Looking to get rid of 2007 BMW 530 xi wagon, as I find it totally DIY unfriendly. Even battery change requires a trip tp a delaler for battery registration. Plus the car is having a whole lotta electic issues. I am really eager to get older E350 wagon instead of this POC.
Any opinions as far as DIY work on E350 wagon?

Most cars nowadays have to be professionally serviced. My Intrepid had to go to my indy to have a battery changed out (engineers shoved it down behind the passenger side front wheel), and just to change out a headlight bulb.

My advice? Get a mid 90's W124 E320 wagon. You'll be a lot happier.

EDIT: I realize this doesn't answer your original question about the modern E350 wagon. However, it goes without saying that older cars are much easier to work on yourself. A modern engine compartment will barely accommodate a normal human hand unless you take half of it apart.

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1985 300D
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2011 Ford Crown Victoria

W210 is DIY friendly, and a lot more electronic than the 80's era W124 design.
The W211 has electric assist brakes on pre-facelift models, which makes brake pad changes dangerous if not diasarmed first. I think you'll find, based on my experience with the W210:
it needs a lot less maintenance than the W124 and similar
the maintenance jobs are DIYable
some maintenance jobs may require some extra tools (eg tranny dipstick) and cost more (eg tranny fluid), but given that teh jobs are less frequent, you cpome out about the same
it's mostly plug and play. No adjustments needed. If something breaks, use the codes to diagnose and then replace it.

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Prost!

+1 on W210

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Good luck.






1998 E320 Wagon

+2 on w210; w211 not so much.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

Basic maintenance is DIYer on that model, but not much else.

And many of the 2006-08 cars have issues with that engine.

Also the 2006 cars have SBC braking system & that is not DIYer at all!

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