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Actually this is not correct. There was 2015-16 W212 E400 which is a "competitor" to W213 2017-18 E400, as W212 2012-14 E550 (2010-11 just no the same V8) is to W213 2019 E450 (...yes it is, as per mbusa.com, E450 is quicker 0-60) and as W212 E350 is to W213 E300 (and again as per mbusa.com, E300 is quicker 0-60). Also 2019 W213 E450 is priced as 2014 W212 E550 TTV8 was or well above (by about $6K when similarly equipped) 2014 W212 E350.
Ah yes, my experience with the wagon (which I think only came in 212 350 and then 212 400) obfuscated my knowledge of the sedan (which presumably configured in all the editions you detailed). Thanks for clearing it up.
Ah yes, my experience with the wagon (which I think only came in 212 350 and then 212 400) obfuscated my knowledge of the sedan (which presumably configured in all the editions you detailed). Thanks for clearing it up.
Well to be complete, there was a W212 diesel, E250, variant for which there's (yet) no W213 successor (in the US).
See, here is where you need to clarify so you don't flame bait folks.
It sounds like you're saying that the 212 E350 is stronger than the 213 E300, and that's presumably correctly. However, the actual competitor for the E350 is the 213 E 400 and E450. They are priced very similarly here in the states. Consequently, you're comment about feel, sound and power is going to ring hollow unless you specify your price point and model.
Now, as to looks and quality, you're clearly entitled to your own preferences. But you need to specify how so. Looks, you've offered the tail (which is admittedly rounded on the 213 sedan vs the 212). But your quality arguments sound like a bit of a cop out to validate why you don't want to or can't afford to upgrade. Witness the difference of the interior center consoles in particular from two stellar representations of the cars (and courtesy to Rod for his interior...note the blue key). That clumsy button layout always made me crazy...and the small NAV screen (though kudos to them in both cars for not stapling the display to the dash like in the C class and Audis). Also look at the window buttons, the door locks, the seat controls, the LED mood lighting, the smooth dash as opposed to the angular one, the vents, etc.
The W213
The W212
This is not to disparage the 212 in any way. I liked it a lot. However, times change. The 213 is just better.
The note about Rod's key seriously cracked me up!
As for the two generations of the E, there's simply no comparison in my opinion. The W212 was great in its day and highly desirable. The W213 has moved the needle on by quite some margin in pretty much every way, and that's fine - That's how it's supposed to be.
As for the two generations of the E, there's simply no comparison in my opinion. The W212 was great in its day and highly desirable. The W213 has moved the needle on by quite some margin in pretty much every way, and that's fine - That's how it's supposed to be.
Good - Burmester sound is much better.
Ugly - No Spare, No CD player - When my 2014 wears out (2028?) I'll be buying a low mileage 2016 or an old BMW, Audi, or Genesis that has a spare tire.
Also, your problem with head lights is probably the lack of an LED option.
Couple more good ones:
1. I put the vehicle in park (Eco mode), the engine shutoff because of Eco Start/Stop feature. I got out of the car and locked it as if I turned off the engine and it worked. Provided I tried it only once and couldn't take a video of that feature. You guys need to confirm it.
2. The annoying Eco Start/Stop is surprisingly better on these new models. It is not that bad compared to W212 where even in a bumper to bumper or while yielding traffic the engine stops.
3. W212's ECO S/S feature doesn't work when I put in park I guess (It has been more than 5 months I've used that feature - my Aux battery is not charged enough for that feature to work and I use my vehicle for short distances), but this one works.
The build quality is no longer there on a E class, I drove 6 of them from slightly used to brand new. E300, E400 and AMG E43. Go up in engine size and feel the power, BUT the quality of the car is still crap. The dashboard and doors are hollow and I know its aluminum parts now but still the interior although really very nice is crap quality. I was about to pull the trigger and purchase one of the above BUT each time I felt I was in a cheap KIA. The E300 needs to be driven in Sport + mode in order to compare with the W212. The E400 is a great engine and so is the E43 AMG BUT they are wrapped in a cheap *** manufactured MBZ. Seriously what the hell happened. The 2 dealers I was working with both agreed and laughed when I commented on the short falls of the W213. Thought about a CLS but too cramped in the back and my next choice is a S class? Seriously why? Why did they have to build some a cheap *** car. Build quality is crap! Am keeping the W212 E350 Sport for now, it's got 75K miles.... Lets see if something else is out there soon!
The build quality is no longer there on a E class, I drove 6 of them from slightly used to brand new. E300, E400 and AMG E43. Go up in engine size and feel the power, BUT the quality of the car is still crap. The dashboard and doors are hollow and I know its aluminum parts now but still the interior although really very nice is crap quality. I was about to pull the trigger and purchase one of the above BUT each time I felt I was in a cheap KIA. The E300 needs to be driven in Sport + mode in order to compare with the W212. The E400 is a great engine and so is the E43 AMG BUT they are wrapped in a cheap *** manufactured MBZ. Seriously what the hell happened. The 2 dealers I was working with both agreed and laughed when I commented on the short falls of the W213. Thought about a CLS but too cramped in the back and my next choice is a S class? Seriously why? Why did they have to build some a cheap *** car. Build quality is crap! Am keeping the W212 E350 Sport for now, it's got 75K miles.... Lets see if something else is out there soon!
Obviously the 213 is not for you! After nearly three years I still love mine and build quality is excellent all round.
i agree - the 212 was a great rock solid build. the drive and suspension was top notch. the 213 other than the interior upgrades, came down hard in all areas.
One thing I highly agree with is how poorly the doors stay open. It is by far the worst of any car I've owned. They swing open somewhat wildly, then almost immediately start closing on you, especially if the car is on any kind of incline. The X5 I traded in on my wagon had soft close doors. That is one of those options that I would never think to spend money on until I had it. Now I never want to do without.
I had the door issue on my '18 E300 with soft close doors. The dealer replaced the front door hinges under warranty the first week I had the car. That was 4 years ago and it solved the problem.
I had the door issue on my '18 E300 with soft close doors. The dealer replaced the front door hinges under warranty the first week I had the car. That was 4 years ago and it solved the problem.
Huh? I've got soft close doors too, and they're really bad at staying open on an incline. Are you saying that's a flaw?
I'm saying that I noted the weak hinges when I took delivery. They were replaced. Problem solved. I can't attest to staying open on an incline because there aren't any inclines in my area. My county is as flat as a pancake with a very gradual 50' elevation increase over 20 miles.
In 4 years the only warranty items have been door hinges, a soft door closer controller and a spark plug. Software is updated periodically. The car has been trouble free. Much better than my E55.
Obviously the 213 is not for you! After nearly three years I still love mine and build quality is excellent all round.
OBVIOUSLY it is not the car for me, BUT OBVIOUSLY the build quality went down hill.... Read all the posts, it is one thing after the other. You feel in a tank in W212.
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