[blackwasp]

The W212 is the 4th generation E-Class that had its worldwide debut in Europe in '09. You'll get V6 petrol and diesel engines, as well as the workhorse 4-cylinder diesel. The handsome facelift was launched in 2013. These cars are available in the market from prices as low as 9 lakhs for the earlier models and around 15 - 17 lakhs for top-class newer ones.

The E-Class is Mercedes' bread & butter sedan. It has been the car of choice for old-moneyed business folk, while BMW & Audi are perceived as being more fresh and young at heart. The E-Class doesn't shout 'fun to drive' or 'on the edge', but the 2013 facelift was designed to appeal to a younger, more diverse customer base. One thing for sure - this W212 E-Class has a timeless appeal, and can still turn heads.

Positives

• Jack of all trades, master of some. All-rounded nature
• Top-notch build & quality, inside out
• Best-in-class rear seat comfort. Waaaaay superior to the 5-Series
• Superb V6 engines, especially the E350 diesel
• Balanced ride quality + handling. Outstanding brakes
• 5-star safety & technology
• Beautifully engineered. The small touches will make you smile
• Maintained as per Merc guidelines and you'll easily see 200,000+ km (just ask European taxi owners)
• Lots of value-for-money. You can get an immaculate piece for 12 - 16 lakhs
• Has aged well. Looks handsome, even today

Negatives

• Not as much fun to drive as the same-price BMWs
• Major repairs can be eye-wateringly expensive
• Some problem areas are there (including the air-con)
• Forget the authorised dealer; you'll need a very competent independent garage
• Be prepared to spend some time & effort in its upkeep
• Steering at high speeds is lighter than we prefer
• V6 engines deliver just 6 - 7 kmpl in the city
• Not as well-equipped as its rivals

Related Threads

• Official Review

• raj981's E350 ownership review

• cityvic's E250 CDI Launch Edition

• crux's E250 CDI

Mod Potential:

Very high mod potential, being an incredibly popular model worldwide. You can get anything you want, including a tuning box, body kits, interior enhancements, suspension / brake upgrades & more. With the internet & your credit card, you can customise your E-Class anyway you want.


Source

Here are some examples we found interesting (2010 44,300 km E350, 2011 29,500 km E250 CDI, 2012 33,000 km E200, 2012 42,800 km E350 CDI, 2013 32,000 km E250 CDI)

Here are pictures of the 2010 E350 petrol - 44,000 km done, with an asking price of Rs. 10 lakhs.

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Indian Car Scene. Thanks for sharing!

This is an incredibly special, well-engineered and long lasting Mercedes. Importantly, it's from a time when Mercedes started making improvements in quality & reliability (although still not perfect). What's more, the backseat is the best in class, making it more suited to family usage than BMW.

Still, I have to vote for NO. Reason = The F10 5-Series. I can get really good examples for 15 - 18 lakhs. Compared to the W212, the 530d scores higher on reliability, engine sharpness & rev-happiness, gearbox speed and driving pleasure. The main disadvantage is rear seat space, but I can live with that (actually, I am living with that).

[Balthazar]

Originally Posted by GTO

Still, I have to vote for NO

Agreed, voted NO as well.

After a period where Mercs were infamously unreliable, MB had changed tracks and was spending more time, energy and money on focusing on reliability. But they were still far from being what they used to be, or what they are now.

A decent 5 series would be more reliable, more fun to drive, easier to maintain, and therefore easier to live, relatively easier on the pocket, provided you wish to drive it yourself, and the rear leg room isn't an issue.

[asit.kulkarni93]

I have always been a BMW guy barring the W124/126/140 but the W212 facelift when launched made a very strong case. I have been a sucker for the 530d till I drove the E350 CDi which felt like an amazing package- Comfortable, Powerful and Relaible(I have seen examples done 100-150k kms and they drove really well). I love the E60 and G30 but don’t find the F10 as special as it’s successor and it’s predecessor. On the other hand I really like the W211 and the W212 facelift. I am going to definitely consider this for my parents whenever we look for our next car- It’s a very good package especially the 350 CDi.

[lamborghini]

Voted YES here.

I really like this car for it's build & ride compared to the newer E Class. For some reason expect this to be a lot more easier to live with as well compared to the newer V213.

A good pre-owned example (around 25L) would be a great buy for those looking at cruising / being driven around town.
The enthusiasts would prefer the 5 series, but unless it is a 530D - the mainstream E250d strikes a fair balance between practicality & fun compared to the mainstream 520D & the E350 CDI is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

[AnInternetUser]

Woah, never knew we had a "pre worshipped car of the week" series. It's a great idea!

While I voted "YES", I feel the decision is not that simple. If it was going to be the only car I owned, I'd probably go with the 530d because, well, 530d. However, if I had a sportier second car, I'd go with the W212. The added comfort and cushiness seals the deal for me, TBH.

I'm not sure how different the maintenance costs are for the W212 vs its competition, but I assume they all range between "a bit pricey" to "Hey Siri how much can I sell my kidney for". So either way, a good buffer would be required.

[turbowhistle]

Voted Yes, my ex-boss in TCS had it and it was really fun. The leg space would rival 7 series ( Can't even compare 5 to it). This thing has to be experienced especially the 350 CDI.

Looks very handsome with the quad headlamp setup and makes a very strong case if you are not a enthusiast or want to be chauffeur driven around town.

PS. Loving the "pre worshipped car of the week" series ( on my 4th pre-worshipped car so I can related totally)

[84.monsoon]

Voted a big Yes.

• These cars run as taxis in UK and Germany and the drivers swear by them. The Diesel models are work-horses that easily run 500,000 KMs without a hitch.
• The 4-cylinder models are highly fuel efficient especially on highway runs and have range in excess of 1000 kms to a tankful.
• These cars looks so elegant and timeless even today and look like new with only a polish job.
• Quality of materials used is excellent, they are hard-wearing too- take a look inside a used one. The quality of materials is so good there is hardly ever a wrinkle in the leather or scratches on the dash even after 100,000 kms and a decade of usage
• Smooth and powerful V6 engine and air-suspension make the E-350 a connoisseurs' car. It can also become a collectors car in a few decades since they last so long.
• These cars are available at mouth watering prices. A 2010 W212 goes for as less as 9 Lakhs and the face-lifted 2014 models are listed for around 17 lakhs. Even the 6-cylinder E350s models are available for around 14 lakhs. A comparable 530D of similar vintage is at least 2-3 lakhs more expensive.
• Also, the 2014 face-lift, the front of the car looks almost identical to the current W213 models.

[McLaren Rulez]

10-15L for a proper full size modern Merc? 100% yes!!

Of course, the Merc vs BMW arguments will go on but the reality is you can't go that wrong with either choice. They are far more similar than they are different. If you find a well-maintained example at the right price, the badge becomes irrelevant.

[Flyer]

Voted No. I would anyday choose the 5 series over E class. The 5 being more sportier and reliable will definitely suit me more as an enthusiast.

[sridharj77]

Voted No, since older Mercs can be expensive to maintain in India. Unless you know the person very well, many of these cars have odometer tampers, parts replaced with junk ones and inability to find competent independent mechanics in many Tier-2 cities.

[Sree]

Voted no.
Not knowledgeable enough to not get cheated while buying such an old car.
If this forum can somehow get together to launch a team BHP reviewed old car section, I am sure that there will be many willing to pay for it.

[avishar]

To tell you the truth I am quite surprised at that fact that one can pick up a 2011 Mercedes E-Class with 44k on the odo for just Rs 10 lakhs?!

I mean even if I were to set aside another Rs 5 lakhs for immediate post purchase servicing, like water pumps, AC, suspension, reconditioning of interior, that is a great buy, is it not?

I mean W212 is really quite modern and is not a big stretch in terms of coping with an aged interior.

[fiestarry]

Mouth watering prices and recent detailing of engine bay, tyres and dashboard apart, what kind of buyer would look at a 8-10 year old luxury car at around 15 lakhs ?

Someone for whom the Merc name is everything ?
Someone for whom German engineering is beyond reproach?
Someone for whom huge maintenance bills and poor spares availability are acceptable?
Someone who has the money to have an extra luxury car ( visibly older) as an occasional drive?
Someone who has money to burn but not enough of it ?

I remember GTO reminding readers that the spare parts for a hugely depreciated ten year old Merc is the same as for a new car.

I have voted no !

[ArjunPadmakumar]

Yap!

The w212 E classes especially the 2013 model year just before the facelift(with the dark interiors,updated instrument cluster,and 3 spoke steering), and the face-lift itself, which personally I feel is just not as elegant but a lot more modern and reliable, along with an updated gearbox is something I have been lusting to own at some point in 3 to 5 years especially in its E350 cdi guise.

This is despite the fact that every time I glance at a well maintained one, I am reminded by one of my practical friends to lust after a reliable Honda or Toyota instead. But that still hasn't stopped me from my weekly visit to Olx(even though I cant buy them today!). The only thing that makes me more weak in the knees are the 530ds and occasional Jaguar XFS! Hopefully some day!