W211 Merc - what do look for?

[GreenArrow]

...I have a soft spot for the W211 E Class, built from 2002 to 2009 I think...a nice E320 CDI or 320 petrol would do the job, but they seem to have a few issues and can be costly to run...what do you need to look out for...I assume the rust was under control by then...

[Monkeylegend]

I would still check a pre 2004 very closely for rust. I had a 2003 which had rust on the inside of the boot lid which Merc would have fixed under warranty. They indicated to me that 2003/04 was the end of these issues.

Other than that check to see if the SBC unit on the braking system has been replaced on the earlier cars. It has a set number of applications before it calls for a rather expensive replacement, ie £800 ish. Merc were offering goodwill on this but not sure if this still applies.

Front springs have a tendency to collapse overnight, but a relatively cheap fix.

Also research "black death" on the 6 pot diesels, a leaking injector issue which can get expensive if you need 6 replacement injectors. Also the EGR valves can stick.

Get a well serviced car though and they will do mega miles with few issues.

Have a look on the MBclub UK forum, lots of good stuff on there.

[MrMT]

I've just picked up a 2007 S211 320 CDI Sport Estate, my first Merc and I have to admit I am loving it!

Very fast with mountains of torque, handles surprisingly well and feels very solid. Coming from larger petrol engine cars getting over 34mpg is a novelty!

Standard spec on these cars is pretty good but good to try and get the comand sat nav and a few toys to add a little more luxury.