Considering Buying 2nd Car (W212)

Hi everyone!

I am looking to purchase a second car for daily commutes. I currently drive a 2011 Lexus RX350 and enjoy it very much, but would rather have a sedan for comfort and mpg (for reference, I live in SoCal and I’ll be driving around 60 miles from home and work daily, my route does not have terrible traffic). I have driven a 99 CLK320 for awhile and that’s what made me fall in love with this brand. I am looking to purchase an E350. I’ve been looking at forums and YouTube videos and they all seem to slightly different opinions. I am mainly looking into the W212 (both pre and post face lift).

I wanted to get your opinions on these beautiful looking sedans. I am mechanically inclined. I have done some extensive work on my Lexus from normal maintenance to repairs (suspension, cooling system, engine mounts etc.)

The main criteria I want for this W212 is that it’s a 1-2 owner vehicle with around 80k miles, I am avoiding air suspension at all costs lol.

I know these cars maybe a little more challenging to fix and wanted to know the following.

1. What milage should I worry about the transmission not being serviced?

2. If you owned one, how was your experience? From owning it, buying parts, repairing it or even dealership experience ?

3. Have you ordered anything from FCP Euro? I heard these guys are good for buying parts.

4. Any specialty tools, like inverted torx sockets?

5. Is there anything special I need to do for these cars compared to my Lexus? I was planning on maintaining this car like my RX (5k oil change synthetic, coolant exchange every 30k miles, transmission service every 30k miles, and tire rotation every 5k)