A W211 Owners Experience Of A W212... - MBClub UK

SPX · 05-06-2012, 09:28 PM

I've always liked the look of the W212 since it was first launched three year ago, so it was with some excitement that I received this E350 V6 (265) Cdi Avantgarde.

Having now covered a thousand miles, I feel slightly qualified to give a decent view on living with this car day-today.

I'll start with the positives;

Absolutely whisper-quiet on the motorway, it's very easy to be well past three figures if you aren't careful. It's noticeably quieter than my W211, although that could be in part due to this car having 17" whereas mine are 18".
The frugality of the thing is unreal! The photo that I've posted was taken after a normal conditions drive that in my W211 would have been 35 mpg. On the motorway at a rough average of 70mph I was seeing 55 mpg, whereas my car would be 48-50.
The technology in the car is good; bluetooth music being my pick, along with plenty of other toys that I'm still sussing out.
The gearchange being on the steering wheel column was something that I thought I'd hate, but I took to it straight away, as did the wife.
The exterior looks are a lot more aggressive than my facelift W211, which is another big plus.
The drivers seat offers a good support and I found it as comfy as a W211.

The not-so positives;

The W210 that my F-I-L bought and my W211's interiors feel like a Mercedes-Benz, this W212 feels more like an Audi, which I think is a bad thing; I like to feel cosseted and warm and not like I'm sat in a car version of Ikea.
The 'leather' interior is flat and hard, the shape of the back seats look the same as my 2007 Nissan Navara; bench-like.
The door card of the drivers door is too hard and too high which means my right arm never feels quite comfortable.
The gearbox is set to default economy mode, so everytime I get in the car I have to change to 'S' because the 'E' mode changes up a gear at every given opportunity, good for MPG on a motorway but not too great around town.

I've looked at buying a W212 E350 CDi Sport for roughly £10k more than what my car's worth, but in all honesty do I think it's worth it?

The jury's still out, I'm afraid...

SavMan · 05-06-2012, 10:21 PM

Great right up, I have also struggled with the interior looks of the 212. It might grow on you though you never know.

A210AMG · 06-06-2012, 09:03 AM

I have to say its grown on me the S212, I 'Think' my next car may be an S212.

Does that model you have have the stop start? thats great fuel from a 350, I was thinking a 250 as in real terms its as quick as my S211.

Funny I walked round the block via Mercedes Chester and looked at a couple yesterday.

What did look good value was a E350Cdi coupe for £25K compared to £30K plus for a C class 220 coupe??

SPX · 06-06-2012, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A210AMG

Does that model you have have the stop start? thats great fuel from a 350, I was thinking a 250 as in real terms its as quick as my S211.

It's not a stop/start vehicle, I don't think they offer that in an E-Class do they?

I've been amazed at how good it is on diesel, given the engine size and weight of the car.

A210AMG · 06-06-2012, 09:34 AM

I though the 250's were but not the 350's?

Maybe I'm wrong

Peter DLM · 06-06-2012, 10:07 AM

E250 CDi is definately Stop/Start.

SavMan · 06-06-2012, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SavMan

Great right up, I have also struggled with the interior looks of the 212. It might grow on you though you never know.

I did mean write up

SPX · 06-06-2012, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter DLM

E250 CDi is definately Stop/Start.

Judging by how the 350 does, is the 250 that much better on diesel?

Peter DLM · 06-06-2012, 10:29 AM

I think I agree with most of what you've found Lee. Not entirely sure I get the 'Audi' feel though.

All the cars I've driven have been Sports, so unless they have different 'Leather' to the Avantgards I can't spot any difference to my ol' 211.

Agree on the door sill being too high, and the E mode, though that doesn't really bother me any.

A carefully spec'd 212 would be definate upgrade to a 211 imho.

I've been spoilt with the newness thing again, and the sheer convenience features and feelgood factors that the very latest cars offer. I couldn't have a 211 again, no matter what engine it has.

SPX · 06-06-2012, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter DLM

I think I agree with most of what you've found Lee. Not entirely sure I get the 'Audi' feel though.

All the cars I've driven have been Sports, so unless they have different 'Leather' to the Avantgards I can't spot any difference to my ol' 211.

Agree on the door sill being too high, and the E mode, though that doesn't really bother me any.

A carefully spec'd 212 would be definate upgrade to a 211 imho.

I've been spoilt with the newness thing again, and the sheer convenience features and feelgood factors that the very latest cars offer. I couldn't have a 211 again, no matter what engine it has.

The Audi feel is because the interior feels very clinical, I find the W211 has a sort of flow (if that makes sense). I'm sure that when I get back in my W211 it could feel slightly outdated, but time will tell.

Unless I buy a W211 E55k next, I really don't see where I can go, I've been eyeing up Discovery TDV6's just lately for the summer jaunts...

A210AMG · 06-06-2012, 11:19 AM

^ how about the G class?

developer215 · 06-06-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPX

I've been eyeing up Discovery TDV6's just lately for the summer jaunts...

5 reasons to change an E Class Sport for a Discovery

1). Great visibility/feeling of superiority from raised driving position
2).

3).

4).

5).

SPX · 06-06-2012, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A210AMG

^ how about the G class?

I'll probably get one of those next year, I feel like I'm due a change from Mercedes at the minute. It's maybe a case of over-familiarity.

Plus, the wife has always wanted a Discovery so I think it's about time I tried one.

Troon · 06-06-2012, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by developer215

5 reasons to change an E Class Sport for a Discovery

1). Great visibility/feeling of superiority from raised driving position
2).

3).

4).

5).

Winter?

A210AMG · 06-06-2012, 01:05 PM

^ If is the older (original Disco 2) they are very bland inside, even the HSE ones.

I would think lucky to do 28mpg also?

The newer Disco 3 then that's a different story I really like the side of them.

Having had the S211 and the ML before it I don't think I could go backward now on MPG...

As for Winter.. just put your winter tyres / wheels on

Ok its no off roader but really, the Disco may see the odd puddle outside school and the supermarket but that's about it.

I do miss sat high up mind, great view of the road.

05-06-2012, 09:28 PM	#1
SPX Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2010 Car: S203 C32 AMG & RR Sport HSE Posts: 7,612	A W211 Owners Experience Of A W212... I've always liked the look of the W212 since it was first launched three year ago, so it was with some excitement that I received this E350 V6 (265) Cdi Avantgarde. Having now covered a thousand miles, I feel slightly qualified to give a decent view on living with this car day-today. I'll start with the positives; Absolutely whisper-quiet on the motorway, it's very easy to be well past three figures if you aren't careful. It's noticeably quieter than my W211, although that could be in part due to this car having 17" whereas mine are 18". The frugality of the thing is unreal! The photo that I've posted was taken after a normal conditions drive that in my W211 would have been 35 mpg. On the motorway at a rough average of 70mph I was seeing 55 mpg, whereas my car would be 48-50. The technology in the car is good; bluetooth music being my pick, along with plenty of other toys that I'm still sussing out. The gearchange being on the steering wheel column was something that I thought I'd hate, but I took to it straight away, as did the wife. The exterior looks are a lot more aggressive than my facelift W211, which is another big plus. The drivers seat offers a good support and I found it as comfy as a W211. The not-so positives; The W210 that my F-I-L bought and my W211's interiors feel like a Mercedes-Benz, this W212 feels more like an Audi, which I think is a bad thing; I like to feel cosseted and warm and not like I'm sat in a car version of Ikea. The 'leather' interior is flat and hard, the shape of the back seats look the same as my 2007 Nissan Navara; bench-like. The door card of the drivers door is too hard and too high which means my right arm never feels quite comfortable. The gearbox is set to default economy mode, so everytime I get in the car I have to change to 'S' because the 'E' mode changes up a gear at every given opportunity, good for MPG on a motorway but not too great around town. I've looked at buying a W212 E350 CDi Sport for roughly £10k more than what my car's worth, but in all honesty do I think it's worth it? The jury's still out, I'm afraid... Last edited by SPX; 16-11-2012 at 10:19 AM.

06-06-2012, 10:29 AM	#9
Peter DLM Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Milton Keynes Car: 13reg Smart Passion Cab. It's free! >_< Posts: 1,087	I think I agree with most of what you've found Lee. Not entirely sure I get the 'Audi' feel though. All the cars I've driven have been Sports, so unless they have different 'Leather' to the Avantgards I can't spot any difference to my ol' 211. Agree on the door sill being too high, and the E mode, though that doesn't really bother me any. A carefully spec'd 212 would be definate upgrade to a 211 imho. I've been spoilt with the newness thing again, and the sheer convenience features and feelgood factors that the very latest cars offer. I couldn't have a 211 again, no matter what engine it has. Last edited by Peter DLM; 06-06-2012 at 10:43 AM.

05-06-2012, 10:21 PM	#2
SavMan Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: London Car: E55K AMG Posts: 2,141	Great right up, I have also struggled with the interior looks of the 212. It might grow on you though you never know.

06-06-2012, 09:03 AM	#3
A210AMG Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: England Posts: 8,240	I have to say its grown on me the S212, I 'Think' my next car may be an S212. Does that model you have have the stop start? thats great fuel from a 350, I was thinking a 250 as in real terms its as quick as my S211. Funny I walked round the block via Mercedes Chester and looked at a couple yesterday. What did look good value was a E350Cdi coupe for £25K compared to £30K plus for a C class 220 coupe??

06-06-2012, 09:34 AM	#5
A210AMG Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: England Posts: 8,240	I though the 250's were but not the 350's? Maybe I'm wrong

06-06-2012, 10:07 AM	#6
Peter DLM Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Milton Keynes Car: 13reg Smart Passion Cab. It's free! >_< Posts: 1,087	E250 CDi is definately Stop/Start.

06-06-2012, 11:19 AM	#11
A210AMG Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: England Posts: 8,240	^ how about the G class?

06-06-2012, 01:05 PM	#15
A210AMG Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: England Posts: 8,240	^ If is the older (original Disco 2) they are very bland inside, even the HSE ones. I would think lucky to do 28mpg also? The newer Disco 3 then that's a different story I really like the side of them. Having had the S211 and the ML before it I don't think I could go backward now on MPG... As for Winter.. just put your winter tyres / wheels on Ok its no off roader but really, the Disco may see the odd puddle outside school and the supermarket but that's about it. I do miss sat high up mind, great view of the road.

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