Mercedes E W212 2009 - 2016 - used, experience, problems

• Model: Mercedes E W212
• Year of production: 2009- 2016
• Redesign: 2012.
• Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
• Predecessor: Class E W211
• Successor: Class E W213
•  Class: The upper middle class
• Competition: Bmw 5Audi A6 Volvo S80, Lexus GS
• Models: sedan, station wagon, coupe
• Euro NCAP: ★★★★ (2009)

The Mercedes E W212 is a classic business sedan. The comfort is very high, and the car also has various safety and auxiliary systems. It is more reliable than its predecessor.

The E-Class is a very important model for Mercedes: it not only sells well (probably brings a lot of income), but also shows the state of technology of the German manufacturer. There is also a determinant of the quality of the whole brand - in cheaper models, you can always blame the economy. Previous generations have had many problems: the W210 is highly corroded (in many cases this endangers safety), and the W211 in turn has been known for failing electronics and SBC pumps. What is W212 like? Mercedes emphasized its commitment to improving safety and comfort, but did not say much about quality.

Mercedes put a lot of emphasis on safety - it even claimed that it was "the safest car in the world". Did he have a basis for that? I think it is. All cars are equipped with an automatic emergency braking system (when radars detect a danger of a collision), the Mercedes E W212 can also act independently to prevent a collision or reduce its effects. The headlights of the car are designed so as not to blind other drivers, even if the driver forgets to change the lights (light assistant). The range of the headlights is up to 300 m!

Of course, despite the fairly high quality of the car, you can't count on the small operating costs. Many activities must be entrusted to specialized workshops with advanced diagnostic equipment. Given this level of complexity, you simply cannot count on cheap repairs.

Mercedes is not only beautiful and comfortable, but also very practical. Of course, in this field, the caravan with a huge cargo space definitely stands out - 695 l enables not only going on vacation, but also starting a small business. Thanks to the pneumatic suspension (standard version on the rear axle in this version), the car is also insensitive to the weight of the transported goods.

In addition to the sedan and station wagon, the Mercedes E-Class will also offer a coupe (C207) and a convertible (A207) version. The first of them was presented in the spring of 2009, while the second - a year later. Their common feature is the construction basis, which differs from limousines and caravans. The coupe and convertible are based on the Mercedes C-Class, which has been in production since 2007 (W / S204 series) and also uses some components of this model, although - as the manufacturer claims - about 60 percent of the parts come from the E-Class.

The model was modernized in late 2012 (on the market in early 2013) - the front of the car was completely redesigned (including a new grill, other headlights), changes in the cabin and better equipment.

• Model History:
• 2009: Commercial premiere of the Mercedes E Class W212
• 2011: first micro restailing, new color screen, CNG version; E63 AMG with new 5,5 V8 biturbo engine
• 2012: restailing, new front design, refreshed engine range
• 2016: Introducing the Next Generation

Mercedes E Class W212 - Engines

Viewing the Mercedes E-Class engine is hard to understand. Which version you choose depends only on the thickness of your wallet. Before deciding on a particular species, you should know its potential mistakes. Most customers choose diesel.

Cars sold in the used car market are dominated by the diesel 2.1 CDI. This is not a bad engine, the average fuel consumption is 7 l / 100 km (regardless of the power variant). At the beginning of production, the poor quality of Delphi piezo injectors was a well-known problem. Most units have already been repaired. The engine is increasingly concerned with coolant leakage and camshaft wear. Sometimes the turbocharger whistles.

Traditionally, E-Class versions have been prepared by Mercedes tuners, ie. AMG. Initially, the V8 engine with an atmospheric charge under the hood. 6.2 l (525 hp), and later 5.5 V8 biturbo version, which was offered in several different power versions - 525, 557, as well as "S", developing 585 hp. The most powerful variety was the standard one with 4 × 4 drive.

The opposite of the top varieties - very fast, strong and large consumers - is the hybrid version (E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID). The heart of the drive is a diesel CDI 2.1 and an electric motor. The total power of the system is 231 hp, which makes the hybrid E-Class not only economical (average fuel consumption 4,1 l / 100 km), but also quite dynamic - "hundred" in 7,5 seconds.

In addition, it is difficult to be picky, the durable construction is also a 3-liter V6 diesel. Of course, with diesel engines at 250.000-400.000 km, equipment failures can occur. Before buying, check the condition of the particle filter! Watch out for German taxis!

The Mercedes E-Class W212 has rear-wheel drive as standard, but a permanent 4 × 4 (4Matic) system is available as an option. You can choose between four gearboxes: 6-speed manual or 5-, 7- and 9-speed automatic. In the standard versions, both on the front and rear suspension, you will find a multi-link system, and a pneumatic system is also available as an option. Security? Of course at the highest level - Euro NCAP judge tests Mercedes W212 were completed with a rating of 5 stars.

Mercedes E class W212 - specifications and approximate prices (R4 petrol):

Technical data*	NGT 1.8 200	1.8 200 CGI	1.8 250 CGI	2.0 200	2.0 250
Years	2011-13	2009-13	2009-13	2013-16	2013-16
Engine type, valve number	k.benz. R4 / 16	t.benz. R4 / 16	t.benz. R4 / 16	t.benz. R4 / 16	t.benz. R4 / 16
Camshaft type	chain	chain	chain	chain	chain
Timing system	DOHC	DOHC	DOHC	DOHC	DOHC
Engine volume (cm3)	1796	1796	1796	1991	1991
Max. power (hp) at rpm	163/5500	184/5250	204/5500	184/5500	211/5500
Max. torque (Nm) at rpm.	240/3000-4000	270/1800-4200	310/2000-4300	270/1200-4000	350/1200-4000
Transmission**	5A	6M, 5A, 7A	5A, 7A	6M, 7A	7A
Max. speed (km / h)	224	235	238	233	243
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s)	10,4	8,5	7,8	8,2	7,4
Consumption (wg EU; l / 100 km)	5,5 kg / 100 km	10,0/5,7/7,3	10,3/6,1/7,6	8,0/5,0/6,1	7,5/4,8/5,8

* data for the version with manual transmission (unless "automatic" is provided by default); ** 6M - manual transmissions, 5A, 7A - automatic transmissions


Mercedes E W212 class - Technical data (V6 petrol):

Technical data	3.5 300 CGI	3.5 350	3.5 350 CGI	3.5 350 CGI	3.5 400
Years	2011-14	2009-11	2009-11	2011-14	2014-16
Engine type, valve number	benz. V6 / 24	benz. V6 / 24	benz. V6 / 24	benz. V6 / 24	bit.benz. V6 / 24
Camshaft type	chain	chain	chain	chain	chain
Timing system	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC
Engine volume (cm3)	3498	3498	3498	3498	3498
Max. power (hp) at rpm	252/6500	272/6000	292/6400	306/6500	333/5250-6000
Max. torque (Nm) at rpm.	340/3500-4500	350/2400-5000	365/3000-5100	370/3500-5250	480/1200-4000
Transmission*	7A	7A	7A	7A	7A
Max. speed (km / h)	250	250	250	250	250
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s)	7,1	7,2	6,8	6,3	5,3
Consumption (wg EU; l / 100 km)	9,5/5,3/6,8	13,6/7,3/9,6	12,4/6,3/8,5	9,5/5,3/6,8	9,4/5,4/6,9

* 7A - automatic transmissions


Mercedes E W212 class - Technical data (petrol V6 and V8):

Technical data	3.0 400	4.7 500	5.5 500
Years	2013-14	2011-16	2009-11
Engine type, valve number	bit.benz. V6 / 24	bit.benz. V8 / 32	benz. V8 / 32
Camshaft type	chain	chain	chain
Timing system	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC
Engine volume (cm3)	2996	4663	5461
Max. power (hp) at rpm	333/5500	408/5000-5750	388/6000
Max. torque (Nm) at rpm.	480/1400-4000	600/1600-4750	530/2800-4800
Transmission*	7A	7A	7A
Max. speed (km / h)	250	250	250
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s)	5,3	5,2	5,2
Consumption (wg EU; l / 100 km)	10,4/5,8/7,5	12,6/6,7/8,9	16,7/8,0/11,2

* 7A - automatic transmissions


Mercedes E W212 Class - Technical Data (AMG):

Technical data	5.5 63 AMG	5.5 63 AMG	5.5 63 AMG S	6.2 63 AMG	6.2 63 AMG
Years	2011-13	2011-16	2013-16	2009-10	2010-11
Engine type, valve number	bit.benz. V8 / 32	bit.benz. V8 / 32	bit.benz. V8 / 32	benz. V8 / 32	benz. V8 / 32
Camshaft type	chain	chain	chain	chain	chain
Timing system	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC
Engine volume (cm3)	5461	5461	5461	6208	6208
Max. power (hp) at rpm	525/5250-5750	557/5250-5750	585/5500	514/6800	525/6800
Max. torque (Nm) at rpm.	700/1700-5000	710 / 1750-5000 **	800/2000-4500	630/5200	630/5200
Transmission*	7A	7A	7A	7A	7A
Max. speed (km / h)	300	pow. 300	pow. 300	250	250
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s)	4,3	4,2	3,6	4,5	4,5
Consumption (wg EU; l / 100 km)	13,8/7,5/9,8	13,8/7,5/9,8	14,4/7,9/10,3	22,3/9,8/14,3	18,7/9,1/12,6

* 7A - automatic transmissions; ** initially 557 HP in Performance (800 Nm)


Mercedes E W212 Class - Technical Data (Diesel R4):

Technical data*	2.0 200	2.0 220	2.0 250	300 hybrid
Years	2009-16	2009-16	2009-16	2012-15
Engine type, valve number	so-called diesel R4 / 16	bit diesel R4 / 16	bit diesel R4 / 16	bit.diesel R4 + el.
Camshaft type	chain	chain	chain	chain
Timing system	DOHC	DOHC	DOHC	DOHC
Engine volume (cm3)	2143	2143	2143	2143
Max. power (hp) at rpm	136/2800	170/3000	204/4200	204/3800 + 27
Max. torque (Nm) at rpm.	360/1600-2600	400/1400-2800	500/1600-1800	500 + 250
Transmission**	6M, 5A, 7A	6M, 5A, 7A, 9A	6M, 5A, 7A, 9A	7A
Max. speed (km / h)	210	231	240	242
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s)	10,2	8,7	7,7	7,5
Consumption (wg EU; l / 100 km)	6,6/4,4/5,2	6,9/4,4/5,3	6,9/4,4/5,3	4,1/4,1/4,1

* data for the version with manual transmission (unless "automatic" is provided by default); ** 6M - manual transmissions, 5A, 7A, 9A - automatic transmissions


Mercedes E W212 Class - Technical Data (Diesel V6):

Technical data	3.0 350	3.0 300/350	3.0 350	3.0 350
Years	2009-13	2009-16	2013-16	2010-13
Engine type, valve number	so-called diesel V6 / 24	so-called diesel V6 / 24	so-called diesel V6 / 24	so-called diesel V6 / 24
Camshaft type	chain	chain	chain	chain
Timing system	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC	2 x DOHC
Engine volume (cm3)	2987	2987	2987	2987
Max. power (hp) at rpm	211/3400	231/3800	252/3600	265/3800
Max. torque (Nm) at rpm.	540/1600-2400	540/1600-2400	620/1600-2400	620/1600-2400
Transmission*	7A	7A, 9A	7A, 9A	7A
Max. speed (km / h)	239	250	250	250
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s)	7,8	6,8	6,6	6,2
Consumption (wg EU; l / 100 km)	9,7/5,2/6,8	8,9/5,5/6,8	6,9/4,7/5,5	7,7/5,0/6,0

* 7A, 9A - automatic transmission

Mercedes E W212 - Problems and malfunctions

Among the mechanical problems, the possibility of wear of the shaft gears in older petrol units M272 (3.5) should be mentioned. Sometimes the air suspension creates problems - the bellows are damaged. It is good to replace them in pairs.

The E-Class has many solid components, you can't hear about the corrosion problem, sometimes you have to combat the water leakage in the boot. Electronics do not cause problems, sometimes power windows or central locking, but you do not have to replace expensive modules but look for installation problems. Xenon lights have a fairly low lifespan.

Timing Damage 2.1 CDI: Noise when starting the engine. Worn camshaft drive chain. It is located on the transmission side, which makes the repair a little more complicated. In addition, you need to buy not only a chain, but also a tensioner, washer pads and valve cover gasket.

200 CGI engine: When a cold engine is started, the exhaust system exits white smoke. Need to change software (service shop), make minor repairs to the oil line to the turbine, and replace the gasket on the turbine.

Nozzle damage in the 2.1 CDI - the engine enters safety mode, shuts off while driving. Damage to Delphi piezoelectric nozzles - they are less and less common now. The repair should consist of replacing the set, but usually only the damaged nozzle is replaced.

Improper operation of the parking sensor, incorrect indicators of the parking sensor - computer-checked behave correctly, but in "working" conditions, the indications are incorrect. Damage to the Parktronic system module - it is not easy to replace because it is located on the floor, next to the passenger's feet.

Damage to the inverter in the automatic transmission. Especially in stronger versions.

Coolant leakage: Leakage of plastic elements under the fuel filter. In petrol versions, oil drips onto the catalyst. This is a small gap in the turbocharger.

Cases of chain noise with diesel engines last about 200 km.

If you decide to use a pneumatic suspension, check the condition of the shock absorber and compressor. 

Problems with fuel injectors for diesel models. Delphi injectors are poorly compatible with the motor computer. Most problems with 220 CDI and 250 CDI. With the help of a service campaign, sprinklers and a motorized computer have been replaced free of charge by authorized service providers. Some vehicles lose power, while others include only the engine control indicator.

In vehicles equipped with automatic clutch and vibration while driving, they usually indicate the beginning of transmission problems, and these problems are common, as owners say.

200 CGI gasoline engines cause an early failure of the camshaft chain.

Diesel 250 CDI engines have problems with coolant leakage in the EGR valve cooler and water pumps.

An increasing number of problems with the steering rack and the failure of the rear airbags in the caravan.

The soot filter causes problems mainly in cars that often drive around the city.

Mercedes E class W212 - Recalls:

The windscreen wiper motor wiring harness may be located near the windshield wiper linkage. This can damage the harness, which can shorten the windshield wiper motor and malfunction. Failure to operate the windscreen wiper may result in reduced visibility for the driver. The recalled vehicles were manufactured between October 2014 and November 2016.

The power steering unit may be equipped with incorrectly welded contacts. As a result, a permanent electrical connection between the contacts cannot be guaranteed, which could lead to a loss of support to the power steering and thus increase the risk of accidents. The recall applies to E-Class models manufactured between August 2012 and October 2015.

Cracks in high fuel pressure pipes can cause fuel leaks and fire in the vehicle. The recall applies to vehicles with four-cylinder diesel engines manufactured between October 28, 2015 and November 19, 2015.

Due to an assembly error, the active bonnet's feedback would be lacking. In the event of a frontal collision that releases the active bonnet, it cannot be ruled out that the bonnet will be pushed into the windscreen and put passengers in danger. The recall affects vehicles manufactured in 2015.

Engine compartment insulation may fall off. In certain circumstances, this can lead to contact between the insulation and hot components, which poses a fire hazard. The withdrawal applies to vehicles manufactured in April and May 2015.

The steering wheel is not well grounded. As a result, in the case of electrostatic discharge, the driver's airbag can be activated when not required. This can cause an accident. The recall affects vehicles manufactured between 11/2011. I 07/2017.

The starter current limiter can be overloaded and overheated. As a consequence, surrounding parts could catch fire, leading to fire. The recall applies to vehicles manufactured between February 2014 and February 2017.

Mercedes E class W212 - service:

Supplies	gasoline (by 1.8)	diesel (for 2.1 sprzed lifting)
Motor oil	5,5 l, 5W-30 (MB 229.5)	6,5 l, 5W-30 (with DPF MB 229.31)
Oil in manual transmission	1,2 l Capacity; 75W-80 (MB 235.10)	1,5-1,8 l; 75W-80 (MB 235.10)
Cooling system	5,6 l (glycol based)	capacity as indicated (glycol based)
Brake Fluid	0,6 l, DOT 4+	0,6 l, DOT 4+
Camshaft drive	chain	chain
maintenance intervals **
Motor oil	according to computer indications (usually every 20-30 thousand km)	according to computer indications (usually every 20-30 thousand km)
Pollen filter	every review	every review
Air filter	every other review	every other review
Brake Fluid	every 2 years	every 2 years

Conclusion

It's finally Mercedes again in good shape. Yes, this class E is far from W123 or W124, but it looks really good compared to both the 210 and 211. Additional benefits are ride comfort and excellent handling.

If you opt for the right engine version and the right gearbox, you can be calm. From time to time, you will only be bothered by harmless electronics and electrical errors. Buying an E-Class W212 Mercedes, you get, in addition to reliability, you get: above average driving comfort, spacious and luxurious interior, very rich equipment and a wide range of attractive engines. This car is almost perfect. Deficiency? Discussion of pre-rebuild body styles, high maintenance costs, considerable problems with the built-in computer's combustion and control performance are not as accurate as in the Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series.

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