3 years a go I posted this: Running A 2016 W212 M651 E-Class Up to 300,000 Miles / 4 Years Old – What’s It Like. This post mainly was about the life it had in previous ownership, however the last three years have been my use. My use of this car was always going to be much less than the last owner which was going to and from airports, in addition, my 80 ish mile round trip to work become around 16 miles with a job change.
Now we are here and the old girl has made it to 350,000 / 7 years, what’s gone on? Honestly, not a lot. Following the same format as the previous post, here’s what’s needed to be done;
Servicing
Always serviced using Fuchs Titan GT1 5w30 229.52 (Approved by Mercedes-Benz)
- 314043 Miles. 26/06/2020 – A Service
- 328894 Miles. 09/04/2021 – B7 Service (Additional: Gearbox oil and filter change)
- 340000 Miles 09/04/2022 – A1 Service (Addtional: Brake fluid change)
- 350031 Miles. 08/04/2023 – B3 Service (Additional: Air filter, fuel filter)
- Each time it was serviced the adblue has been topped up, taken around 25 litres.
Brakes
- Approx 330000 Miles. May 2021 – Front and rear pads and discs.
At the time, the rear brakes had started squealing. The lip on the disc was big enough that it was touching the pad backing and squealing. Also, conveniently, at this time I sent the wheels to be refurbed – I took the opportunity to replace all pads and discs as the fronts were fairly low too.
I’m going to bang on about genuine parts again: I used genuine. They’re proven, never have an issue with performance, noise or brake dust. When I worked at a MB specialist, we gave everyone an option for genuine or other, most opted for genuine. We never had any issues with them. Also, the price is good and I’m going to run a price comparison now. (Want to skip this and go to defect repairs? Click here)
Genuine parts, from dealer, inc VAT, Correct @ 08.04.2023;
– A0004200305 – Front brake pads – £79.08
– A2124211312 – Front brake disc – £62.08 (x2)
– A0004208904 – Rear brake pad – £58.32
– A000423101207 – Rear brake disc – £53.88 (x2)
– A2115401717 – Pad wear sensor – £8.64 (x2)
Pagid parts, from ECP Correct @ 08.04.2023
Front brake pads – £92.99
Front brake disc – £117.99 (x2)
Rear brake pad – £40.99
Rear brake disc – £49.99 (x2)
Pad wear sensor – £5.19
Overall more expensive than genuine. Front pads and discs more expensive? I don’t see why they should be more then genuine parts!
Brembo parts, from ECP Correct @ 08.04.2023
Front brake pads – 88.99
Front brake disc – £60.99 (x2)
Rear brake pad – £32.49
Rear brake disc – £40.49 (x2)
Pad wear sensor – £5.19
Front components still more than genuine. Rears a bit cheaper but not far away.
Eicher (ecp cheap brand) parts, from ECP Correct @ 08.04.2023
Front brake pads – £73.99
Front brake disc – £41.49 (x2)
Rear brake pad – £21.49
Rear brake disc – £30.49 (x2)
Pad wear sensor – £5.19
Overall a bit cheaper than genuine. If your on a budget, then you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.
Of course ECP isn’t the only supplier out there, but I hope this gives you an idea that genuine is not always expensive. You can probably get them cheaper from ECP when they do one of there discount codes or if ‘you know someone in the trade’ they can probably get them cheaper too.
Oops that all went a bit off topic!
Defect Repairs
This is definitely not as detailed as the last post in terms of dates and mileages, but here’s what has been replaced, around 320000 miles due to play and knocking over bumps. I consider this wear and tear. Quite honestly I can’t believe its the first suspension item that has had to be replaced.
- Front suspension thrust arm bushings. Item 210 in pic below; A2123330014
- Front suspension lower control arm ball joint. Item 310 in pic below; A2123300135
- Windscreen had to be replaced due to the glare from the sun that I was getting from it – just down to the fact that going round a motorway for so many miles meant stone chips and grit had worn into the screen
- Wheels refurbed. Was very badly corroded under diamond cut area, maybe due to kerbing and or acidic wheel cleaners?
Other goings on
I added Apple CarPlay / Android Auto – See this post W212 E-Class & Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
Rear subframes have become incredibly common to rot out. I’ve heard many horror story’s. It seems in the USA they are being replaced for free – the UK it seems a bit hit and miss.
The centre console arm rest material is just starting to wear.
The carpet underneath my floor matt is starting to wear. (where my heal sits for the accelerator pedal)
The ashtray / cup holder area cover is becoming a bit slow to close.
The trim on the interior boot shut, where the latch goes in the flap has broken off.
Steering wheel is just starting to wear on the top.
.
The gearchange from 4th to 3rd has become not smooth, especially when cold.
The whole front end could do with a respray, stone chips.
EML is on for a NOX sensor fault. I’ve thoroughly ignored this and every now and then check that there isn’t any other faults that have cropped up.
I think it could use a pair of engine mounts, it vibrates a little though the car.
Overall
I feel there is many miles left in this yet. No major mechanical failures – and hopefully not in the near future! When freshly cleaned it still looks good and has aged well, everyone comments how quiet and smooth it drives. I can only say that the looked after ones, like anything, seem to do well.
Perhaps this is one of the better cars I will own, 3 years or 50000 miles down the line there may well be another post here….
