E/W214: How is your experience on your W214?
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Member
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 177
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From: Long Island, NY
2024 E450
How is your experience on your W214?
I was cleaning up my email box and saw a survey request from Consumer Reports Data Intelligence and Ipsos, with which I began to "review" my experience.
Overall it's a nice car, mechanically. This is my commute car (80 miles per trip) and I've been driving it for about 1 year, totaling the odometer to about 11,000 miles.
Overall it's a nice car, mechanically. This is my commute car (80 miles per trip) and I've been driving it for about 1 year, totaling the odometer to about 11,000 miles.
- So far it has been running very smoothly, except that recently I began to hear whirring noise at around 60 mph (worse if I release the gas pedal).
- The infotainment system is on the opposite side, for occasional black screen or automatic rebooting when driving; unable to connect with my phone; no OTA update at all.
- Weak ventilation on driver's back.
- Drive assistance is OK but not impressive: always pulls to the right side of the lane and changes lanes unexpectedly.
- Maintenance cost is very high as the dealerships in my area are trying to charge whatever prices they want.
- MB official customer support is horrible: response is very slow or simply no response.
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X214
Commenting about my 2025 E450 All-Terrain Wagon, I have been pleased overall, and till date (roughly 7K+ miles), absolutely no issues whatsoever. No performance issues, no reliability issues, no fit and finish issues, nothing.
Of course the MB dealership service charges are what they are, and I just chalk it down to the hidden tax that comes with the Luxury product ownership. And since I do the service every 5000 miles (A-Service + Cabin air filter + Engine air filter change), I get hit more than what a typical leasing customer gets hit with. But I knew that going in.
Of course the MB dealership service charges are what they are, and I just chalk it down to the hidden tax that comes with the Luxury product ownership. And since I do the service every 5000 miles (A-Service + Cabin air filter + Engine air filter change), I get hit more than what a typical leasing customer gets hit with. But I knew that going in.
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Commenting about my 2025 E450 All-Terrain Wagon, I have been pleased overall, and till date (roughly 7K+ miles), absolutely no issues whatsoever. No performance issues, no reliability issues, no fit and finish issues, nothing.
Of course the MB dealership service charges are what they are, and I just chalk it down to the hidden tax that comes with the Luxury product ownership. And since I do the service every 5000 miles (A-Service + Cabin air filter + Engine air filter change), I get hit more than what a typical leasing customer gets hit with. But I knew that going in.
Of course the MB dealership service charges are what they are, and I just chalk it down to the hidden tax that comes with the Luxury product ownership. And since I do the service every 5000 miles (A-Service + Cabin air filter + Engine air filter change), I get hit more than what a typical leasing customer gets hit with. But I knew that going in.
But you are the first to post changing the cabin + engine air filter every 5K miles instead of every 20K and 30K miles - at maintenance at least on the W213.
FWIW, when I changed the cabin filter at 40K miles, dealer did it at 20K miles, the filter in the engine was slightly dirty while the carbon filter under the glove box was almost like new - the one that is difficult to change. There was really no reason to change it every 20K miles.
When I changed the engine filters at 30K miles, they were slightly dirty.
You indicated 7K miles so I assume you did the engine and cabin filters at 5K miles when you change the oil + filter.
How were the filters? Did they actually needed to be changed?
Looking forward to how you found the filters after 5K miles.
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I guess there are exceptions such as during those times with fire and smoke. You would want to change it more often. I'm sorry!
I mean I like the idea of using air filters to filter the air and not our irreplaceable lungs.
Love,
Your fellow Canadian.
I mean I like the idea of using air filters to filter the air and not our irreplaceable lungs.
Love,
Your fellow Canadian.
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X214
Not to get into a long discussion, many have posted that they change their oil + filter every 5K miles instead of every 10K miles.
But you are the first to post changing the cabin + engine air filter every 5K miles instead of every 20K and 30K miles - at maintenance at least on the W213.
FWIW, when I changed the cabin filter at 40K miles, dealer did it at 20K miles, the filter in the engine was slightly dirty while the carbon filter under the glove box was almost like new - the one that is difficult to change. There was really no reason to change it every 20K miles.
When I changed the engine filters at 30K miles, they were slightly dirty.
You indicated 7K miles so I assume you did the engine and cabin filters at 5K miles when you change the oil + filter.
How were the filters? Did they actually needed to be changed?
Looking forward to how you found the filters after 5K miles.
But you are the first to post changing the cabin + engine air filter every 5K miles instead of every 20K and 30K miles - at maintenance at least on the W213.
FWIW, when I changed the cabin filter at 40K miles, dealer did it at 20K miles, the filter in the engine was slightly dirty while the carbon filter under the glove box was almost like new - the one that is difficult to change. There was really no reason to change it every 20K miles.
When I changed the engine filters at 30K miles, they were slightly dirty.
You indicated 7K miles so I assume you did the engine and cabin filters at 5K miles when you change the oil + filter.
How were the filters? Did they actually needed to be changed?
Looking forward to how you found the filters after 5K miles.
Even when a filter appears "clean enough" to the naked eye, its pores are heavily clogged. By the time it becomes visually dirty, the engine has probably been choking along like an asthmatic, for months, or years. Bottomline, I am willing to absorb that additional cost, for an action that I deem to be for the welfare of my engine. My first MB, an ML320 from the late 90s, went into the mid-200s in mileage, before being donated, and even the day I donated it, it ran like a swiss-watch.
The same theory applies to the cabin air filter, where I don't typically wait for the filter to be visually dirty. I just put a mileage limitation of 5000 miles and just get it changed.
I do understand how you are thinking. That it is a waste of money to do it this way. But this is a protocol that has worked for me, and I just plan to stick with it. The extra spend is not going to bankrupt me.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I changed the engine filters in my E450 which took about 20 minutes and the air filter in the engine compartment about 10 minutes. I left the filter under the glove compartment for my indy shop: I am too old to work on my back looking up.
If you did not see the filters, how do you know they need changing?
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Joined: May 2025
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From: New York, NY
2026 E53 wagon
My dad used to do stuff like this. You are not going to talk someone out of it. Logically, most of the people here won’t keep these cars for long enough for an engine failure. And, even then, is this sort of maintenance going to change anything that typically fails on a modern vehicle? I think not. The stuff that breaks consists of sensors, and weird stuff not a part of any system that would benefit from more frequent maintenance.
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X214
I don't think you paid attention to the above post from mine. By "seeing the filters" and assuming that the filter is good to go, is a really old fallacy.
This fails to understand that even in a clean looking Engine air filter (appears visually clean), of a car that has run 1000s of miles, the filter's efficiency has been degraded. Can it run longer (with reduced power generation efficiency) ? Sure. But I want my car to be running at peak efficiency, and don't mind the cost involved in the 5000-mile filter changes.
PS: Please note that I am not talking about the Engine oil filter, which does get changed during the Service-A. I am talking about the Engine Air Filter (the Air Intake filter). As we know, the fundamental elements that generate power in these Internal combustion engines, is the Air + Fuel mixture. If the air is dirty, or the filter is clogged and letting in less air, the engine will essentially choke, and consequently make less power. An engine that's running at less-than-ideal efficiency, has obviously poor mileage, as a cascading consequence.
This fails to understand that even in a clean looking Engine air filter (appears visually clean), of a car that has run 1000s of miles, the filter's efficiency has been degraded. Can it run longer (with reduced power generation efficiency) ? Sure. But I want my car to be running at peak efficiency, and don't mind the cost involved in the 5000-mile filter changes.
PS: Please note that I am not talking about the Engine oil filter, which does get changed during the Service-A. I am talking about the Engine Air Filter (the Air Intake filter). As we know, the fundamental elements that generate power in these Internal combustion engines, is the Air + Fuel mixture. If the air is dirty, or the filter is clogged and letting in less air, the engine will essentially choke, and consequently make less power. An engine that's running at less-than-ideal efficiency, has obviously poor mileage, as a cascading consequence.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I don't think you paid attention to the above post from mine. By "seeing the filters" and assuming that the filter is good to go, is a really old fallacy.
This fails to understand that even in a clean looking Engine air filter (appears visually clean), of a car that has run 1000s of miles, the filter's efficiency has been degraded. Can it run longer (with reduced power generation efficiency) ? Sure. But I want my car to be running at peak efficiency, and don't mind the cost involved in the 5000-mile filter changes.
PS: Please note that I am not talking about the Engine oil filter, which does get changed during the Service-A. I am talking about the Engine Air Filter (the Air Intake filter). As we know, the fundamental elements that generate power in these Internal combustion engines, is the Air + Fuel mixture. If the air is dirty, or the filter is clogged and letting in less air, the engine will essentially choke, and consequently make less power. An engine that's running at less-than-ideal efficiency, has obviously poor mileage, as a cascading consequence.
This fails to understand that even in a clean looking Engine air filter (appears visually clean), of a car that has run 1000s of miles, the filter's efficiency has been degraded. Can it run longer (with reduced power generation efficiency) ? Sure. But I want my car to be running at peak efficiency, and don't mind the cost involved in the 5000-mile filter changes.
PS: Please note that I am not talking about the Engine oil filter, which does get changed during the Service-A. I am talking about the Engine Air Filter (the Air Intake filter). As we know, the fundamental elements that generate power in these Internal combustion engines, is the Air + Fuel mixture. If the air is dirty, or the filter is clogged and letting in less air, the engine will essentially choke, and consequently make less power. An engine that's running at less-than-ideal efficiency, has obviously poor mileage, as a cascading consequence.
MB recommends under normal driving conditions the cabin air filters every 20K miles: that would be every "A" service: the engine intake filters every 30K miles.
Instead of the above service interval, you are changing every 5K miles: 4 to 6 times as frequently. Is there a particular reason you are changing the filters so frequently?
I asked did you look at the filters that you were replacing. You said "no". If you have ever changed filters, as many of us do, you will immediately recognize a dirty filter that needs to be replaced and one that does not. This is not rocket science: A visual inspection can tell you the condition of the air filter.
Hope this clarifies!
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Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Tennessee
W214 E450
It's been 11 months of ownership and 14K miles on my 2025 E450. I also drove a 2024 E350 for 4 months and 6K miles so in total I have 1.25 years and 20K miles in a W214. Clearly I put a decent amount of miles on my car with an average of about 1,250 per month. Overall I really like the car and I'm glad I got what I got. If I were doing it again, I would likely have gotten the same options, but also included the animated door projectors just because. Outside of that, it has every other option available. My impressions are...
- Drive comfort is great however on very rough roads it's louder than I would like and the suspension (AIRMATIC) will bottom out on bad road dips unless you slow down.
- Performance is very good for a car of this weight and size with the 3.0L engine. It's just adequate with the 2.0L engine.
- Fuel economy is not bad with me getting 30mpg or more on average in the E450. Just a little more in the E350 but I don't remember exactly.
- The 4-wheel steering is awesome, especially when you need a tight turning radius.
- Infotainment has been stellar with amazing sound quality, however the UI/UX is a bit difficult to use safely when driving.
- Using USB music works but has had some issues reading very large (over 5500 songs) music libraries.
- Reliability has been great so far. Zero mechanical issues and only minor tech issues such as the USB music issue mentioned above.
- Voice commands work well but there are times (<10%) where it will be confused and you have to repeat or state it a different way.
- It's nice to say "Hey MB, close all blinds" and the roof and rear blinds close simultaneously.
- Looks are fantastic, especially with my color choice of Nautical Blue/Tonka Brown. Although, the white E350 seemed to get more complements from strangers.
- Touchscreen is easy, but I would have liked more configuration options for me to customize the layout. The zero screen layout is a huge step up form other systems I've seen, including the prior gen.
- Some controls like volume are too sensitive for fine adjustments, but I've gotten used to it and it's a minor annoyance.
- The onboard navigation is superb and I very much prefer it over Waze or Google Maps on Android Auto.
- I do leave Waze running in the background to get audio alerts of police and other hazards.
- The automatic hi/low beams are too sensitive and will switch to low when it's not necessary.
- The headlight animations are underwhelming and not very useful.
- I'm hoping ILS+ is enabled by MB soon or an aftermarket coder will be able to code it one day.
- Sound/heat insulated glass work very well. When I am out and parked in the sun, car is not as hot as what I would expect it to be even in high 90's summer temps. The white E350 with white interior was even better in this regard.
- The glass is soft and prone to scratches or dings. I think this helps reduce cracks from rocks though and is typical of every MB I've driven.
- The multi-contour massaging seats are very comfortable especially on long drives. I've done four drives over 800 miles and two just over 500 and felt great with only minor discomfort after being in the seat more than 4 hours at a time.
- Oil change is not hard, but not as easy as my W212 due to no dipstick and having to remove the engine shroud under the car to get to the oil drain plug.
- Routines are mildly useful for now with only basic abilities, but show a lot of promise. I'm hoping future software updates allows for much more control then what is available now.
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
I had a 2025 E450 all terrain wagon fully loaded. I already traded it in. For me the car was super difficult to get in and out of. Of course I’m physically disabled and a large guy so others might not find this an issue. Mb went and made it so the door opens no where’s near as wide as on my former 2019 e450 wagon and also set the seat back further. But there were a lot of other things I didn’t like about the car even though I had no problems or warrantee claims with the car. All the touch buttons on both the screen and physical buttons required multiple touches to get them to work. I found this very frusterating. I didn’t care for the touchscreen at all. I really worried about future reliability issues with the cars electronics.
I actually find the fully loaded Subaru Outback Touring XT turbo with Napa leather more comfortable than the Benz and smoother driving along with a much better ride especially on bumpy roads. About the only thing it doesn’t have over the Benz is the messauge seats it’s kinda a motionless feeling driving the Subaru. When I first got the car I felt like everyone around me was driving slow. Then I looked at the speedometer and I was doing 50. The handling feels as good as the Benz and it’s a lot cheaper for maintainence and insurance plus can use refiner gas even with the turbo.
I actually find the fully loaded Subaru Outback Touring XT turbo with Napa leather more comfortable than the Benz and smoother driving along with a much better ride especially on bumpy roads. About the only thing it doesn’t have over the Benz is the messauge seats it’s kinda a motionless feeling driving the Subaru. When I first got the car I felt like everyone around me was driving slow. Then I looked at the speedometer and I was doing 50. The handling feels as good as the Benz and it’s a lot cheaper for maintainence and insurance plus can use refiner gas even with the turbo.
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
FWIW: Starting in January 2026, in order to receive the highest safety ratings in Europe, buttons will be required for many functions. Too many customers have been complaining that relying solely on touch screens is affecting driver safety.
see: https://www.google.com/search?q=Are+...hrome&ie=UTF-8
see: https://www.google.com/search?q=Are+...hrome&ie=UTF-8
Super Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 531
Likes: 224
From: New York, NY
2026 E53 wagon
FWIW: Starting in January 2026, in order to receive the highest safety ratings in Europe, buttons will be required for many functions. Too many customers have been complaining that relying solely on touch screens is affecting driver safety.
see: https://www.google.com/search?q=Are+...hrome&ie=UTF-8
see: https://www.google.com/search?q=Are+...hrome&ie=UTF-8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I had a 2025 E450 all terrain wagon fully loaded. I already traded it in. For me the car was super difficult to get in and out of. Of course I’m physically disabled and a large guy so others might not find this an issue. Mb went and made it so the door opens no where’s near as wide as on my former 2019 e450 wagon and also set the seat back further..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
The dirty secret is that programming buttons on a touch screen is far, far cheaper than manufacturing and installing buttons. The savings on hundred of thousands of cars, as Musk demonstrated with Tesla, is substantial.
Despite what Musk says, moving buttons to touch screens is The Emperor's New Clothes!
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.
Unfortunately a fact of life is that as we get older higher seats are better (easier) whether they are a "comfort" seat for a toilet or a seat in a car. The height of the seats in the Outback is higher than those in an E Class sedan or wagon. My wife had to give up her Boxster - the seats were too low and getting in and out was too difficult. She now drives an SUV: with its high seats getting in and out is much, much easier!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
That is why 18 wheelers and trucks have steps and/or running boards! My wife's car is a Ford Edge Sport (ST). No problems getting in and out - no steps and/or running boards required!
Member
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 212
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From: Harrison, ME
2025 S580
I sing in a community chorus and the guy next to me is a very good musician, sings well, learns his music, is a bit reserved but otherwise very nice and accommodating. But he occasionally farts during rehearsals. The farts used to bother me but when I considered what he adds to the group, I just got used to the farts. His name is Richard. My E450 drives well, is plenty fast, gets good gas mileage, is reasonably comfortable (I have the standard seats). But all the touch controls are frustrating to use while driving (took 8 commands yesterday to find and play my saved and preferred Sirius station) and the nanny safety features are way too sensitive. But I've gotten use to the quirks and now accept the vehicle for its good points. I've named the car Richard.
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
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From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
Overall happy with my W214 E53 Hybrid.
A few minor annoyances...
- Trunk closes with too much force causing it to "bang" shut. Preferred soft close approach in my previous MBs.
- Destinations entered into the passenger navigation screen are not saved in the central navigation system under previous destinations.
- Charging adapters cannot be used at Tesla V3/V4 Superchargers not equipped with MagicDock.
- Rear seat back release switch is located in the trunk. Seat backs cannot be lowered from inside the cabin.
- Take cell phone reminder only available when phone is on cup holder compartment charging pad. In EQS SUV this feature also worked with cup holder USB ports.
- EL mode not available when temperature gets down to about 15F.
Some welcome features....
- Charging port located on driver side rear fender facilitates access to Tesla Superchargers with MagicDock.
- Navigation system offers alternate routes.
- AM radio is available (it was not in the EQS SUV, presumably due to EV motor interference).
A few minor annoyances...
- Trunk closes with too much force causing it to "bang" shut. Preferred soft close approach in my previous MBs.
- Destinations entered into the passenger navigation screen are not saved in the central navigation system under previous destinations.
- Charging adapters cannot be used at Tesla V3/V4 Superchargers not equipped with MagicDock.
- Rear seat back release switch is located in the trunk. Seat backs cannot be lowered from inside the cabin.
- Take cell phone reminder only available when phone is on cup holder compartment charging pad. In EQS SUV this feature also worked with cup holder USB ports.
- EL mode not available when temperature gets down to about 15F.
Some welcome features....
- Charging port located on driver side rear fender facilitates access to Tesla Superchargers with MagicDock.
- Navigation system offers alternate routes.
- AM radio is available (it was not in the EQS SUV, presumably due to EV motor interference).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
I’m a little disappointed in Mercedes. I probably would have kept my 2019 e450 wagon but the front end had a tendency to bottom out on bumps and overall the ride of the car was very harsh. The last few years I had the car I just left it in Florida as it was not enjoyable to drive on the New England roads. Other than that pretty good car the materials in the interior seemed better than the 214. At least I still have my 2018 S560 Sedan as that’ll be the last Mercedes I’ll ever have. 83k miles on it now. I’m sure in the next 20 to 30 k miles I’ll be things like motor and trans mounts but the car is worth it.
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I’m a little disappointed in Mercedes. I probably would have kept my 2019 e450 wagon but the front end had a tendency to bottom out on bumps and overall the ride of the car was very harsh. The last few years I had the car I just left it in Florida as it was not enjoyable to drive on the New England roads. Other than that pretty good car the materials in the interior seemed better than the 214. At least I still have my 2018 S560 Sedan as that’ll be the last Mercedes I’ll ever have. 83k miles on it now. I’m sure in the next 20 to 30 k miles I’ll be things like motor and trans mounts but the car is worth it.
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Bottom out is not a very common thing. I have a 2019 E450, 55K miles. It has never "bottom out". If you car is "bottoming out" then there is something wrong with your suspension. I note the post was by a person who owned a wagon. If the wagon had the air suspension, then that is the problem. Everyone knows that given time, usually 4/5/ years or between 50/75K miles problems start with the air suspension. Regardless of the improvement in ride quality, I would never get the air suspension in a Mercedes.
Just my $.02
Last edited by JTK44; Aug 11, 2025 at 07:35 AM.
MBWorld God!
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Contra point:
Bottom out is not a very common thing. I have a 2019 E450, 55K miles. It has never "bottom out". If you car is "bottoming out" then there is something wrong with your suspension. I note the post was by a person who owned a wagon. If the wagon had the air suspension, then that is the problem. Everyone knows that given time, usually 4/5/ years or between 50/75K miles problems start with the air suspension. Regardless of the improvement in ride quality, I would never get the air suspension in a Mercedes.
Just my $.02
Bottom out is not a very common thing. I have a 2019 E450, 55K miles. It has never "bottom out". If you car is "bottoming out" then there is something wrong with your suspension. I note the post was by a person who owned a wagon. If the wagon had the air suspension, then that is the problem. Everyone knows that given time, usually 4/5/ years or between 50/75K miles problems start with the air suspension. Regardless of the improvement in ride quality, I would never get the air suspension in a Mercedes.
Just my $.02
