Seeking Buying Advice
 

Hi Folks. Been out of circulation in this forum for a while now since I sold all my MBs a few years ago. Had a 202 and four 123s. All non computerized and easy to maintain as I do most of the work. I have been thinking about W212 E class AWD (preferably a wagon but will consider sedan) but I'm just afraid of the maintenance especially that it has loads more gadgets and electronics than what I'm used to. I just don't want to find myself in the shop more often than I want to. I currently drive a 2004 Volvo XC70 and a 2007 Honda Accord.

For those who have the W212, is there a year thats more reliable than others? Are W212s suited for DIY maintenance? What frequent maintenance or issues have you encountered besides the basic stuff? Thanks in advance.

They are really good cars.

I'd stay away from the ones with turbos but that is just me. In my opinion get the one with the M272 engine. Personally I think it is a more reliable engine than the M276 BUT don't go on just that because I'm at 313k miles on the GLK with the M276 engine. The M272 has a double row timing chain:). The M276 timing components will require a little more maintenance over 300k miles.

Don't over look the GLK too. I like the wagons a lot but I believe I like the GLK better just because it is easier to get in and out of.

Thanks. I have read the NA v6 are the way to go. Also the ones with standard suspension, not air..As I previously mentioned I am a diy person. I love the ride of MBs but am scared of the care and maintenance of post 1996 models. That's why I'm putting this out there to help me decide. I don't really want an SUV.

That is correct. At 230k miles I'm just now converting the wifes 2012 L450 to spring conversion. I do like the ride of the Airmatic but am too cheap to keep it going at this mileage.

I'd look closely at the GLK350 4matic if I were you. They are in a good price range right now and in my opinion are easier to find - look at the 2014/2015 models. In reality the M276 engine is a better engine than the M272 but you will have to replace timing chain components by no later than 250k miles on it. Once you hear the cold rattle on start up go ahead and take care of it. I ran mine for a lot of miles after the rattle started and ended up having to replace the cams on bank 2 because of lobe issues. I suspect once the cam timing device went bad it beat up the cams somewhat to keep running it.

Pretty typical of what I see available around here. In my opinion they are easy to work on.

W212 is a great car, as modern cars go they are quite DIY friendly. I love mine and would buy another in a heartbeat.

I second the NA V6, and if you are interested in sedans, the m273 V8 (as in the e550). Stout and reliable engines. Motor mounts are a massive PITA and tend to go in higher miles (I had to do mine at 110k on the v8), but I suppose the v6 gives more room to work. On 4matics, keep an ear out for front CV axle noise, for some reason tends to be a common replacement on the w212. Othwrwise you are talking regular wear and maintenance items.

Air suspension does perform nicely but the maintenance is higher. Shocks will go 100-150k usually before replacement. They arent too hard a job but are expensive even with aftermarket units. Also in cold weather they tend to be rather clunky.

I recommend a icarsoft MB unit for scanning, resets and diagnostics. Gives much more than an OBD2 but without the hassle and price of a star unit. They can be had aroubd 150 bucks and stow neatly in one of the tunk side pockets.

I agree with tbo and will add the front cv axles are pretty easy to swap out when time comes for if.

I own a 2010 S212 RWD E350 M272 non Cdi wagon with 55,000 miles.
Car is now 14 years old so plastic and rubber parts are starting to go hard.
Wagons - at least AFAIK those out of Germany nearly all have rear airbags.
My car was under a 10 year factory extended warranty and the airbags were replaced at the 10 year mark (FOC) It's an age issue rather than a mileage one.

A problem with a transmission control module required a multit thousand dollar replacement but now these modules can be repaired by after market technicians.

Other than that car has been fault free. Change the oil every 5000 Miles - not as the factory recommended. Service annually at dealership - minimal costs.

Huge load area in the rear with the back seats down - more usable area than most average SUV's.

The technology is primitive compared to my W213. I wouldn't be overly worried about it on a 212. Lots of aftermarket fixes.

Tyre wear is a bit concerning - wearing out on the inside of all 4 wheels.

I would think with more modern scanning tools, they are easier to diagnose then a W123/124 or 126.

True dat.