Used Mercedes E-Class W212 Buyers guide (2009-2016) Avoid faults and common problems (CDI/CGI)

Mercedes E-Class W212 used car buyers guide and owners guide for E200, E220, E250, E300, E350, E400, E500, E550. Find out about the Mercedes E-Class W212 reliability and the common faults to look for and what to avoid. This guide covers both the CDI engines, the gas/petrol engines, and as is sometimes separately designated the CGI engines. No matter if you are looking for an SE, Avantgarde, Sport, or AMG Line model you'll find useful information in our guide. We do also mention the E63 but we will cover that vehicle in a separate guide.

If you have been thinking about whether you should buy a Mercedes E-Class W212 from 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, or 2016, or are curious about the facelift engine differences watch through our guide for the information you need. Avoid buying a broken Mercedes E-Class that becomes expensive to repair by finding out the common faults to look out for.

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Creators -

Miles Goodson

Legal and disclaimer - Any content not originally created by The Miles Driven remains the property of the original owner and is editorialised for media reporting. All content is used within the confines of media reporting/editorial use and is transformative in nature to inform others with new information and content about cars and vehicles. We use no more of the original content than necessary in alignment with U.S copyright law for fair use and U.K fair dealing. We accept no liability for the purchase of vehicles using our guide and suggest thorough due diligence by individual professional inspections before making a buying decision.

The Mercedes W212 E-Class was first released in 2009, our buyer's guide helps you to buy and own a Mercedes W212.

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[fuffoon]

I quit smoking in April. My car is in the bodyshop for bumpers, rocker panels, and wheels, plus various touch-ups. That's my gift to myself for stopping a horribly expensive habit. My doctor actually recommended something expensive enough to make sure I stayed smoke free. I was unlikely to live to see 2024 without immediate action to quit.

[gettcouped]

Pre facelift w212 is one of my favorite looking cars! It’s such a shame how this generation of MB looked so good and the new ones look terrible.

[jasontroy]

I own a w212 e350 2010 . Had it for years and no issues the cars been reliable . It has 155059 klm on the clock . I perform an oil change and full inspection every 6000 klm . I love the quad head light assembly and along with the body lines witch the w211 / w210 were lacking .

[Siddharth_shivshankar]

I purchased an E-class 350D in 2008, the previous owners was a German mechanic. I had some coolant issues and serviced well to stock condition. after that I got it serviced every 6-months and there was a AC compressor which i got it replaced, apart from that, I used it as a daily commute and bringing foreign delegates but even today its running like proper Mercedes. Finally I bought the latest E-class which is way more advanced. I have kept the old one as a memory

[nickjohnstone]

The pre facelift W212 looks like a proper Mercedes.

[absolutium]

There is an E400 with a turbo v6 3.0.. arguably the most balanced engine of the series but it seems to be available only in certain markets.

[mytriton]

The facelift and pre-facelift wagons are just so beautiful! Wow!

[fuffoon]

I like my 2012 wagon. Its not cheap to keep in top shape. 250 CDI. Purchased new, had subframe replaced on warranty last year, everything working properly.

[laithellabban]

Anything with the M276 or M278 is solid. Good video mate

[roelant]

Driving a 220 cdi Estate from 2011, for 4 years now. Bought it with 110k miles on the clock for E15k..without gurantee. Very happy ride! Soon after buying had the car running in limp mode for 2 months due to little plastic turbo valve problem. My local free garage could not solve it, and gave the car back without charging anything, the local Ford garage did it for a few 100 E! Replaced leaking air suspension bladders E170 from Amazon in the back myself. Changed brake disks all around myself, materials ca. E250. Had diesel filter error, took the thing out, soaked & cl;eaned. Engine check light came back soon. But the exhaust gas easily passes Euro 5 specs every year. So, no more dpf cleaning/replacement until really needed! 40k miles driven.... Happy camper& engine light on forever!

[CCI-lvhr]

Great video! Looking to get a pre-facelift at 120k miles. This video will be very helpful.

[kani]

220 CDI from 2011 is literally immortal!

[williamkennedy]

W212 My rear subframe failed due rust, a known fault on the Es and Cs Mercedes replaced it free of charge, however they managed to charge me £1200 for four road springs and rear brake lines, since they replaced these items the car sit nose down, and they tell me nothing to do with them ! Other problems are rusted rear brake disc covers again an expensive item to replace and i also had a blown manifold its made of plastic and is a common fault its a big job to replace, non merc garages will charge around £1000. I get silly messages and parking assist fails at times.
I also own a 1990 R129 300 SL, the quality of the car is far better than the E class. My next move will be to the S class W222. A glutton for punishment me thinks ! Anyone can buy a used Mercedes running one is an entirely different matter and costly.

[milank]

J have e 250 2011 avangarde with 320000. Automatic, wagon. Everything is great, j love it. Service B when needed and drive. Hello from Serbia

[eomahony]

Very thorough, detailed and logical. Thanks a lot!

[denalisiomontpellier]

I had both the 2013 e class 550 4 matic and the 2012 audi S6...I prefer the sport handling and superb comfort of the audi, it's substantially better than the benz...however that e class facelifting still appear solid inside and out after more than 10 years...way better than the pre-facelifting

[witsend]

The best or nothing ! Used to be like that. Many years ago.

[TiptronicSS]

I have the facelift and I love it a lot! What an epic car, 1 billion for a facelift?! 😅
But the rear subframe rust is annoying, it's supposedly under extended warranty for 20 years. But the dealers just won't change it unless it's broken or about to collapse. Mercedes is fully ignoring customers on that issue.

[andykor]

I like to know if buying a 180, 000 km millage car is a good buy?