Buying advice for a petrol W212 E Class Coupe

[Jason1145]

Hi all, I’m trying to convince myself to spend up to £10k on a petrol W212 E Class Coupe as they look absolutely gorgeous to me.

It has to be a petrol as this car will only cover 2000-3000 miles a year so a diesel is out of the question and I’m in the the London ULEZ zone.

I see they do a 1.8 in E200, E250 and E350 and I’m not too fussed about which variant as I’m nearly 50 now and don’t need a speed machine.

My research has shown that this car will have an M271 engine, I see some timing chain issues reported here, so I will be trying to get a low mileage version to try and avoid this issue, not sure how to check this properly any advice welcome please?

The other issue I only found about yesterday is the rear subframes rusting out on these W212’s which is really depressing when I have my heart set on one… are MB really still offering to replace these under goodwill?


Also I’ve seen the costs quoted for replacing rusting brake lines, yikes, lots of reasons to say run away but the heart wants what the heart wants!

So on viewing a prospective car is there any way I can minimise my chances of buying a shed with these issues?

(I’m going to view a 2012 E250 petrol coupe next week on 59k miles for about £7500)

Cheers in advance.

 

[markjay]

The E-Class Coupe is not actually a W212, instead it's a C207, and it's based on the W204, which is not a bad thing because you get the luxury of an E-Class in a smaller and more agile C-Class body, which (in my view) suits the coupe better.

The rusting subframe is unfortunately an issue across most models, though, E-Class and C-Class alike.

The M271 was replaced by the M274 around mid-2012 I believe, so if the budget permits the face-lift model then you'll be better-off with the M274 engine, though they do suffer from failing thermostat that can cost £400-500 to fix.

 

[Jason1145]

The E-Class Coupe is not actually a W212, instead it's a C207, and it's based on the W204, which is not a bad thing because you get the luxury of an E-Class in a smaller and more agile C-Class body, which (in my view) suits the coupe better.

The rusting subframe is unfortunately an issue across most models, though, E-Class and C-Class alike.

The M271 was replaced by the M274 around mid-2012 I believe, so if the budget permits the face-lift model then you'll be better-off with the M274 engine, though they do suffer from failing thermostat that can cost £400-500 to fix.

C207, got it!
Thanks, yeah I like the facelift E Class but my budget might not stretch that far as I would like to get a lower mileage car.

Would the V5 show which version of the engine is fitted for a M274?

 

[markjay]

C207, got it!
Thanks, yeah I like the facelift E Class but my budget might not stretch that far as I would like to get a lower mileage car.

Would the V5 show which version of the engine is fitted for a M274?

If you run the VIN number in an online VIN decoder, the Datacard will show the engine's part number and serial number - in either case, the first 3 digits are the engine model (I.e. 271 or 274).

I know that the W204 got the M274 engine in mid-2012, I don't know for fact when the C207/A207 got it, but it would be around that time - probably with the 2013 face-lift.

 

[Jason1145]

If you run the VIN number in an online VIN decoder, the Datacard will show the engine's part number and serial number - in either case, the first 3 digits are the engine model (I.e. 271 or 274).

I know that the W204 got the M274 engine in mid-2012, I don't know for fact when the C207/A207 got it, but it would be around that time - probably with the 2013 face-lift.

I’ve never asked a seller for a VIN number before as I thought they wouldn’t like to give it out but I’ll ask in this case for the 2012 C207 I’m trying to arrange a viewing for but he’s quite slow to respond to texts.

I can’t believe both these E and C classes have subframe issues, I’m being advised by car friends to forget them and go for a 2013-2015 Audi A5 S Line instead, but I’m on the fence.

The C207 I’ve found is 2012 with 59k miles, looks mint with full service history ( I am yet to be shown this so unsure if it’s MB or not) and is booked in to MB next week for a sensor recall…. I’ve asked him to specifically ask them to check the rear subframe whilst in there… but I’d want proof it’s been checked afterwards not just his say so.

 

[SpikyMikey]

Whilst having the subframe checked is a good idea, bear in mind that they tend to rot from the inside.
Have you got a link to the car you're interested in?

 

[Jason1145]

Yes this is true and I’m hoping MB know this and will take a very good look and test with a prodded all over lol… but no guarantees.

Here’s the E250

Pardon our interruption...

 

[markjay]

I’ve never asked a seller for a VIN number before as I thought they wouldn’t like to give it out but I’ll ask in this case for the 2012 C207 I’m trying to arrange a viewing for but he’s quite slow to respond to texts.

You asked:

..Would the V5 show which version of the engine is fitted for a M274?

If you can see the V5C, then you can see the VIN - it's on the V5C.

 

[SpikyMikey]

Yes this is true and I’m hoping MB know this and will take a very good look and test with a prodded all over lol… but no guarantees.

Here’s the E250

Pardon our interruption...

Nice looking car; DVLA lists it as 1796cc which would mean a M271(EVO) methinks.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Loving the red skin!

 

[ChrisPDuck]

Pop the registration in here: https://chipex.co.uk/

Somehow, surprisingly, the resulting URL in the search bar will contain the VIN - or at least it has done for every Mercedes that I've ever tried. Then pop the VIN into here: https://www.lastvin.com/

 

[Jason1145]

Awesome trick that thank you, alas it shows this has the 271 engine I think?

 

[markjay]

Awesome trick that thank you, alas it shows this has the 271 engine I think?

I guess it's unavoidable unless you opt for a newer car (or for the V6).

You could set aside the budget for removing the camshafts cover and inspecting the timing chain and camshaft sprocket wheels after you get the car.

 

[fabes]

Is that an import car?
Don't see many white (it looks great though)
Pano roof is a big plus

I'm on my second C207 (V6) and love them
Is that on 19' wheels ?
will look great, but will impact the ride a little (mine is on 19's) and tyres cost a bit so check those out.

Gearbox service done (it's due on mileage)

Rear seat space is okay in these, but only once you're in - passengers need to be a little agile

250 petrol should be great in this car if its been serviced as they say

 

[Jason1145]

Is that an import car?
Don't see many white (it looks great though)
Pano roof is a big plus

I'm on my second C207 (V6) and love them
Is that on 19' wheels ?
will look great, but will impact the ride a little (mine is on 19's) and tyres cost a bit so check those out.

Gearbox service done (it's due on mileage)

Rear seat space is okay in these, but only once you're in - passengers need to be a little agile

250 petrol should be great in this car if its been serviced as they say

No it’s a UK car with VOSA verified mileage from its first MOT in 2015.

I just viewed it and fell in love with it, just drop dead gorgeous shape on these and yes it’s 19” wheels having been refurbed last year by the lady owner and are still unmarked.

The 4 tyres had good tread on them, this will be my first time to own a car with a staggered wheel set up, and more importantly it’ll be my first RWD car too… I’m quite excited by it all!

How much are tyres for these then???

I forgot to check on the gearbox service, what are the recommended intervals and costs involved for one?

The rear seats will be occupied by my 9 year old daughter, I figured I need to get this type of sporty coupe quickly before she grows too big.. I think she will find it quite cavernous back there as both me and my wife aren’t too tall.

The seller is selling it on behalf of his auntie who is only the 2nd owner and she will be back from holiday next week when she will take it in for the MB recall to the airbag… so all sounds legit and I’m hoping she asks them to check the rear subframe too.

She has owned the car for 8-9 years and apparently always had any maintenance recommended done, so fingers crossed when she is back she can show me the FSH.

Here’s a photo I grabbed from today.

 

[markjay]

If it has Start/Stop, then it will likely have the 7G Tronic+ transmission - the service interval is every 5 years or 77,500 miles, whichever comes first.

A 2012 car should have had the transmission serviced in 2017 and then again in 2022, the next service will be due in 2027.

 

[fabes]

Great, glad it's met your expectations.

Airbag recall is standard so no issues with that.
Your 9 year old will be perfect for rear access.

Hope it pans out for you
Let us know

 

[E55BOF]

The 350 petrol has an M272 engine, and in one of these will have been manufactured long after the M272 engine balancer chain issue. Decent 19" front tyres (Goodyear F1 Eagles) are about £150 upwards each.

 

[Fastcar155]

My C207E400 was written of due to rear subframe failure.My car was a 65 plate with a full MB service history.
The real annoyance was that the car spent of the winters off the road or in the Algarve in Portugal again in the winter.

The rear subframe was inspected by a well known specialist who told me the rear subframe appeared perfect.
The subframe rusts from the inside out !

My car covered 43000 miles and was perfect.

I really miss my C207 and have looking another but really have given up.

If you buy the car I am sure that you will enjoy your purchase

 

[markjay]

My C207E400 was written of due to rear subframe failure.My car was a 65 plate with a full MB service history.
The real annoyance was that the car spent of the winters off the road or in the Algarve in Portugal again in the winter.

The rear subframe was inspected by a well known specialist who told me the rear subframe appeared perfect.
The subframe rusts from the inside out !

My car covered 43000 miles and was perfect.

I really miss my C207 and have looking another but really have given up.

If you buy the car I am sure that you will enjoy your purchase

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

Did you try to get MB to replace the rear subframe FOC?