Should You Buy a MERCEDES E CLASS ESTATE? (Test Drive & Review S212 E350 CDI)
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- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2024
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Today I'm in this 2011 Mercedes E350 CDI Estate. Let's see what it's like...
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My favorite-looking car. It's sedate, calming, and luxurious. I love that it's not over-styled but rather it's elegant and stately. I live in the US and whenever I go to New England's coast under every massive beach house and gated victorian house there is an E-class wagon. I think it shows that you are comfortable in life and don't need a huge SUV or truck to show off your wealth. It's understated but stylish, without being pretentious and ghastly, much like an old stone mansion that's been around for hundreds of years.
Perfect comment!! Same here in australia, respect a wagon owner
B
bit exaggerated but fair comment : ). I prefer a Volvo but I respect this
@@Cloud007. Volvos are my second favorite-looking cars. That led headlight design is fabulous!
I have a late 2011 250 CDI Avantgarde - plenty of power and even stop start enabled.
It's great to see your car reviews, with a real-world perspective. Much better than hearing about how the wheelbase has been increased by 3.4 millimetres, scratchy plastics on the sunglasses holder release toggle, a promise of 41.97 mpg on the urban city countryside motorway cycle, and wheels that look great because the tyres look like elastic bands.
Early 50s, but (hopefully) not with one foot in the grave, so I went for the E350 CDI coupe, which I love. Perfect for the 120 mile run to the airport car park - and at 50+ mpg, gets better mileage than my A380 ✈️
Best looking E Class ever imo
I own a 2013 W212 E350cdi it is without a doubt the best car I’ve ever owned. It is silky smooth and as you said, effortless to drive. It seem to thread it way through traffic. The V6 twin turbo 3 litre is well on top of the job and I’d also silky smooth.
Now with just over 60000 on the clock, very few repairs and problems. Fuel usage isnt great and I average 32 to the gallon combined, however you’re not going to get a 265hp car doing 60mpg and on balance I think it is very efficient for its size.
As an owner of a 2008 CLS 500 from new and with 52K miles it has to be said that the reliability and running/repair costs incurred are no better than my previous 14 year old Jaguar XJ40 6 litre V12. The days of "built like a tank" Mercs are long gone.
You’ve barely driven it!
@@Alexander_l322 All the more reason why it should be reliable!
Yes youre right
@@alanhunter2009 I agree and I was just surprised because that’s very low mileage
Merc stopped making proper cars about 1994.
“Oooh, Peugeot 205 GTI” - love it.
I had a 320 V6 petrol 210 wagon for years and handed it down to my sister with 200k miles on and it is still going strong. One of the best cars I’ve ever owned…
I also loved the rear facing seats that popped up out of the boot floor. The kids preferred to travel there as they had 270 degree visibility out of those big rear windows on three sides
I looked at these, but was put off by the Mercedes dealership and just Mercedes' attitude in general. Worth mentioning that most of these aren't ULEZ compliant. Purchased a Volvo V90 instead, so now ready to join the National Trust.
The Mercedes we went to was the friendliest and least pushy main dealer I’ve been to. That being said someone reversed into the car we were viewing with a tow bar and cracked the bumper, and one salesman was very inexperienced. Car also had a dead battery due to being sat during covid. Didn’t buy that one needless to say lol
@@youraveragejoe1 That's a shame, but for a main dealer it just shouldn't be like that. Well, in general for any dealership. Their lack of effort (I know you can't help somebody reversing into the car) resulted in you going elsewhere and was still a waste of your time made even worse if you've had to travel far. It's a shame, I do like some Mercedes cars but due to multiple dealerships I won't touch one - there's also a really good independent Mercedes specialist near to me, so I really wanted to get an E Class. Volvo were great, so helpful, not pushy, let me test drive a couple of cars even after I said I was just looking and wanted to sit in a couple. Spent a few hours there (I then went to a nearby Skoda garage to look at a Superb, which wasn't a patch on the V90) and so far can't say much bad about Volvo. Parts prices are expensive (I needed a couple of trim parts as they were damaged on the car. Not sure about servicing yet as the car is due very soon and needs booking in) but I cannot fault the workmanship from their garage and I'm very picky when it comes to people working on my car and everything being just as good, if not better compared to when the car arrived. Car now has 48k on it, had 43k in January and had no problems at all. Being the D5 and AWD it's not great on fuel and I think is far from the official MPG figures, but that's it.
Ok I love all your videos but this one stands out by an imperial mile. Your commentary is spot on, more like a seated stand up than a simple review. It was funny and still very informative, it made me giggle several times. Thanks for the funny 10 minutes, Matt! 😎
Very kind of you to say so. Thanks
37 yrs old and just bought my first estate. Just can't get passed the looks of the E class, went with the BMW F11 and really happy with it.
Had 2 F11’s after initially looking at the E-class, you won’t be disappointed. Hopefully you went for a 6 cylinder diesel? 👍
Have owned a 2013 E350 gas-engine wagon for about 6 months, very little to complain about. Fantastic all-around do-it-all car. Wish Merc had sold the diesel wagons in the USA, that’s about the only way it could be better!
I had a facelift 350d AMG line night edition estate - by far the best car I've had. Replaced it with a GLE350 .... dreadful mistake. Slower, much more expensive, less usable space, hardly any difference in tech, and much more thirsty.
Worth noting on the practicality front, the rear parcel shelf weighs an absolute ton, and there's nowhere to put it if you need to remove it.
Put the parcel shelf behind the front seats, under the folded rear seat backs. That is where I put mine.
I agree. The parcel shelf is like the heaviest roller blind ever made.
Owned 3 S212's 350d up to 2018 before changing to a 350d Gle. All of them including the GLE have been superb cars. That v6 diesel has as m7ch power and torque as you'd want and more.
I agree with lesser usable room ( floor length) in the GLE but you would have known that before you purchased.
I'll leave you with a Jeremy Clarkson quote on tge E Class Estate " It's the only car you'd ever need - it does everything and does it well"
Hi Matt. Have we met? I'm 59 and just looking to change my car. At the moment I drive a 56 plate Volvo XC70 and looking to buy a Mercedes E class. Truth be told but if Volvo still did the XC with 7 seat option I would probably stick with Volvo. Don't want an SUV so the best option is the E class.
Fantastic channel, always looking forward to the next review. Keep up the good work.
I've been enjoying these reviews for some time now and this hss been one of the most entertaining yet. I'm in my early 60s I cracked up at your observations, keep them coming!
Slightly above my price range but so tempting...👍😉
Haha thanks for watching
My thoughts exactly :)
Agreed - best ever spot the typical buyer - superb observations.
This sounds like an advert to get it sold off your forecourt, swear it's been on there forever 😂
Its almost like its an unpopular colour... Who'd have thought it?!
@@HighPeakAutos agreed
I'm late 30's and I've just bought this exact car in silver with black interior. 77000 miles £11500. I love it!!!!
I have a 2012 E250 Diesel and it's wonderful. I disagree about getting the later model too - you lose the bonnet ornament after 2012, which was the end of an era imho.
True
In Sweden and Germany at least you could get either one also on the facelift.
I have the 2011 model like the one in the video but unfortunately it doesn't have the bonnet ornament either.
Yes the Elegance is rare but you get the 9-gtronic instead, like mine 2016 250 diesel. 1400 rpm in 120 kmh.
@@martinsvensson6884 You can even get it even on w213, the next gen. You just have to opt for the luxury package with disgusting wheels.
Great car! I have a 2015 E220 AMG line estate and it’s one of the best daily driver cars I have ever owned. It was only two years old when I bought it and it’s now done just over 137k miles without any issues at all. The only issue I’ve started to experience recently is sagging rear suspension (air bags etc and sensor issue that is prevalent on these) and will cost around £1k quoted by my Mercedes specialist. It only sags when I’ve not used it for about a week or so. Other than that, it’s been faultless. Im lucky enough to have a couple of toys in the garage and this just makes a really nice alternative long distance cruiser that you can also enjoy a road trip or two with your mates with the benefit of a large boot. Hoping to upgrade to a W213 20MY in the next year or so. Mercedes seem to have the stealth wealth image on their estate cars down to perfection. I’m in my early forties and can see myself being loyal to this brand and model. Hope this helps. Happy motoring
That retractable cubby hole compartment can be 2 cupholders. You can get an insert only about £40. Definitely worth buying.
I remember that review and I wouldn't be embarrassed about it as it got you to where you are. Love your reviews.
The old owner has commented on the video, they are under boot floor
I have the same car, same age, same engine. Love it. Had it for a few years and have no plans to replace it. I am normally bored of a car by now.
After a stage 1 remap, its running at 290 bhp and drives effortlessly. Only ever had problems with the airmatic suspension but nothing I couldn't fix myself.
I had a 2013, it was brilliant, and with a set of wheels with winter tyres on a dream..... the Avantgarde spec was very good and had useful features and few gimmicks.
Brilliant brilliant characterisation of the target ownership. What is worrying is having had one of these excellent cars, I can see just how relatable your comments are. Excellent review! As ever!
I just got one! 68k miles on it,2011 V6 gas. I’m in my late 30’s😁 I just like wagons, they become pretty rare … specially in the US.
The US models have cup holders for this version.
Regarding diesels, yes , you are correct, they are better for long runs not through the city, at least not these diesels with DPF and the whole nightmare of after treatment system. The DPF gets plugged because they don’t get hot enough and idling, stop and go traffic just kills them. That’s why I prefer the diesel before 2011😁
Great video once again!
But heat builds up enormously during the stop part of stop and go traffic. Same reason you can stand a cold bath, but turn on the jets, and it's near impossible. Notice that AC works worse in stop and go traffic (as the cooling system becomes saturated with heat), but very well on the freeway.
Maybe it's something else about revving them up that blows them out? Bouts of spirited driving always seem to be essential, for whatever reason.
@@swissy5608 just because the engine itself is getting hot it doesn’t mean that the DPF gets hot. The DPF just gets plugged up. The exhaust gases get burnt even further when urea(diesel exhaust fluid) is sprayed in the after treatment system. But that happens only at a high exhaust temperature, usually highway speed. So if this process happens only now and then, the DPF will get plugged. Eventually all DPF’s will need to be cleaned or replaced anyway, but you can get a whole lot more miles out of their service life if you drive them on long trips.
Yes, you need to give your car the “Italian tune up “now and then.
These seem to represent MB getting back on track with build quality follow that horrendous period in the late 90s and early 2000s. I’d absolutely consider one.
Timely! I sourced one of these but with 7-seats for my brother-in-law last week. Will be replacing the same car but of 2007 vintage.
Currently at the local garage having, you guessed it - new rear airbags and EGR haha!
Thanks Matt, really enjoyable, accurate and funny vid!
Cheers,
Chris
Haha it’s a common issue. Good cars though
I watched this with my lass, I recently bottled buying a 2011 e250 cdi and she was over the moon citing the fact that it's an old mans car. Thank you for proving her right and me 38 going on 60.
The front headlight design has grown on me overtime. I hated them a few years back but seeing them more I’ve started to like it.
Along with the oil cooler leak as mentioned the other two common faults would be glow plug control Relay & the swirl motor fails so the flap defaults to its normal position which is open (unless it's jammed) ..you can replace or buy a plug with a resistor to fool the computer 👍
An attempt by Mercedes to make an E Class that approached W124 levels of (over) engineering and build quality. Haven't owned one, but did drive one for quite a few hours, and it was impressive all the way around. Closest you can get to one of the great, old MBs in a newer car.
Exactly what I love about mine. Old Merc feel but modern enough to not be "old".
Agree. Owning the car has basically only cost me the regular maintenance.
I tend ti agree with this sentiment even if tge current car only "feels" as overengineered rather than "is overengineered".
I owned W124 back in the early 90s and boy was it expensive and sparsely specced * no radio even!!!
I bought a very expensive radio cassette and speakers and had my local garage fit it (not Merc - we lived in the middle of nowhere. SCOTLAND) It took the garage 2 days to fit it - the car was so over engineered even the front mats were a major task to remove. The mechanic said he was almost in tears as just as he felt he was getting somewhere he would then discover he had to dismantle a whole raft of stuff just to get to the best stage.
Now THAT'S over engineering.
W212 is the best quality Mercedes I ever owned. I have had two cars during a total of 10 years and the only problem I have had is one leaking suspension strut (Airmatic), Other than that not one single small problem whatsoever.
Agree 100% 6 cyl diesel is the best choice, my first car was a 220cdi and current 350cdi feels so much more luxurious with its smooth effortless power.
Nice!
My 2001 E200K just ticked over into 90000miles, love it for a relaxing drive the last of the straight forward Mercedes, I had a 2008 S class only for a month as the airmatic system failed so I returned it to the dealer, it was not fun driving that with the arse dragging along the road.
Excellent cars, massive load space. Mine had cup holders in the front storage compartment
Yep that compartment has a drop in cupholder bracket that can be removed. Looks like the previous owner did just that.
I took my cupholders out... I'm not a fat yank.
@@JamesSmith-vz8yr 🤣
Matt, There are cup holders in the w/s 212 . It’s a separate fitting that slots into the sliding compartment in the centre console. I really enjoyed the video and your “observations” on the typical driver. I’ve had a 2010 e350cdi w212 for 2 years now and it’s been great and no problems at all in over 20k miles. Sadly, I’m selling it at the moment as I don’t do the miles anymore. Keep up the good work!
I bought a e350 sport a few months back and was disappointed not to have the cup holders, not something I looked at to be honest. I managed to find the cup holders on ebay for £19, so no a big issue.
Well, Matt, despite the fact that you gently took the piss most of the way through the review(!) I would say this is comfortably the best car you've reviewed in a long time! It makes a refreshing, classy change from all that Land rover stuff you seem to have a bizarre fetish about - most of which seem to be stupidly expensive to own/maintain, or stupidly unreliable, or stupidly BIG - or a depressing combination of the above!!
Well done for showing us a classy, good looking, practical, affordable vehicle you can look smugly down on other drivers while driving - and in a National Trust approved colour.....what's not to like..?!?!
Thank you! I enjoyed doing this one
Love the 350d engine soo smooth and plenty of torque. I've only been a passenger but as a passenger it's a good experience
JRG best name for a car colour ever.
I had a previous hen e320 cdi estate a few years ago , great car.
It had a few issues rust included but overall I loved it
Why anyone would choose a suv over a quality estate like this always always amazes me
Well Matt true Its a lovely and very underrated car and its now parked in my driveway along with my old volvo, and half a dozen or so other cars in my collection, as you will now know the cup holders were in the boot so now that they are re fitted the sliding cover works as its should. I used to have a 53 plate E320 CDI of the previous model which I stupidly sold to buy a van for work.......I have to thank you all at High Peak for the quality of the buying experience, the best I have ever had anywhere!
Another great, honest and funny review. Loved your lifestyle of an E Class driver comments - spot on - made me chuckle.
Hi Matt-Thanks for the great video, delivered in the usual interesting and confident style....lovely looking cars, and as you say the space inside is amazing.....I have had 3 e-class estates, all with the rear facing row of extra child seats which folded into the floor...... first a pre-owned w124 series, which was iconic and fantastic. The w210 and w211 were both collected new from the Sindlefingen factory near Stuttgart and driven home to N.Ireland. The 210 had big rust issues....the 211 was on turbo number 3 in 80k miles.....it broke my heart. I loved the cars especially the straight six 3.0 diesels which simply "hurtled to order on a sea of torque..".....but the dealers were poor, expensive and frankly "unfit for purpose". My 211 was one of the first V6's and the dealer had to practically rebuild the engine after the first few months to sort out a very annoying rattle on idle...they had it for 9 weeks! When the third & final turbo was replaced I received a 6 month warranty on the work and realised I had 6 months to get rid of the car.....I bought an ex-SEAT fleet car from Milton-Keynes, a few months old with 3k miles on it...a 2.0 tdi Exeo ST....the mildly re-worked B7 platform A4 Avant. Still have it...103,000 miles and still on the first turbo! Seems to be living up to the standard dictated by my B5 Passat which I sold with 320k miles and original turbo. Thanks again for the great channel.
In my early 40s and got a w211 320 cdi, it's perfect in every way. Engine is brilliant for the job both locally and on the motorway. Also a 7 seater for those "both kids want a friend to come" moments.
They’re very handy for that
Very funny - You were talking about me. A lot of home truths all in one. Well done Matt.
Glad you enjoyed it
Even though that colour combo looks a bit plain, it’s still a good looking car.
A big roomy wagon with a decent Diesel engine.
Fantastic. 👍
#makewagonsgreatagain
So what’s everyone’s favourite wagon then ?
I bought the euro6 AMG version and it is an absolutely wonderful. This channel is so addictive, by far the best real world car review channel out there. Thanks.
Thanks!
mine is same colour , avantgarde spec.. best car ive ever owned.. Ultra reliable and so smooth.. only mod is i put 18' amg alloys on
Great cars, I had the older E220 which I sold to a neighbour , who’s up to about 240K now, then I bought an E350 AMG sport , and made the mistake of trading it for a new C250D with air suspension, not bad, but no E class 🤔
That's a lovely motor.
Agreed diesels need a good run and many buy for the wrong reason and ruin a good motor.
Bought my diesel secondhand at 3 years old with very few miles on the clock but it had obviously only been used for the school run and supermarkets as the EGR valve went within weeks of picking it up.
Main dealership replaced under warranty and 7 years later it still runs like clockwork because it's being driven correctly.
Another good review as usual, much prefer this editing style than that of the recent lexus video, simplicitity is key and as the famous saying goes if it aint broke dont fix it, keep up the good work.
Love the 212 E Class.... Looks great.
I had one of these - really excellent. The 5 series to me is no competition. Lots of very good advice here about running this diesel ... and diesels in general. Mine was a 220 but the 350 looks a good bet.
This looks in fantastic condition! Looks almost new. Previous owner must have looked after it properly. As you say an awful lot of car for the money.
I'm in my late 50's, and I guess too middle-class for a 3 Series Touring, as I find this very appealing in this spec, except for the diesel. With a 6cyl petrol, it would be my idea of a family wagon. I think my dogs would also like it.
All that said; it's horses for courses. I have also come to appreciate the ultility and command driving position that SUVs offer. I also like GTs and high-end sports cars. The only things I've grown out of are small sports cars, and to a large extent, hatch backs.
IMO, Audis are increasingly vulgar, BMW continues the last two decades of hit and miss designs, VW has quickly gone down market, the French have largely lost the plot, maybe Jaguar, too...etc, etc, etc. I appreciate Toyota and Lexus, but for the most part they don't do it for me.
However, Merecedes is also a mixed bag. It's neither a brand of universal class and sophistication, nor a brand of universal quality.
AMG in and of itself is fine, but just like BMW branding almost everything not actually M as M Sport, Mercedes branding almost everything not actually AMG as AMG is highly questionable. For BMW, it's a little easier to forgive, because it markets itself as a brand for driving enthusiasts. But, for Mercedes, I think it dilutes the supposedly classy M-Benz brand in favour of the brutish M-AMG brand. IMO, the twain should not meet.
This particular Mercedes still delivers that feeling of old money that Merc estates used to do so well. It's understated elegance and quiet sophisication combined with take anywhere utility. It's equally suitable for business, the school run, shopping, golfing, or just the golf club, an adeventure day, a day out in the country, or at the races, a journey to the seaside, a family holiday or a road trip, going to the pub, or a restaurant, a concert, or to the opera.
This era of Mercedes estate can do it all without too many people thinking you're a show off. And it's really somewhat classless. It doesn't reek of new money, but it doesn't say you don't have much, either. It keeps such matters strictly between the owner and the bank manager.
In many ways, I think driving a car like this gives a not too dissimilar impression to that of a VW Golf. Not quite classless, but it's not overtly pretentious, and declares a bit more individuality/personality/character than a Golf; in a positive way, IMO.
Not that you should buy any car for what others may think! Ideally a car should be an outward expression of your personality and make you feel good driving it.
However, for me that would have me driving a high-end sports car and looking like I've just won the lottery all the time. Not that it would really bother me, if indeed that really were the case.
It's just that most of the time, most people need something more utilitarian, and unless they need to show off all the time, I think most people want to mostly go under the radar.
I think this is the kind of car that offers all the ultility most people need, while expressing a little bit of personality, yet largely going under the radar.
And let's face it, SUVs have become all too common. ;)
I've been running one of these (2009 S212 E250cdi (201bhp)) for the last 6 years, brilliant, roomy, sufficiently fast, fairly economical and effortless to drive (I'm 65 and in the NT!) I tend to do quite a few miles and use it everyday. Now on 192K miles and still going strong (I'll probably regret saying that now!) No body corrosion BUT beware the rear subframe rot. Mine was over 10 years old, but Mercedes kindly replaced for me free of charge, with a new air bag too. My MB specialist tells me they are seeing quite a few rear subframe issues on C Class, SLKs etc. too now. Worth a look if buying. Great video and commentary. Thanks. Nick (Cornwall)
Another great review Matt. The interior is typical Mercedes of the era. Reminds me of my old Mk 2 B class.
My mate has one of these in white , great car so comfortable , had a small issue with the rear air bag on suspension, just looks so nice. He looks after it so well, but he is thinking of changing it.
Your humour on this one was absolutely spot on.. very amusing
Thank you for the review. E-class is definitelly a good choise. As an idea - running cost estimates for a used car would be realy helpfull. regular service, cost of common repairs, etc...
Bought one of these last week 2011 e350 cdi, I absolutely love it… it just feels effortless, like it could do anything.
I would personally rather have the Elegance with the softer suspension over the Avantgarde.
We had a Volvo 740 and it could turn on a pin. You go lock to lock then you could push past lock to make the wheels almost 90° to the body. Was really impressive, the 340 could do it as well.
Best car ever, 740 GL 👍
During these high priced used car times, I am casting my net wide and far to find a car that meets my needs. It's unbelievably uncanny how you keep doing videos for each of them!! Just waiting on a Jag XF Sportbrake. 😁 Not the prettiest car, but comfy wafting for quite a good price...
I’ve done a video with an XF Sportbrake
@@HighPeakAutos - of course you have! 😂 I've obviously missed it, will have a search now, thanks!
I still have a W211 (previous generation) E320 CDI Avantgarde estate and so much of what you said applies. Air suspension leaking and fuel injector seals going, but I think these are the best cars ever in terms of their value, utility, speed, comfort and economy. It’s such a nice balance of everything that anyone would ever want in a car. In fact, with a family, why would you want a hot hatch which would underperform these in every single attributes?! The turning circle is amazing. I can turn around in corners easily where my Alfa 147, a small hatchback really suffers. The rust is actually not too bad on the W211s. My main concern with these W212s would be the V6 engine and I’d check them with a specialist to ensure that all the preventive work is done, so no leaks, no rattles or sensor/solenoid issues. If I could afford the £4-7k premium on top of the W211 E320 CDI, I’d get one of these and drive them for the rest of my life as motoring will never go beyond this level. Great review, as always, Matt!
Couldn't agree more! - mine's an S211 E350 Avantgarde.
I’m with you in that the previous W/S211 was much better looking (I had 2 S211’s and an S212).
Before buying, I found the 212’s to suffer terribly from tyre noise compared with my 211’s, so I elected for the full airmatic suspension.
My 212 also had the optional extended rear climate control and would occasionally allow the front screen to mist up which required screen demist settings to subsequently clear - maybe mine was faulty, but it was a real PITA on an otherwise pretty decent car!
It also had night vision assist and that could pick out objects to the side of the road in pitch black conditions - now that was cool 😎
IMO, either of them is better looking than the W/S210. The W210 wagon looks like a hearse.
Owned an old 230 estate , manual and it was like a rocket ship, had to sell it before I went ott on the run home from work, this qas not what I expected at all, it was really for 2 dogs and the joy and simplicity of it was mind blowing and yet you wouldnt have thought that from just looking at it. Really like this model, looled at them recently so thank you for this. Hahahaha a flask person you are on it.
Cheeky swine, I'm 34 and just bought a facelifted E350 estate night edition. My first Merc. It's impeccable, the power delivery is instant, and it just pulls and pulls. Mated with the 9gtronic box, it's absolute bliss. And coming from an L200 it's definitely a step up 🤣
Great video as usual 👍🏻
This is my second, second hand Merc; the S212 AMG Sport 2014 facelift model with extras (wood dash, privacy glass, 6 CD/DVD changer, DAB & FM/AM/LW/SW radio, MP3 Media disk, MP3 media slot, dynamic lights, air suspension sport and comfort, Hyacinth Red metallic, parking camera, cup holders, heated electic seats. It's so loaded with extras, I'm still finding them 4 years on! And it's pretty nippy in sport mode - wheelspinning like a teenager! Far better built and far more reliable than my previous "luxury van" E300TD 1999 W210 rust bucket.
I have one of the last S212’s in AMG night edition plus plus. Basically it has every extra conceivable. Have owned it from new and despite my wife’s constant questioning of “ when are you going to sell the Mercedes?”, this is the one car (I currently have 4) that is non-negotiable. As you said it’s a lot of car for the money. Yes you are correct in saying that the rear air suspension will fail. Mine failed when I was abroad so my wife took it into the local Mercedes dealership who charged £1,100 to replace one airbag! I wouldn’t have stood for that if I had been in the country but my wife handed over her credit card and that was that. The story continues because when I did eventually return to the UK the car was still lop sided. It turned out to be not the air bag but the air line from the pump. A few pence fix. I did complain to both the stealership (Lookers at Tonbridge) and Mercedes UK but after more than a year of arguing but as my wife had paid ( she had to to get the car back) my only option would have been to go down the legal route.
I have heard similar stories from other Mercedes owners. The cars are great but the dealerships and Mercedes UK are appalling.
Having said that I still think the car is probably the best all round vehicle that I have ever owned. I just wish that there was a rear suspension spring replacement kit like there is for the previous model.
I drive a 2013 (last year of production) 7-seater R-Class with a 3.5-litre diesel engine. Absolutely brilliant fuel efficiency, space for days, and the most comfortable drive in existence on Canadian highways. Just has an airbag switched out. Service these beasts twice a year and they will last forever.
I’ve got an E220 Bluetec 2016. I’m 40 & love it. Plenty of power, great on a long run or short. Pretty fuel efficient. The boot area with the backseats folded flat is huge.
I valet one of these on a regular basis, the family also have an A class of the same year and the E class is much higher quality in all areas which is interesting to see.
The E500 petrol version of this is in my opinion the best daily driver a petrol head can have, I genuinely think it doesn’t get any better. A large AMG V8 under the bonnet, a comfortable ride because it isn’t an AMG, all the comforts a Mercedes has to offer and RWD. Only bro elm can be parking, but I don’t park in any city where parking is an issue, so for me, the best of all worlds.
I've got one and it's brilliant.
I run a C350 diesel estate
Took me along time to find the right car, I'm very happy with all aspects and when it's done 200,000 I may think about replacing it 😀
The problem with wanting an E class such as this or a BMW 5 series with a petrol engine is that very few were sold, certainly in comparison to the number of diesels. The choice is very limited and hence the chance of finding a petrol car with the spec you want, the mileage and condition is very low. I drive a W211 320 CDI estate and was unable to find a petrol model that matched what I wanted.
Thank you. I''m 75, but not a national Trust member. Like many others I have been wondering what to do now Volvo has discontinued the V70.
By the way, What the hell is a "local off-licence"? You sound like my Dad 😃
PS we have just sold the house in SW France but your description of filling a large car (and trailer) with bits (furniture, ladders, radial arm saw etc.) was spot on!
" Lufthansa mileage " so entertaining, I really enjoy Matts videos.
As some guy once said to me "Very handy for carrying bodies..." I do wish I'd questioned them a tad further !
Its basically a hearse probably the point being made
I‘m in my late twenties and would take a 212 over any 3 series lol
Me too to be fair
"National trust approved", "whiff of a do-gooder about it"...... classic phrases 😁 thanks for usual informative review with just the right touch of dry humour 😉
2 Merc vids in a row....that's my boy..and Mini eggs...you and i are now officially mates...🤣👍
Thank you for hammering the point about "older people drive this car" multiple times - I am a proud owner (cough).
I bought a facelift S212 last summer after doing a lot of research into large premium estates. It is quite simply the best car I have ever owned. Mechanically, it is solid with no faults and the interior is luxurious. It’s not as sporty to drive as the equivalent 5 series, but for ride quality and refinement it takes some beating. It is coming up for a service and I have just found a local independent specialist so running costs shouldn’t break the bank. I went for the 250 CDI engine which gives around 200bhp but still returns mid 40s mpg with ease, much more if you are into eco driving.
I have a 2010 e350cdi with 260000 miles extremely reliable
Nice one Matt! You couldn’t ask for more in terms of space, elegance and statute. Lovely merc!
Couldn't agree more!
W212 especially with AMG trim is a nice looking car which has aged well. It has that timeless look to it.
“With Lufthansa mileage” hahahahahaha, love this channel with a passion
Thanks
I have had this car, a E250 petrol. Amazing, comfortable, reliable, loved it. But in urban traffic, a bit too big.
Love the dry wit and understated sarcasm, makes I laff.
I had a saloon, 350cgi 3.5 v6 petrol, the engine was nice, rest of the car didn’t really caught up with me, went back for a w211 facelift 320 cdi, the rust issue is been long sorted and they still have a good feedback for the driver, this 212 generation don’t really, but it’s about everyone’s taste at the end of the day
Can't beat a 211
I have one of these E250 from new since 2011. 240,000 miles on it and a hugely practical car.
love my 2015 Mercedes ML W166, its the perfect allrounder , go anywhere 4x4 , frugal , well built , pure brilliance & so effortlessl & so reliable !
My 2011 E550 V8, fully specked cost me $97,000 + out the door here in Canada and new. It has 88,000 kms on the clock. Mostly every year it costs me $1000.00CDN in order to keep it in good running order. I love this car and also have a 2004 X-type Jag which I inherited from Dad when he passed away 6 years ago. It’s all original; brakes, belts tires, etc. Bulbs and oil changes are all that has been done to it and it has 50,500 kms on its clock. Both cars are garaged and have a Vespa GTV300, (2012), as a stable mate.
Haven't watched you for a while, but I do like an E Series and decided too - You make me laugh a lot. I'm 56 and total E series fodder. Thank you
😂 thanks for watching again
Look at the crash test videos of these. Incredibly safe and protective.
Mine is a 2005 E320 estate, did not want a newer model, too many electronics! My E320 is a V6 diesel yet returns 0ver 45+mpg on a run and 30+ around town, what a car!
Some particularly good one-liners in this one. "and this interior colour can best be described as National Trust approved". Love it (and I am a National Trust member)
The commentary is hilarious it suits the car perfectly matt.
Great review once again Matt but I just can’t get past that headlight design! What were MB thinking?? 🤦🏻♂️ Don’t like the column mounted gearshift either to be honest! Is this not the era where MB had major issues with the Cruise Control failing to cancel when the driver intervened causing several major crashes?!?! 🤔
what sort of bird could you pull with this though
One that would knit you some jumpers probably
Thank you for listening and bringing back the l/100km's!!!