Some 212 questions

[Londonscottish]

I've been toying with the idea of getting a 212 350 CDI (estate) to replace my trusty 211 and have seen one that ticks quite a few boxes.

Having had a 212 as a hire car I know I'd like black or grey Sport with the 18's, pano roof and half-alcantara seats.

£17k would get me into something that ticks all the boxes but this particular one is £14k which is a sensible price for what looks to be a decent 10 plate car on relatively low miles.

Here are my questions;

Q1 - 231bhp (?)
It's variously listed as having 231bhp or 211bhp. IIRC the earlier ones have 230-odd and the later ones 260-ish. Is that right? Is there much difference? 0-60 in the 6's is OK for me but I guess I could always get a minor remap if I wanted to find another 30 horses (?)

Q2 - DAB Radio With Media Interface
I would seriously love a DAB radio. But what's a "media interface"? And can I plug in my phone or stream via Bluetooth? (I really want Spotify connectivity in my next car).

Q3 - Is Alcantara hard wearing?
I don't know what Merc call it but I know the material as Alcantara. Had it in the hire car and I really thought it was the mutts nuts. But I also remember cheap versions in Italian cars in the 80's looking very scabby very quickly. Given that this is a family bus that get trashed on long runs would I regret the Alcantara?

Q4 - Steering - variable ratio?
The hire car had a variable rack that was brilliant around town - it was something crazy like 2 turns lock to lock but went back to normal at speed. What's it called and is it optional or standard?

Q5 - Any other observations?
Don't know much about 212's other than the one I had on loan a couple of years ago. What else should I look for/beware of?


(Other than that it's got COMAND, Bluetooth Hands Free, 6 Disc CD Changer, Heated Seats, Parktronic Front And Rear, Automatic Xenon Headlights With LED Daytime Running Lights, Recently Refurbished And Unmarked 18" AMG alloys, Electric Folding Door Mirrors, Electric Tailgate, Auto Dim Rear View Mirror)

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I'm in a very similar position, albeit a saloon and my findings are;

The early 212 350 CDI was 231 bhp, then from around the end of 2011/beginning of 2012 they became 265 bhp and then in the facelift somehow 'lost' bhp (I'm assuming to get the emissions/tax liability down) and went down to 252bhp.

I'd definitely be looking at a facelift if possible or a very late pre-facelift at the minimum, the technology jumped quite considerably around the same time as the jump from 231 to 265 bhp.

Also worth having a look at the CLS shooting brake, it may stretch the budget but I think they'll definitely hold their money over the long term.

 

[Druk]

Mine (11 plate) is the 265 and it's more than plenty, well for me anyways. Bit disappointing in the consumption dept in that not nearly as good as the outgoing 320 S211 but thats to be expected I suppose.

Socket in the glovebox has connectivity and Comand has bluetooth but can't vouch for Spotify as I just have a stick plugged into the G-Box. The twiddly knob control thing drives me nuts with its non-idiot-proof obstructiveness.

The rear seats don't fold flat like the 211 although the quick release is good except it motors the seats fwd even if its not reqd for clearance.

Comand is so user unfriendly I've bought a Garmin.

 

[Londonscottish]

I'm in a very similar position, albeit a saloon and my findings are;

The early 212 350 CDI was 231 bhp, then from around the end of 2011/beginning of 2012 they became 265 bhp and then in the facelift somehow 'lost' bhp (I'm assuming to get the emissions/tax liability down) and went down to 252bhp.

OK thanks

I'd definitely be looking at a facelift if possible or a very late pre-facelift at the minimum, the technology jumped quite considerably around the same time as the jump from 231 to 265 bhp.

Ta

Also worth having a look at the CLS shooting brake, it may stretch the budget but I think they'll definitely hold their money over the long term.

I think I'll stick with an E as I've found that the load space comes in very useful several times a year.

 

[Londonscottish]

Mine (11 plate) is the 265 and it's more than plenty, well for me anyways.

There's probably not much in it when compared to my 500 - I'd imagine yours is a bit faster off the line, mine may catch up a bit when revving it hard.

Bit disappointing in the consumption dept in that not nearly as good as the outgoing 320 S211 but thats to be expected I suppose.

Well it would be an improvement for me

Socket in the glovebox has connectivity

Connectivity for what, though? In 211's I've see various iPhone cable options. But I'm Android and Apple - would like to have the option to run either. Preferably Android as I have limitless 4G data on it.

I just have a stick plugged into the G-Box.

Ah OK - so that sounds like it's a USB connection?

The twiddly knob control thing drives me nuts with its non-idiot-proof obstructiveness.

I'm not too bothered with controlling it through buttons. Ideally for me I'd just have a phone on the dashboard with Spotify on it. I'd choose one of the massive playlists and start streaming. One of them, for example, is 46 hours long. Job jobbed.

The rear seats don't fold flat like the 211 although the quick release is good except it motors the seats fwd even if its not reqd for clearance.

Shame they don't get flat - but I'm sure it's still roomy enough

Comand is so user unfriendly I've bought a Garmin.

COMAND is a bit old school although I often use it just because it's there.

If I'm on a critical journey, though, I always fire up Google Maps on my Android as it's up to date traffic stuff and alternative routes are great.

 

[Druk]

Connectivity for what, though? In 211's I've see various iPhone cable options. But I'm Android and Apple - would like to have the option to run either. Preferably Android as I have limitless 4G data on it.


Ah OK - so that sounds like it's a USB connection?

Shame they don't get flat - but I'm sure it's still roomy enough

No, it's not USB but the Merc cable converts it to that. Don't know what the Android socket looks like but I have two spare cables from the Merc kit (i'm iPhone) if reqd.

It's not that they just don't go flat but that the basses don't tip up and form a barrier for things to slip down...which is what happens. It's really a bit of a bodge compared to what was in the 211 where you had the option of removing the base if you needed the extra length. Engineering wise it's a cop-out but you have to live with it.

Edit. Just had a look and the three cables are, glove box socket to: iPod: USB: and mini-jack.



.

 

[Fady]

No, it's not USB but the Merc cable converts it to that. Don't know what the Android socket looks like but I have two spare cables from the Merc kit (i'm iPhone) if reqd.

It's not that they just don't go flat but that the basses don't tip up and form a barrier for things to slip down...which is what happens. It's really a bit of a bodge compared to what was in the 211 where you had the option of removing the base if you needed the extra length. Engineering wise it's a cop-out but you have to live with it.

Edit. Just had a look and the three cables are, glove box socket to: iPod: USB: and mini-jack.



.

A bit confused at your description? 2010 Estate and had a S211 previously. My rear seats fold totally flat and improved load space compared to the S211 since you can take the load cover and mechanism right out of the car (mine's like that permanently in summer as used for bicycle transport). On the S211 this was fixed to back of the seats. So a step forward rather than anything imho.

 

[Londonscottish]

Edit. Just had a look and the three cables are, glove box socket to: iPod: USB: and mini-jack.

OK that sounds encouraging.

I guess the min-jack is the "universal" answer in that you can connect that to any phone and play audio (which is what I'm after).

And if I wanted pause/play etc I'd just have to use my (work) iPhone with either the work SIM or my own.

 

[Druk]

A bit confused at your description? 2010 Estate and had a S211 previously. My rear seats fold totally flat and improved load space compared to the S211 since you can take the load cover and mechanism right out of the car (mine's like that permanently in summer as used for bicycle transport). On the S211 this was fixed to back of the seats. So a step forward rather than anything imho.

I've not much to say about the load cover as I don't use it often although I found it easier to slide out when it was attached to the seat backs as opposed to having to clamber in and wangle it from it's fixings as it is now, however, the rear uprights of my seats deffo don't lay flat when down as the seats don't lift like the 211 ones did so they just lay on top at a slight raised angle and only go flat when a weight is applied. Thereby squashing the basses which can't be great for them long-term as, like you, mine are down more often than up.

I guess the min-jack is the "universal" answer in that you can connect that to any phone and play audio (which is what I'm after).

And if I wanted pause/play etc I'd just have to use my (work) iPhone with either the work SIM or my own.

It's a female end jack but I'm guessing a F-F adaptor is available. Edit: Quite why you would need five I don't know but this is the thing..http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5x3-5mm-S...-Headphone-Adapter-Jack-Coupler-/152230744389 the full playability is then available through the Comand controls. Pause, play, track, volume etc. Or it is with the USB lead, unsure about the mini-jack.




.

 

[Londonscottish]

It's a female end jack but I'm guessing a F-F adaptor is available...... this is the thing..5x3.5mm Stereo Male to 3.5mm Male Connector Audio Headphone Adapter Jack Coupler | eBay.

I know that cable type - I use it to connect phones, tablets and my Chromebase to some Bose Companion speakers that I have.

the full playability is then available through the Comand controls. Pause, play, track, volume etc. Or it is with the USB lead, unsure about the mini-jack.

That would be through the USB if anything.

Thanks for all the tips.

All I need to do is get the Mrs to agree to my spending a lump on a car. I think it's going to be through the accumulation of marginal gains

- better MPG =£540 pa
- reduced road tax = £270 pa

So that's £4k over 5 years.... bugger

- alcantara seats - mmmmmmmm

errrr

- iPhone integration

err.....

- sunroof for the kids!

....hmmmm...more work to be done. And a bit more bonus would help.....






.[/QUOTE]

 

[Londonscottish]

The bad news; the 212 I was interested in was sold on Monday while I was on a family holiday in Cornwall.

The good news; the OH has agreed that a 212 is going to be the next major household purchase.

I'm holding back money for a big refurb of the house next year and going to to resist throwing much more that £10k + what I can get for mine.

And I know pretty much what I want; 350 CDI in black or grey with pano roof, Xenons, PDC, Media Interface and heated Alcantara seats.

I'll get some minor paint correction done to mine, give the seats a clean and feed and maybe get the wheels done.

Then I'll be ready to jump when the next one pops up.

 

[Benzmanc]

I stream my spotify into comand via bluetooth streaming, tracks can be skipped using the comand controller

 

[Londonscottish]

I stream my spotify into comand via bluetooth streaming, tracks can be skipped using the comand controller

Thanks. Have you got the "Media Interface"?

I'm irritated today as I drove to work listening to the new Zadie Smith on headphones (when you buy a Kindle book you can now add audio for £2.99.....).

If I hadn't had to go to Cornwall for NY I could have been streaming the book in my "new" 212.

*sigh*

 

[Benzmanc]

Thanks. Have you got the "Media Interface"?

I'm irritated today as I drove to work listening to the new Zadie Smith on headphones (when you buy a Kindle book you can now add audio for £2.99.....).

If I hadn't had to go to Cornwall for NY I could have been streaming the book in my "new" 212.

*sigh*

No i don't have the media interface, i just go into the audio menu and select bluetooth audio. It shows in the spotify app as MB Bluetooth and works a treat

 

[Londonscottish]

No i don't have the media interface, i just go into the audio menu and select bluetooth audio. It shows in the spotify app as MB Bluetooth and works a treat

Ah OK thanks - in my earlier version of COMAND Bluetooth is for phones only (unfortunately).

 

[Londonscottish]

Spoke to the dealer.

Apparently the Sports all come with the Alcantara inserts in the seats. Yey.

And auto lights & and wipers.

And auto-dimming mirrors (I think).

Not sure about Parktronic.....(?)

So the options I'm definitely looking for are Pano, DAB, Media Interface (or at least the ability to stream audio via Bluetooth) & heated seats.

Nice to haves include HK/Bose, Privacy, Memory Seats, 7 Seats, electric tailgate.

He's got a grey one in which has the advantage of a tow bar (useful for me for a bike rack). However it also has 19's which will no doubt look nice but which will no doubt also b*gger up the ride a bit. And it doesn't have a Pano roof which is a show stopper for me.

He asked why I was so keen on the pano roof and I explained that every single car I've had in the last 22 years has had a glass sunroof and I just love the feeling of airiness that they give. Plus on hot days it's nice to drive around town with it and the windows open. The pano has the double of bonus of making it all feel a bit special in the back.

So pano it is.

Here's hoping one comes up between now and Easter when I'm off to Normandy.

 

[Abcan]

I have 62 plate s212 sport. I'm not 100% sure if the pre 2012 specs are the same but IIRC from when I was researching specs the powered tailgate is standard on all models. Mine has privacy which is great for the kids. The rear view and drivers mirrors auto dim. It's a great car and I can't fault it so far.

 

[Londonscottish]

I have 62 plate s212 sport. I'm not 100% sure if the pre 2012 specs are the same but IIRC from when I was researching specs the powered tailgate is standard on all models.

Thanks - I'll do some more research. I've had it for nearly seven years now and it's handy. Not a show stopper, though.

Mine has privacy which is great for the kids.

Yes, my kids will definitely like it. Plus I happen to be one of those people who think it looks good from the outside.

The rear view and drivers mirrors auto dim.

I'm so used to this I don't think I could live without it.

It's a great car and I can't fault it so far.

I had a 250 CDI Sport on loan and really liked most of it - I just want to add the Pano and swap the 4 pot for the V6 .

 

[st13phil]

What year range of car are you looking for? The pricelist details the standard and optional kit and I have pdf copies of the Jan 2010 and Apr 2012 versions if they're of interest?

PM me you email address if you want them.

 

[PhilLinda]

Spoke to the dealer.

Apparently the Sports all come with the Alcantara inserts in the seats. Yey.

And auto lights & and wipers.

And auto-dimming mirrors (I think).

Not sure about Parktronic.....(?)

So the options I'm definitely looking for are Pano, DAB, Media Interface (or at least the ability to stream audio via Bluetooth) & heated seats.

Nice to haves include HK/Bose, Privacy, Memory Seats, 7 Seats, electric tailgate.

He's got a grey one in which has the advantage of a tow bar (useful for me for a bike rack). However it also has 19's which will no doubt look nice but which will no doubt also b*gger up the ride a bit. And it doesn't have a Pano roof which is a show stopper for me.

He asked why I was so keen on the pano roof and I explained that every single car I've had in the last 22 years has had a glass sunroof and I just love the feeling of airiness that they give. Plus on hot days it's nice to drive around town with it and the windows open. The pano has the double of bonus of making it all feel a bit special in the back.

So pano it is.

Here's hoping one comes up between now and Easter when I'm off to Normandy.

The Sport has alcantara as standard but many with optional full leather.

Pre 2013 facelift you'll struggle to find DAB. I gave up after 6 months of looking.

Think electric tailgate has been standard on the s212 since it was launched.


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