Your experiences with the latest E-Class W212/S212. Any good?

[mrcbenz]

Good evening forum members,

Now that the latest W212/S212 has been out for over 4 years, I am very interested to hear from owners about their experiences with their cars. It will be interesting to know about problems one has encountered, if any have cropped up. Cost of repairs/parts which may have needed replacing, what to look for when buying one. How does it compare to the previous W211? Hope the dreaded SBC pump has gone along with other numerous electrical gremlins it was riddle with and that the battery pack is better this time.

I've been thinking about replacing my good old trusted 52 plate W211 270CDI Avantgarde. I have enjoyed driving it for the past 3 years of ownership so far. It is approaching 125,600 on the clock and still feels very strong and will probably do a whole lot more. A few things have gone and needed replacing, as is expected with a car this age. Being one of the very first of the W211 generation, I think I have been lucky with mine so far, especially after reading some of the horror stories other W211 owners have had. Yes, I've had to spend quite a bit when the airmatic pump and one of the airmatic shocks went. Replacing the headlight and ABS sensors can be expensive too. I'm just wondering whether to keep it going until it dies (as I have with previous cars, hoping nothing else major will go wrong and spend the money on it when I have to or buy a slightly newer E-Class, say a 2009/2010 W212/S212. I understand that buying a newer car won't mean trouble free motoring, not at all, but more is likely to go on a 52 plate, then say a 59/10 plate. And that issues with the W211 would
have been ironed out on the latest generation of the E-Class I hope.

Having had a quick look on the MB UK used car search tool, there are some 3/4 year old W212s around the £16,500 mark with very good specs and reasonable mileage at various main dealers. I don't see many estates unfortunately under £17000 at the moment. I quite fancy a E220 or E250 CDI estate as the MPG figures are very good. The saloon is nice, but as the girlfriend has a four legged friend ... a dog that is, not a friend with four legs , so it'll be nice to have a boot area where he can sit, instead of the rear passenger seats as he does now in my W211. I cringe during these moments. And another dilema I have is that I'm not doing the huge mileage each week of 300+ miles as I was before, so do I need a diesel? Petrol is far cheaper at the moment than diesel, but my budget doesn't stretch to the E63 AMG, which are the only petrol models I see on the search. Not much in the way of E-Class petrol cars on Auto trader either.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I understand the new estate has self-levelling suspension at the rear? I was hoping to get away from the dreaded airmatic and just have normal springs going forward.

Also, is March a good time to look for bargains as the new registration comes out? Am I right in assuming there will an influx of 3 year old cars at the dealers after the lease on them has expired?

The only other alternative is the bus, but I need a car for work travelling between sites now and then.

Look forward to hearing your experiences, thoughts and general comments.

 

[developer]

All the estates have air suspension at the rear - there have been some where the rear shocks have been changed after the cars were dropping, though I think it's more the exception than the rule.

Whether 212's are as pretty as 211's is open to debate, though I feel the interiors are more modern (I've had both).

There's no keyless go on 212's of your required vintage, which is a shame.

I'm not aware of any recurring, well documented reliability problems.

 

[mrcbenz]

Hi Developer (John),

Thanks for your reply. So there's no getting away from the dreaded air shocks if one goes for the estate? Shame, as I prefer the look of the estate a little over the saloon.

Nice AMG by the way. Have been in one and it's very impressive.

Best,

Rob

 

[DSB SL AMG]

The W212 suffered horrendous fuel injector issues (diesel) at launch, MB blamed the suppler (Delphi) and vice versa..resulting in many breakdowns...still some reports but i think mainly fixed.

Mercedes customers demand that firm come clean over engine fault - Business News - Business - The Independent

 

[elisetype25]

Did you read this?

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/165307-s212-3-year-review-%96-story-so-far.html

Injector issues were dealt in with years ago. They stopped production while the issue was remedied. The injector units delaminated within a few thousand miles, and were replaced as part of routine services.

Cracking cars, I'm very happy with mine. Disappointed at the breakdown, but can't fault MB response.

Regards, Neil

 

[mrcbenz]

Hi Neil/elisetype25,

Thank you for the link. An excellent and honest review by the way. Sorry you experienced such a breakdown, but these things happen I guess and glad the car is back on the road. Your car is the kind of spec I'd look for next. Shame that if I go for the estate, there's still that problem of living with the air suspension on the rear going. My W211 has air shocks all round and at £1200 approx for each one including fitting, it is rather steep. My Indie however says they are much better now than the shocks on the W211, but only taking his word for it but he seems an honest guy. My have to look at the saloon again (if that just has normal shocks), but the estate looks better in my opinion.

Great that you've only spent on routine servcing so far, but I guess your car is still relatively young and parts shouldn't need replacing quite so soon. Is servicing at an official MB workshop a lot cheaper than the main dealers? I thought they are just branches of dealerships providing soley a garage service ... but at main dealer prices. Like the thought of having Mobilo assistance if it is serviced at these official workshops and is cheaper than main dealers. Would you say they are on par with Indie prices or those a good Indie win all round? Look forward to your rolling review as the years past.

Best,

Rob

 

[elisetype25]

I'm in the very fortunate position of having one of the very few official MB workshops around the corner. It's not affiliated to a main dealer and is a solely a repair and servicing workshop for MB and VW.

The prices are reasonable and I get full MBSH and all that entails.

Not only that they also give a discount for repeat business. Every time I have recieved a quote for a service it has been around 15% cheaper than the main dealer, and when I've come to pay it's been around 10% less again. If anything it's probably even cheaper than most independent specialists.

Really can't fault the service.

Not only that but it's beside the seaside, there's a fantastic cafe in the town, a cracking fish and chip shop and ice cream parlour! I really look forward to getting the car serviced!

Regards, Neil

 

[Ash]

I went from a 211 estate to a 212 250CDI. Not as much character; it feels much more like a white-good, if you see what i mean. But so far it's a lot more reliable - ie no faults whatsoever.
My verdict is the 211s are elegant looking Mercs but poorly built. 212s are a bit dull but far better sorted mechanically. Drives better too. Just don't expect to love it. Great dog owners car - just get a plastic floor cover (you can get them made to measure) to keep the mud out in the winter.

Hope that helps.
Ash
ps personally i'd avoid a small petrol engine. the comparative lack of torque means they are not as effortless. for this kind of car you don't want to rev the engine to keep up.

 

[developer]

Not as much character; it feels much more like a white-good, if you see what i mean.

Not all of them

 

[airportstar]

I prefer getting in my my 300K miles 211 over my brand new 212.

 

[EClassy]

I have owned mine 4 years and a month from new. E200 CGI Sport

• Had engine management light briefly come on very early on into ownership at about 3 month old or so. Took to dealership, no problems found

• One job to replace turbo hoses under warranty when the car went into limp mode at 2 and a half years old.

• Tyres repalced at 24,000 miles (could have replaced only 2 but decided to replace all four at together)

• Dodgy main dealership made me replace front brake pads at 26,500 miles despite being only 50% worn.

• 2 body repairs to remove ding in A pillar and a small dent in front bumper.

• Normal servicing

Mine has been very reliable and although I am bored of it I just cant see any reason to get rid of it. WBAC will only give me £13500 for it. It looks as good as the day I bought it.

 

[Londonscottish]

I had a 250 CDI Sports saloon on loan for a couple of weeks.

Thought it looked great in black/black with AMG 18's. Although the black headlining was maybe a bit OTT (my 211 had black leather/white roof lining and a glass sunroof and feels a lot airier as a result).

Other that that I really like the more modern interior. I particularly liked the variable steering rack round town, wasn't so convinced by it at speed. Ride on 18's was better that I'd expected - could have happily liked with them.

I did find the engine to be noisy - I'd personally got for a 350 is I was going diesel.

 

[blue gnome123]

My E350 S212 is only a year old and has had no reliability issues so far so I can't really yet comment on longer term reliability. The 212 does seem very short on internet forum complaint sthough!

I use my E350 mainly for trips to my other business site. 160 miles motorway each way. It seems to be a fair bit more economical than my S211 was. This week I got 48.7mpg average for the round trip averaging 65mph.

I did find the dark headlinings of many S212 made for a dark cabin, so I took my time to find a S212 with a panoramic model and sandy leather interior. I really like it.

I've also swapped the 19" (275x30 rears!) for 17" winter wheels. It rides a bit better but not as much as you'd think.

 

[mrcbenz]

I'm in the very fortunate position of having one of the very few official MB workshops around the corner. It's not affiliated to a main dealer and is a solely a repair and servicing workshop for MB and VW.

The prices are reasonable and I get full MBSH and all that entails.

Not only that they also give a discount for repeat business. Every time I have recieved a quote for a service it has been around 15% cheaper than the main dealer, and when I've come to pay it's been around 10% less again. If anything it's probably even cheaper than most independent specialists.

Really can't fault the service.

Not only that but it's beside the seaside, there's a fantastic cafe in the town, a cracking fish and chip shop and ice cream parlour! I really look forward to getting the car serviced!

Regards, Neil

Sounds pretty good to me Neil. I'll start looking at workshops in my region, although I have a good independent at the moment. Fish and chips and a Benz could be a new trend. All the best with your car and keep us posted of any events you encounter ... good or bad.

Many thanks,

Rob

 

[mrcbenz]

I went from a 211 estate to a 212 250CDI. Not as much character; it feels much more like a white-good, if you see what i mean. But so far it's a lot more reliable - ie no faults whatsoever.
My verdict is the 211s are elegant looking Mercs but poorly built. 212s are a bit dull but far better sorted mechanically. Drives better too. Just don't expect to love it. Great dog owners car - just get a plastic floor cover (you can get them made to measure) to keep the mud out in the winter.

Hope that helps.
Ash
ps personally i'd avoid a small petrol engine. the comparative lack of torque means they are not as effortless. for this kind of car you don't want to rev the engine to keep up.

Thank you Ash for your comments. I must admit the 211 still looks elegant as a saloon or estate. I like the feel of the interior. Just wished the build quality was better. What was MB hoping to build at the time, a Knight Industries Two Thousand (KITT) with all that technology? I like the styling of the S212. Hoping to see good deals at the dealers or elsewhere when March is upon us when the lease on 3 year old S212s are up. I know what you mean about smaller petrol engines for a car this size, so will avoid that.

All the best,

Rob

 

[mrcbenz]

I went from a 211 estate to a 212 250CDI. Not as much character; it feels much more like a white-good, if you see what i mean. But so far it's a lot more reliable - ie no faults whatsoever.
My verdict is the 211s are elegant looking Mercs but poorly built. 212s are a bit dull but far better sorted mechanically. Drives better too. Just don't expect to love it. Great dog owners car - just get a plastic floor cover (you can get them made to measure) to keep the mud out in the winter.

Hope that helps.
Ash
ps personally i'd avoid a small petrol engine. the comparative lack of torque means they are not as effortless. for this kind of car you don't want to rev the engine to keep up.

Not all of them

Developer, you sound like a kid in the playground with the best trainers LOL.

 

[mrcbenz]

My E350 S212 is only a year old and has had no reliability issues so far so I can't really yet comment on longer term reliability. The 212 does seem very short on internet forum complaint sthough!

I use my E350 mainly for trips to my other business site. 160 miles motorway each way. It seems to be a fair bit more economical than my S211 was. This week I got 48.7mpg average for the round trip averaging 65mph.

I did find the dark headlinings of many S212 made for a dark cabin, so I took my time to find a S212 with a panoramic model and sandy leather interior. I really like it.

I've also swapped the 19" (275x30 rears!) for 17" winter wheels. It rides a bit better but not as much as you'd think.

Thank you for your comments and experience so far blue gnome123. You're right, I haven't seen many 212 complaints until I checked the Honest John page. Seems like most of the issues have been ironed out and guess no car is perfect and free from faults. All the best with your very nice sounding car.

 

[mrcbenz]

Thank you to everyone who has provided their experiences and comments on this thread, very much appreciated. Please do post any information you come across which will be helpful. Happy motoring everyone.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I had a W212 E350 CDi for a month while my W211 E320 CDi Sport was being repaired a couple of years ago.

Plus points for W212 over W211;
Quieter in the cabin.
Fuel economy was excellent for a V6 diesel (55mpg on a run)
The graphic displays were very good, as was the COMAND.

Minus points for W212;
Plastics feel hard and cheap,
Nowhere to put your right arm when you're on a long journey
Seat quality felt a step backwards compared to the W211.
The interior doesn't have the flow of the W211.

There's a possibility of me needing a four door saloon come spring time and I'll have to have a test drive to see if I still feel the same...

 

[developer]

Developer, you sound like a kid in the playground with the best trainers LOL.

Busted .

The thing is, if what you've bought (whatever it may be) makes you go "zippity do da" every time you use it, then that's money well spent....