w211 vs w212 whats the issue?

[merc85]

Ive been reading a few posts on here of late where some people say the 212 e-class is not as good as the 211.

I really like the styling of the 212 myself and was just wondering why some people think that the later car is not as good as the one it replaced.

Any thoughts??

 

[billy21]

I went from a late W211 (320cdi saloon) to an early W212 (350cgi estate) and in my opionion the W212 is better in almost every way. That's not to take any thing away from the earlier model - it's a fantastic car, it's just the newer model feels like a step up in quality.

 

[grober]

Only thing I would identify is the gradual errosion in the choice of big petrol engined models with the W212 [ ignore the E63AMG as a focused performance vehicle reflected by its price]

 

[flango]

My opinion is the W211 was a good car, it handles better than the W212 rides better and is quieter. W212 interior looks cheaper, harder plastics, poorer quality switches etc. Technologically too complex which will most certainly lead to issues and economic write offs in future years.

Its the looks that do it for me though the W212 is too angular just another Eurobox with no prestige presence. The W211 is stylish, graceful and has great lines

All IMHO of course

 

[kingdave]

I haven't had close experience of either but I'm sure someone said there was some cost cutting evident in the new design. I'm interested because I suppose one day my 124 will die!

The example I think I remember was that the rear seat folding mechanism wasn't up to much in the estate and means there is no longer the flat floor or something. I think the rear seat bass no-longer flip forward. Can anyone clarify this? - I'd forgotten about it.

 

[prprandall51]

I haven't had close experience of either but I'm sure someone said there was some cost cutting evident in the new design. I'm interested because I suppose one day my 124 will die!

The example I think I remember was that the rear seat folding mechanism wasn't up to much in the estate and means there is no longer the flat floor or something. I think the rear seat bass no-longer flip forward. Can anyone clarify this? - I'd forgotten about it.

The seat mechanisms are exactly as you describe. The 211 estate had a more comprehensive seat folding system (including hinged seat squabs) that resulted in a genuinely flat loading floor - unique amongst cars in this sector. The 212 just has simple folding seat backs, resulting in a far from perfect loading area.

Flango has highlighted the main issues, though. Cheaper materials, an uncomfortable, angular look to the exterior (especially the early 212 before the facelift) and an over-styled interior.

 

[MercedesDriver]

Exterior of W212 is great with perfectly designed front and rear lights, however interior is nowhere near as good as in W211 and is more suitable for Vauxhall.
Certainly there is more technology in later model and can be reflected in maintenence costs.

 

[Troon]

The 211 estate had a more comprehensive seat folding system (including hinged seat squabs)...

Hinged and removeable, for an extra couple of inches. Don't know if the 212 does this, but the cargo net can also fix behind the front seat position:

 

[Dryce]

Exterior of W212 is great with perfectly designed front and rear lights,

Hmmmmm. The facelift cleaned up the original mess at the front but left the problems with the rear.

When I follow a W212 I often have to remind myself it's a MB.

Certainly there is more technology in later model and can be reflected in maintenence costs.

Is there that much more technology? I got the impression that the w212 was really just a continuation as far as the major systems were concerned. The diesel engines had started getting complicated years before the W212 was launched.

 

[flango]

Hmmmmm. The facelift cleaned up the original mess at the front but left the problems with the rear.

When I follow a W212 I often have to remind myself it's a MB.



Is there that much more technology? I got the impression that the w212 was really just a continuation as far as the major systems were concerned. The diesel engines had started getting complicated years before the W212 was launched.

Bluetec Selective Catalytic Reduction on cars they've been trying to perfect it for years on other methods of transport and not managed it. A quick dirty chemical fix instead of engineering the solution as others have done.

 

[gIzzE]

Ive been reading a few posts on here of late where some people say the 212 e-class is not as good as the 211.

I really like the styling of the 212 myself and was just wondering why some people think that the later car is not as good as the one it replaced.

Any thoughts??

If you have read all the posts surely they said why they thought it was better?


Smoother ride.
Quieter ride.
Less cabin noise.
Better seating position.
Much nicer cabin materials.
Hasn't got silly paramater steering.
Better MPG. (later 212 model levelled this a bit to be fair).
More comfortable.

 

[merc85]

i said a few, not "all"

 

[Doodle]

Not sure I agree with the handling statement...I found the 212 a far more willing partner when you want to "get it on", even in basic E200 CDI rep spec (and boy what a mismatch of engine and gearbox that is).

By comparison all the 211s felt very stable and solid at speed but any sort of attempt at youthful exuberance was met with steadfast refusal, even with the benefit of Airmatic to bolster things, and a firm reminder that if you kept this up it had every intention of trying to kill you.

 

[Druk]

I've got a 212. Just sold my beloved 211 to friend on here. Can I have it back please? I6 engine and 5spd box way ahead of V6 and 7spd. Also agree with rear seat arrangement, +1 for 211. 212 cheap and nasty in comparison.

 

[c_200k]

This is my opinion but doesn't count because it's comparing W211 E63 to W212 Pre faclift Biturbo E63. They were both specced pretty well so nothing really between them in spec.

The 211 was lovely overall, can't really complain too much about it. Had it for just under 2yrs, Main gripe was the gearbox was pish 7g.

The 212 has the MCT and it's much better but at the same time is abit rough. quality wise I don't have any complaints.

It's been pretty well specced so not much plastic anywhere, It's all leather and alcanatara.

Driving wise the 212 is miles better, the 211 felt like it was a normal E class with a massive engine stuck in it. The 212 however feels that every little bit better.

The ride on the 211 was much smoother being air all round but the 212 is a little rough but it has the stiffer suspension so understandable.

Otherwise love my 212.

 

[developer]

I've had two of each.

I like the exterior of them both and wouldn't diss one in favour of the other.

What I did find though was that the interior layout of the 212 was more modern than the 211 - satnav placement higher and more useable, better technology, and the switchgear of better quality, particularly in the 2014 model, which is a good step up.

However, both my 212's were E63's, so they may be better appointed by default.

The biggest issue I have with the 211 is that they are old cars now - though I appreciate that might not be an issue for everyone.

 

[MercedesDriver]

Hmmmmm. The facelift cleaned up the original mess at the front but left the problems with the rear.

When I follow a W212 I often have to remind myself it's a MB.

Is there that much more technology? I got the impression that the w212 was really just a continuation as far as the major systems were concerned. The diesel engines had started getting complicated years before the W212 was launched.

I don't know much about MB diesel engines but E350 CGI M272 or even better M276 are for me perfect matches. Also wouldn't mind E400 hybrid although I am not very fond of these frankenstein technologies.

 

[Dryce]

I don't know much about MB diesel engines but E350 CGI M272 or even better M276 are for me perfect matches. Also wouldn't mind E400 hybrid although I am not very fond of these frankenstein technologies.

In the UK the likes of the M272 and M276 are rare beasts in the E Class.

The diesels dominated the W211 line in the UK - with the 2.5 litre V6 never made available in this country.

 

[merc85]

id love to drive a e400 w211 cdi shame it never made it here.

 

[mannikon]

id love to drive a e400 w211 cdi shame it never made it here.

Why not go the whole hog and get the facelift version, E420CDI with 310BHP and 730 newtons as stock? (tuned versions claim 400+ BHP and 800+ Nm)