Mercedes-Benz

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Model families

Model	Segment	Generations covered	Variants	Price span
C-Class W204 · S204 · W205 · S205	compact executive	4	12	€2,600–€24,950
E-Class W212 · S212 · W211 · S211	executive	4	28	€1,850–€24,050
B-Class W245	compact MPV	1	2	€2,400–€7,400
M-Class W164	large SUV	1	2	€5,000–€15,250

Only families with researched data appear here. See coverage for what is planned next.

Brand-wide ownership notes

The W204 is the generation where Mercedes recovered from the rust and electrics reputation of the W203, and it shows: bodies hold up, interiors wear well, and the drivetrains are conservative. What it didn't escape is the era's emissions hardware, the OM651 diesel's injectors and the balance-shaft problem on early M271 petrols are the two faults that decide whether a given car is cheap for a good reason.

Chassis

Chassis	Body	Years	Character
W204	sedan	2007–2014	The quiet one of the three. Softer and less involving than an E90, better built than a B8 inside, and the one whose faults are concentrated in the engine bay rather than spread across the car.
S204	wagon	2008–2014	The saloon with a useful boot and no real penalty. The estate rides marginally softer and costs a few hundred more.
W205	sedan	2014–2021	A smaller S-Class in feel, quieter and softer than a 3 Series and better finished inside than anything else in the class. It's the most comfortable car of its size here.
S205	wagon	2014–2021	The W205 with a longer roof and a boot that's usable rather than generous. It's as refined as the saloon and a much better all-rounder.
W212	sedan	2009–2016	The quiet, comfortable one of the executive class: softer and more isolating than a 5 Series, built to cover distance, and almost always a diesel.
S212	wagon	2009–2016	One of the largest estates in the class and the reason many buyers choose a W212 at all, with standard rear self-levelling air suspension that's a genuine running-cost item as it ages.
W211	sedan	2002–2009	The comfortable, quiet way to cover distance, and the generation where Mercedes was still recovering its reputation for building things that last.
S211	wagon	2003–2009	An enormous, softly sprung estate with rear air suspension as standard, which makes it superb to travel in and expensive to keep level.
W245	MPV	2005–2011	A tall compact Mercedes built for space and an easy driving position rather than for pleasure. It's roomier inside than the footprint suggests and utterly unhurried.
W164	SUV	2005–2011	A big, quiet SUV that covers distance beautifully and feels solid in a way the earlier one never did. It's cheap to buy now and it isn't cheap to keep.