Hey Group, I'd appreciate any insights you can share—thanks in advance!

I've been looking into a 2016 S212 E250 CDI here in Australia for my girlfriend. She has strong opinions on cars and dislikes anything too basic. So far, the only options she's liked within our budget are cars like the Lexus RC350f, the S212 wagon, and possibly a post-facelift 2015 C218 CLS 250 CDI (which I think shares the same OM651 engine?).

The S212 I'm considering has 7 seats, Harman Kardon, Distronic Plus, sunroof (but not the pano roof), a 360° camera, and surprisingly no heated seats. It does have a suspension mode switch, so I assume it's equipped with Airmatic(any issues on these?)? It's a RWD car so 4 matic related issues are not a concern. The car is white with a black interior and has just under 100k km (62k miles). I haven't checked the service records yet, but I'd steer clear if it's missed or late to any major services.

From what I know, the OM651 engine is widely used in European taxis and can handle high mileage. My concern is whether it could bring diesel-related issues like carbon buildup, injectors, DPF, or EGR problems. I had a VW 7P Touareg 3.0 TDI before my W211 E55, so I'm no stranger to diesel headaches. That said, she won't drive the car a lot, so I'm wondering if carbon buildup is a real concern for low-mileage use.

We plan to service the car every 10,000 km per Mercedes' spec, but is there anything specific outside the factory recommendations we should be mindful of? The 722.6 in my w211 is bullet proof, how's the 7G tronic plus in these? I also noticed there's no AdBlue port at the fuel door—is it hidden, or does this model not require AdBlue?

The interior needs some TLC. The window switch paint is peeling, the front leather seats feel a bit hardened, and it could use a good detail. Are there known water leakage issues on the S212, even without the pano roof?

Lastly, is there anything common to this model that I should watch out for in general?

Thanks again for your help!

 

Let your Touareg experience guide you...
Tell her to buy the Lexus 350 and don't look back.

 

The DEF is in the rear where the spare tire would normally be. Believe these usually came with run flats but everyone changes them out.

Nice its RWD, less stuff to break. Better fuel mileage as well. I average 40mpg US on my 2014 4matic. Wish I could have gotten RWD with manual trans. Knock on wood no issues with my om651 now at 112k miles. You will probably be looking at suspension components, trans and engine mounts at some point. At some point the plastic/rubber parts will need replacing (hoses, belts, housings...) just due to age. Its not cheap unless ya can do alot of it yourself.

Only emissions related issue Ive had is the nox sensors on the SCR. I disconnected them and soaked them in carb cleaner, sprayed them out really well and reinstalled. No issue since (probably 5k miles or so ago). These are probably covered under extended emissions warranty but my closes dealer is 1.5hrs away.

 

HAHAH I feel like there a sad story behind your reply mate XD

 

Thanks a lot, Quint!

Mercedes Australia really drops the ball when it comes to extended warranties. A lot of things that are covered in the States—like the SBC pumps on my E55—don't seem to exist here in Australia. I’m guessing it’s the same story with all the emissions warranty stuff. Maybe it's because Aussies don't sue as much as Americans (we could probably use a few more class actions—JK).

That said, labor here is pretty pricey, with shop rates around $130–$150 AUD/hour at independent shops. We're leaning away from the wagon unless the missus absolutely falls in love with it.

On the other hand, the C218 I saw is a Mercedes Certified Pre-Owned with a 2-year warranty, so we might go for that if we can't find a solid RC350.

Appreciate your help as always mate.

 

Heya,

I personally have the same car, but 2015 with the V6. My father has E250cdi, while 12/2014 it is the same car.
All in all, so long you service engine/trans properly, this engine can go maybe close to 800tkm without any major service or repair.
I personally change engine oil every 12-15tkm, transmission (if it's the 7G+) every +- 60tkm or 5 years. With time fuel injectors might need resealing or something of that sort, but that is a question for after several hundred thousand kilometers... Heated seats can be retrofitted and it is not that expensive of a job...
Panorama roof should be taken care of - use proper vaseline or something to lube up the rails/hinges. Can not hurt.
On this model, AdBlue is usually in the trunk, beneath the trunk floor. It lasts around 10-12tkm I think. Maybe upwards of 15 if you want to empty the tank.
Diesels need heat and excell on longer drives. If your gf plans to drive for short trips, then diesel is probably not the best bet. Also those longer drives/higher RPMs reduce carbon build up / increase effectivity of DPF. If the car gets driven for years in the city, without enough time for the engine to heat up / run long enough for some DPF regenerations etc, then carbon builds up in the engine and can cause some clogs or problems... Curse those BS emission crap.

I hope I did not forget anything. LMK if you have further questions

 

If I could of gotten the e250 version of wagon with om651 I would have over the sedan but Ive got family and couple large dogs. Although my commute is always single. Think like mentioned above diesel is not usually a grocery getter unless you can get it out and open it up (not sure of wifes driving plans). I drive 110miles a day usually. Hoping for 7 more years of that if possible. Its a great commuter as far as the engine goes.

 

Thanks a lot! Will keep everything you mentioned in mind!

 

Hope you have a very good relationship with both your girlfriend and M-B dealer. As you are probably aware, M-B's are very, very expensive to maintain simply because of all the very complicated components. Electronics are super expensive and often need replacing. Lexus is far more reliable and less often in need of repairs, but when they do, they aren't cheap either.