Out of warranty W212?
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Out of warranty W212?
Is it a good idea? I normally work on my own vehicles, and try to avoid dealers as much as I can. From what I read, W212 is very reliable is much better than the mid 90's models plagued with electrical gremlins. Looking at E350, no amg models.
The dilemma is, a good CPO model is 4-6k more for 2010+ models, and given that CPO only gives extra year, basically I will be paying that much over for 12 month of warranty. The models I will be looking at will not be the p2 package, I dont need all the extra electronics, and normally will hold on to the car for few years. I know I can buy extra 2 years from MB, add another 2-3k for that too.
Does W212 uses standard OBD2 system, or it needs a specific MB diagnostic machines that only Dealers have?
Last time I worked with MB was years ago on 98 CLK230, lets just say it was not a well build vehicle, hoping the build quality of the cars was dramatically improved.
Anyone with expired warranty out there with some feedback on this?
Thanks.
The dilemma is, a good CPO model is 4-6k more for 2010+ models, and given that CPO only gives extra year, basically I will be paying that much over for 12 month of warranty. The models I will be looking at will not be the p2 package, I dont need all the extra electronics, and normally will hold on to the car for few years. I know I can buy extra 2 years from MB, add another 2-3k for that too.
Does W212 uses standard OBD2 system, or it needs a specific MB diagnostic machines that only Dealers have?
Last time I worked with MB was years ago on 98 CLK230, lets just say it was not a well build vehicle, hoping the build quality of the cars was dramatically improved.
Anyone with expired warranty out there with some feedback on this?
Thanks.
Last edited by shak; Jun 6, 2014 at 11:21 AM.
Super Member
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From: Haslett, Mi
2011 E350 4matic
mine is out of warranty now and is doing just fine. I bought an extended warranty on my C class and never used it. I got my E class thoroughly checked out and keep up with the maintenance and so far it has been perfect.
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From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
The fact that you can work on the car yourself then I would say that going without a warranty is less risky for you than most others. Give the vehicle a good look and check the history before buying and you should be safe.
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From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
I can scan my car with android and a bluetooth odb2 dongle, but it's very, very basic. You can reset a few codes, but not many. Also, that'll only do engine stuff. a Star SDS or Autologic does basically everything in the car (it's mind blowing to see the diagnostic tests available and the amount if information that can be read with the proprietary tools).
You can always look at spending a few grand on a chinese clone, but don't expect much in the way of support or updates.
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
Also check the sticky on service bulletins that apply to the car. Since you wouldn't get these covered under warranty, I would make a list of deal breaker issues for the car and then thoroughly check for those issues before you buy.
With VIN, a dealer can check the service record if it's been taken to any MB dealer.
Also, an inspection by another mechanic may be a good idea. Not judging you at all, just think a second pair of eyes may be beneficial to you. MB dealer will check it over for $150-250. An independent may do it for free.
With VIN, a dealer can check the service record if it's been taken to any MB dealer.
Also, an inspection by another mechanic may be a good idea. Not judging you at all, just think a second pair of eyes may be beneficial to you. MB dealer will check it over for $150-250. An independent may do it for free.
Senior Member
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'11 E550 Cpe/'04 GT3
Like you, I'm a DIY guy. Unfortunately these newer cars are not really "repaired" anymore. The drivetrains are more or less bullet proof.
It's more about hooking up a proprietary "interface, reading the fault code then "R & R" (removed and replace) the faulty module. And the cost of the "modules" is the costly issue.
When I got our '11 E550 coupe last December, it had less than 17K miles on it and the warranty goes through November of this year. Even though I bought it from a broker, it qualified for the MB extended warranty which covers pretty much everything except wear items for a total of 7 years/75K miles with no deductible.
The cost was a bit more than a couple of the multitude of "modules" in our MB with P2 options.
It's more about hooking up a proprietary "interface, reading the fault code then "R & R" (removed and replace) the faulty module. And the cost of the "modules" is the costly issue.
When I got our '11 E550 coupe last December, it had less than 17K miles on it and the warranty goes through November of this year. Even though I bought it from a broker, it qualified for the MB extended warranty which covers pretty much everything except wear items for a total of 7 years/75K miles with no deductible.
The cost was a bit more than a couple of the multitude of "modules" in our MB with P2 options.
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MB’s of all kinds.
I have had plenty of MB's out of warranty. Currently I only have 2 under warranty(06 and a 12). Either way they have been fine. E350's do not have anything crazy that would worry me. ABC is one thing. Standard V6 E Class. It will be fine. Get a quality PPI from the dealer. It is always cheaper to own a used car and set aside money for repair then to have to keep trading in for a new one under warranty.
Read the bulletins and also hang around here. You will learn lots.
Read the bulletins and also hang around here. You will learn lots.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
Also check the sticky on service bulletins that apply to the car. Since you wouldn't get these covered under warranty, I would make a list of deal breaker issues for the car and then thoroughly check for those issues before you buy.
With VIN, a dealer can check the service record if it's been taken to any MB dealer.
Also, an inspection by another mechanic may be a good idea. Not judging you at all, just think a second pair of eyes may be beneficial to you. MB dealer will check it over for $150-250. An independent may do it for free.
With VIN, a dealer can check the service record if it's been taken to any MB dealer.
Also, an inspection by another mechanic may be a good idea. Not judging you at all, just think a second pair of eyes may be beneficial to you. MB dealer will check it over for $150-250. An independent may do it for free.
Indi shop will do a PPI for around $50-$80 usually.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 36
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From: AZ
2005 E55, 2010 E350
I'm definitiely of the school of thought that I'd much rather take the $$ spent on the CPO premium and/or warranty, set it aside in a repair fund, and have it ready if needed. Warranty companies are only in business/profitable because as a whole, the average warranty costs the consumer more than the sum of their repairs. I'll take those odds...
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Joined: Mar 2014
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
Warranties are mostly for piece of mind. The question is how much are you willing to pay for it.
If you owned the car while it was under warranty and got a sense for how reliable that car was, then you'd have some background for that specific car. But if you are buying it out of warranty (like I did with mine) then you have to decide if you have enough information from its prior maintenance history.
I purchased mine through Carmax and got a warranty that will last me 5.5-6 years (based on how much I drive a year) for $3k. Warranty qualifies for a prorated refund before expiration. At that price point, I went for the piece of mind. If it had been more, I may not have. For example, dealer quoted me $6,600 for the Fidelity warranty which would have covered me for another 3/36.
If you owned the car while it was under warranty and got a sense for how reliable that car was, then you'd have some background for that specific car. But if you are buying it out of warranty (like I did with mine) then you have to decide if you have enough information from its prior maintenance history.
I purchased mine through Carmax and got a warranty that will last me 5.5-6 years (based on how much I drive a year) for $3k. Warranty qualifies for a prorated refund before expiration. At that price point, I went for the piece of mind. If it had been more, I may not have. For example, dealer quoted me $6,600 for the Fidelity warranty which would have covered me for another 3/36.
Junior Member
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From: Indiana
W212 E350 4 Matic 2011
peace of mind
I have owned several European cars,(for the household) bought new and then kept them for about 8 years.
First 2 were nearly bullet proof and I barely made back my "investment"
It turned out to be an investment in peace of mind.
On the 3rd car I decided not to. c300 4 magic 08. Bought new from dealer, serviced at dealer.
1 month after warranty, minor oil leak where the solenoid for the camshafts come and at the transfer case. After some "kicking and screaming" MB USA covered it.
18 months later, the car would not hold charge. Turned out to be the fuse box under the hood which in turn fried the ECU. 4500 USD, after a lot of come and go, I paid only 1/2 of the bill.
Conclusion.
Odds are you will not use it. If odds were that you will use it, the dealer/company would not be selling it. The Question is, how at peace would you be if you had big problem?
Keep in mind, nowadays, you will not take your car in for a ball joint or things of that sort. It will be your A/T, an electric module or something of that sort.
Ask yourself do you want to pay to sleep well? If yes, buy it? If you are buying it to "beat the house" most likely you will not. Welcome to Las Vegas!
First 2 were nearly bullet proof and I barely made back my "investment"
It turned out to be an investment in peace of mind.
On the 3rd car I decided not to. c300 4 magic 08. Bought new from dealer, serviced at dealer.
1 month after warranty, minor oil leak where the solenoid for the camshafts come and at the transfer case. After some "kicking and screaming" MB USA covered it.
18 months later, the car would not hold charge. Turned out to be the fuse box under the hood which in turn fried the ECU. 4500 USD, after a lot of come and go, I paid only 1/2 of the bill.
Conclusion.
Odds are you will not use it. If odds were that you will use it, the dealer/company would not be selling it. The Question is, how at peace would you be if you had big problem?
Keep in mind, nowadays, you will not take your car in for a ball joint or things of that sort. It will be your A/T, an electric module or something of that sort.
Ask yourself do you want to pay to sleep well? If yes, buy it? If you are buying it to "beat the house" most likely you will not. Welcome to Las Vegas!
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
Prior to purchasing an ELW for this car, I have only bought ELW's on two other cars out of six. One I didn't use at all. It cost $1,200 but the warranty had a return provision if unused. I got all my money back except a $100 admin fee. So the extra piece of mind for 4 years cost me $100. Had it not been for that feature I would not have done it.
Second one I got I used to the tune of about $2,000 in repairs on a cost of $900. Most of that was on one $1,700 repair.
My W212 is my first German. I decided to get an ELW as the repair cost is out of sight on these cars compared to my previous Japanese cars.
In Vegas terms, I had some house money so I made the bet. I may lose but it's all part of the game.
Second one I got I used to the tune of about $2,000 in repairs on a cost of $900. Most of that was on one $1,700 repair.
My W212 is my first German. I decided to get an ELW as the repair cost is out of sight on these cars compared to my previous Japanese cars.
In Vegas terms, I had some house money so I made the bet. I may lose but it's all part of the game.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 282
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From: in these United States
'10 W212 4matic P2-Distronic / '14 Cayenne / '04 X5 3.0 / '13 Altima
I got a deal on my ELW because of this site, saved almost 1000 grand, coupled with the savings I got from not buying a CPO car, I bought a lease return with 10 months of factory warranty remaining. I am enjoying the peace of mind my warranty brings.
1) new bumper
2) center console cup holder wasn't sliding back properly - fixed
3) muffler rattling noise - heat shield?? - fixed
All problems that I failed to recognize when buying the car after a good inspection
4) just yesterday battery died at 9 pm. at 930 a Mercedes Benz technician arrived with my new battery
Oh and the use of a hassle free loaner
IMO the 2010 models aren't the year you want to go without a warranty
1) new bumper
2) center console cup holder wasn't sliding back properly - fixed
3) muffler rattling noise - heat shield?? - fixed
All problems that I failed to recognize when buying the car after a good inspection
4) just yesterday battery died at 9 pm. at 930 a Mercedes Benz technician arrived with my new battery
Oh and the use of a hassle free loaner
IMO the 2010 models aren't the year you want to go without a warranty
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
Kash, you are still under the b2b warranty, correct? I didn't think any ELW, even the Mercedes one, covers batteries. Granted those first three items you mentioned may be covered under the ELW depending on the cause.
My main concern for the ELW was the airmatic, but after reading all the service bulletins applicable to my car, I realize there is more than may go wrong. That thread on engine replacement scared the $@#% out of me.
My main concern for the ELW was the airmatic, but after reading all the service bulletins applicable to my car, I realize there is more than may go wrong. That thread on engine replacement scared the $@#% out of me.
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 138
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2010 E350 Luxury 4Matic
$4K for a one year warranty does not make sense.
I agree with tiyyara is is for peace of mind. These cars are expensive to fix, but what is the likelihood that you will experience that in the one year to the tune of $4K... I would say slim.
While under factory warranty I had an intermittent backup camera problem.... the COMMAND system replaced under warranty because dealer says corporate Mercedes was telling them to do so. The part alone was over $2K.
I agree with tiyyara is is for peace of mind. These cars are expensive to fix, but what is the likelihood that you will experience that in the one year to the tune of $4K... I would say slim.
While under factory warranty I had an intermittent backup camera problem.... the COMMAND system replaced under warranty because dealer says corporate Mercedes was telling them to do so. The part alone was over $2K.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 282
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From: in these United States
'10 W212 4matic P2-Distronic / '14 Cayenne / '04 X5 3.0 / '13 Altima
Also scared of the potential engine problems with the 2010
good luck to the OP
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 282
Likes: 5
From: in these United States
'10 W212 4matic P2-Distronic / '14 Cayenne / '04 X5 3.0 / '13 Altima
$4K for a one year warranty does not make sense.
I agree with tiyyara is is for peace of mind. These cars are expensive to fix, but what is the likelihood that you will experience that in the one year to the tune of $4K... I would say slim.
While under factory warranty I had an intermittent backup camera problem.... the COMMAND system replaced under warranty because dealer says corporate Mercedes was telling them to do so. The part alone was over $2K.
I agree with tiyyara is is for peace of mind. These cars are expensive to fix, but what is the likelihood that you will experience that in the one year to the tune of $4K... I would say slim.
While under factory warranty I had an intermittent backup camera problem.... the COMMAND system replaced under warranty because dealer says corporate Mercedes was telling them to do so. The part alone was over $2K.
got the ELW for 3 yrs/75k for around 2100.
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 282
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From: in these United States
'10 W212 4matic P2-Distronic / '14 Cayenne / '04 X5 3.0 / '13 Altima
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
Yes, the car does normally have to be under warranty, but you can ask if they will make an exception. My car was 400 miles out of warranty and the finance manager called and got an exception approved by MB. Didn't buy that one, but it was an option.
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: New England
2015 ML250 Bluetec, 2014 GLK350
Your story was the one I was referring to earlier. Glad they covered it. Did they even say how much it would have been?
