Should You Buy a MERCEDES E CLASS ESTATE? (Test Drive & Review S212 E350 CDI)
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- Опубліковано 30 кві 2022
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Today I'm in this 2011 Mercedes E350 CDI Estate. Let's see what it's like...
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#highpeakautos #mercedeseclass #mercedes #S212 - Авто та транспорт
My favorite-looking car. It's sedate, calming, and luxurious. I love that it's not over-styled but rather it's elegant and stately. I live in the US and whenever I go to New England's coast under every massive beach house and gated victorian house there is an E-class wagon. I think it shows that you are comfortable in life and don't need a huge SUV or truck to show off your wealth. It's understated but stylish, without being pretentious and ghastly, much like an old stone mansion that's been around for hundreds of years.
Perfect comment!! Same here in australia, respect a wagon owner
B
bit exaggerated but fair comment : ). I prefer a Volvo but I respect this
@@Cloud007. Volvos are my second favorite-looking cars. That led headlight design is fabulous!
I have a late 2011 250 CDI Avantgarde - plenty of power and even stop start enabled.
It's great to see your car reviews, with a real-world perspective. Much better than hearing about how the wheelbase has been increased by 3.4 millimetres, scratchy plastics on the sunglasses holder release toggle, a promise of 41.97 mpg on the urban city countryside motorway cycle, and wheels that look great because the tyres look like elastic bands.
Early 50s, but (hopefully) not with one foot in the grave, so I went for the E350 CDI coupe, which I love. Perfect for the 120 mile run to the airport car park - and at 50+ mpg, gets better mileage than my A380 ✈️
I own a 2013 W212 E350cdi it is without a doubt the best car I’ve ever owned. It is silky smooth and as you said, effortless to drive. It seem to thread it way through traffic. The V6 twin turbo 3 litre is well on top of the job and I’d also silky smooth.
Now with just over 60000 on the clock, very few repairs and problems. Fuel usage isnt great and I average 32 to the gallon combined, however you’re not going to get a 265hp car doing 60mpg and on balance I think it is very efficient for its size.
Another great, honest and funny review. Loved your lifestyle of an E Class driver comments - spot on - made me chuckle.
“Oooh, Peugeot 205 GTI” - love it.
I had a 320 V6 petrol 210 wagon for years and handed it down to my sister with 200k miles on and it is still going strong. One of the best cars I’ve ever owned…
I also loved the rear facing seats that popped up out of the boot floor. The kids preferred to travel there as they had 270 degree visibility out of those big rear windows on three sides
Another good review as usual, much prefer this editing style than that of the recent lexus video, simplicitity is key and as the famous saying goes if it aint broke dont fix it, keep up the good work.
Have owned a 2013 E350 gas-engine wagon for about 6 months, very little to complain about. Fantastic all-around do-it-all car. Wish Merc had sold the diesel wagons in the USA, that’s about the only way it could be better!
As an owner of a 2008 CLS 500 from new and with 52K miles it has to be said that the reliability and running/repair costs incurred are no better than my previous 14 year old Jaguar XJ40 6 litre V12. The days of "built like a tank" Mercs are long gone.
You’ve barely driven it!
@@Alexander_l322 All the more reason why it should be reliable!
Yes youre right
@@alanhunter2009 I agree and I was just surprised because that’s very low mileage
Merc stopped making proper cars about 1994.
I had a 2013, it was brilliant, and with a set of wheels with winter tyres on a dream..... the Avantgarde spec was very good and had useful features and few gimmicks.
Brilliant brilliant characterisation of the target ownership. What is worrying is having had one of these excellent cars, I can see just how relatable your comments are. Excellent review! As ever!
I have the same car, same age, same engine. Love it. Had it for a few years and have no plans to replace it. I am normally bored of a car by now.
After a stage 1 remap, its running at 290 bhp and drives effortlessly. Only ever had problems with the airmatic suspension but nothing I couldn't fix myself.
I've been enjoying these reviews for some time now and this hss been one of the most entertaining yet. I'm in my early 60s I cracked up at your observations, keep them coming!
Slightly above my price range but so tempting...👍😉
Haha thanks for watching
My thoughts exactly :)
Agreed - best ever spot the typical buyer - superb observations.
I looked at these, but was put off by the Mercedes dealership and just Mercedes' attitude in general. Worth mentioning that most of these aren't ULEZ compliant. Purchased a Volvo V90 instead, so now ready to join the National Trust.
The Mercedes we went to was the friendliest and least pushy main dealer I’ve been to. That being said someone reversed into the car we were viewing with a tow bar and cracked the bumper, and one salesman was very inexperienced. Car also had a dead battery due to being sat during covid. Didn’t buy that one needless to say lol
@@youraveragejoe1 That's a shame, but for a main dealer it just shouldn't be like that. Well, in general for any dealership. Their lack of effort (I know you can't help somebody reversing into the car) resulted in you going elsewhere and was still a waste of your time made even worse if you've had to travel far. It's a shame, I do like some Mercedes cars but due to multiple dealerships I won't touch one - there's also a really good independent Mercedes specialist near to me, so I really wanted to get an E Class. Volvo were great, so helpful, not pushy, let me test drive a couple of cars even after I said I was just looking and wanted to sit in a couple. Spent a few hours there (I then went to a nearby Skoda garage to look at a Superb, which wasn't a patch on the V90) and so far can't say much bad about Volvo. Parts prices are expensive (I needed a couple of trim parts as they were damaged on the car. Not sure about servicing yet as the car is due very soon and needs booking in) but I cannot fault the workmanship from their garage and I'm very picky when it comes to people working on my car and everything being just as good, if not better compared to when the car arrived. Car now has 48k on it, had 43k in January and had no problems at all. Being the D5 and AWD it's not great on fuel and I think is far from the official MPG figures, but that's it.
Ok I love all your videos but this one stands out by an imperial mile. Your commentary is spot on, more like a seated stand up than a simple review. It was funny and still very informative, it made me giggle several times. Thanks for the funny 10 minutes, Matt! 😎
Very kind of you to say so. Thanks
This is a brilliant review , had me chuckling throughout!!
Hi Matt-Thanks for the great video, delivered in the usual interesting and confident style....lovely looking cars, and as you say the space inside is amazing.....I have had 3 e-class estates, all with the rear facing row of extra child seats which folded into the floor...... first a pre-owned w124 series, which was iconic and fantastic. The w210 and w211 were both collected new from the Sindlefingen factory near Stuttgart and driven home to N.Ireland. The 210 had big rust issues....the 211 was on turbo number 3 in 80k miles.....it broke my heart. I loved the cars especially the straight six 3.0 diesels which simply "hurtled to order on a sea of torque..".....but the dealers were poor, expensive and frankly "unfit for purpose". My 211 was one of the first V6's and the dealer had to practically rebuild the engine after the first few months to sort out a very annoying rattle on idle...they had it for 9 weeks! When the third & final turbo was replaced I received a 6 month warranty on the work and realised I had 6 months to get rid of the car.....I bought an ex-SEAT fleet car from Milton-Keynes, a few months old with 3k miles on it...a 2.0 tdi Exeo ST....the mildly re-worked B7 platform A4 Avant. Still have it...103,000 miles and still on the first turbo! Seems to be living up to the standard dictated by my B5 Passat which I sold with 320k miles and original turbo. Thanks again for the great channel.
I'm late 30's and I've just bought this exact car in silver with black interior. 77000 miles £11500. I love it!!!!
Bought one of these last week 2011 e350 cdi, I absolutely love it… it just feels effortless, like it could do anything.
Another great review Matt. The interior is typical Mercedes of the era. Reminds me of my old Mk 2 B class.
Timely! I sourced one of these but with 7-seats for my brother-in-law last week. Will be replacing the same car but of 2007 vintage.
Currently at the local garage having, you guessed it - new rear airbags and EGR haha!
Thanks Matt, really enjoyable, accurate and funny vid!
Cheers,
Chris
Haha it’s a common issue. Good cars though
The front headlight design has grown on me overtime. I hated them a few years back but seeing them more I’ve started to like it.
Hi Matt. Have we met? I'm 59 and just looking to change my car. At the moment I drive a 56 plate Volvo XC70 and looking to buy a Mercedes E class. Truth be told but if Volvo still did the XC with 7 seat option I would probably stick with Volvo. Don't want an SUV so the best option is the E class.
Fantastic channel, always looking forward to the next review. Keep up the good work.
Your humour on this one was absolutely spot on.. very amusing
Great car! I have a 2015 E220 AMG line estate and it’s one of the best daily driver cars I have ever owned. It was only two years old when I bought it and it’s now done just over 137k miles without any issues at all. The only issue I’ve started to experience recently is sagging rear suspension (air bags etc and sensor issue that is prevalent on these) and will cost around £1k quoted by my Mercedes specialist. It only sags when I’ve not used it for about a week or so. Other than that, it’s been faultless. Im lucky enough to have a couple of toys in the garage and this just makes a really nice alternative long distance cruiser that you can also enjoy a road trip or two with your mates with the benefit of a large boot. Hoping to upgrade to a W213 20MY in the next year or so. Mercedes seem to have the stealth wealth image on their estate cars down to perfection. I’m in my early forties and can see myself being loyal to this brand and model. Hope this helps. Happy motoring
I bought the euro6 AMG version and it is an absolutely wonderful. This channel is so addictive, by far the best real world car review channel out there. Thanks.
Thanks!
I’ve got an E220 Bluetec 2016. I’m 40 & love it. Plenty of power, great on a long run or short. Pretty fuel efficient. The boot area with the backseats folded flat is huge.
Along with the oil cooler leak as mentioned the other two common faults would be glow plug control Relay & the swirl motor fails so the flap defaults to its normal position which is open (unless it's jammed) ..you can replace or buy a plug with a resistor to fool the computer 👍
Thank you for an excellent review once again on the Avant garde😊
Love the 350d engine soo smooth and plenty of torque. I've only been a passenger but as a passenger it's a good experience
I had a facelift 350d AMG line night edition estate - by far the best car I've had. Replaced it with a GLE350 .... dreadful mistake. Slower, much more expensive, less usable space, hardly any difference in tech, and much more thirsty.
Worth noting on the practicality front, the rear parcel shelf weighs an absolute ton, and there's nowhere to put it if you need to remove it.
Put the parcel shelf behind the front seats, under the folded rear seat backs. That is where I put mine.
I agree. The parcel shelf is like the heaviest roller blind ever made.
Owned 3 S212's 350d up to 2018 before changing to a 350d Gle. All of them including the GLE have been superb cars. That v6 diesel has as m7ch power and torque as you'd want and more.
I agree with lesser usable room ( floor length) in the GLE but you would have known that before you purchased.
I'll leave you with a Jeremy Clarkson quote on tge E Class Estate " It's the only car you'd ever need - it does everything and does it well"
Love the 212 E Class.... Looks great.
Nice one Matt! You couldn’t ask for more in terms of space, elegance and statute. Lovely merc!
Couldn't agree more!
Amazing review. Loved the analogy of the manual gearbox to raisins in a curry haha.
JRG best name for a car colour ever.
This sounds like an advert to get it sold off your forecourt, swear it's been on there forever 😂
Its almost like its an unpopular colour... Who'd have thought it?!
@@HighPeakAutos agreed
Well Matt true Its a lovely and very underrated car and its now parked in my driveway along with my old volvo, and half a dozen or so other cars in my collection, as you will now know the cup holders were in the boot so now that they are re fitted the sliding cover works as its should. I used to have a 53 plate E320 CDI of the previous model which I stupidly sold to buy a van for work.......I have to thank you all at High Peak for the quality of the buying experience, the best I have ever had anywhere!
Hi Matt, I really enjoy watching your videos. They’re very realistic. Could you please do a review of the second generation CLK?
These seem to represent MB getting back on track with build quality follow that horrendous period in the late 90s and early 2000s. I’d absolutely consider one.
Had 2 of these in my family until recently. Dad has e220cdi avantgarde estate with the 5spd auto and my brother had an e250cdi amg line estate with the 7spd dct gearbox. My dad's has been very relaible on the whole aside from the rear suspension issue which required 2 new bags and pipes replaced from the compressor. My brother's wasn't quite so relaible and he certainly made use of the extended Merc warranty he had with it 😂
However, both cars were good fuel and there should not be any rust on these cars as they come with a 30 year paint warranty on them!
That retractable cubby hole compartment can be 2 cupholders. You can get an insert only about £40. Definitely worth buying.
I remember that review and I wouldn't be embarrassed about it as it got you to where you are. Love your reviews.
The old owner has commented on the video, they are under boot floor
Another great review, keep up the good work : )
I drive a 2013 (last year of production) 7-seater R-Class with a 3.5-litre diesel engine. Absolutely brilliant fuel efficiency, space for days, and the most comfortable drive in existence on Canadian highways. Just has an airbag switched out. Service these beasts twice a year and they will last forever.
Matt, There are cup holders in the w/s 212 . It’s a separate fitting that slots into the sliding compartment in the centre console. I really enjoyed the video and your “observations” on the typical driver. I’ve had a 2010 e350cdi w212 for 2 years now and it’s been great and no problems at all in over 20k miles. Sadly, I’m selling it at the moment as I don’t do the miles anymore. Keep up the good work!
I bought a e350 sport a few months back and was disappointed not to have the cup holders, not something I looked at to be honest. I managed to find the cup holders on ebay for £19, so no a big issue.
37 yrs old and just bought my first estate. Just can't get passed the looks of the E class, went with the BMW F11 and really happy with it.
Had 2 F11’s after initially looking at the E-class, you won’t be disappointed. Hopefully you went for a 6 cylinder diesel? 👍
I watched this with my lass, I recently bottled buying a 2011 e250 cdi and she was over the moon citing the fact that it's an old mans car. Thank you for proving her right and me 38 going on 60.
My mate has one of these in white , great car so comfortable , had a small issue with the rear air bag on suspension, just looks so nice. He looks after it so well, but he is thinking of changing it.
I had a previous hen e320 cdi estate a few years ago , great car.
It had a few issues rust included but overall I loved it
Why anyone would choose a suv over a quality estate like this always always amazes me
Love the description, I nearly bought one of these a few years ago but opted for a V60 R-design instead. If I was in the market for a replacement I have to say I'd go for the Jaguar XF Sportsbrake 3.0l.
Thank you for the review. E-class is definitelly a good choise. As an idea - running cost estimates for a used car would be realy helpfull. regular service, cost of common repairs, etc...
Beautiful example ...i love it.
The commentary is hilarious it suits the car perfectly matt.
Class car and likewise, video production 😎
Thank you!
Best looking E Class ever imo
Bloody good car, that. And another excellent review, thank you
Well, Matt, despite the fact that you gently took the piss most of the way through the review(!) I would say this is comfortably the best car you've reviewed in a long time! It makes a refreshing, classy change from all that Land rover stuff you seem to have a bizarre fetish about - most of which seem to be stupidly expensive to own/maintain, or stupidly unreliable, or stupidly BIG - or a depressing combination of the above!!
Well done for showing us a classy, good looking, practical, affordable vehicle you can look smugly down on other drivers while driving - and in a National Trust approved colour.....what's not to like..?!?!
Thank you! I enjoyed doing this one
Thank you for listening and bringing back the l/100km's!!!
In my early 40s and got a w211 320 cdi, it's perfect in every way. Engine is brilliant for the job both locally and on the motorway. Also a 7 seater for those "both kids want a friend to come" moments.
They’re very handy for that
Owned an old 230 estate , manual and it was like a rocket ship, had to sell it before I went ott on the run home from work, this qas not what I expected at all, it was really for 2 dogs and the joy and simplicity of it was mind blowing and yet you wouldnt have thought that from just looking at it. Really like this model, looled at them recently so thank you for this. Hahahaha a flask person you are on it.
Love your vidz man,,,ur really good at it
Thanks!
I've got one and it's brilliant.
That's a lovely motor.
Agreed diesels need a good run and many buy for the wrong reason and ruin a good motor.
Bought my diesel secondhand at 3 years old with very few miles on the clock but it had obviously only been used for the school run and supermarkets as the EGR valve went within weeks of picking it up.
Main dealership replaced under warranty and 7 years later it still runs like clockwork because it's being driven correctly.
Very funny - You were talking about me. A lot of home truths all in one. Well done Matt.
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent cars, massive load space. Mine had cup holders in the front storage compartment
Yep that compartment has a drop in cupholder bracket that can be removed. Looks like the previous owner did just that.
I took my cupholders out... I'm not a fat yank.
@@JamesSmith-vz8yr 🤣
I've been running one of these (2009 S212 E250cdi (201bhp)) for the last 6 years, brilliant, roomy, sufficiently fast, fairly economical and effortless to drive (I'm 65 and in the NT!) I tend to do quite a few miles and use it everyday. Now on 192K miles and still going strong (I'll probably regret saying that now!) No body corrosion BUT beware the rear subframe rot. Mine was over 10 years old, but Mercedes kindly replaced for me free of charge, with a new air bag too. My MB specialist tells me they are seeing quite a few rear subframe issues on C Class, SLKs etc. too now. Worth a look if buying. Great video and commentary. Thanks. Nick (Cornwall)
My 2001 E200K just ticked over into 90000miles, love it for a relaxing drive the last of the straight forward Mercedes, I had a 2008 S class only for a month as the airmatic system failed so I returned it to the dealer, it was not fun driving that with the arse dragging along the road.
I genuinely chuckled throughout this.
My favourite wagon is the CLS Shooting Brake. Hope to see you getting your hands on one soon.
Informative and amusing, especially 'just like Arkwright's till'.
I am actually thinking of this model, so thank you
Would love to see a video on the face-lifted version of this e class coupe or the modern one!
Love the dry wit and understated sarcasm, makes I laff.
I drive a W212, same engine, a dream to drive it. Thanks for the video
love my 2015 Mercedes ML W166, its the perfect allrounder , go anywhere 4x4 , frugal , well built , pure brilliance & so effortlessl & so reliable !
Cheeky swine, I'm 34 and just bought a facelifted E350 estate night edition. My first Merc. It's impeccable, the power delivery is instant, and it just pulls and pulls. Mated with the 9gtronic box, it's absolute bliss. And coming from an L200 it's definitely a step up 🤣
Great video as usual 👍🏻
I'm in my late 50's, and I guess too middle-class for a 3 Series Touring, as I find this very appealing in this spec, except for the diesel. With a 6cyl petrol, it would be my idea of a family wagon. I think my dogs would also like it.
All that said; it's horses for courses. I have also come to appreciate the ultility and command driving position that SUVs offer. I also like GTs and high-end sports cars. The only things I've grown out of are small sports cars, and to a large extent, hatch backs.
IMO, Audis are increasingly vulgar, BMW continues the last two decades of hit and miss designs, VW has quickly gone down market, the French have largely lost the plot, maybe Jaguar, too...etc, etc, etc. I appreciate Toyota and Lexus, but for the most part they don't do it for me.
However, Merecedes is also a mixed bag. It's neither a brand of universal class and sophistication, nor a brand of universal quality.
AMG in and of itself is fine, but just like BMW branding almost everything not actually M as M Sport, Mercedes branding almost everything not actually AMG as AMG is highly questionable. For BMW, it's a little easier to forgive, because it markets itself as a brand for driving enthusiasts. But, for Mercedes, I think it dilutes the supposedly classy M-Benz brand in favour of the brutish M-AMG brand. IMO, the twain should not meet.
This particular Mercedes still delivers that feeling of old money that Merc estates used to do so well. It's understated elegance and quiet sophisication combined with take anywhere utility. It's equally suitable for business, the school run, shopping, golfing, or just the golf club, an adeventure day, a day out in the country, or at the races, a journey to the seaside, a family holiday or a road trip, going to the pub, or a restaurant, a concert, or to the opera.
This era of Mercedes estate can do it all without too many people thinking you're a show off. And it's really somewhat classless. It doesn't reek of new money, but it doesn't say you don't have much, either. It keeps such matters strictly between the owner and the bank manager.
In many ways, I think driving a car like this gives a not too dissimilar impression to that of a VW Golf. Not quite classless, but it's not overtly pretentious, and declares a bit more individuality/personality/character than a Golf; in a positive way, IMO.
Not that you should buy any car for what others may think! Ideally a car should be an outward expression of your personality and make you feel good driving it.
However, for me that would have me driving a high-end sports car and looking like I've just won the lottery all the time. Not that it would really bother me, if indeed that really were the case.
It's just that most of the time, most people need something more utilitarian, and unless they need to show off all the time, I think most people want to mostly go under the radar.
I think this is the kind of car that offers all the ultility most people need, while expressing a little bit of personality, yet largely going under the radar.
And let's face it, SUVs have become all too common. ;)
Good review on a very nice car.
Nice review Matt, great car to aspire to, one day ?
W212 is the best quality Mercedes I ever owned. I have had two cars during a total of 10 years and the only problem I have had is one leaking suspension strut (Airmatic), Other than that not one single small problem whatsoever.
Agree 100% 6 cyl diesel is the best choice, my first car was a 220cdi and current 350cdi feels so much more luxurious with its smooth effortless power.
Nice!
I have a 2012 E250 Diesel and it's wonderful. I disagree about getting the later model too - you lose the bonnet ornament after 2012, which was the end of an era imho.
True
In Sweden and Germany at least you could get either one also on the facelift.
I have the 2011 model like the one in the video but unfortunately it doesn't have the bonnet ornament either.
Yes the Elegance is rare but you get the 9-gtronic instead, like mine 2016 250 diesel. 1400 rpm in 120 kmh.
@@martinsvensson6884 You can even get it even on w213, the next gen. You just have to opt for the luxury package with disgusting wheels.
I love these videos
Thanks!
Nice one, Matt... No woody though!!
I valet one of these on a regular basis, the family also have an A class of the same year and the E class is much higher quality in all areas which is interesting to see.
That infernal rattle was doing my nut in! Was that the car or one of your camera mountings? Other than that usual high quality stuff from you Matt 👍
" Lufthansa mileage " so entertaining, I really enjoy Matts videos.
W212 especially with AMG trim is a nice looking car which has aged well. It has that timeless look to it.
On the space of the estate. I’ve got a 5 series salon, and moved home. Borrowed my colleagues estate e class, can confirm you can fit a king size mattress in the boot with the seats down to take to the tip. Really was staggered.
Looks like a modern w124, love it!
Open all hours reference in another great review
Some particularly good one-liners in this one. "and this interior colour can best be described as National Trust approved". Love it (and I am a National Trust member)
In Sweden we always rocking estate!
Arkwright till 🤣🤣👍 another great review and video. Keep up the excellent work 👏 👍 👌
Thanks for watching
I'm reminded of The Last of the Summer Wine when I watch these videos. That's good.
Loving the estate reviews...any chance you could review the 09-13 Skoda Octavia Estate!? Not many review of them out there! Cheers!
I've had w123, w124, w210, and now... w212 diesel estates - this one is, like the w123, the essence of "ask someone to draw a picture of a car - and they draw this". Just such a useful tool, whether hitting the tip or ferrying the family. in an ideal world the s212 diesel would be the standard! Have driven across Australia in this (and the w123) - it's boss! P.s. i've never been in one where that front compartment cover works properly.
I have one of these E250 from new since 2011. 240,000 miles on it and a hugely practical car.
This looks in fantastic condition! Looks almost new. Previous owner must have looked after it properly. As you say an awful lot of car for the money.
I had one and there's usually cup holders in that little front compartment. Also I really loved that car then issues started pilling up at 140k with the oil cooler seals, the ISM... and a few other things, but before that it was 6 years of pure bliss
What engine did you have?
@@the-boring-car-guy E350 CDI 3.0 diesel 231hp
Interesting. I was looking into those. How much did it run you yearly if you don't mind my asking
@@the-boring-car-guy Road tax was about 220 and insurance 800, did the maintenance myself
Hmm interesting. I'll keep that in mind then
Great stuff as usual, National Trust approved :)
I had one of these - really excellent. The 5 series to me is no competition. Lots of very good advice here about running this diesel ... and diesels in general. Mine was a 220 but the 350 looks a good bet.