anonymousmoose

Hi E-class fans and owners.

I've been posting a bit on the C class forum as I was after a kompressor. But on Friday I spoke to an acquaintance who is really into Mercs. He just picked up a very nice S500 Benz. I think its an 07 (its the current shape).

He confirmed what most are saying about the engines, he says its best to go for a 6 cylinder then the kompressor. Nothing wrong with the kompressor he says; its just the 6 doesnt require as much attention and will do higher miles without as much maintenance.

So maybe I should expand my search to include E class. Not many 6 cylinder C classes around where I am but plenty of E's. Thing is, the E's are quite a bit more then the C.

Just wondering if an E around about the 2004-2005 era are as reliable as the C's from 05-07.

I hear the mercs in the early 2000 era were not as good as they were meant

wampa

Hi, if you're looking for reliability I would look into the W211 07+. The W211 had a facelift after this year, and from what I read it seems to be more reliable. As for the earlier 03-04, unless you are able to get an extended warranty (or has an excellent maintenace record with low miles), most people try to avoid them (since 03 was the introduction of w211).

anonymousmoose

Thanks... well the 07 is most definitely out of my budget. Looks like a 6 cylinder C class would need to be my aim here.

mobinakhtar

C and E both drive entirely differently. In my personal opinion, C drives like a honda accord (rougher ride, plasticky feel interior and gobs of plastic dash).

E is the real mercedes. It could be the size that makes it or the upscale interior - I don't know.

2004-2006 E320 is most economical car with almost no maint issues in general. My 04 was purchased at 60K, now at exactly 80K with 2.8yrs of ownership and daily driven. My annual main cost is less than $500 avg including DIY oil changes.

what I have changed so far are squeeky strut ball bearings ($280 at indy including parts). DIY water pump ($120 parts) and a sensor behind engine of some sort ($60 DIY).

E is a completely different image from the C - you will love it. At these years, you can definitely find a good used E or C Class. e definitely keeps better resale than the C-class.

In a toyota world, its like corolla vs the camry. Its not only bigger but drives much nicer too.

Avoid the 2003 E completely (first year, wrong audio/comand, cannot retrofit factory BT), Avoid the 2006 E350 (lots of electronic issues). Stay away from E500/550 due to its massive electronics. Those are beasts but need lot more dough to maintain.

good Luck

Barry45RPM

The '03 - 05 E's were dogs compared to 06-09 211 E's. Whatever can fail does. The E IS a much better Benz than a C. But if budget is a real problem go for a great, dependable C rather than a probably repair prone early 211 E... or go for a later E211. Depending on budget.

wampa

I agree, the interior of the E is more "luxurious" when compared to the C (lots of plastic). Although the new C class has the NTG 2.5. Another plus is the cargo space of the W211. But as Barry45RPM, a dependable car is probably more beneficial.