Old Mercedes-Benz E-Class - what to expect?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the German manufacturer's most popular models, and the W212 generation is now available at relatively reasonable prices, making it especially popular in the used car market. That's why Autoweek experts looked at the strengths and weaknesses of the luxury sedan so that potential buyers can evaluate whether it's worth the money. And also what pitfalls to expect when they need to service or repair the car.
The W212 business sedan generation came out in 2009, when the Stuttgart-based company equipped the model with a wide range of powertrains. Among them are gasoline and diesel engines ranging from 1,8 to 6,2 liters. In 2013, the E-Class underwent a major overhaul, during which Mercedes-Benz engineers eliminated some of the technical shortcomings of the model.
Body
Among the strengths of the E-Class is the excellent paintwork on the body, which protects against minor scratches and corrosion. If you still see rust under the wings or on the thresholds, this most likely means that the car was in a car accident, after which its owner simply decided to save money on repairs.
Mechanics familiar with servicing the model recommend cleaning the niche under the windshield, as it often contains mostly leaves that clog the openings. This will not damage the case, but if water gets on the cables, problems with the electrical system may occur.
Engines
Upon reaching a mileage of 90 km for the E-Class, extensive maintenance is provided, in which the timing belt is replaced without fail. The prospective purchaser should note if it has been replaced. The 000-liter engine requires special attention, as its chain is quite thin (almost like a bicycle) and wears out quickly. If not replaced, it can break and cause serious engine damage.
There are also ideal diesel engines of the OM651 series, which are available in different power ratings. They are equipped with piezo injectors, which over time begin to leak, which leads to damage to the pistons and the engine, respectively.
This forced Mercedes to organize a service campaign in which the injectors of all engines produced after 2011 were replaced with electromagnetic ones. The fuel injection control unit has also been replaced. Therefore, it is advisable to check whether the car you like has undergone this procedure.
Transmission
The most common automatic transmission of the E-Class (W212) is a 5-speed automatic transmission of the 722.6 series. Experts note that this is one of the most reliable gearboxes ever on the market, and it should not cause problems for the car owner even with a mileage of 250 km.
However, this does not apply to the 7G-tronic transmission - the 722.9 series, which cannot boast of such mileage. Its main drawback is the failure of the hydraulic unit, as well as frequent overheating, which can create even more serious problems.
Chassis
The weak point of all modifications of the sedan, regardless of the engine and gearbox, is the wheel bearings, which wear out quickly due to the relatively large weight of the car. Sometimes they only need to be replaced after a run of 50 km.
Owners of the all-wheel drive versions of the E-Class, in turn, complain of cracks in the tire, which protects the joints from water and dirt. If this problem is not eliminated, it is necessary to replace the hinges themselves, which is not cheap at all. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly check and replace the rubber fuses if necessary.
To buy or not?
When choosing a Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212), be sure to try to find out if the owner has changed the timing chain, otherwise you will have to do it. Remember that this is a premium car that will remain that way even after 10-11 years. This means expensive and complex service, as well as higher tax and insurance costs.
The interest that thieves traditionally show in Mercedes cars cannot be overlooked. So with an E-Class like this, you can see yourself on an adventure, but on the other hand, with a little more attention and, if you're lucky, you can end up with a really great car.
