Maintenance updates on my 15+ year old German luxury cars

After crossing 1,48,000 kms, I think the W212 E-class well deserves an excellent reliability rating.

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Mercedes-Benz E350

The E350 has run 1,48,000 kms now. I have recently purchased a 2015 Pajero Sport 4x4 MT and thought of selling the E350. But considering the resale value I was getting for the car, I am planning to retain it till 2,00,000 and then consider upgrading to a more recent used luxury car in the future.

A key factor in retaining the E350 is it's reliability, other than a clogged EGR which is common in all high mileage luxury diesels, it has been a touchwood so far. The value proposition with this car in unmatchable.

In the pros I had listed good reliability but after crossing 1,48,000 kms, I think the W212 E well deserves an excellent reliability rating.

BMW 530D E60

The 530D has run 1,10,000 kms now. The reason for the low running is because of the downtime relating to AC, headlights and infotainment issues. The AC and headlight issues have been sorted and the infotainment issue is still pending to be resolved. Though there are niggles I would still go by the average reliability rating instead of a bad reliability rating considering it is a 15 year old complex German.

I would like to make a correction regarding the ride quality of the E60 generation. The front struts were not replaced initially since they were thought to be in good condition but they were worn out and replaced eventually. Also the tyres were RFT's previously and changed to Vredestein Ultra Vorti tubeless. After these two changed the ride quality is miles better and can certainly be used as a family car by all means. I would give a rating of 9 for the E350's ride quality with struts that are run more than 80,000 kms and give a 7 for the 530D with new struts. That's how impressive the E350's ride quality is and the BMW is certainly liveable for sure.

Considering the joy this car brings to me and the amount time and money I have spent in improving it's condition, I am planning to retain it atleast till 1,50,000 (maybe till 2,00,000 kms also) and then consider upgrading to a more recent used performance car in the future.

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