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.
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.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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 |
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.
Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!
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View Comments
Thanks for the first hand review of the excellently presented car and definitely my choice for the upcoming purchase.
I noticed that you were filming in front of the Ljubostinja monastery, my house is less than 2 km from there in the direction of Trstenik. :)
Greetings from France all the best!