Mercedes-Benz E-class W212: Detailed Review of a Legendary Car

Introduction: A Dream of Many Car Enthusiasts

Many of us have our automotive dream. Often while driving a budget car, we imagine ourselves as owners of a premium sedan, such as a Mercedes-Benz E-class. Today we will take a detailed look at the W212 model, which was produced from 2009 to 2016, and find out whether it's worth chasing a used German dream.

Mercedes-Benz E-class W212 was presented to the public in spring 2009. The car immediately attracted attention, although the design by Gordon Wagener with its characteristic four headlights caused mixed reactions. However, during the 2013 facelift, the car's appearance was significantly updated, making it more modern and elegant.

As for body types, about 80% of market offerings are sedans. The remaining 20% are coupes, not wagons as one might assume. In our review, we will examine all the key features of this model, its strengths and possible weaknesses, so you can make an informed decision about purchasing this car.

Body and Exterior: German Quality

The Mercedes-Benz W212 body will receive minimal complaints. Quality paint and high-grade steel prevent corrosion even after years of use. Moreover, the hood and wings are made of aluminum, which further protects these elements from environmental exposure.

However, not everything is perfect. Chrome trim, especially on the lower grille of the bumper, can lose its shine after 3-4 years of use. Chrome becomes cloudy and develops bald spots, and plastic can crack.

There are also nuances regarding the optics. On pre-facelift models, headlight covers could suddenly become cloudy even on relatively new cars, forcing dealers to replace them with new ones. After the facelift, this problem was solved, but another appeared: LED daytime running lights could burn out. With the rear lights, the situation is similar -- instead of replacing the entire light, you can re-solder the burned-out LEDs, but this requires certain skills.

Interior: Premium Comfort

The E-class W212 interior matches the premium status of the model and causes minimal complaints. Quality materials, comfortable ergonomics, and thoughtful design create an atmosphere of comfort and luxury. The only remark concerns the upholstery of seats made of artificial leather, which can lose its appeal after approximately 120,000 km of mileage.

The dashboard is made of pleasant-to-touch materials, and the center console is equipped with a convenient controller for the multimedia system. Overall, the interior of the E-class W212 still looks solid and modern to this day, especially in the facelifted version.

Engines: Variety and Features

Engine M271 1.8 (turbo)

Almost 40% of cars on the market are equipped with the 1.8 M271 series engine. In this E-class generation, this engine received direct injection and turbocharging instead of a mechanical supercharger. It's a very good option, with a turbocharger that works reliably for up to 200,000 km.

However, it has a weak point -- a thin chain that can stretch after approximately 100,000 km of mileage. The worn chain doesn't make loud noises, but only slightly rustles, which can mislead the owner. Also, the phase regulator coupling can have broken fixators, and the tensioner sometimes doesn't do its job properly, which can cause the chain to slip off.

Another feature -- the plastic housing of the oil filter can lose its tightness. This engine also has a plastic cooling system line laid right above the cylinder head, which can crumble over time.

Engine M274 2.0 (turbo)

The two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder M274 series appeared in 2013. Unfortunately, the first versions of this engine had serious problems. At mileages of around 50,000 km, some engines were sent for major repairs due to scores on the cylinder walls and damage to the bearings and crankshaft.

The cause was the adjustment valve for the oil pump activation and sometimes its wiring. When operating incorrectly, the pump did not provide the necessary pressure, leaving engine components without proper lubrication.

The hydraulic lifters in this engine sometimes also lack oil pressure, causing the pushers to make a characteristic ticking sound after starting a cold engine. Chains stretch after 100-150,000 km, and the camshafts can have their pressed-on cams rotate.

In 2013, some owners complained about uneven engine operation at low mileages. It turned out that the pressed-on couplings of the phase regulators could rotate, causing problems for the direct injection system. Piezo injectors and the high-pressure fuel pump can fail, and the intake valves require regular cleaning due to rapid carbon buildup.

Engine M276 (V6)

The six-cylinder M276 unit has similar problems to the two-liter engine, but with one peculiarity -- chains can skip, and there are three of them here. The manufacturer had to replace tensioners and guides for free and add an additional check valve for oil supply.

Many hoped that the new six-cylinder engines would be more reliable than their M272 series predecessors, but those have their own drawbacks. Older engines can have oil leaks, especially when the car is over 5 years old. Another age-related issue is sticking swirl flaps in the intake manifold. To solve this problem, it's enough to disassemble the manifold and replace the plastic linkages with metal ones.

Although the timing chain of the M272 series is strong, after about 150,000 km, the sprocket of the balance shaft drive can wear out, and then the rubber tracks on the gears of the crankshaft and balancer wear away. If the problem is not fixed, the chain can jump in the first case, and in the second case, the oil pickup strainer in the sump can become clogged.

At the same time, the cylinders and piston group of the six-cylinder engine can serve at least 250,000 km. However, the cylinder wall coating does not tolerate poor fuel, dirty oil, and a faulty catalytic converter. Oil deposits can lead to piston ring sticking and, consequently, to scratching of the cylinder walls.

Transmission: Reliability and Features

5G-Tronic (722.6)

The five-speed automatic 5G-Tronic with the complex index 722.6 is a proven old-school unit that can serve without serious problems for 300-400,000 km. However, with an active driving style, it is recommended to regularly update the locking friction discs, as the thin one-sided discs do not like sharp accelerations and wheel spins.

7G-Tronic

The more modern 7G-Tronic gearbox proved to be less reliable. Its control electronics could fail after 100,000 km of mileage, and the torque converter of the first versions could require repair after just 60-80,000 km.

In 2011, engineers modified the torque converter lock-up, making it less rigid. As a result, the friction discs began to wear less intensively, and the hydraulic plate began to serve for 100-150,000 km.

7G-Tronic Plus

Facelifted E-class models after 2013 were equipped with the 7G-Tronic Plus transmission. The "Plus" suffix hides a significant package of improvements, thanks to which, with regular service and proper operation, this unit serves for a long time without problems.

What can unpleasantly surprise you is a failing selector on the steering column, as well as the shifting servo drive on the gearbox body itself, which can fail at a mileage of about 200,000 km. In case of breakdown, the car will most likely have to be transported on a tow truck, as the gearbox usually remains engaged in the last working mode and does not respond to shifting the selector to neutral.

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system on the E-class W212 is quite reliable. By 200,000 km of mileage, the transfer case bearings may need to be updated, after which you can continue operation without problems.

Stories that transfer cases failed at mileages of less than 50,000 km only relate to specimens from the first two years of production, so later versions do not have such problems.

It's important to remember about regular updating of lubricant in the transfer case and differentials. Any extraneous noise during turns is a reason to visit a service center, as stretched chains and worn bearings can lead to serious damage to the unit.

Suspension: Comfort and Durability

With the arrival of the W212 series, the Mercedes-Benz E-class transitioned from a double-wishbone front suspension to simpler McPherson struts. As for durability, there are practically no problems up to 150,000 km.

In rear-wheel drive versions, only at very high mileages might the ball joint on the front aluminum rod need replacement, but this usually happens after 100,000 km. By the same mileage, the front roller wheel bearings may start to make noise, but in most cases, adjustment will help eliminate the play. Therefore, it is recommended to check their condition and update the lubricant during each maintenance service.

The W212 has a new multi-link rear suspension, which differs in design from previous E-class versions. Its silent blocks will not need updating earlier than the same 150,000 km, but the subframe cushions can wear out by 100,000 km of mileage. By the way, the rear supports are oil-filled, and therefore cost more than conventional rubber-metal products.

AIRMATIC Pneumatic Suspension

The AIRMATIC pneumatic suspension has to be serviced not by mileage, but rather by age -- approximately every 5-7 years. This time is allocated for the air bellows and the rest of the "air system": compressor, lines, body position sensors, and lowering module.

For such durability, we should thank the German designers who thought to protect the air springs from external influences with special protective covers. Nevertheless, owning a car with pneumatic suspension is associated with additional expenses, so before buying, it's worth carefully weighing all the pros and cons.

Steering: Changes After the Facelift

The steering mechanism of the E-class W212 has its peculiarities. The steering rack can start to leak or knock over time, and hydraulic power steering rarely survives to 170,000 km in perfect condition.

After the 2013 facelift, the hydraulic power steering was replaced with an electric one. It is believed that electric is more reliable than hydraulic, but with age, it can start to lose contacts. An experienced electrician will help in finding faults.

A less pleasant fact is that the new rack turned out to be less durable than the previous version. In addition, the new version of the mechanism costs significantly more than the previous one, so owners often prefer to repair the old rack or purchase a remanufactured one.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying a Mercedes-Benz E-class W212?

The Mercedes-Benz E-class W212 series is a complex and contradictory car. On one hand, it offers a quality body and durable suspension; on the other hand, it has certain problems with post-facelift engines and the 7G-Tronic gearbox of pre-facelift models.

The reputation of the E-class has also been tarnished by some owners who saved on quality service. Therefore, buying a used premium sedan or coupe is more of an emotional decision than a rational choice.

However, with the right approach to choosing a specimen and the readiness to provide it with proper maintenance, the Mercedes-Benz E-class W212 can become a reliable and comfortable car that brings pleasure from ownership and driving. The main thing is to make the right choice and remember the possible peculiarities of specific modifications.

If you dream of a prestigious German sedan and are ready for premium service, then the E-class W212 is a good option, especially if you choose a time-tested modification with a 1.8-liter turbocharged M271 engine and a reliable transmission. Such a car can provide true pleasure from ownership and look dignified even many years after purchase.

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