E250 W212 FL Model difference

[PearlJam]

I wish to know how to tell the difference:

(1) between the pre-facelift and the facelift models of the E250 (W212) 2013 model year onwards, on the inside/interiors. 

 

(2) between the facelift models of the Elegance and the Avant Garde models, interiors.

 

(3) Finally, is it correct to say that the facelift models have a newer 2.0 litre engine with the 7 speed gearbox whereas the pre-facelift models have the 5 speed gearbox?

 

Thanks for any expert advice.

[rocknroll14]

Hi, I don't have the exhaustive list of differences, which you can probably find by google… but if you just want to quickly tell the difference then try:

 

1. The most obvious interior difference is that FL W212 has an square analog clock between the air con vents on the dash.

 

2. I can't be sure whether there is still a badge near the centre console cup holder that says "Elegance" or "Avantgarde". The steering wheel may be different, from 4 spoke to 3 in the avant-garde.

 

3. Yes, FL W212 has the newer 2.0 engine and 7G Tronic, BUT the last generation of pre-FL also has the 7G Tronic, earlier pre-FL has the 5 speed gearbox which you can tell by the gear stick in the middle (not at steering wheel).

[retiefgoosen]

1&2. The exterior differences is very obvious, new headlights and rear lights, bumper, side skirt, rear bumper/ diffuser.

wheels design also different. the rear down also lost the ponton inspired crease for the new car. which i thought was a bit of a shame as it give the old e class a very muscaline look.

interior wise, the seats are different with vertical bolster in all sereis as opposed to vertical for elegance and horizontal for advantgarde in the past

all e class in singapore will have black ash wood trim with titainum trim at side of the central panel. elegance had walnut in the past and advantgarde had black ash wood.

analog clock in the centre dial

matte chrome finished on new switch gear.

new 4 spoke steering design for elegance spec

 

3. as above. Old one was 1.8 cgi while new one is 2.0

5 speed / 7 speed for old version vs 7 speed for new

[PearlJam]

Wow thanks a lot. 

My concern was that some pre FL may have the external lights changed but there exists the 'ponton' which most may not want to spend money changing.  And yes, I do like the ponton, gave the car its character.

Also FL will have a clock in the dash.

And the gear shift is in the steering column now.

These 3 identify the preFL and the FL, besides the lights.

 

Now between the Elegance and the AvantGarde, Elegance has 4 spokes and AvantGarde has 3 spokes.

This is what I gathered from Google.

One more item I am told is that the meters between the Elegance and AvantGarde are different. One has black with white figures and the other has white with black figures.  I have yet to positively identify this so the best bet will be a trip to the showroom.

Once again, thanks for the info!

[rocknroll14]

Hi PerlJam, do you mean that people may pass off a pre-FL W212 for a FL W212 to you? I am quite sure that's against the law if you are buying the car. Anyway, there is a VIN database somewhere which will give you the car detail from the number - you can double check that.

 

But if your friend try to show off to you, then you just take it as he says lor… whatever makes your friend happy .

[PearlJam]

To "cut a short story long", I was waiting for the W205 but when it arrived, I didnt like it and I felt that it was over-priced.

Then got distracted and was looking at the new Infiniti Q50 and even used Jaguar XJ.

Now I wasnt keen to get a big car but recently a friend told me of his friend wanting to sell his under-used E250 so I went to take a look. 

Never really considered the E as it was too big for my needs but it was quite nice on closer look.

It was then that I started looking around, saw a few other E200 & E250, so that I know what price to offer for that car.

Then someone told me that there are a few preFL which have had their lights changed to look like a FL.

But now I can safely say that I can tell a preFL from a FL, I think.

Now I just want to be able to tell the difference between an Elegance from an AvantGarde and not just take the salesmen's words for it.

Thanks for the info, guys!

[Ah Bui]

PearlJam... if you are talking about the PreFL... difference between Elegance and Atvangarde is as to look at the DRL.... or fog light.... Elegance have Fog lights instead of DRL... and if there is modification like bodykits.... DRL of Elegance will not light up when the headlight is switched on.... IIRC...

 

 

And for FL model.... the front of the ride will show significantly... Standing Star and headlight with small DRL below and NO exhaust tip ... is Elegance.... while Big star on grille with beautiful twin L shaped headlights and Twin exhaust tips is Atvangarde...

 

 hope this answer your question... Cheers....

[serenade]

Just to add to difference list. Elegance has 4-spoke steering wheel and is shod with 17" rims. Avantgarde has 3-spoke steering and 18" rims. And if you can notice it, Avantgarde suspension is lowered by 1".