Mercedes W211 E320CDI aka the Tank

[RhysH]

Hi all;

Bit of background why I have come to buy this car... As it was far from where I thought I would be a few months ago....

As my company car period was coming to an end and an ever dragging company delaying publishing a new list, my existing car was now 4.5years old before having an option to upgrade. The list came out and, well the selection was terrible basically a 320d SE or a Golf Match DSG, 120d SE auto etc... The only car I would consider would be the 320d however if I was to pay all the company tax and be stuck with a car for 4+ years it had to be right. I was currently coming out of a tourer which was great. The 320d was coming in at circa $345 a month BIK which I though was too steep for a car which did not tick all the boxes.

My company has narrowed the list down to encourage people to get out of company cars without actually stating it. For this they have succeed, so an opt out was in hand. One good thing about the policy was the only constraints imposed on what car I could use for business was no convertibles or 2 seater cars. Now as I'm due to go away on holidays I basically had 4 weeks to find a car.

The criteria:
Relibale
Comfortable
Presentable
$3.5k budget. I had decided I wanted to buy a car for at least one year and use additional cash for other things. Besides I only bought a "toy M3" recently and did not want two expensive cars right now... So the budget was set as that was readily available as disposable car cash.

The search was on, I really wanted an estate car due to the practicalities, however on the search to meet all the above criteria I was struggling, and especially without feeling like I have gone back 15+ years and got total poverty spec car to be doing circa 18k miles in a year.

My list soon narrowed down to Mercedes E class, I could not believe the value and if im honest always had a soft spot.... Now I have never owned a Mercedes before lots of BMW's (total fan boy) and a few Audis but never really crossed paths with a Mercedes.

Then I noticed an advert for a C320CDI with 104k miles on the clock, full Mercedes history, last owner had for all but the first year of the cars life. It was now in the hands of a "bed room trader" having going through main dealer PX's. Close to budget and not a million miles away I went to look at it. The car was OK, it was aparent it is a car of two half's. On one side it has been serviced by the same Mercedes dealer since 2009, but the car presented it self as something which has been fallen out of love with. The AC was not working, the car has not been waxed/polish for a number of years and generally thick in grime. Also the Tyers on the car are some very cheap Chinese make which never heard off!

However importantly the car drove fine, and engine sounded lovely and quite. The ground in dirt all over the car, I can sort (shown cars in the past). Deal was done the Seller would put 12 months MOT on as only 2 months left and fix AC and get me to budget.

Few days later I drove it home, concerns on collecting. Is it going to cost me a fortune in fuel! (taken steady on way home managed 48mpg impressively). is something going to fall of the car or breakdown soon as I leave. 100miles now under its belt and happy to report its ok. And so far for comfort its certainly got that covered, and I think hopefully for a sub $4k car it is still quite presentable. Oh and the build quality, im very impressed, and has been given the nickname the tank by the family for its size and great clunks when shutting the doors lol.

Here are some pics when arrive home, however they do not due the justice just how grubby it was...

GOPR0098 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0099 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0100 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0101 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0102 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0104 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0106 by Rhys Hodge

And after two whole days on the car, a few photos though apologies they are not the best!

GOPR0108 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0109 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0110 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0111 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0112 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0113 by Rhys Hodge


As this is supposed to be a cheap work car for a year, I am not going to be doing any modifications just maintenance and upkeep to a good standard. However there are few things I must address quite soon:

There are NO cupholders! A solution needs to be found as I need caffeine for those long drives. (I have had a look and looks like there is a genuine one which fetch $50, though while normally I would just order, this is not a 30-40k car so have to check any alternatives before making rash purchases.

There is NO bluetooth. I thought would have been standard, however because im am totally new to the brand I did not realise there is a module, and once found out where it is, it looks to have been taken, presume sold. These fetch circa $160 on ebay. But need to check if can get cheaper or alternative before go two feet and buy again. This is a must as again required for the long work drives.

Those Tyers, they will not do and need replacing. Tread depths ok, however they just scream budget and one thing I do not want to do is risk anyones safety by having cheap tyres. However as all four alloys have seen better days, I am tempted by looking to get some of the AMG version alloys (this may be the ONLY modification for this car).


Sorry if I bored you on the above, but thought worth while to document my work car journey.

[RhysH]

TheAngryDog said:

Nice car Rhys. Does it have the phone cradle in the arm rest? If so you can get a module for that to allow Bluetooth calls, but not music. Does it have command? You can run the VIN through a decoder to find the options it was specced with when new.

Yes it looks like it does have the socket, just need to find the module for a sensible price... It does not have the command sat nav. It would have been nice, however due to time frame and now age of the car I thought could possible be quite dated.



MercedesClassic, im same as you, if I was looking for a new car I would not choose something like this for all rounder. However for the money and age I cannot see much that can be better to fit my criteria.

Another thing to not is the auto fold mirror to not work, need to look at sorting as I would assume the driver mirror has had a hit at some point. No obvious marks, but the mirror seems out of adjustment as does not look out as much as would like. And fold does not work on either mirror. So need to do some googling and forum browsing for DIY help. I will try some MB forums as suggested also.

[RhysH]

Thanks all;

Car does have the power fold options and its set to fold when car locks. However nothing happens, will get this looked at im coming weeks.


Today the AC is not blowing cold on drivers side, but is on passenger side. Had a quick look and suggest running low on gas. THE seller charged the system, now I suggest this was just charged to get it working, and no checks for any leaks. I suppose this might now point to a small leak, I have check some MB forums but confused as how to check climate modules is on earlier cars not with the same as mine:

DSC_0068 by Rhys Hodge

Want to check and see if there was any other codes before get regress and leak tested.

Don't you just love the first few weeks with a new car (especially relatively old one). im to fussy not to have things working........

[RhysH]

Ph1listine said:

Looks nice, is this the 7G gearbox? Heard they are more problematic than the earlier 5 speed or is that nonsense?

7G . The 5 speed are bullet proof, however to be fair I think 7g if looked after are generally ok. As some said above get fluids change. Mine has been done at dealers but going to get it done on next service (due October to be sure).

[RhysH]

Well today first trip to the garage.....


Given the AC issue I just could not wait, so phone call to local garage who said would have a look at it today. Popped down and hooked up to do a leak test and diagnostic.

a good result was no leaks detected, however on diagnostic AC pressure valve was faulty, and was only 110g gas in system not 950G!? So part was ordered and agreed once arrive that afternoon they would replace can fault that for service!

While the car was hooked up, I did asked what were all the faults showing on the car. I asked was concerned what I was going to be told. The issues logged:

AC Pressure valve (as above)
Rear boot latch (this is sticky and aware)
Mirrors not folding (again aware of this and seems a common fault! something I must get around to sorting)
O2 sensor pre cat. This was a surprise, so will look to get this done asap have asked the garage to price this up.

Other than that it was it, so was kind of relived as asked for warts and all! He said the Mercedes logs everything and can tell its not been in a shunt?

Car went back in this afternoon sensor replaced and AC recharge the system is now ice cold! Lets hope thats the last of AC issue.....

Few pics:

DSC_0069 by Rhys Hodge

DSC_0070 by Rhys Hodge

Edited by RhysH on Monday 5th August 19:36

Edited by RhysH on Monday 5th August 19:37

[RhysH]

Bit of an update:


So much for not spending much.... lol

The Aircon has been bugging me, after two weeks holiday came back and the car was blowing warm air again. Ok a small leak, went to a local MB specialist who charged the car up and added dye for a leak test. To be honest I was not overly impressed with the service and said it sounds like the condenser this would be $800 job was the qutoe! My jaw nearly hit the floor and I was not impressed. After all the idea of this was cheap motoring, and having a car without working AC will not do as with some days a long working drive the one thing I hate is being sat in a hot car.

Journey home and some thought, Bright idea, I would just get some AC sealer put it in an bobs your uncle hopefully sort the leak. I done this when arrived home, all was well. However the can had not completely used all its contents. I ran the AC and was still ice cold so thought happy days and run for a week or so and see what happens. I had a sleep that night then that nagging feeling crept in, it stated ensure use all the contents of the can, I didn't and I cannot recall how heavy the can was before did I actually put much in. So I though I would do it again until all was gone. However when I don't this it looks like more AC gas went into the car and the AC was no longer blowing cold air. Then you get the feeling why did I bother and not just leave it alone when was working.... Muppet!

By this point I had enough, and called a local mobile AC specialist to come and fix. He came today and said it was the AC condensor and fitted to car which was a grand total of $320. Much better than 800 quoted at MB specalist! So far so good, but not used car since so finger crossed ac issues now sorted.

Few other issue also sorted in process O2 sensor replaced which was showing as code on car, and I have also got two lower arm ball joints replace as slight clunk (things like that annoy me!). $420!


The car has flashed up A service in 30 days (which knew was coming). While its got full MB history, I will just used a local garage as its only minor service.

So going a bit against "cheap car motoring" mentality. However I hope the cost will now soon stop.

[RhysH]

FoxtrotOscar1 said:

Are these capable of connecting to your phone for bluetooth / music?

Connect phone calls yes, however need to make sure have the adapter in the arm rest. You cannot stream music however.

[RhysH]

Small update:

Car is booked in for minor service on Tuesday - oil service but also getting gearbox oil changed as supposed to be done every 40k or 4 years. From going through history I can see it must be due now. So that will get sorted on Tuesday. There is still a clunk on the front passenger side so getting them to relook at that to see what it is. Maybe top strut mount...?

Other than that had the car go into limp mode at one point, switched car of and then on again and resumed ok. Got the car plugged in and came up with following codes:

- 2510 - Y77/1 (Boost pressure regulator) Positioner signals fault
- 2616 - B60 (Exhaust back pressure sensor) control variation - The exhaust back pressure is too low

Reading up on this, it looks like the turbo actuator maybe staring to be play up. Originally this would be total new turbo at $2k!! But seems now you can get the unit refurbished for circa $100. Thankfully....... phew. Although most people say the second fault should be reading as too high so might just be some coke in the engine? Not sure but will see..

That said few people has also mentioned the PCV valve could be playing up and putting oil over into turbo. I toke the pipe off to have a look and there was a very small amount of oil (as I type this now kicking myself I did not get photos!). So im going to order a new PCV valve and turbo inlet seal to see if that helps.

Also I bought some Redex total system clean (not sure if it will help but can't see it doing any harm). I will be doing 800-900 miles in the car shortly so hopefully all goes ok.

Its been a long time since I have been tinkering with cars to keep them going and not light modding. Bring back all memories and some not positive especially with the time constraints two very young children and a wife.... lol.

I did have a wobble this weekend, and phoned about a 67plate 5 series estate, but after a rush to the head reminder me that its small niggles and sure will be sorted easy then cheap motoring will be done for next 12 months..

[RhysH]

MercedesClassic said:

The actuator on mine was done before I bought it and Indy says engine is good. However still occasionally when booting it from low revs it will buck quite badly. Not good if overtaking a tractor for example.

Thanks, could still be actuator, have you plugged it in? Actuator seems like a common problem, but im going to change PCV and see if that helps also.

col1983 said:

Don’t be disheartened - the repairs will stop and you will start benefiting from the savings. Just make sure all the work you do is done right by professionals - marque specialists may cost a bit more but typically they know the common faults so can diagnose issues quicker and more accurately. Best of luck with it.

Thanks and has rung true with me, the car has been owned by same previous personal vast majority of its life, so I am expecting few niggles which hopefully now sorting all and after that should be ok. My problem is im a bit OCD with cars and like it to be right! Which can go at odds with cheap car motoring lol.

Will keep update on how things progress, its in local garage to work and I know the owner while not Mercedes speacilsit hopefully should be competent at sorting general stuff out, and with some research and can also help guide.

[RhysH]

Back from service today. I have to say not the gearbox oil has change it has made the car super silky on gear change, tbh I thought it was ok before. Service seems to have helped overall though only driven 12 miles and not sure how much placebo?

Knocking on suspension he's had a check and cannot find anything to obviously but had a "fiddle about" and seems much better. (had both lower arms replaced last month)

Hopefully the spending is now coming to an end, im going to get tracking done this weekend and fingers crossed for awhile only thing that might be on horizon is actuator but lets see if was one off. plus ordered turbo seal and PCV which should help.

I nearly had small wobble when quickly look at the bills to understand I have spent nearly $1k not he car now! ouch.

[RhysH]

Update on progress and its being an emotional one if im honest, when going ok love wafting along in the car, but then comes the hiccups... So list so far how much I have spent from memory (excuse the dolls signs on a US laptop)

Bluetooth module $100
Aircon regas and AC presume valve replace - $178
AC regas again with di fluid $60 as still leaking. (Found condenser leak, and a Mercedes specialist was highlight a 2.5k repair bill!!!! I walked away... FAST)
Local mobile AC fit a condenser and recharge $350
Front lower arms replaced and lambda sensor $408
Tracking $35
Oil service and gear box fluid change $305

Recently reading the PCV valve on these engines can cause issues, and have been upgraded so thought would swap this for $80 and fitted today:

New and old Part:
DSC_0116 by Rhys Hodge,

In process of fitting:

DSC_0115 by Rhys Hodge

All done:
DSC_0114 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/182288975@N02/]

And then what happens? The front spring has snapped!! Looking like a bill of $400 to replace and fit both with genuine Mercedes springs ($50 difference to non genuine).

Starting to think am I flogging a dead horse....

[RhysH]

B'stard Child said:

RhysH said:

And then what happens? The front spring has snapped!! Looking like a bill of $400 to replace and fit both with genuine Mercedes springs ($50 difference to non genuine).

Starting to think am I flogging a dead horse....

State of UK roads I'm amazed they last as long as they do......

I recognise that you already do some stuff but you really need to start doing more yourself - spring replacement isn't hard and the labour element would probably pay for a decent set of spring compressors?

Tbh if I had the time I probably could do myself, as used to take diff and gearboxes in old days with cosworth. However with a very young family and a wife that work shift including a lot of weekend along with a hectic job I just don't get the time these days. Especially as I can't do it in the evening in the garage with my m3 in there.

I knew the big ish Job I would have to get a garage involved, just all seem to be coming at once... The little job like pcv that I can do quickly I can still do myself.

[RhysH]

Picked up today have the front springs replaced, though might as well at the same time to change the front shock with KYB versions and also passenger drop link. Cant believe the transformation to the car.. Has taken years of it and not a wallowing barge (as much as can call that on a w211).

Might get the rear shocks changed in the new year now also...

Edited by RhysH on Saturday 21st December 19:22

[RhysH]

surveyor said:

Did you sort the mirrors?

MB used to spec cheap wires which cracked on the fold. It was possible to take apart and rewire with flexible wires.

Yes forgot I fixed the mirrors! Traced it down to one of the wires had snapped (as mentioned above). When toke the mirror apart it was quite clear the was a two pin plug that connected to the folding the mirror motor. Found which one and replaced the wire on both sides. Now good as new and fully working.

[RhysH]

Still can't get over how much the front suspension refresh has transformed the car.... Might looking at getting rear shocks down just to complete in the coming months.

Gave myself a little xmas treat and put a private reg on the car!

DSC_0125 by Rhys Hodge


Always like the way private reg makes the car your own..