Proof…

[Jobsworth]

Should you need to see it, that a well maintained w212 is capable of good mileage. 2011 350cdi.

 

[Jobsworth]

I’ve known this car from about 10k, when it was supplied by my friends next door at the car sales place. It’s been used for private hire. I have done all the maintenance, and the owner is a stickler for servicing on time. Things worthy of note:
Torque converter replaced at 180k
Turbo and injectors at 240k
Alternator at 280k
EGR valve replaced at least twice, three times I’m pretty sure.

Still on original water pump, starter motor, high pressure pump, wheel bearings and DPF.
Most interestingly, oil cooler seals have never been touched.
Quite a few sets of brakes and tyres. I’ve lost count!

 

[Jobsworth]

Gearbox internals are still the originals too, just the torque converter that’s been changed

 

[AMGeed]

Nice to read the 212 is as capable as a well maintained 210 and 211.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Out of curiosity Job;sw . What exactly 'gives up' in the torque converter ?

 

[geoffus]

And I bet it has never seen any BP ultimate or V Power fuel cleaning products, or has it ?

 

[MCFastybloke]

Is he selling?

 

[Jobsworth]

Out of curiosity Job;sw . What exactly 'gives up' in the torque converter ?

They develop a vibration immediately following a gearchange, akin to driving over a cattle grid. It’s wear of the GKüB lock up clutch within the torque converter.

 

[Jobsworth]

Is he selling?

Lol! Probably not

 

[E55BOF]

Is he selling?

I wouldn't be. He's had his money's worth, and more, and it's worth far more to the owner than the buttons it would sell for at that mileage anyway. Providing it still met my needs, just keep servicing and driving it until a big bill came along, then sell it for whatever it would fetch, is what I'd do.

 

[davymead]

VERY reassuring as I’m on 75k and have no intentions o swapping.

 

[Jobsworth]

I wouldn't be. He's had his money's worth, and more, and it's worth far more to the owner than the buttons it would sell for at that mileage anyway. Providing it still met my needs, just keep servicing and driving it until a big bill came along, then sell it for whatever it would fetch, is what I'd do.

It’s a working car. It earns the man a living. He’s been in the private hire game for many years, and I’m sure knows how to extract the maximum earnings out of a car. He had the choice when he bought this car of the 4 or the 6 cylinder. I find it interesting that he chose the six. It’ll be worse on fuel, but perhaps less stressed in the long run. I can see him holding on till 500k or a pivotal moment. Engine or gearbox failure might swing it, you never know when a dropped valve might occur for example

 

[Lenny63]

Would love a s212 e350 sometime soon. That' seriously impressive.
@Jobsworth my om642 is on 189k, never had oil cooler seals either.

 

[Muckypaps]

Does his Stop/Start still work?

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Good to know! How much was the torque converter work? It'll be the 7G+ instead of my 7G, but I suspect the price is the same.

What about suspension work?

My E350 is at 169k and needs a gearbox service, brake fluid flush, and I have new (upper and lower) front control arms and ball joints - though I might try to tackle that myself to save some cash...

I like the car and, given the current climate, I have no plans to change it unless there's some kind of catastrophic, uneconomic failure..

Cheers

 

[Jobsworth]

Does his Stop/Start still work?

This car is right on the cusp, doesn’t have stop/start. Has the 7G, not the 7G+, so red fluid. Although it’s on an 11 plate, I think it’s last of the 2010 model year.
Torque converter from Mercedes is about a grand, but cheaper options are available. This customer wanted a genuine unit.

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

7G on a 2011...?

 

[Jobsworth]

7G on a 2011...?

I mentioned above, it’s on an 11 plate, but is 2010 model year I think.

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Ah. My father's E350 is a 60 plate but is 7G+. Mine is 59 and 7G. Perhaps there wasn't a clean cut-off/switch over point.

Any idea on the suspension work done?

Thanks!