little story about my S550 Mercedes … took it to the shop for oil change , shop said turbos are leaking oil , $12.000 for new turbos … took it to another shop for second opinion, they said , turbos are perfect , need nothing , but my timing chain cover plate is leaking oil , $6000 to fix it … got home , look it up on UA-cam , well known issue with m278 engines , timing chain cover plate leaking oil , it’s easy DIY job , new set of screws and one tube of silicon sealant , $100 … but oil leak is very minimal , it’s not even a leak , oil just seeping, no oil puddles underneath the car , car runs great … third mechanic said , don’t worry about it , just keep an eye on oil level … so in couple weeks I got from $12.000 to “don’t worry about it “ … sometimes it pays out to do a little research…
I'm European, German cars are not unreliable, in fact they are very reliable, just do regulars maintenance . US just doesn't have proper mechanics for those cars. For example, you had to google that common issue, but most wannabe mechanics know that. There is bigger common knowledge. French cars are known as unreliable, and still a lot of people drive them. In fact, if you ask French car owner did they have any problems, they say that they did not have
I have a 2013 GS 350 and love it. Nice interior, Mark Levinson stereo, and smooth V6 power. Plus it doesn't have a bunch of tech-for-the-sake-of-tech garbage.
We bought a 18 glc 43 amg last year, used to drive a 2010 Infiniti fx 50, both vehicles are fun. I’ve always been a V8 only kind of enthusiast. But you’re right those c43 / glc 43 (same motor) sound absolutely amazing and the shifts sounds unbelievable
I have an 09 infiniti fx50S with 298k miles on it. I'm thinking about getting rid of it, I've had enough fun, I like it but 13.5 mpg's of premium fuel, with hardly any cargo space, and dated tech space is to NOT be fun anymore. Looking into a 540i-xdrive or an x5 40i.
The Mercedes M276 engine is rock-solid. They eliminated the balance shaft, simplifying the design and reducing potential issues. Personally, I prefer the E-Class over the C-Class; the E-Class not only uses higher-quality materials but also has a noticeably quieter cabin compared to the C-Class.
@ Mercedes-Benz addressed balance shaft issues in their V6 M272 and M276 engines across various production years. Here’s a breakdown: M272 Engine • Introduced: 2004 • Balance Shaft Issue: Early M272 engines (produced between 2004 and 2008) had balance shafts with defective gears that could wear prematurely. This was a known issue with engines having serial numbers up to 2729xx 30 468993. • Resolution: By 2009, Mercedes updated the balance shaft material and design, resolving this problem for subsequent production years. M276 Engine • Introduced: 2010 as a successor to the M272. • Balance Shaft Change: Mercedes transitioned away from the balance shaft design entirely for the M276 engine. Instead, the M276 uses an optimized firing order and internal balancing, eliminating the need for a balance shaft. Key Takeaway: • The balance shaft was effectively removed with the introduction of the M276 engine in 2010. Mine is a 2018 M276 - so far zero problems with the engine
@@ECPP the iS300 is the same engine as the is350 in Canada. It’s just detuned to lower the power output. Americans are stuck with the old 2.4L turbo on the is300 which I would avoid.
Another nice choice is the Infiniti Q70L with the 3.7 370Z engine. Bullet proof and a ton of car for the money!! Q50 is also great as you mention but the 3.0L is not as well sorted over the years.
The is300 and 350 have the exact same engines. They both have the 3.5 litre V6. The is300 is just a detuned 350 which you could argue is more reliable since the engine wouldn’t be pushed as hard. Suckers pay 10k more for the Is350. The Is500 is the real step up.
Tough choice, both have their strengths and weaknesses. It depends on what you want from the vehicle and I would go with a late model Merc c43 as those are some of their best engines or the smaller sportier Audi RS3 also late model with that fire breathing 2.5 which is strong but reliable too. Stay away from A3 or A5 and the base c399 Benz has that French engine that’s not bad but slightly less reliable
@ECPP wow...that's so funny you mentioned the MB C43 it has pretty good reviews. I have been researching on that MB. Now, on the Audi, the S4 supposedly has minimal mechanical problems between 2012-2016 years.. I like both cars. Maybe buy both of them 😁😁 Love your content brother.. Thank for your response 👍 Much blessings 🙌 😎😎😎
Amazing video. See Toyota/Lexus fans? Even the german cars can be reliable as your favorite brand. Yes the maintenance on these are high expensive but are worthy. Make more video about german cars with the right engines that can be reliable and last forever
You have great knowledge thank you for sharing genuine tips. Just 1 Question would you recommend buying C Class 2.1 diesel 2012-2014 Or Audi A4 similar generation?
What are your thoughts on a 2020 (5 year old) bmw 320i with 40k miles. A safe buy to use until the 10th year mark without major issues(with just regular maintenance)?
what about 2024 lexus rc 350 f sport v6 3.5 liter 2GR-FKS engine it use direct injection wondering is it reliable will it able drive up to 200,000 mileage?
@ but problems is it use direct injection which had me worry since direct injection cause to build up carbon etc vs the port injection for better reliability. So Lexus direct injection is solid reliable still ?
You should add the Audi models with the 3.0 L supercharged V6 and 8 speed torque converter transmissions. The 2016-2018 A6 or S4 models are as good as it gets.
@@ECPPI was under the impression that the engines themselves are solid (Gen 3 and 4) but there are some other parts "around" the engine that are cheap and prone to premature failure.
I owned a 2015 S5 and it was the most reliable car I've ever owned. Incredible car with one of the best automatic transmissions out there. I bought it new and put 225,000 miles on it before I sold it two years ago. Insanely low cost of ownership for a German. Putting the super charger on the 3.0 was genius.
Want a reliable luxury car, any naturally aspirated Lexus. Also, any low mileage Infiniti from 2003 through 2016, with the 3.5 or 3.7 VQ six cylinder engine, and the 7 SPD automatic. I don't like what Infiniti is now, but those years are pretty bullet proof
@ECPP , the lexus es350 basically a mule of camry dressed in suit and it's super reliable, May I ask if you Can compare 2020 X7 40i vs X7 M50i low mileage , by the way you look like jhon Travolta , GOTTI of reliability
I am surprised how people value luxury and gimmickry over reliability. Lives can be at stake if our cars decide to shut its engine in the middle of highway cruising. I guess people don't really give this scenario any thoughts until it happens.
but it's ugly. I'm European, BMW is not unreliable, you just don't have mechanics that don't know how to fix it properly. We usually drive 2.0d from BMW and Mercedes c220d, Audi 2.0d and they are bulletproof if you're have mechanic actually knows how to maintain them. Driving performance cars comes with higher maintenance cost, which is normal because it is luxury performance car, what did you except
My best vehicle reviewer on UA-cam. Greetings from long island new york
Thank you very much. Hope you are having a great week.
Which he would have giving the years of the cars he mentioned.
My wife and I are seniors and on a fixed income. Our 2024 Camry is a luxury car 🚗 to us.
Absolutely great cars
Great vehicle 👌 👏 👍 🙌
Spot on
Can definitely relate to that scenario...we keep our cars forever, love not having a car payment
little story about my S550 Mercedes … took it to the shop for oil change , shop said turbos are leaking oil , $12.000 for new turbos … took it to another shop for second opinion, they said , turbos are perfect , need nothing , but my timing chain cover plate is leaking oil , $6000 to fix it … got home , look it up on UA-cam , well known issue with m278 engines , timing chain cover plate leaking oil , it’s easy DIY job , new set of screws and one tube of silicon sealant , $100 … but oil leak is very minimal , it’s not even a leak , oil just seeping, no oil puddles underneath the car , car runs great … third mechanic said , don’t worry about it , just keep an eye on oil level … so in couple weeks I got from $12.000 to “don’t worry about it “ … sometimes it pays out to do a little research…
I'm European, German cars are not unreliable, in fact they are very reliable, just do regulars maintenance . US just doesn't have proper mechanics for those cars. For example, you had to google that common issue, but most wannabe mechanics know that. There is bigger common knowledge. French cars are known as unreliable, and still a lot of people drive them. In fact, if you ask French car owner did they have any problems, they say that they did not have
I Live Mercedes S Class!
Silicone huh? Yeah ok.
@@danielstehura9657 The depreciation on the S-Class is insane. Only buy if it’s free. 😂
For a luxury vehicle, I think that a Lexus or Acura is luxury enough. I don't need to go 180mph + .
but they ugly
I have a 2013 GS 350 and love it.
Nice interior, Mark Levinson stereo, and smooth V6 power.
Plus it doesn't have a bunch of tech-for-the-sake-of-tech garbage.
Thanks for sharing!
Don’t buy a Smart Phone! Keep your black and white flip screen $50 phone
We bought a 18 glc 43 amg last year, used to drive a 2010 Infiniti fx 50, both vehicles are fun. I’ve always been a V8 only kind of enthusiast. But you’re right those c43 / glc 43 (same motor) sound absolutely amazing and the shifts sounds unbelievable
I have an 09 infiniti fx50S with 298k miles on it. I'm thinking about getting rid of it, I've had enough fun, I like it but 13.5 mpg's of premium fuel, with hardly any cargo space, and dated tech space is to NOT be fun anymore. Looking into a 540i-xdrive or an x5 40i.
I don't need a twin turbo, too much to go bad
Haha true there is a higher likeliness of failure and when they do, it’s huge bucks
The Mercedes M276 engine is rock-solid. They eliminated the balance shaft, simplifying the design and reducing potential issues.
Personally, I prefer the E-Class over the C-Class; the E-Class not only uses higher-quality materials but also has a noticeably quieter cabin compared to the C-Class.
When did they remove the balance shaft and i your opinion which years of this engine are the most reliable l?
@ Mercedes-Benz addressed balance shaft issues in their V6 M272 and M276 engines across various production years. Here’s a breakdown:
M272 Engine
• Introduced: 2004
• Balance Shaft Issue: Early M272 engines (produced between 2004 and 2008) had balance shafts with defective gears that could wear prematurely. This was a known issue with engines having serial numbers up to 2729xx 30 468993.
• Resolution: By 2009, Mercedes updated the balance shaft material and design, resolving this problem for subsequent production years.
M276 Engine
• Introduced: 2010 as a successor to the M272.
• Balance Shaft Change: Mercedes transitioned away from the balance shaft design entirely for the M276 engine. Instead, the M276 uses an optimized firing order and internal balancing, eliminating the need for a balance shaft.
Key Takeaway:
• The balance shaft was effectively removed with the introduction of the M276 engine in 2010.
Mine is a 2018 M276 - so far zero problems with the engine
Get yourself an is250, 2010-2015.
WoW ! Infinity, "Death By Association"! I Like That 🤣👍. Great Review As Always, Mark 💯
Thanks a lot for watching. Hope it brings value for many.
I really love the white es350 ,gorgeous car 🚗 😍, the perfect car
You're absolutely right, I would get the 350 Lexus
Yes that’s a simple and reliable platform which is Greta and worth it over much of the newer units
@@ECPP the iS300 is the same engine as the is350 in Canada. It’s just detuned to lower the power output. Americans are stuck with the old 2.4L turbo on the is300 which I would avoid.
I have 2020 M2C manual and it is an absolute beast!!! I love it!
Another nice choice is the Infiniti Q70L with the 3.7 370Z engine. Bullet proof and a ton of car for the money!! Q50 is also great as you mention but the 3.0L is not as well sorted over the years.
I wish I had gotten one of those Q70s. They never really aged and still look amazing.
Never seen one, looks really good!
@@trainsandlocomotives My dream car would be the Q70S 5.6 AWD. I cannot find one in existence.
Love your videos 👌 Greetings from Staten Island, New York
Thanks for watching!
I’m a Toyota/lexus fan but I’ve been using a 2019 330i and these are pretty nice. Seems like bmw has been improving a lot recently
Mazda is a King! #2 Subaru and only manual!
Manual is best
Yeah the is350 and is500 are the only is cars i would get. The others are just fillers.
Yes those are great cars indeed
The is300 and 350 have the exact same engines. They both have the 3.5 litre V6. The is300 is just a detuned 350 which you could argue is more reliable since the engine wouldn’t be pushed as hard. Suckers pay 10k more for the Is350. The Is500 is the real step up.
@s82002 yeah i think you mistaken the is300 is 2l turbo. Lol. The old is300 used to be 3l v6. But not anymore lol
@ not in Canada my friend. The is300 is a 3.5L V6 with AWD. The UA-camr is also filming in Canada btw.
“The 4 rings of despair” - Lol 😂
Haha indeed
I have a 2019 GLC43 AMG with that legendary V6 motor you talked about. It is a truly fabulous car.
Do you have issues with mold on the saloon.I heard this is pretty common
I'm glad you mentioned the RS3. The 2024 is my next car. ❤
It’s truly an amazing little car
Any recommendations between a reliable sedan between Mercedes-benz and Audi....
And what year is a good year...
Appreciated
Much blessings 🙌
Tough choice, both have their strengths and weaknesses. It depends on what you want from the vehicle and I would go with a late model Merc c43 as those are some of their best engines or the smaller sportier Audi RS3 also late model with that fire breathing 2.5 which is strong but reliable too. Stay away from A3 or A5 and the base c399 Benz has that French engine that’s not bad but slightly less reliable
@ECPP wow...that's so funny you mentioned the MB C43 it has pretty good reviews. I have been researching on that MB.
Now, on the Audi, the S4 supposedly has minimal mechanical problems between 2012-2016 years.. I like both cars.
Maybe buy both of them 😁😁
Love your content brother..
Thank for your response 👍
Much blessings 🙌
😎😎😎
I owned an IS350, totaled it in 2017 but was a great car.
They are great cars
Gorgeous car
I do have 2010 is 350 love it ❤
Nice cars
Beautiful vehicle and reliable 👌 👏
Spot on, I have a 2022 IS300AWD, very sweet car and handles the Edmonton winter like a champ
Amazing video. See Toyota/Lexus fans? Even the german cars can be reliable as your favorite brand. Yes the maintenance on these are high expensive but are worthy. Make more video about german cars with the right engines that can be reliable and last forever
Yeah tbh if I were to get a BMW are they reliable at all I have a Lexus Is 350 but would love a BMW M340I
@base1096-d7x if you have both of them then you hit the jackpot
U know the answer bud lol 😂😂 Lexus is king
@@hellotp2959 ah there is the lexus fanboy. Sorry to disappointed youbut Lexus is not the only reliable brand
@ facts but Lexus is king 🇺🇸🤠💪🏽🇺🇸
I really like the looks of the M2 but the G87, the bad is a bit too expensive for me right now!
They are a bit rich
I really love the Lexus IS300 AWD .I'M not the BMW type
Your preference. I would get it. Of course the lexus would be perfect cat too with 540
Honda crv 2010 exl
Still running smoothly
Great runners
Where is Acura? Great car!
You have great knowledge thank you for sharing genuine tips. Just 1 Question would you recommend buying C Class 2.1 diesel 2012-2014 Or Audi A4 similar generation?
Big question, what about the M340i with B58 as well ?
Perfect choice. Fast ,reliable and comfortable
That BMW is my favorite car ♥️🇳🇦☑️
What are your thoughts on a 2020 (5 year old) bmw 320i with 40k miles. A safe buy to use until the 10th year mark without major issues(with just regular maintenance)?
Is reliable. Just take maintenance at the time and you will be fine
what about 2024 lexus rc 350 f sport v6 3.5 liter 2GR-FKS engine it use direct injection wondering is it reliable will it able drive up to 200,000 mileage?
Yes it is a solid car and can easily
Last a long time. It’s worth it
@ but problems is it use direct injection which had me worry since direct injection cause to build up carbon etc vs the port injection for better reliability. So Lexus direct injection is solid reliable still ?
You should add the Audi models with the 3.0 L supercharged V6 and 8 speed torque converter transmissions. The 2016-2018 A6 or S4 models are as good as it gets.
Yes 3.0 is good and I would say a pod all 2L EA888 engines
@@ECPPI was under the impression that the engines themselves are solid (Gen 3 and 4) but there are some other parts "around" the engine that are cheap and prone to premature failure.
I owned a 2015 S5 and it was the most reliable car I've ever owned. Incredible car with one of the best automatic transmissions out there. I bought it new and put 225,000 miles on it before I sold it two years ago. Insanely low cost of ownership for a German. Putting the super charger on the 3.0 was genius.
Kinda shopping for a Rx 350... A lot of em I've come across have been in accidents...
Want a reliable luxury car, any naturally aspirated Lexus. Also, any low mileage Infiniti from 2003 through 2016, with the 3.5 or 3.7 VQ six cylinder engine, and the 7 SPD automatic. I don't like what Infiniti is now, but those years are pretty bullet proof
That first car BMW 540 is a 2021 or newer, not a 2017. The taillights give that fact away.
Thanks for the info and advice but I prefer the car you are driving.. is that a Jaguar F type?
@ECPP , the lexus es350 basically a mule of camry dressed in suit and it's super reliable, May I ask if you Can compare 2020 X7 40i vs X7 M50i low mileage , by the way you look like jhon Travolta , GOTTI of reliability
Mark im getting rid of my jaguar EPACE, Lexus SUV ? What year please? Thank you!😊
Hi there, which one would you choose; 2018 Lexus NX 300 at 72K miles (17 grand) or 2016 Lexus ES 350 at 76K miles (18 grand)?
I am surprised how people value luxury and gimmickry over reliability. Lives can be at stake if our cars decide to shut its engine in the middle of highway cruising.
I guess people don't really give this scenario any thoughts until it happens.
Most people do t think about relatability until it’s a problem
Best for last as expected
Nice
Which car would be more reliable in terms of usage bmw 5 series or Mercedes e class? 2024 models
I don't like audi. I love your informative videos though Mark 👌 🙌👏🙌👏👍👌
Amazing how that lot has all the cars you recommend. Is that yours? I am in the market for a reliable used car.
What about the g30 m550i???
Audi engine is reliable until you tune it
trying so hard to get a IS 😫😢
Nice
Can you do a review on a BMW M340i
Yes indeed
What about ftype vs m4
I would go F type R all day over the M4
Scotland Sharing 🍺📡🍺
Good morning. Hope you are having a wonderful day.
Take care of Daisy, give her a hug 🫂 for me Mark
So you recommend a 2023 BMW 540i? Because in looking to buy a BMW
Yes intensity car space or even 340/440/540/X3 m40i/X5 40i
@@ECPPover an Audi A5 2023?
What about the rc 350 lexus coupe
but it's ugly. I'm European, BMW is not unreliable, you just don't have mechanics that don't know how to fix it properly. We usually drive 2.0d from BMW and Mercedes c220d, Audi 2.0d and they are bulletproof if you're have mechanic actually knows how to maintain them. Driving performance cars comes with higher maintenance cost, which is normal because it is luxury performance car, what did you except
Anything with a B58. /Video.
FIAT ABARTH .why not in your list 😮
I need a wagon, no cvt please. Something nice. I would trade my 2024chevy 6..6 liter 401 hp
C63 2018 cost usd 50k in my country
I would love to have a Nissan Titan or Frontier (not new )
so reliable it hurts hahaha
happy lexus owner here
Cheers indeed
Hello, good morning 🎉
Good morning!
4 rings of despair 🤣
Never BMW 😂…over priced not reliable ….do your homework ❤…ES 350 no worries 🇺🇸
Ah some still live in 2008😂😂😂. Bmw have reliable engines but of course the lexus fans will say that
@ please research…used to like BMW…a good source is the Annual April issue of Consumer Reports 😎
@@TheRalf9999 I have about good things about BMW couple of sites?
no offroaders ?
Besr ti sit on at leazt $1 mil comfy fox car provlens lol
👍👍👍
Cheers
Not the v5
Haha not a V
🫡👍🏾 !
Thanks
your retirement videos are great thank you.