Future W213 owner?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
No Benz
Future W213 owner?
My first post, and I'm here to learn. I've bounced back and forth, and at the end of the day, getting a MB is a bucket list item. However, I'm still sensible, so I'm looking at used E350 in the W213 range. Aside from price, I just like the look and shape of the sedan.
Here is my background. Own many Hondas so I can tool around with the basic DIY maintenance items.
Talking to people around my corner and the forums I visit, most of them said to say away from German, stay away from Benz, and other comments about I will go bankrupt owning one. For the same $35K, buy a nice new Honda Accord or Acura Integra. They promise me I'll be happy (with a Honda instead). I get it. But....
So maybe a 2021-2023. I don't need AMG package, etc. Happy with the smaller wheels, etc. Just want to own a Mercedes-Benz. I'm a remote employee so don't drive much. Wife has a new 2025 SUV so this Benz will be a "secondary" car.
As a newbie, what's your advice to me? Do I just stick with the usual used car type of inspection? Anything I should know about W213?
I'm also new to the forum so if there is a newbie section for me to read first, please point it out to me.
Here is one example. Just an example.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 Sedan for sale in Tucson, AZ 85705: Sedan Details - 747984335 - Autotrader
TIA
Here is my background. Own many Hondas so I can tool around with the basic DIY maintenance items.
Talking to people around my corner and the forums I visit, most of them said to say away from German, stay away from Benz, and other comments about I will go bankrupt owning one. For the same $35K, buy a nice new Honda Accord or Acura Integra. They promise me I'll be happy (with a Honda instead). I get it. But....
So maybe a 2021-2023. I don't need AMG package, etc. Happy with the smaller wheels, etc. Just want to own a Mercedes-Benz. I'm a remote employee so don't drive much. Wife has a new 2025 SUV so this Benz will be a "secondary" car.
As a newbie, what's your advice to me? Do I just stick with the usual used car type of inspection? Anything I should know about W213?
I'm also new to the forum so if there is a newbie section for me to read first, please point it out to me.
Here is one example. Just an example.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 Sedan for sale in Tucson, AZ 85705: Sedan Details - 747984335 - Autotrader
TIA
Last edited by cabanalane; May 29, 2025 at 10:43 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 621
Likes: 249
From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
Hi mileage for the price? Spend 4 k more and get the E 450. Lots more power/fun. 18 inch
wheels are more comfortable, 19 inch look better. Be sure all maintenance is done. New plugs at 50 k and transmission service at 60 k. Be sure to get PPI, consider xtended warrany or put a few thousand aside for unexpected repairs. Great cars but expensive to maintain and repair. Do you have an independent merc mechanic? Otherwise, double the emergency fund to go to dealer for repairs.
wheels are more comfortable, 19 inch look better. Be sure all maintenance is done. New plugs at 50 k and transmission service at 60 k. Be sure to get PPI, consider xtended warrany or put a few thousand aside for unexpected repairs. Great cars but expensive to maintain and repair. Do you have an independent merc mechanic? Otherwise, double the emergency fund to go to dealer for repairs.
Last edited by smiles201; May 29, 2025 at 11:14 PM.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,686
Likes: 6,420
My first post, and I'm here to learn. I've bounced back and forth, and at the end of the day, getting a MB is a bucket list item. However, I'm still sensible, so I'm looking at used E350 in the W213 range. Aside from price, I just like the look and shape of the sedan.
Here is my background. Own many Hondas so I can tool around with the basic DIY maintenance items.
Talking to people around my corner and the forums I visit, most of them said to say away from German, stay away from Benz, and other comments about I will go bankrupt owning one. For the same $35K, buy a nice new Honda Accord or Acura Integra. They promise me I'll be happy (with a Honda instead). I get it. But....
So maybe a 2021-2023. I don't need AMG package, etc. Happy with the smaller wheels, etc. Just want to own a Mercedes-Benz. I'm a remote employee so don't drive much. Wife has a new 2025 SUV so this Benz will be a "secondary" car.
As a newbie, what's your advice to me? Do I just stick with the usual used car type of inspection? Anything I should know about W213?
I'm also new to the forum so if there is a newbie section for me to read first, please point it out to me.
Here is one example. Just an example.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 Sedan for sale in Tucson, AZ 85705: Sedan Details - 747984335 - Autotrader
TIA
Here is my background. Own many Hondas so I can tool around with the basic DIY maintenance items.
Talking to people around my corner and the forums I visit, most of them said to say away from German, stay away from Benz, and other comments about I will go bankrupt owning one. For the same $35K, buy a nice new Honda Accord or Acura Integra. They promise me I'll be happy (with a Honda instead). I get it. But....
So maybe a 2021-2023. I don't need AMG package, etc. Happy with the smaller wheels, etc. Just want to own a Mercedes-Benz. I'm a remote employee so don't drive much. Wife has a new 2025 SUV so this Benz will be a "secondary" car.
As a newbie, what's your advice to me? Do I just stick with the usual used car type of inspection? Anything I should know about W213?
I'm also new to the forum so if there is a newbie section for me to read first, please point it out to me.
Here is one example. Just an example.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 Sedan for sale in Tucson, AZ 85705: Sedan Details - 747984335 - Autotrader
TIA
Hi mileage for the price? Spend 4 k more and get the E 450. Lots more power/fun. 18 inch
wheels are more comfortable, 19 inch look better. Be sure all maintenance is done. New plugs at 50 k and transmission service at 60 k. Be sure to get PPI, consider xtended warrany or put a few thousand aside for unexpected repairs. Great cars but expensive to maintain and repair. Do you have an independent merc mechanic? Otherwise, double the emergency fund to go to dealer for repairs.
wheels are more comfortable, 19 inch look better. Be sure all maintenance is done. New plugs at 50 k and transmission service at 60 k. Be sure to get PPI, consider xtended warrany or put a few thousand aside for unexpected repairs. Great cars but expensive to maintain and repair. Do you have an independent merc mechanic? Otherwise, double the emergency fund to go to dealer for repairs.
Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 44
2018 E-300 4matic Sedan
As for basic DIY maintenance, everything in the Mercedes world has to be different. You may think you know how to change engine oil, but you will need to learn how to do it on a Mercedes. I used to buy a service manual for my vehicles, just to have as a general reference. That doesn't exist for a Mercedes. You can purchase a subscription for an on-line option, or you can go through a very complicated process to download software that is probably an illegal purchase. I had better luck watching YouTube videos, rather than trying to read the official maintenance documentation.
I like my Mercedes, but I do think that everything is over-priced. Initial purchase, parts, maintenance, and even the regular fill-ups cost $1/gallon more, because it requires premium fuel. If you can get past the idea of wasting money for something nice, I think it's a good car.
I like my Mercedes, but I do think that everything is over-priced. Initial purchase, parts, maintenance, and even the regular fill-ups cost $1/gallon more, because it requires premium fuel. If you can get past the idea of wasting money for something nice, I think it's a good car.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 437
Likes: 296
2018 AMG E63s Ed1
So what every DIY you know for the Japanese brands, throw it away for all the German brands.
yes, some items can be DIY but most of diagnostic requires Xentry to trouble shoot... or at least a higher end model of Launch, TopDon, Icon (yes harbor freight) to get codes.
yes, some items can be DIY but most of diagnostic requires Xentry to trouble shoot... or at least a higher end model of Launch, TopDon, Icon (yes harbor freight) to get codes.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,686
Likes: 6,420
As for basic DIY maintenance, everything in the Mercedes world has to be different. You may think you know how to change engine oil, but you will need to learn how to do it on a Mercedes. I used to buy a service manual for my vehicles, just to have as a general reference. That doesn't exist for a Mercedes. You can purchase a subscription for an on-line option, or you can go through a very complicated process to download software that is probably an illegal purchase. I had better luck watching YouTube videos, rather than trying to read the official maintenance documentation.
I like my Mercedes, but I do think that everything is over-priced. Initial purchase, parts, maintenance, and even the regular fill-ups cost $1/gallon more, because it requires premium fuel. If you can get past the idea of wasting money for something nice, I think it's a good car.
I like my Mercedes, but I do think that everything is over-priced. Initial purchase, parts, maintenance, and even the regular fill-ups cost $1/gallon more, because it requires premium fuel. If you can get past the idea of wasting money for something nice, I think it's a good car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,041
Likes: 125
From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
Get the full fat experience. W213 E63 AMG. You'll feel like it's the most amazing car you've ever owned and will ever own and you'll love every single minute of it and it'll put a big smile on your face every time you drive it.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 810
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
My first post, and I'm here to learn. I've bounced back and forth, and at the end of the day, getting a MB is a bucket list item. However, I'm still sensible, so I'm looking at used E350 in the W213 range. Aside from price, I just like the look and shape of the sedan.
Here is my background. Own many Hondas so I can tool around with the basic DIY maintenance items.
Talking to people around my corner and the forums I visit, most of them said to say away from German, stay away from Benz, and other comments about I will go bankrupt owning one. For the same $35K, buy a nice new Honda Accord or Acura Integra. They promise me I'll be happy (with a Honda instead). I get it. But....
So maybe a 2021-2023. I don't need AMG package, etc. Happy with the smaller wheels, etc. Just want to own a Mercedes-Benz. I'm a remote employee so don't drive much. Wife has a new 2025 SUV so this Benz will be a "secondary" car.
As a newbie, what's your advice to me? Do I just stick with the usual used car type of inspection? Anything I should know about W213?
I'm also new to the forum so if there is a newbie section for me to read first, please point it out to me.
Here is one example. Just an example.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 Sedan for sale in Tucson, AZ 85705: Sedan Details - 747984335 - Autotrader
TIA
Here is my background. Own many Hondas so I can tool around with the basic DIY maintenance items.
Talking to people around my corner and the forums I visit, most of them said to say away from German, stay away from Benz, and other comments about I will go bankrupt owning one. For the same $35K, buy a nice new Honda Accord or Acura Integra. They promise me I'll be happy (with a Honda instead). I get it. But....
So maybe a 2021-2023. I don't need AMG package, etc. Happy with the smaller wheels, etc. Just want to own a Mercedes-Benz. I'm a remote employee so don't drive much. Wife has a new 2025 SUV so this Benz will be a "secondary" car.
As a newbie, what's your advice to me? Do I just stick with the usual used car type of inspection? Anything I should know about W213?
I'm also new to the forum so if there is a newbie section for me to read first, please point it out to me.
Here is one example. Just an example.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 Sedan for sale in Tucson, AZ 85705: Sedan Details - 747984335 - Autotrader
TIA
But...you're doing the right thing by coming here for advice. The guys will give you great advice about what to look out for, starting with a Carfax. When buying used, the previous owner experience will be the major determining factor the the long term reliability of a car. if they didn't take care of the maintenance and services properly, you'll wind up paying for that the rest of the car's life.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 188
From: Toronto
2022 E53 AMG
My car is a 2022 with the 48v and I had no problem with it so far. I do have warranty for this car including the full engine and transmission after the 80K kicks in. If you purchase a Benz, you are purchase an all part German car and not like Acura with is just rename Honda with style difference. The only German I would stay away from is BMW as you must love this car and pay to keep loving it. If you take care of your Benz, the V6 engine is build strong in the older cars.
If you get any of the newer cars you have to keep in thought, the repair for the election starter but I would not worry about this since it's bigger then a normal starter and should also be stronger build since is does not see the weather like other starters which live for years.
So coming to a Luxury Brand that only makes one Brand - BENZ, then you are coming to own a German car and if you treat it right, it will take car of you.
If you get any of the newer cars you have to keep in thought, the repair for the election starter but I would not worry about this since it's bigger then a normal starter and should also be stronger build since is does not see the weather like other starters which live for years.
So coming to a Luxury Brand that only makes one Brand - BENZ, then you are coming to own a German car and if you treat it right, it will take car of you.
Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 44
2018 E-300 4matic Sedan
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,686
Likes: 6,420
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,686
Likes: 6,420
There is also this, not sure if it is good.https://www.alldata.com/diy-ca/en
