i <3 my e class

hi i just bought an 03 w211...i've ALWAYS wanted a 211 and i went out last week and bought one. ive also heard some negative things about this car and i'm looking for some feedback. thanks guys!

jmorgis

I also have a '03 w211, and LOVE IT. We did get some recall letters from MB on SBC issues, but it is a great car.

John

SUNILP

being the first year of the 211, this may have been the reason for the negativity. IT did not have nav, sbc issues, phone system, etc... But all these have been cleared up already by mbusa.

x-tian-230k

Sunman,

Are ALL of your mods working now? I was wondering about the heated steering wheel mod....i want that in my W211....

cyclerider

You could just wear the gloves that you use when you ride the Ducati.

ENEM

This is a wonderful car - the best I have ever driven, but there ARE problems with the software and they are by no means all fixed.

My issues have been centered around the auto climate control, the mobile phone installation (factory fitted) and the seriously bad audio/sat nav system. Other minor issues include the folding mirrors, the drive dynamic seats and the driver memory seats. None of these things have worked without a glitch.

All trivial, but nevertheless important problems in a car of this pedigree.

ENEM

konigstiger

Transmission (5-speed):
Bulletin P-B-27.55/50f MAR06 Harsh engagement possibly followed by droning/buzzing noises during acceleration (1200 – 2500 rpm). This may be caused incomplete adaptation of the torque converter, the transmission EGS ECU software, or glycol contamination of the automatic transmission fluid.

Common Airmatic suspension problems:
(1) P-B-32.22/15 MAR03 Low ride height at one or more suspension points after the vehicle has been parked at cold temperatures – the affected air strut is replaced.
(2) P-B-32.22/32 AUG05 Sporadic knocking / rumbling noise from front left of vehicle when driving over rough roads – the compressor bracket is replaced.

MBUSA modifications:
(1) P-B-42.10/48 JUL04 Increased wear rear brake pads (part # A004420 44 20).
(2) P-B-42.10/51e FEB06 Squealing or grinding noise from the front brakes, even when the brakes are not applied – replace pressure retaining springs, piston damper, pads.
(3) P-B-82.30/366b JAN06 Windshield wipers chattering / noisy – replace wiper blades and wiper arms need to be adjusted to windshield angle (tool W211 589 02 21 00).
(4) P-B-82.62/387 SEPT04 Poor sound quality in Harman/Kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound – replace Audio Gateway and update software.
(5) P-B-33.15/16a JAN06 Steering wheel twitch (side to side during slow speed braking) – replace torque strut bushings (part # A211 333 11 14).
(6) P-B-82.62/499 MAR06 AM Radio interference – remove wiring to left, front brake wear sensor (eliminated).

Playing mp3s:
As long as the vehicle has COMAND the dealer simply needs to update the software. That it to say for early production 03 the vehicles were equipped with a cassette player in the head unit and optional CD changer. I believe these vehicles cannot be modified however I’m not certain. For later 03 vehicles equipped with a head unit that has a single CD (COMAND) rather than a cassette player it can be made to play mp3s by updating the head unit software.

Familiarize yourself with the recalls: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/145960-w211-recalls.html

klenbore

OFF SUBJECT:

Konigstiger, I’m not a regular poster but I’ve followed this forum long before I ever became a member. Your knowledge of the W211 and posts have been invaluable. THANK YOU!