Sensible family daily wagon - Mercedes Benz S211 E500
Discussion
The next day, it was cooooold and the heated seats were a great comfort to me:
The very polite dining area for breakfast in the German three star in which I was staying. It was a good proper three star, whatever that entails, but it just felt like a good quality 320i for example, in comparison to a Mondeo, in class.
My stats when I remembered to capture them after the first day:
Given that I was on the Chunnel at 188,104, I covered 969km.
The very polite dining area for breakfast in the German three star in which I was staying. It was a good proper three star, whatever that entails, but it just felt like a good quality 320i for example, in comparison to a Mondeo, in class.
My stats when I remembered to capture them after the first day:
Given that I was on the Chunnel at 188,104, I covered 969km.
Edited by bolidemichael on Friday 6th April 21:54
The next Sunday I drove to Stuttgart for a visit to the Mercedes Benz Museum. As the roads were very quiet, I really gave it some on the autobahn. Effing hell the barge has some boot. with heated seats. On these roads, the vehicle is really in its element and feels solid, Germanic and purposeful.
Here in the MB car park, Magnus is surrounded by vehicle renovated and sold under an 'MB Classic' banner.
MB Museum is a wonderful place to spend the day. One starts at the top and spirals their way down, chronologically. On each floor there is an additional room with has a rotating feature. I got free entry as a member of the MB Club.
A rare 600 SL:
Here in the MB car park, Magnus is surrounded by vehicle renovated and sold under an 'MB Classic' banner.
MB Museum is a wonderful place to spend the day. One starts at the top and spirals their way down, chronologically. On each floor there is an additional room with has a rotating feature. I got free entry as a member of the MB Club.
A rare 600 SL:
Perc.y said:
Always love reading through your updates.
We have the Meguiars headlamp cleaner but are yet to use it yet, you've had great results from it going by your photos.
I'm jealous of the luggage organiser in your boot, I don't have anything currently in my 3 series. I looking at purchasing a luggage net to keep some smaller items from sliding around though.
Look forward to more updates!
Quite a lot of elbow grease with the grit paper! I was in Halfords today and there is a more expensive Megs one for £30 that promises 'no more sanding'! I'm not entirely happy with the results so will have another go soon. Nevertheless, the improvement over the original was immense and makes the car appear much more handsome.We have the Meguiars headlamp cleaner but are yet to use it yet, you've had great results from it going by your photos.
I'm jealous of the luggage organiser in your boot, I don't have anything currently in my 3 series. I looking at purchasing a luggage net to keep some smaller items from sliding around though.
Look forward to more updates!
The luggage organiser is quality and in the coming months, I add another OEM item. Much happiness ensues!
In my six series, I used the Raptor brands bungees that I bought from Costco that were verstile and excellent.
So after two weeks and an accreditation as a 'Water Sommelier' in hand (the only British water sommelier, no less), the day came to leave Germany and my pension.
If you recall, the day I arrived was -1degC. This day was T shirt weather!:
So off I headed to the next leg of my journey, a morning meeting with a producer of mineral water in Nuvolento, Brescia, with whom we work. The involved crossing through Austria and over the Dolomites.
Not a van, but mountains in the distance:
On the continent, they appreciate that travellers would like the liberty of stopping for a break and perhaps even a comfort break, without having to consider the purchase of anything at all; how refreshingly civil. I asked a random smoking man to take a photo of me at the lovely pit stop, with the sunlight shimmering off the 'pool'. Randomly, I stopped for another break in Austria and saw him again!
In Italy, I spotted a random BMW test car thing:
and appreciated how much we take the spectacular road engineering for granted when traversing in our luxo barges. Appropriately, this was on the entrance to the gents, not the ladies!:
It is worth noting that every coffee that I had in Italy was spectacular. It is not even comparable to the coffee served in comparable UK outlets.
The pre-dinner snack in our hotel was suitable for the context:
If you recall, the day I arrived was -1degC. This day was T shirt weather!:
So off I headed to the next leg of my journey, a morning meeting with a producer of mineral water in Nuvolento, Brescia, with whom we work. The involved crossing through Austria and over the Dolomites.
Not a van, but mountains in the distance:
On the continent, they appreciate that travellers would like the liberty of stopping for a break and perhaps even a comfort break, without having to consider the purchase of anything at all; how refreshingly civil. I asked a random smoking man to take a photo of me at the lovely pit stop, with the sunlight shimmering off the 'pool'. Randomly, I stopped for another break in Austria and saw him again!
In Italy, I spotted a random BMW test car thing:
and appreciated how much we take the spectacular road engineering for granted when traversing in our luxo barges. Appropriately, this was on the entrance to the gents, not the ladies!:
It is worth noting that every coffee that I had in Italy was spectacular. It is not even comparable to the coffee served in comparable UK outlets.
The pre-dinner snack in our hotel was suitable for the context:
Saturday morning was... interesting. The company's British representative and I decided that it would be nice to drive to Lake Garda for breakfast and coffee prior to our meeting. The weather was atrocious and the COMAND sat nav told me to turn right down a very steep road. Initially, I had my reservations and wanted to reverse out, but Stephen encouraged me to soldier on - "It'll be fine!" he said...
Once we got past that insanely tight 'APE' appropriate road, we weren't out of the woods..:
Note the folded wing mirrors (thanks to the wonderful little button) and the scrapes on the walls, though I didn't contribute, thankfully:
Breakfast consisted of coffee and a pastry 'thing'. At least the coffee was good! I had two, each with a teapot of hot water in order to lengthen the coffee drink:
Sodden:
But we made it for the meeting. There is an industrial element to a great deal of Northern Italy, it is the economic powerhouse of the country after all:
They also skipped some stock from our container prior to my departure for Germany and we calculated that we should run out just as I was due to return to the UK in two weeks... so here I am taking advantage of the loading capacity of the S211 and grateful that I found winter tyres with a load rating of 99.
When I left, I gave a lift to Stephen until Maplensa (Marco Polo?) Airport. Annoyingly, on this cold day, the heating wasn't really working. To this day, it's the only time this has happened. Who knows - the only thing that I think I did was to turn the 'auto' function on and off and on again...
Once we got past that insanely tight 'APE' appropriate road, we weren't out of the woods..:
Note the folded wing mirrors (thanks to the wonderful little button) and the scrapes on the walls, though I didn't contribute, thankfully:
Breakfast consisted of coffee and a pastry 'thing'. At least the coffee was good! I had two, each with a teapot of hot water in order to lengthen the coffee drink:
Sodden:
But we made it for the meeting. There is an industrial element to a great deal of Northern Italy, it is the economic powerhouse of the country after all:
They also skipped some stock from our container prior to my departure for Germany and we calculated that we should run out just as I was due to return to the UK in two weeks... so here I am taking advantage of the loading capacity of the S211 and grateful that I found winter tyres with a load rating of 99.
When I left, I gave a lift to Stephen until Maplensa (Marco Polo?) Airport. Annoyingly, on this cold day, the heating wasn't really working. To this day, it's the only time this has happened. Who knows - the only thing that I think I did was to turn the 'auto' function on and off and on again...
Edited by bolidemichael on Sunday 8th April 00:22
Edited by bolidemichael on Sunday 8th April 00:24
The next stop was Geneva for an overnight stay, before heading home the next day. The final F1 GP of the season was taking place, so I caught up on the practice and quali sessions which I find very relaxing when I drive.
Here I arrive at the entrance to Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco in Italian). It's rather similar to my daily commute in that there is a tarmac road, but dis-similar in every other way:
There were some very interesting conditions on the way:
We visited a nice whisky bar in Geneva:
Has anyone seen Swiss cash recently? It's eye catching!
The next day I was up and off, after breakfast of course! Driving through the Jura mountains with the wonderfully engineered roads was marvellous, though I have no photos for posterity. I was making serious progress.
Eventually, I arrived in Calais after some risky speeds on the final stretch. It was worth it though as the Euros stayed in ma poche on a sleepy Dimanche. Notice the congregation of salt on the o/s rear panel where the body was slightly depressed thanks to having 'smooched' the metal bracket in the Waitrose car park.
This was my day, Considering that about 98% of the journey was on the autoroute, an average speed over 529 miles from Geneva to Calais of 74mph says it all. This was even considering the persistence of idiocy as displayed by the Belgians and Dutch convoys in the Northern parts on France where my patience was tested. Once again, I had the F1 to keep me company, this time the final race of the season - the snoozefest in Abu Dhabi.
Eventually, I arrived home, after capturing a nice odometer reading:
A summary of my long stretch driving day:
And of my total driving over two weeks, door to (the same) door:
I thought that the V70 was the most comfortable car that I would have owned to date, but the initial firmness of the seats in the S211 make for durable long distance comfort. In combination with a long wheelbase, adjustable airmatic suspension and a naturally aspirated engine with eight cylinders in a V for Victory (or f
k off) configuration and five litres, it is a fantastic way in which to carry load across distance. It's even better if you love the smell of petrol as the fuel stops are numerous!
Here I arrive at the entrance to Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco in Italian). It's rather similar to my daily commute in that there is a tarmac road, but dis-similar in every other way:
There were some very interesting conditions on the way:
We visited a nice whisky bar in Geneva:
Has anyone seen Swiss cash recently? It's eye catching!
The next day I was up and off, after breakfast of course! Driving through the Jura mountains with the wonderfully engineered roads was marvellous, though I have no photos for posterity. I was making serious progress.
Eventually, I arrived in Calais after some risky speeds on the final stretch. It was worth it though as the Euros stayed in ma poche on a sleepy Dimanche. Notice the congregation of salt on the o/s rear panel where the body was slightly depressed thanks to having 'smooched' the metal bracket in the Waitrose car park.
This was my day, Considering that about 98% of the journey was on the autoroute, an average speed over 529 miles from Geneva to Calais of 74mph says it all. This was even considering the persistence of idiocy as displayed by the Belgians and Dutch convoys in the Northern parts on France where my patience was tested. Once again, I had the F1 to keep me company, this time the final race of the season - the snoozefest in Abu Dhabi.
Eventually, I arrived home, after capturing a nice odometer reading:
A summary of my long stretch driving day:
And of my total driving over two weeks, door to (the same) door:
I thought that the V70 was the most comfortable car that I would have owned to date, but the initial firmness of the seats in the S211 make for durable long distance comfort. In combination with a long wheelbase, adjustable airmatic suspension and a naturally aspirated engine with eight cylinders in a V for Victory (or f
k off) configuration and five litres, it is a fantastic way in which to carry load across distance. It's even better if you love the smell of petrol as the fuel stops are numerous!Mr Tidy said:
Great thread OP. 
And a lovely car too!
I bought my first ever estate car in January, and I'm really starting to appreciate how useful they are as a daily. Mind you by your standards I've only got half an engine - it's an E91 325i!
What a very tidy car too. I love the shape of the E91 with the crease along the body. I love the six cylinder Beemers. The big E definitely trumps it for immense carrying capacity however!And a lovely car too!
I bought my first ever estate car in January, and I'm really starting to appreciate how useful they are as a daily. Mind you by your standards I've only got half an engine - it's an E91 325i!
dave_s13 said:
Great read and a great car.
As a fellow e class estate owner I salute you!
Mine is a penny pinching deisel though, just couldn't find a petrol with 7 seats when I was looking.
I do love my s212 tho.
Damn, that's good looking. I like the evolution of the E class, though the 211 has definitely mellowed in my eye since ownership. I would love an S212 E500, though I cannot see how much improved it would be over my model. As a fellow e class estate owner I salute you!
Mine is a penny pinching deisel though, just couldn't find a petrol with 7 seats when I was looking.
I do love my s212 tho.
No, but this E430 82k miles One Owner seems very tidy indeed.
Biglips said:
Perc.y said:
I keep checking classifieds to see the current going rate for an E500 but I rarely see one for sale.
They do come up from time to time. Often the asking prices are a bit optimistic but I think that the s211 sells for about 3 to 6k depending on mileage and options. The s212 is much much rarer and more difficult to price. It will sit closer to e63 than 350 prices.Biglips said:
I briefly had a Volvo V70 like yourself and whilst it was a very able car i never fell in love with it. It was too slow (2.4 petrol) the interior was low quality plastics after the build quality of a 124 and the turning circle was atrocious
I forgot about the crappy turning circle. It felt like trying to turn an oil tanker! Biglips said:
The car I really loved was a s124 AMG E36. Only 7 built in RHD and was pre-merger AMG. Surprisingly fast and of course had all the attributes of the 124s. I sold it with 272000 miles on the clock when it needed some money spending on it to bring it back to its former glory.
That sounds like a great ownership experience. One of seven... bloody hell!Biglips said:
So that’s my story of how I came to own the car. Had it a little over 12 months and about 12k miles. I will post up some ownership reflections in another post
In the meantime, feel free to add to mine. Out of interest, what's the 'sweet spot' for you on the motorway?muhnkee2 said:
Hey
Loving your writing and your adventures,on a similar life trajectory as you, and now with two kids (one named Magnus), and having recently arrived in the US, i found my own path to a Mercedes V8.
As they say across the pond, thanks for reaching out to me! It put a smile on my face that your lad is named Magnus Loving your writing and your adventures,on a similar life trajectory as you, and now with two kids (one named Magnus), and having recently arrived in the US, i found my own path to a Mercedes V8.
muhnkee2 said:
Unfortunately they dont really do V8 wagons here, except the lovely Cadillac CTS-V
Whilst researching E500s I learned that the S211 E500 and E550 (with the same engine as yours, I believe) are available in the US. Isn't there also the Chrysler 300C 6.1L V8 HEMI SRT and there's also a 5.7L which would be right at home!
muhnkee2 said:
so while looking at V8 Mercs i found this lovely brown machine (a 2008 ML550)
That seems like a rare colour, though the photo doesn't seem to do it justice. It appears black(ish) to me. How thoroughly excellent for carting a little family on road trips around the US, how I do envy you for living in a land with cheap petrol and roads that never end. muhnkee2 said:
So my question is, do you have much of v8 thunder in the E500?
My exhaust is nasty having been an aftermarket unit that has lost the baffling. I am mulling over an OEM quote and discreet item (it is about discreet progress after all) and a custom item which will give a burble and some character...muhnkee2 said:
My review ofML550 ownership so far (includes Avantime ownership too)
I love love love the Avantime and seriously considered one for the family until I realised that it was a coupe... I would love to know more about it. The photo on your thread looks awesome with the white roof. Incredible styling. Edited by bolidemichael on Monday 9th April 23:57
Edited by bolidemichael on Monday 9th April 23:58
Mr E said:
My 212 is virtually silent - no V8 rumble at all - unless you’re somewhere north of 4000rpm. Even then, it’s muted. Sort of like muscles being flexed under an expensive suit.
BigLips said:
ditto
Guys, do you feel as though there is scope for a little more character? Since MB have NO eta for the stock exhaust at all, I am considering the offer to have a stainless steel item built by Profusion Exhausts, which will give more volume but also remove the drone. Thoughts?I took Magnus to MB Brooklands for some bits and bobs and then to a Merc chap on Wimbledon hill for the work.
The bill for the work involved was to replace both o/s and n/s front lower ball joints, o/s/f forward suspension arm and renewing both rear brake flexi hoses, cleaning the rear brake pipes during repair and to bleed the system.
Parts £256.20, labour £239 - total £495.20
The bill for the work involved was to replace both o/s and n/s front lower ball joints, o/s/f forward suspension arm and renewing both rear brake flexi hoses, cleaning the rear brake pipes during repair and to bleed the system.
Parts £256.20, labour £239 - total £495.20
There are foibles to which to attend in varying levels of priority. Two of the headrests on the rear bench (not the single), do not retract when the appropriate 'headrest DOWN' button is pressed. Someone that I spoke to attributed this to an issue with the vacuum system.
I also noticed that the rear 'parcel shelf' fails to retract smoothly on the mechanism that operates with the automated boot opening (which is cool even if old technology!). It seems as though Mercedes never designed the seatbelts for the rear bench (rear facing for children) to be left just 'hanging around' and that I key part of the plastic was missing on both sides!
I also noticed that the rear 'parcel shelf' fails to retract smoothly on the mechanism that operates with the automated boot opening (which is cool even if old technology!). It seems as though Mercedes never designed the seatbelts for the rear bench (rear facing for children) to be left just 'hanging around' and that I key part of the plastic was missing on both sides!
Hi @percy. as the thread to date is retrospective it takes a while to catch up! Once I am up to date I can post more regularly, though the banal photo uploading to the forum makes it a chore from a mobile.
The seller of the E500 is overcharging. What's your budget? It would be interesting to see if he has a detailed list of work done. It is an elegance with a dark interior and an early model; my gut feel is that £4k to £5.5k is the ballpark.
The seller of the E500 is overcharging. What's your budget? It would be interesting to see if he has a detailed list of work done. It is an elegance with a dark interior and an early model; my gut feel is that £4k to £5.5k is the ballpark.
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