Purchasing a 2021 E350
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2015 C300
Purchasing a 2021 E350
Hi folks,
I hope everyone is having a great day!
I am in the process of buying a CPO 2021 E350, however, I wanted to check with you to see if there are major issues with the car that I should be aware of. I know that a CPO comes with extended warranty, however, I don't want to buy a car that would spend more time at the dealership than my home.
If there are any tips or things I should check on, I would appreciate sharing.
Thank you!
I hope everyone is having a great day!
I am in the process of buying a CPO 2021 E350, however, I wanted to check with you to see if there are major issues with the car that I should be aware of. I know that a CPO comes with extended warranty, however, I don't want to buy a car that would spend more time at the dealership than my home.
If there are any tips or things I should check on, I would appreciate sharing.
Thank you!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 906
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Hi folks,
I hope everyone is having a great day!
I am in the process of buying a CPO 2021 E350, however, I wanted to check with you to see if there are major issues with the car that I should be aware of. I know that a CPO comes with extended warranty, however, I don't want to buy a car that would spend more time at the dealership than my home.
If there are any tips or things I should check on, I would appreciate sharing.
Thank you!
I hope everyone is having a great day!
I am in the process of buying a CPO 2021 E350, however, I wanted to check with you to see if there are major issues with the car that I should be aware of. I know that a CPO comes with extended warranty, however, I don't want to buy a car that would spend more time at the dealership than my home.
If there are any tips or things I should check on, I would appreciate sharing.
Thank you!
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 157
Likes: 36
2021 E350 Sedan
W213 vs W212 PROS and CONS
I moved from the W212 to W213 (A 2021) and did a PRO CON list. I was considering a well optioned, low mileage W212 but couldn't find one, so I went for the best low mileage W213. Some things are unique to me I'm sure:
CONS
CONS
Engine - 6 cyl is better
Transmission: jerk on downhill downshifts 3 -2; Didn't happen with 7 speed (comes and goes)
Transmission: Jerk upshift 2 to 3; comes and goes; embarrassing and annoying
Controls: Distronix much harder to turn on; have to look at wheel; lever was much better, Have to push buttons perfectly.
Controls: Console Touchpad often misfires, doubles, ignores; Switches and buttons on W212 were much better.
Controls: Wheel touchpad Left Upper center: Intermitent; not reliable; Worst of the bad
Controls: Really hard to set Heads up display selections
Controls: Distronix speed-set misfires 50% if the time; Have to push buttons perfectly.
Music: No help with getting CD's onto Thumb Drive
Music: No CD Player / Hard Drive
Nav: Can't name and store destinations; Could on W212
Nav: Can't use Zipcodes; Could on W212
Manual: No list of voice commands; Had a list for W212
Manual: No clear presentation of command Tree
Manual: Options shown out of order and incomplete
Manual: ICONS under primary (Home) links not explained in manual and diff from menus
MBUX: Menus and tree operation inconsistent
MBUX: Lame HELP systems: Info system sparse/incomplete
MBUX: Misfires on word Mercedes; don't have to say "Hey".
MBUX: Doesn't understand much more than the W212;
MBUX: Doesn't even understand the words in some of the menues: (e.g. Show Music Categories
Tones: One ear shattering tone if you select ECO/COM if in Reverse
Storage - Front Seat: Less than W212 (FrontBottomOfSeat; FrontSideWebbing)
Engine stop ECO doesn't work most of the time
PROS Many of these are due to options I did not have on my W212Transmission: jerk on downhill downshifts 3 -2; Didn't happen with 7 speed (comes and goes)
Transmission: Jerk upshift 2 to 3; comes and goes; embarrassing and annoying
Controls: Distronix much harder to turn on; have to look at wheel; lever was much better, Have to push buttons perfectly.
Controls: Console Touchpad often misfires, doubles, ignores; Switches and buttons on W212 were much better.
Controls: Wheel touchpad Left Upper center: Intermitent; not reliable; Worst of the bad
Controls: Really hard to set Heads up display selections
Controls: Distronix speed-set misfires 50% if the time; Have to push buttons perfectly.
Music: No help with getting CD's onto Thumb Drive
Music: No CD Player / Hard Drive
Nav: Can't name and store destinations; Could on W212
Nav: Can't use Zipcodes; Could on W212
Manual: No list of voice commands; Had a list for W212
Manual: No clear presentation of command Tree
Manual: Options shown out of order and incomplete
Manual: ICONS under primary (Home) links not explained in manual and diff from menus
MBUX: Menus and tree operation inconsistent
MBUX: Lame HELP systems: Info system sparse/incomplete
MBUX: Misfires on word Mercedes; don't have to say "Hey".
MBUX: Doesn't understand much more than the W212;
MBUX: Doesn't even understand the words in some of the menues: (e.g. Show Music Categories
Tones: One ear shattering tone if you select ECO/COM if in Reverse
Storage - Front Seat: Less than W212 (FrontBottomOfSeat; FrontSideWebbing)
Engine stop ECO doesn't work most of the time
Engine: 4 modes (ECO, CMFRT, SPRT, SPRT+), W212 had only 2 (E and S)
Engine: Better pickup at 30-40mph (Torque dip in W212 E350)
Engine: Better City / overall Mileage
Outside: Better looking Hood, Wheels
Outside: Folding Mirrors
Ride: Should be Smoother; 9 Speed Xmission; AIR MATIC
Distronix: Specified distance works right; W212 twist lever was a mystery
Parking Brake better (Automatic)
Safety: More safety (e.g. Side Impulse) Death stats = 0
Safety: Rear cross traffic backup warn/avoid
Safety: Front Pedestrian accident avoidance
Safety: Better automatic headlights
Safety: Intersection accident avoidance
Trunk: Automatic close button/feature
Key: Keyless Entry Exit much easier, Trunk Kick
Camera: Larger Screen Parking and Nav and …
Nav: Alternate Routes; Larger Screen; Speak Destination
Radio: Can add AM/FM to Favorites
MBUX: More Voice commands; More Vehicle commands
Inside: Light color seats; Piano Trim
Inside: Seat retract on open door entry
Inside: Acoustic Comfort package
Inside: Inductive Cell Phone charger
Inside: Multi-Color Ambient lighting of cab
Inside: LED highlight with color selection
Inside: Illuminated Door Sills
Music: Better; More clear; Mid Range Adjustable
Instrumentation: Range always shown
Instrumentation: Can see MPG from Start and Reset
Instrumentation: Head Up display
Instrumentation: Speed Limit shown
MyMercedes: Remote data, Start, Download SW updates
MyMercedes: Get mileage from cellphone
Engine: Better pickup at 30-40mph (Torque dip in W212 E350)
Engine: Better City / overall Mileage
Outside: Better looking Hood, Wheels
Outside: Folding Mirrors
Ride: Should be Smoother; 9 Speed Xmission; AIR MATIC
Distronix: Specified distance works right; W212 twist lever was a mystery
Parking Brake better (Automatic)
Safety: More safety (e.g. Side Impulse) Death stats = 0
Safety: Rear cross traffic backup warn/avoid
Safety: Front Pedestrian accident avoidance
Safety: Better automatic headlights
Safety: Intersection accident avoidance
Trunk: Automatic close button/feature
Key: Keyless Entry Exit much easier, Trunk Kick
Camera: Larger Screen Parking and Nav and …
Nav: Alternate Routes; Larger Screen; Speak Destination
Radio: Can add AM/FM to Favorites
MBUX: More Voice commands; More Vehicle commands
Inside: Light color seats; Piano Trim
Inside: Seat retract on open door entry
Inside: Acoustic Comfort package
Inside: Inductive Cell Phone charger
Inside: Multi-Color Ambient lighting of cab
Inside: LED highlight with color selection
Inside: Illuminated Door Sills
Music: Better; More clear; Mid Range Adjustable
Instrumentation: Range always shown
Instrumentation: Can see MPG from Start and Reset
Instrumentation: Head Up display
Instrumentation: Speed Limit shown
MyMercedes: Remote data, Start, Download SW updates
MyMercedes: Get mileage from cellphone
Last edited by Holtgraver; Jun 17, 2024 at 11:24 AM. Reason: Typo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 906
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I moved from the W212 to W213 (A 2021) and did a PRO CON list. I was considering a well optioned, low mileage W212 but couldn't find one, so I went for the best low mileage W213. Some things are unique to me I'm sure:
CONS
CONS
Engine - 6 cyl is better
Transmission: jerk on downhill downshifts 3 -2; Didn't happen with 7 speed (comes and goes)
Transmission: jerk on downhill downshifts 3 -2; Didn't happen with 7 speed (comes and goes)
This is nothing more than going to the dealer and doing a software reset on the transmission. I just had my done. Problem solved.
Transmission: Jerk upshift 2 to 3; comes and goes; embarrassing and annoying[/QUOTE]
See above
Controls: Distronix much harder to turn on; have to look at wheel; lever was much better, Have to push buttons perfectly.[/QUOTE]
Have no idea what you are talking about. There are two switches on the left side of the dash. Set and forget.
Controls: Console Touchpad often misfires, doubles, ignores; Switches and buttons on W212 were much better.[/QUOTE]
You can disable the touch pad. I did. Never missed it.
Controls: Wheel touchpad Left Upper center: Intermitent; not reliable; Worst of the bad[/QUOTE]
Again, with 45,000 miles on my car, never happened.
Controls: Really hard to set Heads up display selections
Controls: Distronix speed-set misfires 50% if the time; Have to push buttons perfectly.[/QUOTE]
Again never happened to me. Use adaptive cruise control all the time. Love it!
Music: No help with getting CD's onto Thumb Drive
Music: No CD Player / Hard Drive
Nav: Can't name and store destinations; Could on W212
Nav: Can't use Zipcodes; Could on W212
Manual: No list of voice commands; Had a list for W212
Manual: No clear presentation of command Tree
Manual: Options shown out of order and incomplete
Manual: ICONS under primary (Home) links not explained in manual and diff from menus
MBUX: Menus and tree operation inconsistent
MBUX: Lame HELP systems: Info system sparse/incomplete
MBUX: Misfires on word Mercedes; don't have to say "Hey".
MBUX: Doesn't understand much more than the W212;
MBUX: Doesn't even understand the words in some of the menues: (e.g. Show Music Categories
Tones: One ear shattering tone if you select ECO/COM if in Reverse[/QUOTE]
You know the warning sounds are adjustable!
Storage - Front Seat: Less than W212 (FrontBottomOfSeat; FrontSideWebbing)
Engine stop ECO doesn't work most of the time[/QUOTE]
Not supposed to work all the time: Hot weather AC on, when you first start in cold weather
Engine: 4 modes (ECO, CMFRT, SPRT, SPRT+), W212 had only 2 (E and S)
Engine: Better pickup at 30-40mph (Torque dip in W212 E350)
Engine: Better City / overall Mileage
Outside: Better looking Hood, Wheels
Outside: Folding Mirrors
Ride: Should be Smoother; 9 Speed Xmission; AIR MATIC
Distronix: Specified distance works right; W212 twist lever was a mystery
Parking Brake better (Automatic)
Safety: More safety (e.g. Side Impulse) Death stats = 0
Safety: Rear cross traffic backup warn/avoid
Safety: Front Pedestrian accident avoidance
Safety: Better automatic headlights
Safety: Intersection accident avoidance
Trunk: Automatic close button/feature
Key: Keyless Entry Exit much easier, Trunk Kick
Camera: Larger Screen Parking and Nav and …
Nav: Alternate Routes; Larger Screen; Speak Destination
Radio: Can add AM/FM to Favorites
MBUX: More Voice commands; More Vehicle commands
Inside: Light color seats; Piano Trim
Inside: Seat retract on open door entry
Inside: Acoustic Comfort package
Inside: Inductive Cell Phone charger
Inside: Multi-Color Ambient lighting of cab
Inside: LED highlight with color selection
Inside: Illuminated Door Sills
Music: Better; More clear; Mid Range Adjustable
Instrumentation: Range always shown
Instrumentation: Can see MPG from Start and Reset
Instrumentation: Head Up display
Instrumentation: Speed Limit shown
MyMercedes: Remote data, Start, Download SW updates
MyMercedes: Get mileage from cellphone
[/QUOTE]Engine: Better pickup at 30-40mph (Torque dip in W212 E350)
Engine: Better City / overall Mileage
Outside: Better looking Hood, Wheels
Outside: Folding Mirrors
Ride: Should be Smoother; 9 Speed Xmission; AIR MATIC
Distronix: Specified distance works right; W212 twist lever was a mystery
Parking Brake better (Automatic)
Safety: More safety (e.g. Side Impulse) Death stats = 0
Safety: Rear cross traffic backup warn/avoid
Safety: Front Pedestrian accident avoidance
Safety: Better automatic headlights
Safety: Intersection accident avoidance
Trunk: Automatic close button/feature
Key: Keyless Entry Exit much easier, Trunk Kick
Camera: Larger Screen Parking and Nav and …
Nav: Alternate Routes; Larger Screen; Speak Destination
Radio: Can add AM/FM to Favorites
MBUX: More Voice commands; More Vehicle commands
Inside: Light color seats; Piano Trim
Inside: Seat retract on open door entry
Inside: Acoustic Comfort package
Inside: Inductive Cell Phone charger
Inside: Multi-Color Ambient lighting of cab
Inside: LED highlight with color selection
Inside: Illuminated Door Sills
Music: Better; More clear; Mid Range Adjustable
Instrumentation: Range always shown
Instrumentation: Can see MPG from Start and Reset
Instrumentation: Head Up display
Instrumentation: Speed Limit shown
MyMercedes: Remote data, Start, Download SW updates
MyMercedes: Get mileage from cellphone
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 157
Likes: 36
2021 E350 Sedan
1. Xmission jerk: Dealer tried to fix 2 times now. SW change worked for about 30 miles, then problem returned. Plan to try again soon.
2. Distronics on/off: My controls are not on the dash, they are on the steering wheel. You have to look at the steering wheel to find them. Them you have to touch them perfectly to get them to work. You could find the W212 lever easily without taking your eyes off the road.
3. "Disable the touchpad". The how do you change stations or slide down the menu lists to pick one?
4. Wheel touchpad: not something that broke. Was like this on other W213 I test drove.
5. I try to use adaptive cruise control too, but only when there are no cars around so I can find the buttons while taking eyes off road
and presss the absolute center of them.
6. My warning sounds are fine: The ear piercing noise only happens when I try to toggle down to E while in reverse (and camera is on).
7. In cold weather ECO stop did not work during a 50 mile drive. I imagine the engine was warmed up by then. When arerage temp here reached abou 70F, it started working.
If you have a 2019, you still have COMMAND. I have MBUX and they changed to the steering wheel touchpads in 2021. If I could have a do-over, I'd buy a 2019 or a 2020.
2. Distronics on/off: My controls are not on the dash, they are on the steering wheel. You have to look at the steering wheel to find them. Them you have to touch them perfectly to get them to work. You could find the W212 lever easily without taking your eyes off the road.
3. "Disable the touchpad". The how do you change stations or slide down the menu lists to pick one?
4. Wheel touchpad: not something that broke. Was like this on other W213 I test drove.
5. I try to use adaptive cruise control too, but only when there are no cars around so I can find the buttons while taking eyes off road
and presss the absolute center of them.
6. My warning sounds are fine: The ear piercing noise only happens when I try to toggle down to E while in reverse (and camera is on).
7. In cold weather ECO stop did not work during a 50 mile drive. I imagine the engine was warmed up by then. When arerage temp here reached abou 70F, it started working.
If you have a 2019, you still have COMMAND. I have MBUX and they changed to the steering wheel touchpads in 2021. If I could have a do-over, I'd buy a 2019 or a 2020.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 1,112
.
On my W213:
(1) I've never experienced transmission jerk. Has the transmission been maintained according to the service schedule (fluid changes, etc.).
(2 & 5) On my W213 Distronic is Active Cruise Control. On the 2021 the buttons should be used without the need to look at them. Just as you don't need to look at other controls to use them. The thumb wheel is easily identified by feel - up increase, down decrease. Do you have the 3 spoke or 5 spoke steering wheel. Both were offered in 2021.
(3) I have the console touchpad disabled. Station and/or track is managed using the steering wheel right thumb pad. It is easy and quite natural.
(7) ECO function automatically engages depending on vehicle operating temperature and interior environment and controls settings. If interior heat or cooling is needed and has yet to reach the desired temperature ECO will not stop the engine.
(1) I've never experienced transmission jerk. Has the transmission been maintained according to the service schedule (fluid changes, etc.).
(2 & 5) On my W213 Distronic is Active Cruise Control. On the 2021 the buttons should be used without the need to look at them. Just as you don't need to look at other controls to use them. The thumb wheel is easily identified by feel - up increase, down decrease. Do you have the 3 spoke or 5 spoke steering wheel. Both were offered in 2021.
(3) I have the console touchpad disabled. Station and/or track is managed using the steering wheel right thumb pad. It is easy and quite natural.
(7) ECO function automatically engages depending on vehicle operating temperature and interior environment and controls settings. If interior heat or cooling is needed and has yet to reach the desired temperature ECO will not stop the engine.
Last edited by ua549; Jun 17, 2024 at 01:49 PM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 157
Likes: 36
2021 E350 Sedan
1. I have 16,000 miles on this CPO 2021 E350. I have taken to a dealer twice to fix the jerk. The fix worked for 30 miles and then the problems returned. There is no transmission service needed before 16000 miles.
2. I don't have a thumb wheel like the 2020's do. They changed the controls in 2021.
3. My right thumb pad could be used. It is tiny, hard to find without looking and misfires half the time (slide right and it goes up, ....)
4. My engine should reach sufficient temp after 50 miles. ECO started working when temp outside hit 80.
Basic problem is they changed W213 controls from switches and toggles to touch pad/sliders in 2021. Before that there was a control wheel on the console (Spin or press) and you could use either the touch pad above it or the wheel. Google pictures of the steering wheels to see.
2. I don't have a thumb wheel like the 2020's do. They changed the controls in 2021.
3. My right thumb pad could be used. It is tiny, hard to find without looking and misfires half the time (slide right and it goes up, ....)
4. My engine should reach sufficient temp after 50 miles. ECO started working when temp outside hit 80.
Basic problem is they changed W213 controls from switches and toggles to touch pad/sliders in 2021. Before that there was a control wheel on the console (Spin or press) and you could use either the touch pad above it or the wheel. Google pictures of the steering wheels to see.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 906
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
1. I have 16,000 miles on this CPO 2021 E350. I have taken to a dealer twice to fix the jerk. The fix worked for 30 miles and then the problems returned. There is no transmission service needed before 16000 miles.
2. I don't have a thumb wheel like the 2020's do. They changed the controls in 2021.
3. My right thumb pad could be used. It is tiny, hard to find without looking and misfires half the time (slide right and it goes up, ....)
4. My engine should reach sufficient temp after 50 miles. ECO started working when temp outside hit 80.
Basic problem is they changed W213 controls from switches and toggles to touch pad/sliders in 2021. Before that there was a control wheel on the console (Spin or press) and you could use either the touch pad above it or the wheel. Google pictures of the steering wheels to see.
2. I don't have a thumb wheel like the 2020's do. They changed the controls in 2021.
3. My right thumb pad could be used. It is tiny, hard to find without looking and misfires half the time (slide right and it goes up, ....)
4. My engine should reach sufficient temp after 50 miles. ECO started working when temp outside hit 80.
Basic problem is they changed W213 controls from switches and toggles to touch pad/sliders in 2021. Before that there was a control wheel on the console (Spin or press) and you could use either the touch pad above it or the wheel. Google pictures of the steering wheels to see.
My 2019 E450 has the large wheel just in front of the touch pad. I find it very, very easy to use. Never have to take my eyes off the road.
Ditto for the cruise controls on the left side of my steering wheel. Very intuitive to use.
Maybe some should read the Emperor's New Clothes to Mercedes!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 906
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 642
Likes: 227
From: Charlotte, NC
2024 E450 AT Wagon, 2024 EQS450+ / Had: 2021 E350, 2019 E300, 2021 + 20 GLE350, 2019 E450 Wagon(s)
I drive a 2021 E350 that we bought as a CPO two years ago. It's been a great car - zero issues, just routine maintenance - it was 31,000 miles on it right now. I use it to get to work and the airport and I love driving it. I would have no hesitation to get one if I were you - best of luck with with your decision.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
