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My 2016 E350 is reaching 105,000 miles.
How long do these cars last before they start exhibiting major issues that will require expensive repairs?
How long do people usually hold on to their W212's?
I'm old school - I like the physical buttons, the simplicity, and the CD player in my car.
However, the engine isn't running as strong as when I first got it 5 years ago at 35,000 miles.
Its engine cover leaked (which was repaired), and MB is discontinuing Keyless-go fobs (not an immediate concern, but what if I lose a key and need to replace it?)
So I'm debating if I should keep it, or replace it with a more recent model year of E-class, or even 5-series.(but not too new)
Low / High Fuel Pressure Pump
Engine Mounts
Tranny Mounts
Water pump
Those were replaced in my car after 10 years around 115 K Miles You could expect those needed to replaced if not done already . Other than that , these cars provide a great life span to me
My 2011 S212 E350 has over 262k miles and going strong. Not gonna lie I’ve had quite a few repairs from air bellows to driveshaft to oil leaks and even a torque converter replacement. However, the M272 engine itself has been nearly bulletproof.
I do drive mostly highway miles, but I attribute much of the longevity to warming up my engine every time I start my car and let it idle at least long enough for the revvs to come down, and not accelerate too hard until the engine is fully warmed up. Of course doing 5k to 7.5k mile oil change intervals with premium oil is a given. I also use a liqui-Molly friction inhibitor every other oil change.
This weekend (or some weekend) I am putting in new rear suspension (Bielstien 6) and the oil cooler/filter gaskets....plan to get as many miles as you have out of that car.
not sure where his came from but it looks like one of those plastic armrest covers sold on aliexpress. the parts are held on with 3m tape. I searched: w212 armrest.
First, the newer E Class cars are no where near as good as the 2010+ versions. Mine is an early 2010, but only has 50,000 miles. Still like the car, but it does have some issues and all will be costly to correct since it is an M-B. Ironically, can get an indy to repair some issues, but he has to go to M-B to get the expensive parts. Some things I just learned to live without - Easy in and out failed after 3 years and replaced under warranty (dealership had car three days). Failed again 3 years later, not replaced. AUTO HVAC is acting up in Spring and Fall, but works normally in Summer in Winter. Have a work around that works, so not a problem I can't live with. Light switch is an early 2010 version and headlights come on in garage, but then do not turn off when driving in bright sunlight. So I can turn them Off, wait about 10-15 minutes and reset to Auto, but if forget and leave in Off, the right side parking lights come on in middle of night. Had to replace garage door opener system but Homelink in M-B cannot register to it. So just have the opener on visor. Can get a unit that "translates" the signal, but not worth it as I seldom open or close the garage door. Other than that, everything works OK. Love the Music Register (Over 1,000 "songs"), 6 CD changer, cruise control, seat warmers, easy to use navigation and phone, etc. Love the buttons - simple and effective. The vinyl is in great shape as is the replacement wood M-B installed under warranty. Keep up with maintenance items, but may delay a year or two on some things due to low mileage. Replaced fuel filter last year - do every 15 years per M-B. Actually M-B standard is replace filter and BOTH fuel pumps at same time. Dealer charged over $1,500. Potentially very messy job. Before COVID I was considering getting an SUV (easier to get in and out), but then COVID caused huge price increases and they have not come down enough yet. Looking at Japanese or Korean. But Benz is hanging in there and I do like driving it and being in it.
Our '14 E350 now has 167k miles on it, and it still looks and runs like new. Yes, we've done some work over the past 11 years (replaced driver's seat cover due to tearing, replaced shocks/struts, replaced engine/transmission mounts, replaced thermostat & radiator fan, replaced all ignition coils, replaced brakes & tires numerous times), but the car still has plenty of life left in it. The most telling point is that the wife is still happy with it, and doesn't even want to talk about looking for a replacement.
If we have to spend $2k/year (broken down to $167/month) on service from here to the end, that is still significantly less than the average new car payment, for a car that is well above average.
With a 2016 at 105k miles, I'd say you've got another 5 years easy, before you get to where ours is (no major $$$$ repairs, only replacement of wear items).
not sure where his came from but it looks like one of those plastic armrest covers sold on aliexpress. the parts are held on with 3m tape. I searched: w212 armrest.
Ding ding ding! What do we have for her Johnny?!
They also sell them on Amazon, but AliExpress is way less expensive if you doing mind waiting 2-4 weeks.
Change the oil every 5k
chnage the trans fluid every 30k
chnage out filters
chnage plugs and coil packs like every 60k or so
do the basics like tires and brakes
battery belts
I believe these can go well over 300k miles if there is proper care. Watch for leaks and reseal as needed.
It's not the engine that will wear out, it's everything else. My GLK350 with 160000 miles on her, had its share of problems, none of them engine related. Replaced drive shaft, o2 sensors, wheel bearings, tie rods, transfer case bearings, MBTex seat covers. From my research and talking to other owners, these are common issues.
Last edited by celyl888; Mar 21, 2026 at 06:53 AM.
It's not the engine that will wear out, it's everything else. My GLK350 with 160000 miles on her, had its share of problems, none of them engine related. Replaced drive shaft, o2 sensors, wheel bearings, tie rods, transfer case bearings, MBTex seat covers. From my research and talking to other owners, these are common issues.
The transfer case bearings and transmission lub service will around $1700 including parts and labor.
What's W212's longevity?
