Quality of newer Mercedes compared to 10 years ago

[jmsgld]

Someone crashed into my 2010 E350d estate and it looks like it will be written off.

I have a 2023 GLB as a courtesy car, and it is an infinitely less nice place to be.

Is this more to do with it being a B class, or have standards dropped?

I will obviously need to replace the E350, and wondering if I would be better with another 212, or the newer 213?

It will do 20k per year, so not looking at spending much, probably buy a low owner example at 100k or so.

Any thoughts?

[Metric Max]

IMO its because its a B class. My wife has a GLA and whilst being a very nice car its not in the same league as an E class.
I had a 2010 E350D and replaced it with another, a 2015 being one of the last of the 212's.
I could afford to buy a two year old 213 but I don't like the huge touchscreen. I have driven one (an E63 at Brooklands), although this terrified me aprt from the screen it all felt good.
I'm sticking with my 212

[BEARDYB0Y]

As above really... a GLB is a totally different car to a any E class. Remember that a top spec GLB was still less than a basic E class. Also that 200 engine is underpowered in such a big car. The 220d is much nore suited.

Yes, Mercedes quality has gone downhill (what car maker hasnt) but the 213 was still pretty good. The real cost cutting came around 2019/20 onwards. Covid and chip shortages really didnt help this. The new S class, although extremely comfortable, doesnt come close to the build quality of the previous W222 models.

Ive driven (and sold) many many 212 and 213 and i can understand why people are loyal to the 212. Its bulletproof! However, my father had a 2016 213 E220d estate and loved it. He did about 18k a year in it and it gave him 70 odd MPG, dead comfortable and if you get one with some spec, all the toys you could ever want. It never gave him a lick of trouble either. (It was brand new at the time though).

The 400d is an even nicer, smoother engine to your 350. Air bag suspension at the rear on estates can be an issue but that also goes on 212, CLS etc... Try to avoid the big multispoke alloys, they can crack and the facelift isnt really worth it. It didn't do much!

Any other questions let me know! BB

[Zippee]

I had a few courtesy cars a couple of years back whilst having some teething issues sorted on my GT.
Several GLBs which were quite enjoyable to drive but not built like a big car of that makes sense.
A GLC 300 - quality was a massive step up from the B

Finally an E200 estate (pictured below) and in all honesty it was the worst of the 3. Gutless, did not feel premium and not what I thought an E class should be like.

[jmsgld]

Thanks, I'm not particularly familiar with Mercs, but the E350 suited me well. Looks like it's more down to being a GLB than standards.

Looked at a 2015 E220 SE today, and was surprised how poor the interior was compared to my much older avantgarde with a lot of options... Wasn't a fan of the agricultural engine noise either.

I live in the back of beyond and there's not much for sale around here. One thing that has come up is a 2017 E220 d in a local auction , 2 owners, 107k. Is there any way of getting the Mercedes history printout without the V5? Reg CK67GAO

Thanks

.

[SL222]

I have a 213 and it's a lovely place to be inside, but the wheels are certainly not bulletproof!

Boot actuator has just failed after less than 3 years, so far the quality feels behind my previous A6 but the interior and sunroof more than make up for it.