2010-2016 Mercedes E-Class W212 Buyer's Guide (Common Problems, Specifications, Options, Technology)

Mercedes W212 used car buying advice. This video will cover the prefacelift w212, the facelift w212, the AMG E63 and E63 s models, as well as the common problems you should be aware of. This is most comprehensive and complete buyer's guide from a real W212 owner.
This video will cover common E-class problems, the different options available, and overall reliability of the w212.
W212 Buyer's Guide
W212 Common Problems
W212 Reliability
W211 Hidden Functions
w212 e350
w212 e550
w212 E63
Best W212 Options
W212 review
What to look for when buying a used E-Class!
2010 w212
2011 w212
2012 w212
2013 w212
2014 w212
2015 w212
2016 w212

[@UsefulVids]

OTHER REVIEWS TO WATCH: Ford: 2009-2014 F-150 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXrTdGCjfb5jrq8 2004-2008 F-150 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqaxiH13bNJpadU Toyota: 1995-2004 1st Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaXcmZyFeZ19o5Y 2005-2015 2nd Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4uymXdmgLqSnaM Mercedes: W204 C-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKWmk5WoqLaEY7s W211 E-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6HTnYSKpZd3ibM Porsche: 2010-2016 Panamera Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZjMppivqNqLmrc 1999-2005 911 996 Buyer's guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKfHfq2Jbb2Xjs0

[@nathantherealtorsonoma]

Whatever W212 you buy you will not be disappointed.

[@glasser2819]

Two distinct trims are available: COMFORT (star on hood) or SPORT (star on grill). Either trim line share the exact same engine but with more or less aggressive gear shifting & suspensions, selected at the touch of a button or profile (C/S). COMFORT has longer suspension springs and taller tire profiles so its more gentle on bumpy highways. SPORT has low profile tires and shorter springs with more agressive dampers for direct road feedback. SUSPENSIONS: Some V8 have the legendary premium AIRMATIC suspension while V6 use the newer electronically controlled dampers for ultra fast response. These suspensions give the E-class a special ride experience. ENGINES: The E-class is a heavy hunk of steel... the V6 moves it, the V8 makes it fly, the dual turbo V8 really make it soar. The right engine/trim combination is yours to pick. 👍

[@nathantherealtorsonoma]

@Jason Truong Damn I'll have let the car know. 120k so far and never had an single issue.

[@nathantherealtorsonoma]

@Jason Truong I guess you're the one to know. I'll just keep enjoying my car until then.

[@dct124]

I like mine. I need an alignment but it's crazy that it still drives straight 😳 like how. Should have new tires and alignment by Tuesday

[@googlestinkt5184]

True

[@manchild111]

Love my E400 coupe. Elegant, fast and stealthy. All honor and glory to God for all his blessings. 🙏

[@michaeloconnor8631]

Just bought one two days ago and absolutely love. Amazing car

[@SEVEN-sg5rb]

What year? Has it been reliable? How much did repair costs you

[@1deep499]

My 2013 Mercedes E350 got over 190k miles on it and so far I only had to replace a couple of sway bar links and a camshaft position sensor. Still going strong

[@lukha225]

Do you have to perform valve cleaning since it is a direct injection technology?

[@theREALnizzle]

I have an E63S with the facelift. The Car looks amazing and is an absolute beast of a car. Hurts lots of muscle car and exotic car feelings

[@jorgexqefo4874]

Hey, you're probably never gonna see this, but do you happen to have any reliablity issues with the car if you still own it 3 years later? and how many miles did you put on it?

[@ravinbachnlal583]

I just love my w212 merc.Its classy and smooth

[@christinalin1565]

Hi friend, does your 212 need an air suspension?

[@Cali62825]

Christina Lin Do you mean like an S class? That I know of, the w212 doesn’t have it.

[@christinalin1565]

@@Cali62825 Yeah air suspension about w212. ok if you need it can come to me.

[@ragoff]

I agree, if you take care and properly maintain you’ll get over 200k miles. I’m on 200k in my 2014 E350. Very reliable and classic looks that still looks rich. Only grip are the crappy vinyl seats.

[@SDav21]

@@Cali62825 The E Class did come with an option of air suspension. I've seen a few E500s have it.

[@EmmanuelNyachokeAchachi]

Got myself ane E250 2 weeks ago to partner my E200 w124. I love both of them. I consider the two my best e classes so far.

[@enzopianelli6081]

Buy it. You’ll love it and you’ll wonder why you didn’t buy it earlier. I love mine. It is absolutely amazing the most perfect car I’ve ever driven and I’ve had quite a few

[@bluesnap40]

Bought a 2015 coupe yesterday. Love it, 🥰🥰🥰

[@mohmoudfarah1897]

I love the E class, especially, the W212. In the beginning, I used to dream about it when I slept. Lately? No need no stinking sleep to dream about it.

[@SM-1010]

Yes. Yes. AND YES I love this generation. It never fails me.

[@paulstefan357]

Superb car...the best in This segment

[@carrocomlasanha]

What a nice video to watch and get information. And what a (apparently) great car. Thanks, man!

[@stefandiana7611]

I just bought an w 212 2015 (E 250 204 hp)...facelift Omg i cant believe what great that car is...and i cant believe I bought it...I am so excited:)))))....the car is more that i ever dream or wished ....has all options i need...and more..

[@pete2sash]

How's it been for you? I'm about to purchase an E220d ...

[@issmaz2010]

any update ?

[@chaulachaulaya5259]

Any updates on this car?

[@Italy55]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@Cali62825]

I’m really glad my wife chose the 2015 E250 Bluetec. I get 42mpg. It looks very sleek and looks timeless. Yeah it’s expensive...it’s a Mercedes Benz

[@DoughBoy45]

Adolfo Chapa any issues? How many miles you got on it?

[@Cali62825]

Diogenes only real problem was the NOx sensors. $2,300. But that’s at the stealership. 62,000. Got it with 32,000

[@paulstefan357]

W 212 facelift the most beautiful car ever

[@SpeeeedyG]

Good luck with that diesel

[@philipberger621]

Just be warned - the timing chain replacement at 100k just cost me south of $5000.

[@jasontroy4723]

2009 - 2016 Mercedes E350 W212 I drive a late 2009 e350 W212 . The car is fantastic / 130.000 klm on the clock at present .

[@911Mitul]

My E220 cdi station wagon 2013 is touch wood good, smooth reliable and shear comfortable to drive. Now 67k and build solid This car was made in Germany and then shipped to Australia from UK where it was first registered and used for 4 years. Best version of e class.

[@geneo1720]

Just got a 2014 e350 fuck it’s beautiful!!

[@isaactchaprazian10]

Same! I got a white one with beige interior. How bout u? It’s a really amazing car

[@f30hotep3]

W212, so much attention to detail. 👍🏽

[@olivergarcia6952]

204k miles on my E63 2014 really care it I made the timing chain and the car drives excellent , i love It I will never sold it when I be grandpa in the future i remember like the best sedan Mercedes ever made

[@ArmandoPerez-iu2zd]

I love this car

[@chamilch2259]

I have the 2014 W212 facelift, owned a 2004 W211 before that one. My 2004 I resold after using for 4 years without any visits to the garage except for maintenance. Now the new W212 I have is the only car I can imagine that can up a 2004 W211. Interior, exterior, comfort, sport, reliability, economic, all in one. Best car ever made

[@AzenBerries]

How many miles when purchased and how many have you put on since? Been really looking into these but can't find many helpful things with owners who had them longer than a year or 2 or past 100k miles are so

[@chamilch2259]

@@AzenBerries Currently it sits on 160k (kilometers), bought it at 140k since June. Had an e-class before that, know these cars are in general very sturdy. In those 20k I had no work done except for tires and brake pads. E-class in general is just so reliable.

[@glasser2819]

@@AzenBerries I've had my E350'14 for 7 years it is very comfortable for freeway driving. Yet in the city it's too heavy and too big unless you don't mind killing the 7GTronic transmission clutches to keep up with disposable Uber taxis. Maintenance repairs is where the luxury comes in... $700 AGM battery, $800 oil change... free car wash! 😃

[@AzenBerries]

@@glasser2819 do you need to buy OEM battery? I think I could save myself with oil changes 😂

[@glasser2819]

@@AzenBerries actually your best course is to educate yourself a little about your car maintenance. Benz OEM parts are cheap. The key is timely fluid replacements especially because very little oil is used in transfer case and differential. Brake parts are a staple with soft rotors and hard pads! "Akebono ceramics" are an upgrade path for daily drivers to avoid repeat $3000 tab. Transmission has no dipstick or fill plug... only a drain that is used to refill with a pump. One-time use aluminum bolts fasten the tranny pan.... not all maintenance is super fancy 😄

[@ggerardlee]

I am the current owner of a 2005 e320 S211 Estate and a 2014 e350 S212 Estate post facelift. I love them both but what a difference between the two. The 2005 is an incredibly sturdy work horse. I am a solo custom carpenter and find it more than adequate to fulfill my need to transport tools and materials. The roof rails and racks have allowed me to transport up to a 24 foot extension ladder with no visibility constraints. It is my 'work wagon'. With almost 150,000 miles there have been only 3 (major/minor) issues. One was the need to replace the rear air suspension units (not uncommon). Another was the need to replace the speed sensor magnets on the rear axle which informs the computers of the speed of the axles. This fault impacts many aspects of performance i.e.. transmission shifting, braking issues, cruise control. Once repaired all went back to normal. The last was a drivetrain transmission issue. A simple fluid flush and refill solved all issues. (do it!). The 2014 has been a dream! Over 100,000 miles. The only issue has been a slight oil leak from the gaskets of the camshaft magnetic sensors at the front of the engine. The 2005 handling is very responsive with hefty steering. Acceleration is great depending on the load being carried. (0 to 60 in 6 sec.) Transmission shifting, in (D) drive selection, is like butter. Selective shifting with the console mounted shifter is constant and impressively responsive. Tap left or right and the transmission responds, no lags. Suspension is tight and road feel comes through. The 2014 is another animal! It feels as if I'm driving my living room around. The steering is feather lite. The ride is amazingly smooth! Braking is superb. Acceleration is not lacking (0 to 60 in 6 sec.) My only issue is with transmission shifting. While in (D) drive selection, the shifting is smooth as silk however using the paddle shifters there is very poor response with a lag to the input. Nothing like the 2005. (I'm a downshifter for braking) Two great vehicles to own! Take care of yours!

[@johnconelly9139]

I notice the same thing with paddle shifting in my 2015 estate. Not very responsive. Great car overall.

[@robertkreamer7522]

149k on my 2012 4 matic excellent car solid strong as the day it was new

[@AzenBerries]

Any of these issues brought up in this happen to your vehicle? Like with leaks and the air ride going out?

[@glasser2819]

@@AzenBerries W212 '14 V6 3.5L: countless engine oil leaks since new 10kMiles: dealers said its normal... stinks up my garage and drinks oil like an old wrecker. Cold start rattle at 50kMi... dealer has no idea... yet forums say: soft timing chains , junk tensioners and failed cameshafts phasers... normal too! At least I got real leather seats else I would feel short changed for 2x price with hot vinyl seats... The best or nothing, scam: live and learn. 😆

[@glasser2819]

@Jason Truong take the time to look at mbworld forum... the "4Matic"and "Blue Diesels" are a joke. These cars are built only for lease then turn into a sad money pit: engine, transmission, seats, wippers, blower, oil leaks, radiator failure... ouch! keep out.

[@DaveCollette]

I own a e400 wagon facelift and I absolutely love it. Smooth as butter and enough grunt to get me going whenever I need. I have a blue exterior white interior. Next will be the e63 wagon.

[@psjsushi321]

I love mine

[@ComeJesusChrist]

I have a pre-facelift 2013 E220 CDI estate in metallic black. I wish I bought a six-cylinder one, just like my E320 CDI. Otherwise, these cars are great. I don’t like the 7 speed auto (Plus), but it might need a gearbox oil change. One of these E350 CDI estates must be one of the best cars you can buy in any budget range. They offer a lot of car for not a lot of money.

[@vernonpaigejr.1517]

Wow, only 2 real problems. I needs one.

[@jingluo7836]

So I got the 2014 E63s. super fun but man! a lot of work in the engine bay.

[@arbnorlikaj6658]

doas any owned e 220 2013 facelift mercedes i bought a month ago i like it so much is the facelift 2013 a good machine and good car ??!

[@martinnilpez6572]

I love my lexury fully loaded 2015 E-class,

[@markhannam7144]

I currently drive a Volvo V90 but the lease expires soon, I’m going back to Merc E class. can anybody tell me please is the later 2017 upgrade worth spending the extra over the 4th generation?

[@jrobles116]

Yes totally worth it!!!! I have a 2018 e350

[@markhannam7144]

Jonathan Robles Thank you Johnathan ,what’s the fuel economy like?

[@glasser2819]

yes buy the V8 at least you'll get your money worth out of all the $2000 maintenance bills.

[@StudioMargalima]

Honestly, how silent is the interior of an 2012 diesel? Both below 100 kmph and for instance 140-160 cruising speed?

[@Zelmaparker6]

I have 2016 E550 i have real leather twiw turbo 420 horsepower toooo much for me 11 airbags

[@bilalawan4618]

Sub rear frame corrosion big issue with e and C class

[@jmlmo35]

Hello ! I'm thinking on buying a 2009/2012 w212 Mercedes-Benz E 220 or E 250 CDI with 200 k or 250 k. I usually make 8.000 kms to 9.000 kms per year. Is this car really reliable ? I mean, in the internet and mostly on KZbin, we see quite many videos telling us about the malfunctions and the costly bills to fix some mecahnicals problems with this model. As I want to buy a used model like this ones, I really don't know what to expect. It's like being in a bridge on the night and with all the street lights turned off. It's quite scary spending 13.000 or 15.000 € and be with the car quite often in the mecahnic workshop. What's you're thoughts ? What's your advices ? Take me out of my anxiety ...

[@Marly618]

I’d suggest you to go for the 250 E Class. It’ll be an all rounded Sporty/Reliable/Luxurious option. I don’t currently own one, but am planning to buy one. I had experience with a C200, and as for MPG, for city drive, it does slightly hurt. But as for highway drive, it works superbly well! But it didn’t have enough power. All my friends in Malaysia are Mercedes owners, but the only issues that surface is simple wear and tear, as long as you regularly change your oils on time or earlier and other simple wear and tear components which shouldn’t cost more than Toyotas maintenance. 🤣 So all in all, get the E250 AMG!! 🤣🤣🤣🤩

[@mudskipper0075]

Spend on maintaining it and don’t skimp on aftermarket parts ,try and get the 6 cylinder if you can as it’s super smooth and mileage isn’t that much different from the 4 pots ,also the 4’s aren’t the quietist units….👍

[@chaulachaulaya5259]

Any updates?! I'm puzzled just like the way you were 1 year ago

[@beikselect]

guyz i am thinking to buy one of these. E500 2010 coupe. but I am a little bit afraid and curious . is it a good car, reliability, parts , etc etc anyone or owner can advise me, i will appreciate it

[@chaulachaulaya5259]

Any updates?!

[@beikselect]

@@chaulachaulaya5259 I did not bought it.

[@erikandrehoglund55]

W212 better than new w213?

[@mobilecars7869]

The new 124 🔝

[@harveysmith100]

I get your comment. I Owned two 124's and just loved them. Never had a 210 or 211 but the 212 is my future car

[@autotrimmers6353]

Is this car expensive to maintain?

[@indukim]

It depends on how the previous owner has taken care of the car. Also, you need to examine whether M272 or 273 engine number has problems or not.

[@Iam_Yu627]

Old question but I'll offer my 2c...dealership labor fees are top tier. Ya gotta pay that. Struts are about a grand each. BUT, buy from FCP Euro and get a lifetime replacement. Goes for anything else you buy from them, including oil and pads. Then there is the "Mercedes tax". With premium cars come premium prices. Even when getting quotes from 3rd parties. IE, powder coat wheels and wrap to name a few. Was told $400 /wheel when I said it's a MB. Don't say and the price was $175. Wrap quoted at $6k. Non-MB price is $3500. Plan to do maintenance yourself and save $$$. Forums are helpful also. Don't regret my E550 at all. Just drove x-country. 900mile days without a problem. In a word...effortless. just luv it.

[@sergej841]

Should I buy 2017 C220 or 2015 E220?

[@chamilch2259]

2015 E220, E class is not to be compared to a C class. More space, more reliable, drives smoother, everything is better.

[@mohammedsajaib1919]

E220d

[@glasser2819]

@@chamilch2259 C220 and E220 use a different engine, really?

[@chamilch2259]

@@glasser2819 I didn't say that, these cars are just not to be compared. 2015 E-class is still better than a 2017 C-class

[@glasser2819]

@@chamilch2259 yes, you are right the E-class is a bit better than the C. As far as reliability it's about the same: when maintenance gets overlooked then luxury repair bills take over (Airmatic, 4Matic transfer case, timing components..) - All good cars if you can afford them. Do pick an E-class over a C because the maintenance costs will be very similar yet for a better car.

[@fuckinthief]

I drive an E200 and have put 300,000km and expect another 200,000km - now what other car can do this and still be economically servicable ? Answer - NONE

[@pabloescobar7214]

How long have you owned it?

[@glasser2819]

what is that... a 4Cyl 2Liters? The abnormal longevity cames from lack of turbo, Benz introduced E250

[@javigar133]

What car? Lol get a japanese car lol. 300k is nothing for a Honda, Toyota, Mazda...

[@TrassseB]

I owned a 2014 e63 Amg which I have sold over a year ago I am looking to buy another one this time a e63s AMG but I want to ask a question. My previous e63 was early facelift mode 2014 and after having a frontal accident the mechanic fixing it said thwt if it was a later 2016 the damage would have been much worse because the later models had to meet EU collision standards to absorb more impact how true is this and should I buy a 2014 and skip the later models

[@Thomas-Tsai-NYC]

I have one for sale.

[@TrassseB]

Thomas Tsai black exterior Preferably black leather (will settle for 2 tone) 360 cam distronic & lane assist massage & ventilated seats If so I’m game

[@TrassseB]

Wait are you even in the UK 🇬🇧😂🤣

[@Thomas-Tsai-NYC]

@@TrassseB I have a tan interior. I'm in New York... Distronic is a option the rest are standard. Are you from USA?

[@TrassseB]

Thomas Tsai no I’m based in UK London

[@rickosetiadi4097]

My only concern with this w212 is especialy the one with m272 engine as its ECU sits perfectly above the engine. It gets fried everytime. I'm not sure how long it will last 🤔 Does anybody here have experience with that?

[@wh7602]

It doesnt cause any issues, never seen a ecu beeing replaced in the past 8 years.

[@glasser2819]

Fear not, the new one was moved from the engine top over to the engine side, right over the stupid hot EXHAUST. Go figure why the Japanese keep the ECU under dashboard... 🙃

[@joeduffy3309]

have a e220 bluetec 2915, an utter pig, constantly giving trouble/dash warnings,,,,sorry i ever bought it. harsh ride, steering too lose. too sluggish around town in eco mode. don't buy one because you think it looks nice,

[@SDav21]

Anyone else having rattles in theirs? As well as a creak from the left rear C Pillar?

[@roberts7961]

Yes mate I am, it seems near the passenger back door, some rattle or creak near there, driving me nuts

[@SDav21]

@@roberts7961 Yes! It seems to creak when the chassis flexes over a bump. It's definitely not the suspension. I had a W204 C Class that had a much louder creak than my current W212 E Class. I think they're built on the same platform the E Class just having a longer wheelbase. I can't understand it though. I wonder if it is a panel that creaks or if it is the actual structure itself. Either way not very impressed about that flaw in a Mercedes especially since it was both my 204 and 212 in the same place.

[@eurofighter2025]

My 2012 e250 estate has a plastic rattle coming from the passenger door card it drives me nuts.

[@SDav21]

@@eurofighter2025 I wish Mercedes was still fixing rattles under maintenance plan. But they don't anymore. Maybe because they know they don't build their cars as well as they used to? Mine also has a terrible rattle at the row of buttons where the hazard light, heated seats, rear blind etc buttons are. I have to press on it sometimes to stop it because I can't handle it.

[@ksandersc5]

Yes. It's only noticable when the stereo is off.

[@seferinorino6951]

Nah, I’m waiting for W213

[@chris.h.9227]

.~1st Class all the way Home!~❤🙌❤💯👣❤👨‍👩‍👧‍👧🏎🏡 💤🌙🌌🌠❤😇👍🌄🌅~.

[@donlove3741]

4th MB I've owned since 1994. W212 has been a great disappointment. Noisy and harsh ride. Headlamp bulbs are a pain in the ass to replace and last about 1.5 years. 4matic is noisy and biased to front wheels good in snow and rain but dry pavement it's torque steer ala FWD. INTERIOR Noisy with rattles from the rear in rough roads. I bought it as a last car til I die(old man). C220 was flawless for 200k miles . E320 was Flawless til 130k mile then big oil leak rear crank seal. Beautiful machine. Bought 2 year old R170 and kept for 13 years. Folding top grew troublesome 6 years in. Beautiful machine. Still miss it. E320 wagon beautiful machine just gasoline hungry. W212 huge disappointment..