W210 E280 petrol v6 engine reliability?

[agxster]

Does anyone know if the petrol W210 E280 (which I believe is a 2.8 litre V6) has a good reputation for reliability?

We all know about the rust issues, and I've heard the diesels are good, but I never seem to hear much about the petrol versions. Presumably because they sold in low numbers over here in the UK?

[74merc]

They've a very good reputation for reliability and in a W210 would be the least of my worries. The 5 speed auto box can give a bit of grief if the ATF hasn't been changed and of course there's the R*** word!

[Simes110]

I'm not sure if the 2.8 suffers the same affliction as the 2.4, but the 2.4 is prone to 'mayonnaise' in the oil filler cap.

This isn't a blown head, but condensation. This was a common and well-known occurrence.

Our old E240 had it often but it was never a problem. The engine was, as said previously, never an issue.

Get the auto box oil changed unless you've undeniable proof it was done beforehand.

Mechanically, you've nothing to worry about. As said before, it's rust and the odd electrical gremlin that are your primary concerns.

[anonymous-user]

As others have said, they're pretty solid, reliable engines. You get the odd crankshaft sensor failing (it'll cut out when hot) and the plug leads breaking down can cause misfires from time to time, but barring that you should be fine.

[agxster]

Thanks for the info all, sounds like a good engine then. I might have a chance of buying one (the whole car not just the engine!) later this week, so this is good news.