Back on track
The Mercedes E-Class (W 212) is more reliable again.
When the Mercedes E-Class (W 212, 2009 to 2016) made its debut, it took on a difficult legacy. The direct predecessor (W 211, 2002 to 2009) and especially the predecessor (W 210, 1995 to 2002) were not necessarily a glory for Swabian reliability and quality and battered the image of the upper star middle class.
But: After the W 210 with rust problems and the W 211 with problems with the electro-hydraulic brake (SBC) caused negative headlines, the W 212 version found its old strength again.
Body and interior: In addition to the sedan, the E-Class is also offered as a station wagon (T-model). With almost 2,000 liters of maximum storage space, the station wagon offers one of the largest luggage compartments ever. This can not only be used for suitcases and shopping bags, but also – with the help of optional folding seats – for the transport of two additional passengers.
The convertible or coupé, which is also sold as an E-Class, is only widely used in terms of technology, for example using the underbody of the smaller C-Class. Compared to its predecessor, the sedan and station wagon once again show more visual presence. Self-confidence on the outside is standard here.
The design polarizes, however, and not every viewer enjoys the lush arches and the angular double headlights. The Mercedes designers took the criticism of the design to heart and presented the facelift in 2013, an extensively revised vehicle with, among other things, modified bumpers and taillights as well as a modified bonnet. Overall, this makes the sedan and estate appear more elongated and elegant.
Fresh look
In 2013 Mercedes thoroughly revised the E-Class and, among other things, gave it a new “face”
Choice at the front
Buyers can choose between two grille variants.
As usual with the C-Class, buyers can now choose between two radiator grille variants: a classic grill with the star on the bonnet or a grill with an integrated logo. Mercedes also freshened up the interior as part of the facelift, and a new instrument panel and another instrument cluster were introduced. The generous amount of space, the high quality workmanship and the good comfort properties of the chassis and seats remain unchanged.
Engines and drive: The range of engines is huge and includes gasoline, diesel, hybrids with diesel or gasoline combinations and natural gas versions. Four-. Six- and eight-cylinder engines are available, plus rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. There should be the right unit for every taste.
Many first-time owners opted for a diesel as a frequent driver. The diesel engine portfolio spans a power range from 100 kW / 136 PS (E 200 CDI) to 195 kW / 265 PS (E 350 CDI 4Matic Blue Efficiency); they are designed as four or six cylinders. The diesel hybrid, which will be available as the E 300 BlueTec Hybrid from 2012 and which combines the 150 kW / 204 PS 2.2-liter unit with a 19 kW / 26 PS electric motor, is particularly economical. The standard consumption is 4.2 liters.
So Kombi a loading master
The T-model offers almost 2,000 liters of storage space.
Quality in the interior
The interior was also refreshed in 2013.
If the four-cylinder diesel drives up a bit rough, the six-cylinder are more sophisticated. The latter are coupled with a seven-speed automatic as standard, while the four-cylinder also has the older five-speed automatic or a manual transmission. In the first years of construction, however, the diesel engines showed some quality problems, for example with the injectors or the timing chains of the four-cylinder.
Four-, six- and eight-cylinders are available on the gasoline side. It starts with the E180 (115 kW / 156 PS) and ends with the top-of-the-range E 500 units with 300 kW / 408 PS and the AMG models with up to 430 kW / 585 PS. The four-cylinder transmission is powered by an automatic with five or seven gears, with a few exceptions, and a seven-speed automatic is standard in the six and eight cylinders. From 2014, the E 300 (170 kW / 231 hp) and the E 350 (185 kW / 252 hp) will feature a nine-speed automatic system as standard.
Equipment and safety: Very few vehicles are likely to have been sold as “basic” variants. Although these naturally have the class standards on board at the German premium manufacturers, long lists of surcharges tempt you to tick. The look and comfort of the E-Class can also be refined and customized in many ways. Interesting points include, in addition to an automatic system for the small engines, xenon light, the assistance package with adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and lane departure warning, and direct steering for sporty drivers.
Upgrades are also available for the chassis (adaptive, air suspension, sports suspension) or for the seats (multi-contour, climate, sports). The models from the facelift come up with improved and expanded functionalities of the assistants, depending on the equipment or willingness to customize the first buyer. A stereo camera, for example, which recognizes impending accidents with crossing vehicles or pedestrians, ensures greater safety.
There is also a radar-based emergency brake assistant and a drowsiness warning. In the Euro-NCAP crash test in 2010, the E-Class showed no weaknesses and achieved a five-star rating.
Quality: Despite the above-average mileage, the Tüv certifies the E-Class an above-average number of tested vehicles without defects over the entire production period.
However, the E-Class also has some quirks. Used car buyers should watch out for the parking brake; this tends to refuse to work. Chassis and steering cause few problems, the springs should be checked more closely. Those interested in diesel engines from the first year of construction should make sure that the timing chains of the four-cylinder, for example, are in perfect condition or have already been professionally repaired.
Conclusion: The W 212 is again a “real” Mercedes: expensive, but rock solid. This can also be seen in the offers on the used car portals. If you don’t want to buy a model with a very high mileage (over 400,000 kilometers), you have to invest at least around 8,000 euros.
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