This is the W212-generation E‑Class facelift era (pre‑2016 replacement) typically sold as a saloon or estate — petrol engines of the era were offered as 4‑cylinder turbo and larger V6 options and were normally paired with Mercedes' 7‑speed automatic. Expect higher running and servicing costs than equivalent diesels: the automatic needs periodic transmission fluid/filter service and petrol direct injection engines can show intake carbon build-up if mostly run on short trips. Parts are widely available in Ireland, but dealer servicing and replacement parts cost more than mainstream brands.

• 7G‑Tronic automatic: test for smooth, prompt upshifts and no shudder; verify a gearbox fluid/filter service has been done (roughly every 60–80k km).
• Signs of carbon build‑up or misfire on petrol direct injection engines: uneven idle, hesitation, black smoke or recent spark‑plug replacement.
• If fitted with AIRMATIC air suspension, check for loud compressor operation, slow response or the car sitting low at any corner (air spring leaks).
• Rear subframe, suspension bushes and drop‑links: listen for clunks over bumps and inspect for play or leaking dampers.
• Corrosion in typical spots: underside of boot lip, inner wheel‑arch edges, sill seams and subframe mounting points (look under paint chips).