022),
pierrejoliat (05-22-2022)
#16
I've done plenty of work in the M272. Both engines are bullet proof if you follow proper maintenance, change fluids on a regular basis (even if they are lifetime). Some things are much easier to work on in the M272 (air filters, PCV valve) but you also have hydraulic power steering which is a bother since the o-ring connecting the fluid reservoir to the pump fails every 2-3 years. Timing chain tensioner is another issue with these engines, some people don't care about the rattling and go on without an issue.
My M276 has been trouble free for 8 years, such a joy to drive... Last thing I did was transmission fluid change, easy job.
The following 4 users liked this post by KlausPA:
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
and the 276 3.5L NA gets more horses and torques than the 272 3.5L while also getting better fuel economy if you don't abuse that power.
christmas eve 2020, at the end of our 'test drive' after taking delivery that morning, somewhere down Big Sur, California.
christmas eve 2020, at the end of our 'test drive' after taking delivery that morning, somewhere down Big Sur, California.
The following 5 users liked this post by Left Coast Geek:
BenzV12 (05-23-2022),
chassis (05-22-2022),
KlausPA (05-22-2022),
pierrejoliat (05-23-2022),
Raj1471 (05-24-2022)
#18
You make me want to go back to the OEM chrome grill!
The following 2 users liked this post by KlausPA:
chassis (05-22-2022),
pierrejoliat (05-23-2022)