S211 E320 CDI - what to look out for?

[Robmarriott]

I'm considering an early (OM648 straight 6) E320 CDI estate, it's had a suspension compressor already and a new SBC pump.

It's done 140k which I'm assuming is ok for this sort of engine and it has a 5 speed which I hear are pretty bulletproof?

So, what do I need to look for, is there anything which is going to be an issue a few months down the road?

[pancholi]

these straight 6's are bullet proof, if looked after.
usual routine stuff:
1) occasional injector leakage,
2) suspension wear: bushes , tie rods etc
3) thermostat
4) turbo...lots of used, low mileage ones on ebay
5) occasional door locking mechanism issue(read Mercedes 211 bouncing door issue)
6) rear door motor failure.
these are all easy issues to solve when they happen.
love these cars, as having 2 large dogs, the car ticks all the boxes.
raj

[pancholi]

forgot to mention that early 211's had corroding radiator issues. have a read about this issue.
secondly get a good Merc Indie.
its good to hear that the SBC has been changed. as they are the most expensive part in the car!!

[cylon]

apart from the SBC, are these reasonable DIY jobs if handy with a spanner?

pancholi said:

forgot to mention that early 211's had corroding radiator issues. have a read about this issue.
secondly get a good Merc Indie.
its good to hear that the SBC has been changed. as they are the most expensive part in the car!!

[Stegel]

cylon said:

apart from the SBC, are these reasonable DIY jobs if handy with a spanner?

pancholi said:

forgot to mention that early 211's had corroding radiator issues. have a read about this issue.
secondly get a good Merc Indie.
its good to hear that the SBC has been changed. as they are the most expensive part in the car!!

I've replaced the entire front suspension (arms, ball joint, dampers and track rod ends) on my wife's V6 S211 and have new rear air suspension units waiting to go on, and I'm a soft handed office type. I've also replaced the tailgate lock mechanism, and the ATF fluid and filter (7speed box). Haynes do a manual which is helpful.

[cylon]

Stegel said:

I've replaced the entire front suspension (arms, ball joint, dampers and track rod ends) on my wife's V6 S211 and have new rear air suspension units waiting to go on, and I'm a soft handed office type. I've also replaced the tailgate lock mechanism, and the ATF fluid and filter (7speed box). Haynes do a manual which is helpful.

Brilliant, cheers, this car is on a shortlist, previously had an e39 and am able to do the entire cooling system/vanos seals, following guides.

[Rufalike]

Just sold my w211 e320cdi 2003

It had 250,000 miles on no rust looked like it had 60k on it and drove beautifully

It didn't ever have any electrical melt
Downs or major parts replaced

It did have engine oil every 6k and gearbox oil every 25k

Only thing that didn't function was the aux in button on sat nav!

Replaced with a 2011 s350cdi which is great and I hope will do the same without much fuss

[Super Slo Mo]

Actually a late model one of these is on my shortlist. Main priority is a quiet motorway cruiser with decent hifi if possible. Reasonable fuel consumption is also quite important as I'm doing 20-25k per year.

Would you guys who've got/had them recommend them?

Doing my own maintenance is no problem.

[pancholi]

Super Slo Mo said:

Actually a late model one of these is on my shortlist. Main priority is a quiet motorway cruiser with decent hifi if possible. Reasonable fuel consumption is also quite important as I'm doing 20-25k per year.

Would you guys who've got/had them recommend them?

Doing my own maintenance is no problem.

i get 40-50mpg on trips to london. ( 50mpg as there are lots of 50mph speed limits currently on the M1).
if you are doing your own DIY, they are a great buy and a real work horse.
lots of info re. 211 DIY