Mercedes Classe E W212 (2009 – 2016)
Reliability score : 7.6/10
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 (sedan) and S212 (wagon) marks a return to the brand's roots, with a more angular design and a desire to erase the reliability issues of the previous generation (W211, particularly the SBC brakes). Positioning: A premium road car par excellence, it is the queen of taxis and high-mileage drivers. It offers imperial comfort, high-level soundproofing, and advanced passive/active safety for its time. Evolution: The model underwent a major facelift in 2013 (Phase 2). This facelift was not just aesthetic (abandonment of separate twin headlights): Mercedes invested over a billion euros to modernize the car, introducing new engines, new driving aids, and correcting almost all the early defects of Phase 1. Expert's overall note: An excellent road car, but its reliabil
✅ Strengths
- Manufacturing and finish quality significantly improved compared to the W211
- Exceptional ride comfort, especially with Airmatic suspension
- Soundproofing worthy of the upper class (S-Class)
- Engine block longevity (diesels often exceed 400,000 km if well maintained)
- Interior space and gigantic trunk volume on the wagon version (S212)
- Excellent overall reliability of Phase 2 (2013-2016)
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Very high maintenance and spare parts costs (Mercedes network)
- Catastrophic injector problems on early OM651s (2009-2011)
- Location of the timing chain on the OM651 (gearbox side) making its replacement prohibitively expensive
- Airmatic air suspension (optional or standard on rear of wagons) prone to leaks (air springs, compressor)
- Comand NTG4/NTG4.5 multimedia system aging and slow today
- High weight impacting brake and tire wear
🎯 Verdict
The Mercedes E-Class W212 is a mileage-eating machine, designed to last. However, buying it used requires great caution. For diesels (your target): Avoid 2009-2011 (Phase 1) 4-cylinder models (OM651) unless the service records prove the replacement of both the injectors AND the timing chain. The V6 diesel (OM642) is a monument of driving pleasure, but budget 1000 to 1500€ for the inevitable oil cooler leak if it hasn't been done. The expert's choice: Absolutely prioritize a Phase 2 (from mid-2013 onwards). For diesel, a well-maintained E220 BlueTEC (Phase 2) is a rational and extremely reliable choice. For petrol, an E200/E250 (M274) or an E350 (M276) will protect you from the DPF and chain issues of older generations. Avoid hybrid versions, whose battery repair costs negate any fuel savings.
Common issues
Fuites du refroidisseur d'huile (moteurs V6 diesel OM642)
Medium
🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km
💶 800 – 1 500 €
Vérifier les traces d'huile sous le collecteur d'admission, réparation complexe.
Problèmes d'injecteurs (moteurs 4 cylindres diesel OM651, premières années)
High
🔧 50 000 – 120 000 km
💶 1 200 – 2 400 € (pour plusieurs injecteurs)
Privilégier les modèles post-2011 ou avec injecteurs déjà remplacés.
Panne du module de commande de boîte (platine électronique 7G-Tronic)
High
🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km
💶 1 000 – 2 000 €
Tester la fluidité des passages de vitesses et l'absence de secousses.
Défaillance des coussins d'air ou du compresseur (suspension Airmatic)
Medium
🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km
💶 1 000 – 2 500 €
Vérifier l'assiette du véhicule à l'arrêt et l'absence de bruits du compresseur.
Encrassement du FAP (Filtre à Particules)
Medium
🔧 150 000 – 250 000 km
💶 800 – 2 000 €
Privilégier les trajets longs et réguliers pour éviter l'encrassement.
Estimated maintenance costs
| Oil change |
£130 – 220 |
| Complete brakes |
£500 – 900 |
| Estimated annual budget |
£850 – 1 700 |
Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.