Thinking of an E500 4-matic purchase
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Manchester, CT
Thinking of an E500 4-matic purchase
I 'almost' got an 2005 E55 wagon...but could make sense of the 10 grand+ premium they seem to hold over a normal wagon or sedan....plus the 4-matic (crapmatic?) is something we will need/like...our allroad is getting old and approaching 200K in miles,
I haven't searched for what is typical on the W211 wagons...I'd like to re-open the conversation on the pros and cons of this model (or an E350). I am aware of the recalls and TSBs, no big deal IMO but real world ownership is everything to me...so let's hear it ! TIA
I haven't searched for what is typical on the W211 wagons...I'd like to re-open the conversation on the pros and cons of this model (or an E350). I am aware of the recalls and TSBs, no big deal IMO but real world ownership is everything to me...so let's hear it ! TIA
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 685
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From: Palm Coast, Florida
2019 E-450 Wagon
The Airmatic struts is a sure thing, so is the heat exchanger valve.
A well maintained E-500 should have all that taken care of allready.
(Also got the red light from the aux battery, $250.00 at the stealer.)
Make sure to get extended warranty, glad I did, feel like I am driving a ticking time-bomb. Not sure I will go MB next time, the high tech is cool, but for every-day driving a good 'ol USA made car will probably do, $20K cheaper also...
A well maintained E-500 should have all that taken care of allready.
(Also got the red light from the aux battery, $250.00 at the stealer.)
Make sure to get extended warranty, glad I did, feel like I am driving a ticking time-bomb. Not sure I will go MB next time, the high tech is cool, but for every-day driving a good 'ol USA made car will probably do, $20K cheaper also...
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
norsewagon - can you expand on airmatics "already take care of" and also heat exchange?
we're on our 3rd W210 E320 wagon and LOVE the car, so your answer is also of particular interest as the W211 feels very solid, and the V8 certainly is desirable vs. the 217hp.
thus far, the biggest question whether the "newer" car is worth the tradeoff compared w/ the reliability of the W210 which many people think can go 200-300k miles.
PL
we're on our 3rd W210 E320 wagon and LOVE the car, so your answer is also of particular interest as the W211 feels very solid, and the V8 certainly is desirable vs. the 217hp.
thus far, the biggest question whether the "newer" car is worth the tradeoff compared w/ the reliability of the W210 which many people think can go 200-300k miles.
PL
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From: Northern VA
W211
i bought my 4matic in 08 with 27k miles. Now just passed 48k miles. Issues i've had were:
leaky valve covers
bad motor blower for the a/c
bad relay driver side airmatic
all were covered under the CPO warranty i bought that covers addiditional 5 yrs thru 2013.
leaky valve covers
bad motor blower for the a/c
bad relay driver side airmatic
all were covered under the CPO warranty i bought that covers addiditional 5 yrs thru 2013.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Great Britain
C320 CDI Estate, E500 4M Wagon
2005 4m here...bought 2 yrs old; replaced lower ctrl arms frt & rear, plus both front axles (CV joints were bad) at purchase, MB warranty, at 25 k miles. Since then, an airbag light and bad NAV processor have been my only issues. About $700 fixed both. I spend about $500 a year in scheduled mx, per the M/B recommendation.
About 75 k miles now, very happy overall. I will have to replace the A/C temp readout (common problem) and I'll probably replace the tie rod ends & front wheel bearings sometime in the next 10k.
A 78k car, and I've got about 33k total invested, including a set of winter tires.
Very happy overall. If I was not a DIY parts changer & highly informed owner, the ownership experience would likely be much more stressful/expensive.
HTH,
Smash
About 75 k miles now, very happy overall. I will have to replace the A/C temp readout (common problem) and I'll probably replace the tie rod ends & front wheel bearings sometime in the next 10k.
A 78k car, and I've got about 33k total invested, including a set of winter tires.
Very happy overall. If I was not a DIY parts changer & highly informed owner, the ownership experience would likely be much more stressful/expensive.
HTH,
Smash
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E500 4MATIC Wagon
My 05' E500 4Matic wagon turned 97K miles last month. Other than some electronic gremlins and SBC recalls early on, it has been a fairly reliable luxury car. The airmatic suspension is unique to the vehicle, and rear shocks and/or air springs can be expensive to replace. The air compressor and front shocks can be sourced online, however, for far less than the stealership. (I've had to replace one front and one rear shock in six years.) Otherwise it's the usual brakes, tires, diff fluids, etc which require changing on any car. One additional quirk: the V8 is a twin spark design so it takes 16 spark plugs at tune-up time.
Personally, love the wagon with the exception of the SBC brakes - great stopping power but poor, non-linear feel. Would stay away from 02'-05' MY and find an 06' model year or later, at which point they had ditched the SBC system - even if it meant going V6 (E350). Plus, you have a better chance of finding a CPO for peace of mind. I would hate to have had to address the electronic gremlins with a car out of warranty. The Command system is also more advanced (hard drive based, easier IPod/Iphone integration, etc.) with the 06' and up MY vehicles. Happy hunting!
Personally, love the wagon with the exception of the SBC brakes - great stopping power but poor, non-linear feel. Would stay away from 02'-05' MY and find an 06' model year or later, at which point they had ditched the SBC system - even if it meant going V6 (E350). Plus, you have a better chance of finding a CPO for peace of mind. I would hate to have had to address the electronic gremlins with a car out of warranty. The Command system is also more advanced (hard drive based, easier IPod/Iphone integration, etc.) with the 06' and up MY vehicles. Happy hunting!
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Tesla Model S P100D
Personally, love the wagon with the exception of the SBC brakes - great stopping power but poor, non-linear feel. Would stay away from 02'-05' MY and find an 06' model year or later, at which point they had ditched the SBC system - even if it meant going V6 (E350). Plus, you have a better chance of finding a CPO for peace of mind. I would hate to have had to address the electronic gremlins with a car out of warranty. The Command system is also more advanced (hard drive based, easier IPod/Iphone integration, etc.) with the 06' and up MY vehicles. Happy hunting!
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Joined: Jul 2009
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E500 4MATIC Wagon
I stand corrected, WEBSFR, on the ICE change. It is worth checking when they transitioned to a 6-spd transmission, too. I think it was MY 06'-07'. My E500 with the 5-spd gets 21 MPG highway. A 6-spd E350 wagon probably gets much better all-around fuel economy. Any owner validation on this?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 685
Likes: 121
From: Palm Coast, Florida
2019 E-450 Wagon
norsewagon - can you expand on airmatics "already take care of" and also heat exchange?
The heat exchanger valve, if stuck, will blow hot air to the back seats instead of cold air.
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 135
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From: NS
2017 GLC43 'AMG'
My car (see signature) gets about 10.5L/100km (22 mpg [US gallon]) once I get going. It's worse on short trips. I once got as good as 8.6L/100km [27 mpg US] for 3 hours by driving like an old(er) man.
As far as I know, 4Matics are all five speed automatics.
As far as I know, 4Matics are all five speed automatics.
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 183
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From: SE Michigan
2006 E500 4matic wagon
My 05' E500 4Matic wagon turned 97K miles last month. Other than some electronic gremlins and SBC recalls early on, it has been a fairly reliable luxury car. The airmatic suspension is unique to the vehicle, and rear shocks and/or air springs can be expensive to replace. The air compressor and front shocks can be sourced online, however, for far less than the stealership. (I've had to replace one front and one rear shock in six years.) Otherwise it's the usual brakes, tires, diff fluids, etc which require changing on any car. One additional quirk: the V8 is a twin spark design so it takes 16 spark plugs at tune-up time.
Personally, love the wagon with the exception of the SBC brakes - great stopping power but poor, non-linear feel. Would stay away from 02'-05' MY and find an 06' model year or later, at which point they had ditched the SBC system - even if it meant going V6 (E350). Plus, you have a better chance of finding a CPO for peace of mind. I would hate to have had to address the electronic gremlins with a car out of warranty. The Command system is also more advanced (hard drive based, easier IPod/Iphone integration, etc.) with the 06' and up MY vehicles. Happy hunting!
Personally, love the wagon with the exception of the SBC brakes - great stopping power but poor, non-linear feel. Would stay away from 02'-05' MY and find an 06' model year or later, at which point they had ditched the SBC system - even if it meant going V6 (E350). Plus, you have a better chance of finding a CPO for peace of mind. I would hate to have had to address the electronic gremlins with a car out of warranty. The Command system is also more advanced (hard drive based, easier IPod/Iphone integration, etc.) with the 06' and up MY vehicles. Happy hunting!
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 2
From: Bristol, CT
06 S211 E500 4Matic
Would stay away from 02'-05' MY and find an 06' model year or later, at which point they had ditched the SBC system - even if it meant going V6 (E350). Plus, you have a better chance of finding a CPO for peace of mind. I would hate to have had to address the electronic gremlins with a car out of warranty. The Command system is also more advanced (hard drive based, easier IPod/Iphone integration, etc.) with the 06' and up MY vehicles. Happy hunting!
As for OP's questions, I bought mine with 133K miles (currently 134.5K), so no warranty (I work on my cars so I am not afraid to get under the car). Mine was a 1 owner car and the PO (some doctor) took really good care of it. The car does not leak any fluids, no CELs, or other lights. There is a small leak in one of the rear air struts though (holds air for about a day). As for mileage, I just measured my trip from school, and I averaged 24.3 MPG over a 34 mile highway ride with 64mph average. Really impressed me as I was getting 27mpg in my previous Audi A4 3.0 6-Speed. The V8 is a blast, going WOT from 60mph to 100mph is accoplished with ease, but the tranny has a mind of its own sometimes, at least in C mode.
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Joined: Nov 2009
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Car free at the moment
Personally, love the wagon with the exception of the SBC brakes - great stopping power but poor, non-linear feel. Would stay away from 02'-05' MY and find an 06' model year or later, at which point they had ditched the SBC system - even if it meant going V6 (E350). Plus, you have a better chance of finding a CPO for peace of mind. I would hate to have had to address the electronic gremlins with a car out of warranty. The Command system is also more advanced (hard drive based, easier IPod/Iphone integration, etc.) with the 06' and up MY vehicles. Happy hunting!
The new transmission is actually a 7 speed, not 6. It arrived with the M272 V6 in '06. Not sure on fuel economy. The improvement might be less than expected, as it seems MB did not take the opportunity to provide tall highway gearing with the 7 speed automatic.
The E350 V6 has 268HP, so it won't be slow. But that's still 30HP less than the E500, not to mention it won't have the torque curve of a 5 liter V8.
The 2nd battery is a very common motorcycle/ATV size. It's readily available at auto parts stores, motorcycle dealers, or battery stores (e.g. Batteries Plus). Figure about $75 for the battery. And it is trivially easy to change.
I have a 2006 E55 wagon. Really like the 211 chassis despite the foibles. It's solid, comfortable, great interior materials, drives well, and more. Now, the E55 wagon won't quite get 21MPG cruising at 70MPH, but that's life with a monster V8...
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 593
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
W211
The Airmatic struts is a sure thing, so is the heat exchanger valve.
A well maintained E-500 should have all that taken care of allready.
(Also got the red light from the aux battery, $250.00 at the stealer.)
Make sure to get extended warranty, glad I did, feel like I am driving a ticking time-bomb. Not sure I will go MB next time, the high tech is cool, but for every-day driving a good 'ol USA made car will probably do, $20K cheaper also...
A well maintained E-500 should have all that taken care of allready.
(Also got the red light from the aux battery, $250.00 at the stealer.)
Make sure to get extended warranty, glad I did, feel like I am driving a ticking time-bomb. Not sure I will go MB next time, the high tech is cool, but for every-day driving a good 'ol USA made car will probably do, $20K cheaper also...
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Charlotte
Porsche 991S, Porsche Cayenne Diesel, W211 E500 Wagon, '71 Alfa Romeo Spider, E36 M3, W211 E55 AMG
Yes. Mercedes does not put a 6 speed auto in any car.
The 5 speed is the WA580.
The 7 speed is the NAG-2.
Both very good transmissions with a two path torque converter, industry rarity, which separates the torque converter lock-up clutch from the cooler path. This gives better control of torque converter lock up.
The 5 speed is the WA580.
The 7 speed is the NAG-2.
Both very good transmissions with a two path torque converter, industry rarity, which separates the torque converter lock-up clutch from the cooler path. This gives better control of torque converter lock up.
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Car free at the moment
Yes, Mercedes went straight from the 5 speed to the 7 speed, skipping 6 entirely.
My answer was actually a bit incomplete. The RWD cars went to the 7 speed as of the '06 model year. The 4matic cars stayed with the 5 speed automatic for another year or perhaps 2.
My answer was actually a bit incomplete. The RWD cars went to the 7 speed as of the '06 model year. The 4matic cars stayed with the 5 speed automatic for another year or perhaps 2.
(I own a speed shop)
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Posts: 612
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From: NY
'12 Mustang 5.0, '89 Supra Turbo, C55,
My '05 RWD has the silky-smooth 7 spd. I think that was the first year for the 7 spd. with the RWD model.
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Car free at the moment
