Hi everyone,

I am currently in the market for a 2015-2018 E350 / E400 Wagon for cargo space and daily driving. I desire mileage between 65K and 80K, which is a bit challenging in California based on the average 12K annual drive. What are the major mechanical failures I should be aware of before purchase? In comparison between the E350 and E400, which engine is more reliable? I heard that W212 Wagons are generally more reliable than W213 Wagons. Is this true? Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

there is generally no major mechanical failure unless 4-Cyl turbos are involved.
Instead the W212/S212 cars are built around a set of system options that each disfunction on their own schedule.

The theme is basic options require cheaper maintenance than the more advanced ones that require premium service by specialists.

The same dealer hourly charge is applicable to all vehicles meaning 80kMi maintenance is undiscounted premium rate.

212 Engines range from Diesel to turbo V8

Suspensions from steel springs to AirMatics

Transmission from RWD to 4Matic

Sunroof or Pano-roof

Seats from vinyl to dynamic bolsters

Cruise control or radar based DistronicPlus

Rear Blind spots integrated with self-steering

Autonomous breaking or not.

Brakes are either basic rotors/floating calipers or advanced drilled rotors with multipistons calipers.

No camera, rear camera or 360° cameras.

Whatever options your chassis has is what you got. Systems are built not be "plug-n-play" upgraded.

The classic M276/8 nagging is centered around cold engine rattling from worned timing components.

What ever model you purchase will look good in sport or comfort trim.

 

Those are solid cars but some Mercedes-Benz common replacements may need : low pressure pump (if you notice a fuel smell when the engine is cold ) , engine & tranny mounts .

 

If vibrations enter the cabin because of leaking oil mount bags & the solid rubber transmission mount, replace them on W212.

Vinyl interior called MB-Tex is inferior to earlier
vinyl seats & commonly split in driver's seat.
My upholstery shop ordered an OEM seat cushion & installed at a cost of $600.
i then ordered 2 sheepskin covers @$550 each.

The wood trim didn't have the sunscreen component in the wood varnish which caused the wood to fade badly. I bought $1300 replacement
pieces & had all wood replaced.
A recent court order forced MB to offer restitution
to owners / see dealer for details.

 

On the east coast, but give you an idea of what's available.

This is a 2019 with 75k miles, but it is also an E450, which has the superior M276 engine.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...4/NONE/DEFAULT

 

Please read my Comprehensive Guide for W212's

Can be found in my Profile > Thread

 

I'm trying to look for your Comprehensive Guide for W212's but can't find it. Can share a link or pm me the link please?

 

Few things to remember buying a used car

1)- Once you narrow down the vehicle you are interested in, do your research and find out the trouble spots on that particular model
2)- Research further and find out what those troubling issues are, how that happens (age, use etc) and the cost to fix it?
3)- You don't buy a used car, you buy the owner! If he's responsive and answers your concerns, you are good or else move on.
4)- Buy a well maintained car with records
5)- Focus on dry and avoid salt belt states
6)- Invest in a PPI and have the shop focus more on the troubling spots you have read.
7)- Pay attention to Oil changes, tires, brakes, suspension and any oil leaks
8)- Always see the car in person regardless who's selling it as few hundred dollars spent earlier could save you thousands and lots of headache later.
9)- Lots of cars, even desired ones on the market have close to 100K miles if not over, so be careful considering one of those. It would be hard to sell a car once it crosses the 100k so be careful
&
10)- Spend money upfront and buy a nice car or save money and buy a cheaper car and spend thousands later to fix all the neglected issues

Hope that helps

 

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...uide-w212.html

 

We got our 2016 E350 4matic wagon in late 2020 from a dealer in Santa Fe (we're on the left coast). The car was a CPO with only 24000 miles, we bought it entirely over the phone and email, sight unseen. The car has been perfect, had zero problems to date, we're around 68000 miles now.