W211 E240 CDI What to look out for?

[KungFuPanda]

I'm going to look at an E240 CDI Elegance saloon soon. Looks to be in decent condition. 2002, 90,000 miles. 11 stamps from Merc in the service book. Full leather interior, panoramic roof. The parents will be driving it and I'll probably drive it one or two days a week.

Is there anything in particular to look out for on these cars. I know 2002 would have been the first batch of the W211 cars so were there any teething problems? Turbo? Gearbox?

[vilus]

CDI stands for common-rail direct injection applicable to Mercedes diesel engines. They made a 220 CDI and a 270 CDI. The 240 is a petrol engine and is heavy on fuel. The early W211 bodywork was not galvanised so check for rust. The coil springs are a known weakness are prone to snapping. I have read several stories of owners hearing a bang, and going outside to find one or more wheels sitting in the arches. The W211 is also heavily reliant on electronics, and you will need a decent Indy with a Mercedes Star Diagnostic machine nearby.

The main thing to be aware of is SBC braking. This is a brake by wire system. When you press the pedal, the brakes are applied by a high pressure pump. For safety the electronics 'time out' the pump after about 300,000 cycles. This requires a new pump costing £1500-£2000 fitted. In some instances it can be reset by a specialist.

Google or search for advice on the UK mercedes forums such as mbclub.co.uk

[KungFuPanda]

Well spotted. IT's a E240 petrol engine with a 2.6 litre V6. Hmmmm not quite sure about it now.

[richarda0109]

Stay away from the E240 - very heavy on the fuel. Stick to the E270 or E320 CDI. The later the model the better - post facelift again better.

Rgds
Richard