Discussion
Rear subframe rust. A search will show that Merc dealers have been replacing them FOC, but I don't know if they still are. As I understand they rust from the inside out, I doubt an external inspection will be sufficient - IIRC there may be drain holes into which you can insert an inspection camera.
I presume this is a diesel and suspect the one you are looking will be pre-AdBlue and will probably be Euro5, whereas later ones will be Euro6. I suppose that if you never go into a ULEZ, then a Euro5 one is probably simpler.
I don't really have any other information about this model, though think the coupe/convertible was the W207, and the convertible specifically the A207.
I presume this is a diesel and suspect the one you are looking will be pre-AdBlue and will probably be Euro5, whereas later ones will be Euro6. I suppose that if you never go into a ULEZ, then a Euro5 one is probably simpler.
I don't really have any other information about this model, though think the coupe/convertible was the W207, and the convertible specifically the A207.
W212 is the saloon variant of the E Class.
As someone has mentioned, the convertible is the A207.
I'm certain their was not a '320' option (there was in the CLK) so probably a '350' you are looking at - petrol or diesel?
I happen to be picking up an E350 CGI this weekend which will hopefully be good.
As someone has mentioned, the convertible is the A207.
I'm certain their was not a '320' option (there was in the CLK) so probably a '350' you are looking at - petrol or diesel?
I happen to be picking up an E350 CGI this weekend which will hopefully be good.
Apart from the subframe, I'd look for corroded brake lines, tyres wearing unevenly, especially on the fronts as the suspension ages. Check that the spark plugs were replaced - supposed to be around 60k iirc, but lots don't get done as it's apparently a bit of an awkward job, but if left in too long they can corrode into place and in extreme cases crack the head when removed.
I went to have a look at an E400 one of these last week, as pound-for-pound they look much better value than the SL I really want. It's a nice car and they look better in the metal than in pictures, but I found the shoulder/elbow room a bit restrictive, and the boot too small and awkward considering the size of the car, and way worse than my E46 convertible. It also looked like the roof was rubbing on something as there were a couple of wear marks on the fabric.
I went to have a look at an E400 one of these last week, as pound-for-pound they look much better value than the SL I really want. It's a nice car and they look better in the metal than in pictures, but I found the shoulder/elbow room a bit restrictive, and the boot too small and awkward considering the size of the car, and way worse than my E46 convertible. It also looked like the roof was rubbing on something as there were a couple of wear marks on the fabric.
hooch500 said:
My fault I meant 350 diesel variant. Rear subframe corrosion is a car killer, so you're saying it cannot be properly ascertained visually from under the car ?
Mercedes check my S212 every 6 months - takes about 10 minutes. iirc you book it in as a safety check for the perforation warranty - so I'm assuming there are ways to check it. Just had a look at the various videos and articles re the subframe on these and other Mercs. Hell of a lot easier than say an XF Jag. So I'm right in thinking Mercedes should still cover this on their corrosion warranty ? I will take a trolley jack down and have a gander. No advisories on MOT but that means nothing I know. Anything engine and box wise to look out for ?
Edited by hooch500 on Monday 4th August 20:23
hooch500 said:
Just had a look at the various videos and articles re the subframe on these and other Mercs. Hell of a lot easier than say an XF Jag. So I'm right in thinking Mercedes should still cover this on their corrosion warranty ? I will take a trolley jack down and have a gander. No advisories on MOT but that means nothing I know. anything egine and box wise to look out for ?
They've said they will on mine, I'll have to pay for any hardware that needs replacing as part of the job, which could be up to £100. I do have more or less complete MB service history though, so I don't know if that makes a difference. Calington said:
W212 is the saloon variant of the E Class.
As someone has mentioned, the convertible is the A207.
And is, if I remember correctly, a c-class chassis in an E-class suit. As someone has mentioned, the convertible is the A207.
Sub frames, as above. I think the 7 speed box is preferable over the 5 speed.
Edited by Mr E on Monday 4th August 21:24
E63eeeeee... said:
hooch500 said:
Just had a look at the various videos and articles re the subframe on these and other Mercs. Hell of a lot easier than say an XF Jag. So I'm right in thinking Mercedes should still cover this on their corrosion warranty ? I will take a trolley jack down and have a gander. No advisories on MOT but that means nothing I know. anything egine and box wise to look out for ?
They've said they will on mine, I'll have to pay for any hardware that needs replacing as part of the job, which could be up to £100. I do have more or less complete MB service history though, so I don't know if that makes a difference. Huzzah said:
E63eeeeee... said:
hooch500 said:
Just had a look at the various videos and articles re the subframe on these and other Mercs. Hell of a lot easier than say an XF Jag. So I'm right in thinking Mercedes should still cover this on their corrosion warranty ? I will take a trolley jack down and have a gander. No advisories on MOT but that means nothing I know. anything egine and box wise to look out for ?
They've said they will on mine, I'll have to pay for any hardware that needs replacing as part of the job, which could be up to £100. I do have more or less complete MB service history though, so I don't know if that makes a difference. E63eeeeee... said:
I don't know anything about the diesels. Transmission-wise it should have been serviced about 70k. I think they're generally pretty resilient if looked after, the 7G-tronic must be in millions of cars and I've never heard anything bad about it.
There's a least this Readers' Cars thread on an estate with the same engine, so the OP might want to read that: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... . I also recall that r129sl's G350 had to have its AdBlue heater replaced, which I seem to remember was thousands.On the transmission, IIRC from their threads, BM's S211 E500 and 0a's two R171 SLK55s had to have their conductor plates changed. I don't know if newer versions of the box fixed this.
Picked up the car today, given the price all good with the proviso there must be an exhaust leak as there is definitely some fumes getting in cabin, not heavy obviously, but noticeable. Subframe actually looked ok but it could be going from inside. Also apparently the Aircap wont come down sometimes, any suggestions ? possible reboot ? Plenty of oil services in history which is comforting. That drivetrain is very nice for a diesel..averaged 44 mpg on way back, mostly dual carriageway.
Exciting - what are your thoughts so far with the car?
My 'new to us' E350 CGI is being delivered on Fri (subject to the airbag recall having been completed) so looking forward to that.
I have the OM 642 (265 hp) engine in my E-Class and it is great. More gruff then the BMW straight 6 equivalent but muscular and fitting for a big estate. I average mid 30s so 44 mpg is great but I guess the convertible is lighter and more slippery than the estate!
Not sure on aircap - mine has just been replaced (£1500) so hopefully will be fine. I imagine a 'Ferranti reset' would be a no cost initial option.
My 'new to us' E350 CGI is being delivered on Fri (subject to the airbag recall having been completed) so looking forward to that.
I have the OM 642 (265 hp) engine in my E-Class and it is great. More gruff then the BMW straight 6 equivalent but muscular and fitting for a big estate. I average mid 30s so 44 mpg is great but I guess the convertible is lighter and more slippery than the estate!
Not sure on aircap - mine has just been replaced (£1500) so hopefully will be fine. I imagine a 'Ferranti reset' would be a no cost initial option.
Its a very nice car, ice blue/ivory interior. As you say not quite as silken as BMW straight six but torquey and the box works well. I'm an ex racer at the age of 66 - my other car is a 718S Cayman which gets a workout on local very deserted roads at appropriate times. So the Merc is Grandkids ( 2 ) and trips up to West coast of Scotland for which it should be ideal. Not a sports car really just a nice bumble about.
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