I've been looking around for a slightly used Bluetec and am thinking I'm down to these two models: 2012 e350 or 2012 S350. Does anyone have any insight as to why own one over the other? For instance, are there absurd hidden maintenance costs associated with owning the S-class in this model?

Thanks, in advance, for your insight.....

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Craig

2011 e350 Wagon < Grey on Grey/Brown. I kind of think I'm cool driving around in this thing, but I know I'm wrong.
2007 e350 4Matic Wagon < Black on Black
2003 e320 Wagon < Black on Oyster. Dog Hauler. Replaced at 170k. Great car!
1990 300SE, Black on Black < Totalled
1991 560SEL, Black on Black < Current, sits around a lot
1972 280SL < Sold, but not forgotten.
1972 280SEL 4.5 < Gorgeous car. Lost to a freak accident.
1985 300TD < "Merzilla". Put 300k on her.

S-Classes are more expensive hands down maintenance terms. Personally, I've been in a 2012 E350 and felt cheap for what a real E-Class should be.


The S-Class I have some experience with and personally it is solid, and worth the dime. I'm looking for a earlier S350 Bluetec, when the time is right.

Please don't allow this to get confused by me saying that the S-Class feels cheap next to an E-Class. Because a few members seem to compare the quality of the models, not taking into account one is a mid range luxury sedan, and one is higher end sedan.

Can't really address your direct comparison as I never considered the S class. I did shop and settled for the E class, had it built, and picked it up at the factory. May be the "best" car I ever owned. I had the sport suspension which I would do again in a heartbeat. I passed the car on to a daughter and ordered a GLK Bluetec, which I also love, but it's not the cruiser of the other. Part of my reason for the change is that I prefer smaller cars (my true love is a 190D,) and I needed cargo capacity not available in the E class sedan. The E with the sport suspension can't be beat as a road car. In a drive from Cody, Wyoming, home to the foothills, the car got a solid 39 mpg at speeds enabling me to get home those 1100 miles, in 14 hours, including one fuel stop and one breakfast stop. Never exceeded 125 mph, so I thought the mileage was phenomenal. It did that both going and returning with part of the trip up through the curvey and congested roads in Yellowstone. I felt the E was a bit ostentatious in my part of the world which was also a reason to trade it. Only thing I'd say about the S class is that you have many more options, all which can ultimately require repair. If for no other reason those many more options will be a source of anguish in the long term. From just my experience I'd strongly vote the E class. Never had a warranty claim the almost two years I had it.

I would have to venture that yes, the S-Class would cost more to own. Were I in that position, I'd consider moving up to a '14 E250 Bluetec, or back to an 05/06 I6 E320 CDI.

I agree with the CDI. Save some money.

S350 all the way, the FIRST ever diesel Mercedes sedan with 4Matic!!! (sold here anyways)they seem to loose about 40-50% resale in the first year or two, up here they stickered at $110k plus options, seen them slightly used for $65-70k.

The E has higher resale until the warranty is expired, then all the same.

I have zero experience with the modern sedans in terms of maintenance/repairs/driving experience I worked on the SUV's and own an R. I imagine they are cut from the same cloth meaning same servicing costs, reliability but probably drive differently the S would likely have air springs, the E not likely unless fully optioned. Either car would be an exceptional drive until 100K or so then the repairs will start. Driving a modern S class first is essential, I have read they have taking the driving enjoyment out of them and made it very robotic or lifeless, not sure if this is the case or just too many toys/features.
If you can afford it enjoy!

The 4-matic S350 Bluetec would be my choice if I wanted a sedan.
I see Star Marked cars for $40K or so.
But I am so happy with my ML diesel 4-matic I will get another when this one dies.
jz

The S class cars are nice but my preference is the E class.

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Jim

Roger that.....however, if ALL the models were the same price, I'd go with the 2014 E250 Bluetec.