One year ownership review of my Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Sport Package!

In this video, I go over my one year of ownership experience with my car. I go over things like where I have taken this car, what I have put into it, what I've loved about the car, and some things I wish Mercedes had done differently, amongst other things. Overall, I absolutely love my car and I am so happy that I bought it.

[@fuffoon]

Some info from a first owner of a 2012 E250 CDI at 150k miles. Just had the first A9 service, the big one. To be done is the following. Re-seat the injectors. Replace transmission cooler. Replace stabilizer links. Replace exhaust flex pipe assembly. Replace master window control because of one button's one-touch doesn't work (I'm obsessive). Past non-routine repairs include one blown turbo feed pipe, one broken console control button wheel, one injector, rear airbags (used Arnott and they are great) and an O2 sensor. Subframe was replaced on warranty at 11 years of age. I took the opportunity to replace all arms and shocks. Overall cost of driving, insuring and maintaining the car equals the purchase price but I'm obsessive in keeping it pristine. I changed brakes and tires 20% early but I hauled a full load of small children daily for many years so it seemed correct.

[@Vegas3662]

What all does the A9 service cover? I am due for it in 9,000 miles. And wow, that is quite a lot, do you go to a shop or have it done yourself? Also, what was the process like for replacing the arms and shocks?

[@ricksmith9016]

How much was the total cost ?

[@seeum2098]

How much Did it cost buddy

[@seeum2098]

@@ricksmith9016this dude still hasn’t replied

[@EtonieE25]

Yep I’m still waiting too 🤔 So come on guy spill the beans on the total cost?

[@sanjayodedra8112]

I have 4 matic E550 and yes it excellent in snow covered roads

[@sutanharahap3574]

I own 2011 mercedes benz E350 till right now..I have no problem ..but I drive on weekend only..my daily car 2012 toyota camry 👍

[@theil6]

Excellent Video, I have owned a few Mercedes including E class and Loved all of them. The Power of the E550 and E63 is awesome for a Saloon Car. But Fuel mileage is something to consider. I also do the majority of the maintenance of my cars. Its Not HARD. Cheers

[@Vegas3662]

Thank you very much for your kind words sir! And oh man, I could only imagine how much faster the E550 and E63 are! I really want one man! And yes absolutely, the E350 fuel is pretty damn expensive as it is, so I can only imagine the V8's.

[@morebrentcampbell]

I enjoyed hearing your perspective. If you're going to own an aging German car, I encourage you to find a good independent mechanic. Sounds like you got some bad advice from one, but I'd encourage you to keep looking. I've noticed that BMW dealers tend to charge about 4x what my mechanic does, and I imagine Mercedes isn't much different.

[@Vegas3662]

Well said! Thanks for the tips! My car need a B Service pretty soon, and I’m going to do it myself (most likely going to make a video on it). Im doing this because the dealership was charging $750 pre tax for the service, and absolute ripoff. I have yet to find a great indie European mechanic.

[@r.weaver3769]

@@Vegas3662 Alex on LegitStreetCars made a great video on doing a B Service. I am going to do my own as well. Have already began collecting parts from FCPeuro, they also have lifetime warranty on all parts, and you can choose Genuine Mercedes parts, of which I am doing, save oil. I started using Liqui-Moly on my previous Benzes. BTW, I have the 2014 E350 in Diamond White Pearl, love it. Enjoyed your vid.

[@Vegas3662]

Oh yes, that is a great resource, I referenced it during my Service B! And sweet ride man! Did they change, polar white to diamond pearl white?

[@r.weaver3769]

@@Vegas3662 I'm not sure on the paint, mine has Polar White for the base coat, also under hood in trunk, and all door jambs are Polar White. I actually was wanting a pre-facelift originally, but I really like this one, and tinting all the glass does make it really pop. I have the std 17" But am thinking on 18" AMG or 2009 E-class 18" five spoke.

[@chazmuska]

I have the E350 as well, (not the 4Matic). Not perfect like any car but compared to other cars I've had... it's been a Gem! 💎If anyone considers buying one I'd go with the one without the air suspension because they're notorious for going out. But they make an excellent aftermarket kit that makes them bulletproof.

[@frankdacity9165]

How do you know if you have the "air suspension"?

[@AKL89]

@@frankdacity9165 S212 rear airmatic suspension goes out due to rubber aging, cost like 100 Euros to fix. EDIT: My bad I read the comment wrong. AMG models have it, S212 rear comes stantard.

[@fuffoon]

For tires, the Goodyear Eagle Assymetric is tops. I have had the Michelin, Conti, Bridgestone, Vredestein, Pirelli. The Goodyear are remarkably better.

[@Vegas3662]

Very interesting, in what regard are they better? Grip in the corners, road noise?

[@fuffoon]

​@@Vegas3662 All of that. They really feel good and are quiet. I think its that they give some feedback. The wheel protector beads are also a nice feature.

[@Vegas3662]

@@fuffoon When I am due for tires, I'll have to give them a look.

[@seeum2098]

@@Vegas3662did u give them a look

[@johnparkerzabala]

Thanks so much

[@vintagehaynesflute]

The subframe is now covered by a 20 year unlimited mileage warranty. If you’re going to go to the bigger engine be aware that AMG repair bills will be very expensive! Take whatever your E350 would cost and multiply it by 4. I had an E63 and it nearly bankrupted me. Ceramic brake job? Not 700 or 8 hundred dollars but nearly $2500. BTW i would suggest tire rack for your tires. I got the Michelin PS4’s and paid about $895

[@Vegas3662]

Yes, I heard about the subframe! I'm so happy I really don't have to worry about that anymore. Damn, that is really too bad about the AMG repair bills. $2500 for brakes is hard to fathom. Would you say the same is true for the E550? Interesting, I will be sure to look on Tire Rack next time.

[@vintagehaynesflute]

@@Vegas3662 the 550 is much cheaper than the AMG to maintain. Do pay attention to the airmatic suspension though. It drives great but more expensive to maintain than just the run of the mill shocks and springs

[@fuffoon]

I'm original owner of 2012 e 250 cdi and Mercedes did the subframe last spring on warranty. I paid the new everything to go with as labor was almost free. Now I pay much more attention to that piece.

[@r.weaver3769]

I was told that warranty did not apply to North America, by a Mercedes Tech.

[@vintagehaynesflute]

@@r.weaver3769 he lied. Call MBNA in Georgia

[@rommelgallego2943]

Congratulations Sir! Wanting to get me a 2016 wagon soon.

[@simoncbr900rr]

I've got a 2014 220d wagon. Best car by far in Mercedes line up. I have had it 4yrs and it has had a gearbox service and normal yearly servicing. Averages around 42mpg. Last service was yesterday £255 total. Definitely buy the facelift W212 not the one in this video.

[@Vegas3662]

@@simoncbr900rr Wow, solid machine! Make any videos of it?

[@Vegas3662]

Thank you very much! What specs would you like to get?

[@rommelgallego2943]

Definitely the sport variant. I love the 3.5 NA V6 same with my 2015 ML350, so far it’s been solid. I’m doing all the service my self. Don’t want to deal with turbo engines.

[@Vegas3662]

@@rommelgallego2943 Completely agree, very solid engine. How many miles do you have on yours? For the wagon, what color would you like? I have some more videos on the w212 if you are interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZmmgoNmms-Kjtk kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5SrcnusZpqcbqM

[@tpaulbailey2775]

Good video! If you think the modern MB climate control is hard to work you should have seen the set up in the 70's and 80's cars...As you know I drove Mercedes for close to twenty years and was never able to figure out exactly how to switch from heat to defrost....More power? Okay...But remember this no one will ever feel bad about giving a ticket for 34 in a 30 to someone in an MB...

[@Vegas3662]

Thanks. Haha it is the German over engineering, that made the climate control so hard to work. And haha yes, so far I have had great luck though.

[@fuffoon]

Sorry, don't mean to dominate the comment section. My front suspension seems great. How do I know at 150k if I need new strut shocks? Do they degrade or just pop? They pass at the technical control on the vibrating pads but they don't keep a history which is kind of dumb. Also, I have access to the car hobby shop on the military base with expert assistance. At what point should I use quality aftermarket parts and do it myself? I'm not inept but I don't want to screw it up.

[@Vegas3662]

I wish I knew sir. If you join the W212 Owners Group on Facebook, they should be able to help you.

[@johnparkerzabala]

Sir how’s the wheels doing? The balancing of it? Any repaired wheels? Thanks

[@Vegas3662]

My wheels are great! By far my favorite wheels Mercedes has offered. I have never had to balance the wheels. The previous owner had the wheels repainted/resurfaced, but I haven't. I always make sure to be careful when parallel parking so I don't curb the wheels.

[@johnparkerzabala]

@@Vegas3662 any cracks issues just in case sir?

[@Vegas3662]

@@johnparkerzabala I haven't seen any in my wheels. I believe they're forged wheels, which makes them stronger.

[@konstantinostselios1129]

Hi there nice video I have also the same car the 2015 e350 sport package that I bought almost brand new now I have 80k miles all I do is oil gas tires and brakes no problem so far very reliable cheap parts good gas mileage compared to e63 I recommend don’t get an e63 if you don’t have deep and big pockets these e350 can go half a million miles easy they are work horse don’t worry about the under subframe it’s covered I live in New York the winter is like driving on salt I just hose down some time that’s it have a great day

[@MajorrBison]

Love a white Benz.

[@Vegas3662]

Thank you Sir!

[@playingletters]

Yes yes yes 👍🪄🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅good free good👍🎃