Mercedes E320cdi S211, 5(ish) years in…
Discussion
Hello all, thought It was about time I did a write up!
Purchased from a nice gent on a private gated Surrey estate from ebay back in December 2016 at 87k miles, (after speaking with MB customer service) has a comprehensive MB service history and 2 previous owners.
I trained years ago as a mechanic (and have a case of maintenance OCD), possess MB2 diagnostics equipment and my own workshop complete with 2 post lift and VAT Registered!
Things that needed sorting straight away:
New Goodyear Asymmetric 3’s (remember those!) to replace the Nexens.
Replace glows plugs as the glow plug lamp was coming back on after startup.
Sort the tailgate struts as the boot didn’t lift properly,
Replace the battery as it seemed sluggish to start in freezing weather.
Needed to buy some winter wheels!
March 2017 90K miles:
Fully service with all new filters, including gearbox and diff oil. Two oil changes with a gap of 500 miles to make sure the internals were nice and clean (did warn about OCD!). Also replaced the donut main inlet and PCV seal near the turbo and as these are prone to leaking taking out the swirl flap motor.
May 2017 92k miles:
Brembo brake discs, pads all around and fluid change, adjusted handbrake shoes. Also regreased and adjusted the front wheel bearings using the proper green Mercedes grease.
December 2017 100k miles:
Minor Service (oil change)
June 2018 110k miles
Minor Service (oil change), I also had a glow plug out again. I replaced all of them for new OEM, so seemed strange that one had failed already. When I changed them out luckily I made sure I used ceramic high temp injector grease in case I had to change them again!
July 2018:
First proper fault appeared! I had the following display on the dash (not my picture):
The rear suspension had always seemed to sit too high (mine only has air suspension on the back), when reviewing the fault codes I had a code for: Pressure Release Valve short to ground. After checking the wiring, it had worn through insulation near pump (located under the front nearside wing), I fixed this and added some padding to ensure the wiring was kept away from the sharp metal lip that had caused the issue.. Unfortunately the fault remained, so I replaced the complete pump, pump inlet filter and relay and it has worked fine ever since.
August 2018 112K miles:
The front suspension had started to knock and the front tyres were wearing on the insides, so I embarked on refreshing all the suspension arms and trackrods with camber adjustment bolts. I ordered Febi from Autodoc against my better judgement which would provide to be a false economy (more on that later). The front arms and track rod parts arrived as Stark branded, these were sent back and Lemforder parts ordered locally. I then drove up to Wheels in Motion to have the alignment setup with the camber set to 0.50 degrees to minimise tyre wear.
October 2018:
Managed to back into my own house (don’t ask!)
…
February 2019 120k miles:
Minor service and fuel filter. Also another glow plug replaced, need to get to the bottom of why that keeps happening...
April 2019:
Mileage milestone:
October 2019 130k miles:
Major Service including air, pollen filters and gearbox oil. Needed to get to the bottom of the repeated glow plug failures, so I decided to replace the glowplug controller box. This I’m glad to report fixed the problem.
March 2020 140K miles:
Lockdown begins! Minor service, I also decided to keep the winters on but change the tyres from the (now worn) Dunlop Winter Sport 5’s to Nokian Weatherproof tyres. The roads have degraded so much that I was always worried about damaging the OEM 18” wheels, the winters I purchased back in 2018 are only 16” and improve the comfort massively if not the looks!
March 2021 150k miles:
Minor service, replaced the rear brake pads and handbrake shoes (due to age) and changed the brake fluid.
May 2021: 152K miles.
I mentioned before about the false economy using Febi suspension parts… Well after changed all the arms and ball joints back in 2018 there were various squeeks and now there was a load knocking again from one of the arms. I was also suspected that one of the front shock absorbers was well past it’s best. So I ordered up replaced Lemforder front rear lower arms, Lemforder lower ball joints and Sachs shock absorbers:
Had to modify an old ring spanner for the shock top nut:
It turned out that the front nearside shock absorber was completely shot! No resistance pushing up and down at all! Also the knocking was coming from the anti roll bar ball joint on the lower rear arm. The bushes on the febi item looked completely shot after only 40k miles.. I have it drives beautifully with the new shocks.
July 2021: The HVAC system started making strange hissing noises, I suspected that the AC gas pressure was getting low… Sure enough two days later the AC stopped working, with a fault code of low pressure. It turns out (after a pressure test) a stone and put a small hole in the condenser, the part is on back order so pictures of the repair to follow!
Purchased from a nice gent on a private gated Surrey estate from ebay back in December 2016 at 87k miles, (after speaking with MB customer service) has a comprehensive MB service history and 2 previous owners.
I trained years ago as a mechanic (and have a case of maintenance OCD), possess MB2 diagnostics equipment and my own workshop complete with 2 post lift and VAT Registered!
Things that needed sorting straight away:
New Goodyear Asymmetric 3’s (remember those!) to replace the Nexens.
Replace glows plugs as the glow plug lamp was coming back on after startup.
Sort the tailgate struts as the boot didn’t lift properly,
Replace the battery as it seemed sluggish to start in freezing weather.
Needed to buy some winter wheels!
March 2017 90K miles:
Fully service with all new filters, including gearbox and diff oil. Two oil changes with a gap of 500 miles to make sure the internals were nice and clean (did warn about OCD!). Also replaced the donut main inlet and PCV seal near the turbo and as these are prone to leaking taking out the swirl flap motor.
May 2017 92k miles:
Brembo brake discs, pads all around and fluid change, adjusted handbrake shoes. Also regreased and adjusted the front wheel bearings using the proper green Mercedes grease.
December 2017 100k miles:
Minor Service (oil change)
June 2018 110k miles
Minor Service (oil change), I also had a glow plug out again. I replaced all of them for new OEM, so seemed strange that one had failed already. When I changed them out luckily I made sure I used ceramic high temp injector grease in case I had to change them again!
July 2018:
First proper fault appeared! I had the following display on the dash (not my picture):
The rear suspension had always seemed to sit too high (mine only has air suspension on the back), when reviewing the fault codes I had a code for: Pressure Release Valve short to ground. After checking the wiring, it had worn through insulation near pump (located under the front nearside wing), I fixed this and added some padding to ensure the wiring was kept away from the sharp metal lip that had caused the issue.. Unfortunately the fault remained, so I replaced the complete pump, pump inlet filter and relay and it has worked fine ever since.
August 2018 112K miles:
The front suspension had started to knock and the front tyres were wearing on the insides, so I embarked on refreshing all the suspension arms and trackrods with camber adjustment bolts. I ordered Febi from Autodoc against my better judgement which would provide to be a false economy (more on that later). The front arms and track rod parts arrived as Stark branded, these were sent back and Lemforder parts ordered locally. I then drove up to Wheels in Motion to have the alignment setup with the camber set to 0.50 degrees to minimise tyre wear.
October 2018:
Managed to back into my own house (don’t ask!)
…February 2019 120k miles:
Minor service and fuel filter. Also another glow plug replaced, need to get to the bottom of why that keeps happening...
April 2019:
Mileage milestone:
October 2019 130k miles:
Major Service including air, pollen filters and gearbox oil. Needed to get to the bottom of the repeated glow plug failures, so I decided to replace the glowplug controller box. This I’m glad to report fixed the problem.
March 2020 140K miles:
Lockdown begins! Minor service, I also decided to keep the winters on but change the tyres from the (now worn) Dunlop Winter Sport 5’s to Nokian Weatherproof tyres. The roads have degraded so much that I was always worried about damaging the OEM 18” wheels, the winters I purchased back in 2018 are only 16” and improve the comfort massively if not the looks!
March 2021 150k miles:
Minor service, replaced the rear brake pads and handbrake shoes (due to age) and changed the brake fluid.
May 2021: 152K miles.
I mentioned before about the false economy using Febi suspension parts… Well after changed all the arms and ball joints back in 2018 there were various squeeks and now there was a load knocking again from one of the arms. I was also suspected that one of the front shock absorbers was well past it’s best. So I ordered up replaced Lemforder front rear lower arms, Lemforder lower ball joints and Sachs shock absorbers:
Had to modify an old ring spanner for the shock top nut:
It turned out that the front nearside shock absorber was completely shot! No resistance pushing up and down at all! Also the knocking was coming from the anti roll bar ball joint on the lower rear arm. The bushes on the febi item looked completely shot after only 40k miles.. I have it drives beautifully with the new shocks.
July 2021: The HVAC system started making strange hissing noises, I suspected that the AC gas pressure was getting low… Sure enough two days later the AC stopped working, with a fault code of low pressure. It turns out (after a pressure test) a stone and put a small hole in the condenser, the part is on back order so pictures of the repair to follow!
Following with interest as I have the same car albeit in Avantgarde trim. I've had some of the same jobs done on mine as it was a 2 owner 2007 car when I bought it 3 years ago. First owner was wealthy so main dealer upkeep probably through the business. Second owner has a successful farm shop business, kids and dogs so was well used.
Had 123k on it now 165k had lots of perishables replaced early days to bring up to spec. Thankfully engine and gearbox have been fine. Last year I had a leaky injector which indy fixed quite cheap. Unfortunately I don't have the set-up to do home maintenance but I did do an oil change myself plus replacement of fog light unit.
Looking forward to the updates.
Had 123k on it now 165k had lots of perishables replaced early days to bring up to spec. Thankfully engine and gearbox have been fine. Last year I had a leaky injector which indy fixed quite cheap. Unfortunately I don't have the set-up to do home maintenance but I did do an oil change myself plus replacement of fog light unit.
Looking forward to the updates.
We bought an Avantgarde spec E320 Cdi wagon back at the start of the year as we were planning on buying property in France and felt it was an ideal thing to clock up thousands of miles in reliably, comfortably and economically but C19 out paid to that for now and we've just bought a motorhome instead for when we can travel abroad in confidence.
Ours had done circa 142k with virtually 1 owner when we bought it, serviced religiously with any MOT advisories sorted every year and the only issue in that time was a new turbo at circa 138k after the last owner noticed a lack of power.
He was a serial E-Class wagon owner, this was his 6th going back to the W124's and had been replaced with the latest model a year previously but he couldn't part with ours so kept it until we bought it!
Absolutely great cars (we've also got a S Class) and on our recent journey from Somerset to Stafford to buy our motorhome it returned 48mpg.
We were so looking forward to getting it over the magic 200k mark but with the motorhome and two other cars we are now going to sell it as space is at a premium, but if we had room I'd be keeping it.
For the money I'd struggle to see what else comes close as I wouldn't trust the equivalent circa £2k E60 BMW 530d and big engined diesel automatic estates are pretty limited after that.
Ours had done circa 142k with virtually 1 owner when we bought it, serviced religiously with any MOT advisories sorted every year and the only issue in that time was a new turbo at circa 138k after the last owner noticed a lack of power.
He was a serial E-Class wagon owner, this was his 6th going back to the W124's and had been replaced with the latest model a year previously but he couldn't part with ours so kept it until we bought it!
Absolutely great cars (we've also got a S Class) and on our recent journey from Somerset to Stafford to buy our motorhome it returned 48mpg.
We were so looking forward to getting it over the magic 200k mark but with the motorhome and two other cars we are now going to sell it as space is at a premium, but if we had room I'd be keeping it.
For the money I'd struggle to see what else comes close as I wouldn't trust the equivalent circa £2k E60 BMW 530d and big engined diesel automatic estates are pretty limited after that.
1Toomanycars said:
We bought an Avantgarde spec E320 Cdi wagon back at the start of the year as we were planning on buying property in France and felt it was an ideal thing to clock up thousands of miles in reliably, comfortably and economically but C19 out paid to that for now and we've just bought a motorhome instead for when we can travel abroad in confidence.
Ours had done circa 142k with virtually 1 owner when we bought it, serviced religiously with any MOT advisories sorted every year and the only issue in that time was a new turbo at circa 138k after the last owner noticed a lack of power.
He was a serial E-Class wagon owner, this was his 6th going back to the W124's and had been replaced with the latest model a year previously but he couldn't part with ours so kept it until we bought it!
Absolutely great cars (we've also got a S Class) and on our recent journey from Somerset to Stafford to buy our motorhome it returned 48mpg.
We were so looking forward to getting it over the magic 200k mark but with the motorhome and two other cars we are now going to sell it as space is at a premium, but if we had room I'd be keeping it.
For the money I'd struggle to see what else comes close as I wouldn't trust the equivalent circa £2k E60 BMW 530d and big engined diesel automatic estates are pretty limited after that.
Well done on the MPG, mine’s averaged about 36mpg over it’s time with me.Ours had done circa 142k with virtually 1 owner when we bought it, serviced religiously with any MOT advisories sorted every year and the only issue in that time was a new turbo at circa 138k after the last owner noticed a lack of power.
He was a serial E-Class wagon owner, this was his 6th going back to the W124's and had been replaced with the latest model a year previously but he couldn't part with ours so kept it until we bought it!
Absolutely great cars (we've also got a S Class) and on our recent journey from Somerset to Stafford to buy our motorhome it returned 48mpg.
We were so looking forward to getting it over the magic 200k mark but with the motorhome and two other cars we are now going to sell it as space is at a premium, but if we had room I'd be keeping it.
For the money I'd struggle to see what else comes close as I wouldn't trust the equivalent circa £2k E60 BMW 530d and big engined diesel automatic estates are pretty limited after that.
Condenser has arrived, will replace on Friday and post the pictures up.
Condenser replaced and pictures below! Was more of a job than I expected! Normally you would just drop the unit down through the gap between the rad and intercooler, it turns out this isn't the case if you have a transmission oil cooler as the bracket won't clear the gap!
Starting point:
Starting the dismantle:
AC pipe connection:
Bumper, condenser and intercooler removed, 155K miles of crap lodged behind
I made sure this was vacuumed out before reassembly
All back together!
I also noticed that the radiator bracket is starting to rust, so will POR15 that in the near future!
Starting point:
Starting the dismantle:
AC pipe connection:
Bumper, condenser and intercooler removed, 155K miles of crap lodged behind
I made sure this was vacuumed out before reassembly All back together!
I also noticed that the radiator bracket is starting to rust, so will POR15 that in the near future!
Edited by lemonslap on Saturday 31st July 10:30
Following with interest, Mine is a 2007 Sport spec and has now done 180K miles, I bought it in 2009 so 12 years ago, front suspension refresh at Merc specialist, usually service it myself.
I change the air filters every service as they get filthy, and always use Mercedes oil and Mann filters.
I also change the turbo seal and fuel filter every 2 years. Wheels refurbished and welded 3 times since buying due to road damage, just had exhaust mountings at the back replaced with stainless (Pipecraft Basildon).
Pirelli PZero MO tyres always fitted. I have had 2 Auto gearbox oil changes and recommend you do the same every 40k miles forget all the sealed for life rubbish spouted around.
I always use Mercedes discs and pads, rears are coming up for a change along with rear shocks when the weather gets a little better.
Great car that we intend to run as long as possible.
I change the air filters every service as they get filthy, and always use Mercedes oil and Mann filters.
I also change the turbo seal and fuel filter every 2 years. Wheels refurbished and welded 3 times since buying due to road damage, just had exhaust mountings at the back replaced with stainless (Pipecraft Basildon).
Pirelli PZero MO tyres always fitted. I have had 2 Auto gearbox oil changes and recommend you do the same every 40k miles forget all the sealed for life rubbish spouted around.
I always use Mercedes discs and pads, rears are coming up for a change along with rear shocks when the weather gets a little better.
Great car that we intend to run as long as possible.
300sl-24 said:
Following with interest, Mine is a 2007 Sport spec and has now done 180K miles, I bought it in 2009 so 12 years ago, front suspension refresh at Merc specialist, usually service it myself.
I change the air filters every service as they get filthy, and always use Mercedes oil and Mann filters.
I also change the turbo seal and fuel filter every 2 years. Wheels refurbished and welded 3 times since buying due to road damage, just had exhaust mountings at the back replaced with stainless (Pipecraft Basildon).
Pirelli PZero MO tyres always fitted. I have had 2 Auto gearbox oil changes and recommend you do the same every 40k miles forget all the sealed for life rubbish spouted around.
I always use Mercedes discs and pads, rears are coming up for a change along with rear shocks when the weather gets a little better.
Great car that we intend to run as long as possible.
I’m running 16” wheels with all season tyres and sold my sport package wheel, far nicer drive. The fuel filter is an amusing one, it was the original one on mine (looking at the date stamp) that had covered 90k before I took ownership and changed it! It had supposedly been changed twice according the the detailed history I had with it, a bit worrying as there’s no water drain or sensor on mine. I change the air filters every service as they get filthy, and always use Mercedes oil and Mann filters.
I also change the turbo seal and fuel filter every 2 years. Wheels refurbished and welded 3 times since buying due to road damage, just had exhaust mountings at the back replaced with stainless (Pipecraft Basildon).
Pirelli PZero MO tyres always fitted. I have had 2 Auto gearbox oil changes and recommend you do the same every 40k miles forget all the sealed for life rubbish spouted around.
I always use Mercedes discs and pads, rears are coming up for a change along with rear shocks when the weather gets a little better.
Great car that we intend to run as long as possible.
I have stopped using merc filters and buy Mann from ECP, however the filter I have just used was made in Bosnia not Germany so may rethink this! Also be aware the aftermarket pollen filters don’t seem to fit as they don’t include a moulded housing that’s needed.
I echo the gearbox oil, mines had changes art 90k, 130k and will be getting one next at 170k.
Following on from my readers thread on the X5M. it’s now for sale: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207308...
lemonslap said:
Not getting any interest so far 
, may get a better return if I part it out at this rate. Seems crazy for car with a lot of life left in it, any pointers on what I’m missing in the ad?
Most likely the mileage and age putting people off, I think most tend to buy based on those factors rather than condition. , may get a better return if I part it out at this rate. Seems crazy for car with a lot of life left in it, any pointers on what I’m missing in the ad?I have a Skoda Superb on an 08 plate that's done 60% of the miles your car has but it's ready for the scrapper - if you werent 8hrs/485 miles away I'd come and have a look at your car! I had an S211 E220cdi on an 08 plate and its a car I've always regretted getting rid of.
300sl-24 said:
Do you have the ‘sport’ 18 inch alloys as well?
I sold them a while back to a local gent with Burgundy E500.Thanks all, it sold last night, mechanic and his son. They had been to see all of the E320’s on autotrader (travelling the country!) and appreciated how good mine was, glad it’s gone to a good home. Just needed to wait for the right buyer that wanted a car that mechanically had been looked after properly. No surprise that they had plenty of stories of the dogs they had seen previously!
Will keep my X5M thread updated.
Happy to hear you got it sold and to a good home. Yesterday I discovered mine needs an alternator after it conked out on me Thursday night. Thankfully I got it started again and on the way home the voltage came back up to 14+.
Yesterday it hovered around 11.5 going about my business then I noticed it slowly dropping then near home it plummeted. Conked out trying to reverse onto my drive. Battery on charge to at least allow me local trips.
Nightmare.
Yesterday it hovered around 11.5 going about my business then I noticed it slowly dropping then near home it plummeted. Conked out trying to reverse onto my drive. Battery on charge to at least allow me local trips.
Nightmare.
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