W211 E Class estate - any good?
Discussion
Been advised that the E Class has decent room in the rear (plus the possibility of 7 seats) which we need as want to be able to squeeze an adult in the middle between two child-seats occassionally.
Don't do much mileage, want something uber comfortable, practical and that won't cost me the earth to keep on the road.
Any reason I shouldn't buy one of these?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
Don't do much mileage, want something uber comfortable, practical and that won't cost me the earth to keep on the road.
Any reason I shouldn't buy one of these?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
I haven't tried it but I think you'd struggle based on the size of any modern car seats I've seen, however I think this will apply for anything other than MPVs or SUVs.
The rear of an E Class has great space and legroom for both outer passengers, but the middle seat isn't a sculpted seat as such, and being RWD the transmission tunnel means a middle passenger would have to split their legs either side of it.
I think it'd be a squeeze.
The rear of an E Class has great space and legroom for both outer passengers, but the middle seat isn't a sculpted seat as such, and being RWD the transmission tunnel means a middle passenger would have to split their legs either side of it.
I think it'd be a squeeze.
We have had three booster seats in the rear of ours, but as already said given the width of most car child seats with side bolsters etc. two would not leave comfortable space, if any, for an adult in the middle. I have no experience of the 7 seater versions, but could you put them in the rear - if age allowed them to be "unsupervised", obviously?
There are several entries on 211 estates on here, which highlight the (few) known weakneses. Generally pre-facelift cars are regarded as being vulnerable to various electrical and other issues, due to supposed cost cutting and build quality issues, although the 55 plate 220CDI we ran for a year from new never faltered. Someone on here runs an E55 which has a lot of similarities with the E500 so he may be able to give an opinion, but the E500 does have a fair few additional toys, plus Airmatic, which could potentially throw a few more issues up.
There are several entries on 211 estates on here, which highlight the (few) known weakneses. Generally pre-facelift cars are regarded as being vulnerable to various electrical and other issues, due to supposed cost cutting and build quality issues, although the 55 plate 220CDI we ran for a year from new never faltered. Someone on here runs an E55 which has a lot of similarities with the E500 so he may be able to give an opinion, but the E500 does have a fair few additional toys, plus Airmatic, which could potentially throw a few more issues up.
I've fun a March 2005 E500 since April 2010.
All 500's come with (IIRC) airmatic, xenons, dynamic seats, heated seats, quad zone a/c and the 7g box
Options (I think) include COMAND, Harmon Kardon, sunroof, 7 seats, family pack (pop up boosters in rear seats),electric tailgate, sun pack (2 extra visors and rear blinds), convenience pack (electric memory seats and steering wheel/column), parktronic, air cooled seats, linguatronc, distronic and electric boot floor.
Mine has all the above except a/c seats, linguatronc, distronic and electric boot floor (and you can't have the leccie boot floor with the 7 seat option, anyway).
It's a great family bus. I take mine to the South of France every year and numerous long drives in the UK. Mine is now on 112k and has never really missed a beat. All the electrics are still fine.
In terms of carrying people the rear-facing seats in the boot are great for my kids and their friends (currently aged 5 and 8). I don't know what the upper age limit/size is but I suppose a tall 12 or 13 year old might not be so happy in them. You certainly wouldn't put an adult in there!
The rear seat will fit two kiddie seats (one on either side) and a petite woman/slim teenager can then fit in the middle. Anyone larger wouldn't fit.
If you had older kids and found one with the family pack (pop up boosters like the ones Volvo does) the central passenger would have a LOT more room. I use it in this mode round town and in this config any adult can use the central seat.
In summary any 211 estate is a great family car. IMHO the 5.0 V8's are preferable to the contemporary 16 diesels. And a lot cheaper.
If and when I change mine it will be for a later facelift 211. In which case I would consider the V6 diesel. The Brabus chip takes them up to 270-ish bhp which is only 10% down on the 5.0 V8. Then, of course, if you can find one, the newer 5.5 V8 puts out nearer 400 bhp.
In terms of bang for buck, however, you can get a lot of 5.0 V8 for not a lot of money.
All 500's come with (IIRC) airmatic, xenons, dynamic seats, heated seats, quad zone a/c and the 7g box
Options (I think) include COMAND, Harmon Kardon, sunroof, 7 seats, family pack (pop up boosters in rear seats),electric tailgate, sun pack (2 extra visors and rear blinds), convenience pack (electric memory seats and steering wheel/column), parktronic, air cooled seats, linguatronc, distronic and electric boot floor.
Mine has all the above except a/c seats, linguatronc, distronic and electric boot floor (and you can't have the leccie boot floor with the 7 seat option, anyway).
It's a great family bus. I take mine to the South of France every year and numerous long drives in the UK. Mine is now on 112k and has never really missed a beat. All the electrics are still fine.
In terms of carrying people the rear-facing seats in the boot are great for my kids and their friends (currently aged 5 and 8). I don't know what the upper age limit/size is but I suppose a tall 12 or 13 year old might not be so happy in them. You certainly wouldn't put an adult in there!
The rear seat will fit two kiddie seats (one on either side) and a petite woman/slim teenager can then fit in the middle. Anyone larger wouldn't fit.
If you had older kids and found one with the family pack (pop up boosters like the ones Volvo does) the central passenger would have a LOT more room. I use it in this mode round town and in this config any adult can use the central seat.
In summary any 211 estate is a great family car. IMHO the 5.0 V8's are preferable to the contemporary 16 diesels. And a lot cheaper.
If and when I change mine it will be for a later facelift 211. In which case I would consider the V6 diesel. The Brabus chip takes them up to 270-ish bhp which is only 10% down on the 5.0 V8. Then, of course, if you can find one, the newer 5.5 V8 puts out nearer 400 bhp.
In terms of bang for buck, however, you can get a lot of 5.0 V8 for not a lot of money.
AC43 said:
I've fun a March 2005 E500 since April 2010.
All 500's come with (IIRC) airmatic, xenons, dynamic seats, heated seats, quad zone a/c and the 7g box
Options (I think) include COMAND, Harmon Kardon, sunroof, 7 seats, family pack (pop up boosters in rear seats),electric tailgate, sun pack (2 extra visors and rear blinds), convenience pack (electric memory seats and steering wheel/column), parktronic, air cooled seats, linguatronc, distronic and electric boot floor.
Mine has all the above except a/c seats, linguatronc, distronic and electric boot floor (and you can't have the leccie boot floor with the 7 seat option, anyway).
It's a great family bus. I take mine to the South of France every year and numerous long drives in the UK. Mine is now on 112k and has never really missed a beat. All the electrics are still fine.
In terms of carrying people the rear-facing seats in the boot are great for my kids and their friends (currently aged 5 and 8). I don't know what the upper age limit/size is but I suppose a tall 12 or 13 year old might not be so happy in them. You certainly wouldn't put an adult in there!
The rear seat will fit two kiddie seats (one on either side) and a petite woman/slim teenager can then fit in the middle. Anyone larger wouldn't fit.
If you had older kids and found one with the family pack (pop up boosters like the ones Volvo does) the central passenger would have a LOT more room. I use it in this mode round town and in this config any adult can use the central seat.
In summary any 211 estate is a great family car. IMHO the 5.0 V8's are preferable to the contemporary 16 diesels. And a lot cheaper.
If and when I change mine it will be for a later facelift 211. In which case I would consider the V6 diesel. The Brabus chip takes them up to 270-ish bhp which is only 10% down on the 5.0 V8. Then, of course, if you can find one, the newer 5.5 V8 puts out nearer 400 bhp.
In terms of bang for buck, however, you can get a lot of 5.0 V8 for not a lot of money.
Thanks for the write up.All 500's come with (IIRC) airmatic, xenons, dynamic seats, heated seats, quad zone a/c and the 7g box
Options (I think) include COMAND, Harmon Kardon, sunroof, 7 seats, family pack (pop up boosters in rear seats),electric tailgate, sun pack (2 extra visors and rear blinds), convenience pack (electric memory seats and steering wheel/column), parktronic, air cooled seats, linguatronc, distronic and electric boot floor.
Mine has all the above except a/c seats, linguatronc, distronic and electric boot floor (and you can't have the leccie boot floor with the 7 seat option, anyway).
It's a great family bus. I take mine to the South of France every year and numerous long drives in the UK. Mine is now on 112k and has never really missed a beat. All the electrics are still fine.
In terms of carrying people the rear-facing seats in the boot are great for my kids and their friends (currently aged 5 and 8). I don't know what the upper age limit/size is but I suppose a tall 12 or 13 year old might not be so happy in them. You certainly wouldn't put an adult in there!
The rear seat will fit two kiddie seats (one on either side) and a petite woman/slim teenager can then fit in the middle. Anyone larger wouldn't fit.
If you had older kids and found one with the family pack (pop up boosters like the ones Volvo does) the central passenger would have a LOT more room. I use it in this mode round town and in this config any adult can use the central seat.
In summary any 211 estate is a great family car. IMHO the 5.0 V8's are preferable to the contemporary 16 diesels. And a lot cheaper.
If and when I change mine it will be for a later facelift 211. In which case I would consider the V6 diesel. The Brabus chip takes them up to 270-ish bhp which is only 10% down on the 5.0 V8. Then, of course, if you can find one, the newer 5.5 V8 puts out nearer 400 bhp.
In terms of bang for buck, however, you can get a lot of 5.0 V8 for not a lot of money.
Can I asks what costs you have incurred over that time? Insurance, MPG, servicing, tyres etc?
I have owned loads of cars over the years including...
S4 Avant
3.2 A6 avant
335i touring
535d touring
W210 E320 V6
W211 E320cdi Brabus Tuned
W212 E350 cdi
Then M3's, M3 CSL, 123d, 530i, 730d, S320, etc. etc.
Hand on heart the W211 E320cdi was the best car I have owned, it was just a pleasure every day and I regret selling it every day.
I would definitely get a facelift one, and if you want nav etc get a 58 plate with the later NTG2.5 or one with standard radio and whack one in for £700.
But great cars, and far better than the current model.
S4 Avant
3.2 A6 avant
335i touring
535d touring
W210 E320 V6
W211 E320cdi Brabus Tuned
W212 E350 cdi
Then M3's, M3 CSL, 123d, 530i, 730d, S320, etc. etc.
Hand on heart the W211 E320cdi was the best car I have owned, it was just a pleasure every day and I regret selling it every day.
I would definitely get a facelift one, and if you want nav etc get a 58 plate with the later NTG2.5 or one with standard radio and whack one in for £700.
But great cars, and far better than the current model.
I'm starting to go off my W211 E320 (57 plate). The headlight washers seem to have packed up.
Not finding this car the cheapest to run. My driving gives me approx 30-32 mpg (combined). I can get near 40 if I drive like an old Fart i.e. 60mph on Motorway.
Had glow plugs go shortly after I bought it. Fortunately I have not had to service it yet. It’s got nearly 4000 miles left until that.
It's broken down once due to a blocked drainage tube under the scuttle trim causing all sorts strange things to happen, including the engine not shutting off. That was all because the water came in through the heater motor and collected under the carpet causing the ECU to arc.
Other issue I have is that every now and again, when I get back in the car and accelerate, sometimes it stutters and almost cuts out. I have to lift off the accelerator for a few seconds to clear it. If I don't it goes into limp mode.
However despite its problems, it is spacious and comfortable. It’s great for carrying the dogs.
Would I get another one? Yes. The boot on the 5 series BMW is just nowhere near as big.
Not finding this car the cheapest to run. My driving gives me approx 30-32 mpg (combined). I can get near 40 if I drive like an old Fart i.e. 60mph on Motorway.
Had glow plugs go shortly after I bought it. Fortunately I have not had to service it yet. It’s got nearly 4000 miles left until that.
It's broken down once due to a blocked drainage tube under the scuttle trim causing all sorts strange things to happen, including the engine not shutting off. That was all because the water came in through the heater motor and collected under the carpet causing the ECU to arc.
Other issue I have is that every now and again, when I get back in the car and accelerate, sometimes it stutters and almost cuts out. I have to lift off the accelerator for a few seconds to clear it. If I don't it goes into limp mode.
However despite its problems, it is spacious and comfortable. It’s great for carrying the dogs.
Would I get another one? Yes. The boot on the 5 series BMW is just nowhere near as big.
My facelift 500 doesn't have heated seats nor active seats. It does have the 7G gearbox which threw a speed sensor wobbly requiring the valve body to be changed at a cost of £1,500 - covered by warranty thank goodness. The facelifts also have the 500NM 380bhp 5.5 litre. 
It does have the adaptive xenons and Comand.
The earlier cars have the 5G 'box and the same repair is about £500 and the engine is the 5 litre with 320bhp or so.
I love mine. It does about 18mpg in town and 26-28 on a long run. The Airmatic is generally reliable but when it does go can be expensive at £1,000 a corner to sort out.
It does have the adaptive xenons and Comand.The earlier cars have the 5G 'box and the same repair is about £500 and the engine is the 5 litre with 320bhp or so.
I love mine. It does about 18mpg in town and 26-28 on a long run. The Airmatic is generally reliable but when it does go can be expensive at £1,000 a corner to sort out.
Trevor450 said:
My facelift 500 doesn't have heated seats nor active seats. It does have the 7G gearbox which threw a speed sensor wobbly requiring the valve body to be changed at a cost of £1,500 - covered by warranty thank goodness. The facelifts also have the 500NM 380bhp 5.5 litre. It does have the adaptive xenons and Comand.
The earlier cars have the 5G 'box and the same repair is about £500 and the engine is the 5 litre with 320bhp or so.
I love mine. It does about 18mpg in town and 26-28 on a long run. The Airmatic is generally reliable but when it does go can be expensive at £1,000 a corner to sort out.
Well done for finding one. I have only ever see two facelift E500's, both in London, both black sports estates. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if there were one and the same car - rare as hen's teeth. It does have the adaptive xenons and Comand.The earlier cars have the 5G 'box and the same repair is about £500 and the engine is the 5 litre with 320bhp or so.
I love mine. It does about 18mpg in town and 26-28 on a long run. The Airmatic is generally reliable but when it does go can be expensive at £1,000 a corner to sort out.
AC43 said:
Well done for finding one. I have only ever see two facelift E500's, both in London, both black sports estates. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if there were one and the same car - rare as hen's teeth.
It isn't silver or black either! It is a couple of options short but beggars can't be choosers.2007 E63 AMG here. The family car but I honestly think its the best all-round car I've ever owned. A few air suspension glitches picked up under warranty but otherwise fine. About 15-22MPG depending on how/where you drive it and you can get 2x Maxi Cosis and a slim person in the middle. Now with one MC and one booster, its fine to get even my fat-arsed MIL in between the childrens seats
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff