Richbot

We have had such a positive overall experience with our '15 E63 that we want a jump-seat equipped wagon too, as an occasional multi-kid schlepper and all-purpose anti-SUV. The budget will cover a nice E400 or (in an insane twist of extremely low supply and wagon nerd demand) a 211 AMG wagon in good condition is about the same money. 212 AMG wags didn't get jump seats in the US, sadly.

Anybody owned both and have thoughts? Are the 213's trouble-free reliable to the extent that it might help me live with the pain of no V8 noises?

I'm a reasonably competent DIY wrench, not terribly afraid of AMG maintenance and repairs even if I have to spend money. Nor is the lack of dash screens and tech on the 211 a worry, as I see this as a feature rather than a bug, and would gladly pay more for analog gauges and no nav/infostraction screen if it was offered on new cars. I think the maintenance costs would just about wash out to the same as what I would lose owning a merc at the steeper end of the depreciation curve. Or maybe it would be ruinous, either way it would be cooler, and more likely to be resold to another enthusiast at a not-terrible loss, than throwing wheels and a couple power mods at an E400.

I guess what I'm looking for is somebody who's had some time in both the 211 and 213 - opinions from other closeted automotive luddites here, will the E400 make me wish I had gone older-school?

ua549

My W211 sedan was a maintenance headache, especially the air suspension and the 4 zone A/C. After the initial delivery squawks I've had zero issues with my W213, not even a rattle, squeak or vibration.