Seeking Buying Advice
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16
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From: Near Salmon and Steelhead Streams
85 300D, 84 300D, 96 C220
Seeking Buying Advice
Hi Folks. Been out of circulation in this forum for a while now since I sold all my MBs a few years ago. Had a 202 and four 123s.All non computerized and easy to maintain as I do most of the work. I have been thinking about 212 E class AWD (preferably a wagon but will consider sedan) but I'm just afraid of the maintenance especially that it has loads more gadgets and electronics than what I'm used to. I just don't want to find myself in the shop more often than I want to.I currently drive a 2004 Volvo XC70 and a 2007 Honda Accord.
For those who have the 212, is there a year thats more reliable than others? What frequent maintenance or issues have you encountered besides the basic stuff? Thanks in advance.
For those who have the 212, is there a year thats more reliable than others? What frequent maintenance or issues have you encountered besides the basic stuff? Thanks in advance.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 6,776
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
the best or something
Hi Folks. Been out of circulation in this forum for a while now since I sold all my MBs a few years ago. Had a 202 and four 123s.All non computerized and easy to maintain as I do most of the work. I have been thinking about 212 E class AWD (preferably a wagon but will consider sedan) but I'm just afraid of the maintenance especially that it has loads more gadgets and electronics than what I'm used to. I just don't want to find myself in the shop more often than I want to.I currently drive a 2004 Volvo XC70 and a 2007 Honda Accord.
For those who have the 212, is there a year thats more reliable than others? What frequent maintenance or issues have you encountered besides the basic stuff? Thanks in advance.
For those who have the 212, is there a year thats more reliable than others? What frequent maintenance or issues have you encountered besides the basic stuff? Thanks in advance.
Specifically... :
- the engine: diesel/V6/V8/Turbos
- the RWD vs. 4Matic AWD (shaft +bearings)
- the AirMatic (bags + compressor)
- the vinyl vs. leather seats
- comfort vs. sport trims
In W212 chassis uses a mix of 3rd party electronics to run every feature from power train to wipers, headlights, doors and brakes.
The chassis standard issues are designed around :
- low oil pressure for rattling timing gears,
- oily cam sensors (10k-oil-in-harness),
- drained battery pairs
- low voltage to produce engine lag + delayed shifts.
Best bet is to keep standard issues proactively under control.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Jan 11, 2025 at 01:24 PM.
