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I just replaced the right front air shock on my 2004 E500 4Matic. And, of course, the air pump. Arnott for both. [I used the remanufactured Arnott strut, because Arnott remanufactures the adaptive damping shock, changes the shock oil, etc., and so maintains the adaptive damping feature, whereas the new Arnott strut uses a shock without the adaptive damping.]
Interestingly, the left front air shock failed within the first 5 years and was replaced out of warranty at the dealer (before we knew better). Ouch.
The one that just failed was original, so it lasted almost 3 times as long as the left one.
Now, at over 220,000 miles and almost 18 years, my car is running like a champ again.
Beautiful, just replaced door handle, drivers seat belt , two sunvisors, speakers with genuine parts.....240,000km petrol and going strong
Very few problems unlike my S65AMG which is tichy and higher maintenance
We just got 2008 E350 120,000 miles on it. We really hope it will survive next 10 years, another 100,000 miles. Our 2002 C320 is now 220,000 miles. While it still runs, it has many issues...
2013 E350 Wagon
121,890 miles
MPG average which is 50/50 town and highway is 19. Trips on freeway show a solid 26 at 80 mph which is our limit in Texas on the Interstates. I never run the car without ac which eats up mpg.
replaced spark plugs at 100,000 since they were original
replaced pads and rotors, front, and pads rear at 100,000 since they original
replaced tires because they wear out
replaced windshield at 100,000 because they wear out on any car
installed Bilstein B4's because I always ride on Bilstein or Koni
other work is maintenance: oil and filters, antifreeze, wipers etc.
All options except massaging seats and parktronic
When I bought the car at 90,000, the dealer updated all of the software for $55 (MBRace does not work because Mercedes reneged on their agreement with Verizon)
Updated Navi for $125
This car is rock solid and a dream to drive. I will never again own a car without electric steering ( a dream) and radar! I live in Texas and when the weather is over 100 degrees, the ac is fantastic. Car easily exceeds a ton when the roads are empty and "safe." I installed the highest performance Michelin tires you can buy and they are a game changer like nothing else. Xenon headlights that turn with the car are incredible and super bright.
I am a Mercedes mechanic so I take care of the car myself for most items.
The main things I need in a car are 1. Safety 2. Beautiful condition interior 3. Reliability. This car has all those features and is a dream to own and drive.
One has to be vary careful when buying a used Mercedes because the maintenance/upkeep costs can be breathtaking.
My 1998 E300D was also a dream car but the maintenance and replacement items needed was Enormous and I had to sell it because it just ate up parts.
Also, I think Mercedes wagons are a better car because they make so few of them that I believe they do a much better job of construction.
Last, buy a gently driven car with lowest mileage. My car was an ex-corporate car and well treated.
At the end of the day, if you want the latest technology and solid luxury and cache, a Mercedes is a good choice. Great safety. And things like the radar which I have has been around since 2006 whereas Toyota is only now catching up. If you don't care about those things and want the easiest car to maintain etc. buy a Camry or Avalon etc.
Just ticked over 150k miles on my 2007 E550 today. Of course, a cop had to ruin my fun by giving me a ticket for modded exhaust (M273 sounds so muscular, I love it). Also used to have a 2003 E500 with over 200k on it that I’d still be driving today if it weren’t totaled…
-Year 2008 -Model E350 Sport -Miles 141,000 -Mechanical issues - Belt Tensioner, Idler Pulley (upper), Idler Pulley (lower), Front and Rear Rims numerous times, Light Assembly, SAM, Power Supply and Fuse Box, Spring Arms, Control Arms, Lower Ball Joints, Upper Ball Joints, Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly (front right and left), Tie Rod Ends (outer and inner for right and left), Mass Air Flow Sensor, Crankcase Vent Valve Kit, Power Brake Booster, A/C Blower Motor. -Any other input you can give
Bigger ticket repairs started af 120M miles or so during 2018. My son and I did a lot of the work, which makes it more tolerable financially. My biggest complaint is the low profile tires. The roads in New Orleans are horrible, so blowouts and cracked rims are more common than I would like. Other than that, great car.
- 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500
- 220,829 Miles
- Mechanical Issues - Starting with Major Suspension work. Replaced all Upper, Lower Ball joints (Replaced Multiple Times), Control arms and Tie Rods with LEMFÖRDER. Replaced Front and Back Air Suspension with Arnott. Sway Bar and Motor mounts recently done. Replaced Secondary Air Pump and hoses. SBC and Gas Tank Warranty replacement completed by MB Dealer. Radiator had a crack in the upper flow chamber. Replaced Radiator with transmission fluid flush with Differential fluid completed at the same time. Power Steering pump had a loud squeal on cold starts. Replaced Power steering Pump with fluid change. Washer Fluid Hose and Pump replaced. Heater Control Valve done. Recently completed Valve Cover Gaskets and Reseal breather covers. Main Battery and Auxiliary Battery Replaced. Alternator replaced.
Future Repairs - Needs OBDII port replaced. Just waiting on parts to ship. Driver Side B-Pillar will be replaced soon. Needs minor body work from rock chips.
Last edited by Gangrene3075; 09-07-2021 at 11:59 AM.
2004 E320 4matic Estate Wagon.
197,000 miles, 2nd owner, Alaskan car in Ohio
I've replaced the rear SAM module, all of the batteries, secondary catalytic converters which had split open.
Other than regular maintenance like oil changes, brake pads, and tires, I've done nothing to the car other than what is listed above.
My gauge cluster has a few electrical faults but the car rides great, runs smooth, and shifts cleanly.
It is in absolutely gorgeous condition and I plan to do only mild cosmetic and comfort modifications.
I'm aware how brittle and fickle these things can be, I bought the car for a very cheap price, and I know it will eventually fail me. I'm just seeing where I'll be stranded with brake failure or a transmission code.
I love it.
Last edited by Alex-Nagy; 09-07-2021 at 11:05 AM.
Reason: Additional information
I am the lucky owner of a 06 E350AWD (LOL!) that has been in limp mode in my driveway for 2+ years! I have replaced the conductor plate and ATF, elec plug (dry) and would like to replace the TCM if I could only find the sucker! I looked in the passenger footwell (above and below the carpet) and found nothing. I am at the point of sending this beautiful car to the salvage yard. I'd sell it but hate the thought of putting this pig in someone else's driveway. It also has the Balance Shaft issue and the fuel pumps/gas tank were replaced under the exnteded 25 yr warranty.
Anyway, to answer your question, I have 155K Mi on a 06 E350AWD and must have entered the grenade mode.
I am the lucky owner of a 06 E350AWD (LOL!) that has been in limp mode in my driveway for 2+ years! I have replaced the conductor plate and ATF, elec plug (dry) and would like to replace the TCM if I could only find the sucker! I looked in the passenger footwell (above and below the carpet) and found nothing. I am at the point of sending this beautiful car to the salvage yard. I'd sell it but hate the thought of putting this pig in someone else's driveway. It also has the Balance Shaft issue and the fuel pumps/gas tank were replaced under the exnteded 25 yr warranty.
Anyway, to answer your question, I have 155K Mi on a 06 E350AWD and must have entered the grenade mode.
If you replaced the plug and conductor plate then it's probably either the TCU or the shift module. I found both on ebay for an ok price.
My problem ended up being the shift module, which get wonky when you spill drinks in the console.
I have an extra TCU if you want to try that. Find the best deal you can on ebay or whatever and I'll sell you mine for $5 cheaper if you want.
Someone made this on another site, might help with TCU:
Here's a video on replacing the shift module:
I am the lucky owner of a 06 E350AWD (LOL!) that has been in limp mode in my driveway for 2+ years! I have replaced the conductor plate and ATF, elec plug (dry) and would like to replace the TCM if I could only find the sucker! I looked in the passenger footwell (above and below the carpet) and found nothing. I am at the point of sending this beautiful car to the salvage yard. I'd sell it but hate the thought of putting this pig in someone else's driveway. It also has the Balance Shaft issue and the fuel pumps/gas tank were replaced under the exnteded 25 yr warranty.
Anyway, to answer your question, I have 155K Mi on a 06 E350AWD and must have entered the grenade mode.
"It also has the Balance Shaft issue", time for the junk yard!!!!!! Sorry!!
I am the lucky owner of a 06 E350AWD (LOL!) that has been in limp mode in my driveway for 2+ years! I have replaced the conductor plate and ATF, elec plug (dry) and would like to replace the TCM if I could only find the sucker! I looked in the passenger footwell (above and below the carpet) and found nothing. I am at the point of sending this beautiful car to the salvage yard. I'd sell it but hate the thought of putting this pig in someone else's driveway. It also has the Balance Shaft issue and the fuel pumps/gas tank were replaced under the exnteded 25 yr warranty.
Anyway, to answer your question, I have 155K Mi on a 06 E350AWD and must have entered the grenade mode.
If you're getting codes for the balance shaft it's pretty much all over if that is really the case. You can always do some inspections to make sure it's not just the sensors. But at 155k, you would at least qualify for the high mileage badge from Mercedes so at least go get that before it grenades so you can have a nice souvenir of your ownership.
Do you think you'll make it to 310k for the next badge? I don't think I'll keep my cars that long to hit 310k.
Oh I certainly will, i love this car , its economical despite the 5,0 engine it always has a rewarding drive , very relaxing when needed aswell massage seats and stuff , i have not driven a more comfortable car to be honest
going to do some electrical maintanance on it , have to figure things out tho, changing the aux battery tommorow , some control units etc
gotta fix keyless go aswell
sbc brakes have been restored , the engines balancing shaft issue has been already adressed by previous owner , the only mechanical issue it has right now is power steering being really heavy, but thats because of a bad hose that i already located
There's a thread entitled "How many miles on your W211?" but it has a bunch of low mile cars and doesn't differentiate between gasoline and diesel.
How far can a gasoline W211 go? I don't seem to read much about them over 100,000 miles. Do they disintegrate? Just die sudden deaths?
For example, I spoke to the service manager at the Toyota dealership and asked what kind of mileage older Sequoias are coming in with and he said regularly over 300,000 miles and if well maintained close to 500,000 miles. I know many people with similar stories, in varied cars. I know it's apples and oranges (or is it) but for those of us with gasoline cars who are considering keeping them over 100,000 miles I'm curious about what we might be getting into.
So... to aid us folks considering going over to the dark side of 100,000+ miles in gasoline W211's, those of you who have done it can you please post something along the lines of:
-Year2004
-Model e320
-Miles208000
-Mechanical issues normal wear and tear fallowing scheduled maintenance recommendations.
-Any other input you can give keep it as original as possible let her drive you pay attention to her little hints and enjoy the ride.
Variable area air manifold
CPS
Magnets and Cam sensors
crankcase breather
6-7 common oil leak repairs
1 ignition coil
Gas Pedal throttle sensor (made me buy a battery prematurely!!
pano roof no longer works. Rode it for a long time even retapped motor mount.
Back screen doesn’t work.
Recently accomplished PZEV Fuel Pump Replacement in my garage!!! It was a battle but car is strong and healthy.
Have a power steering leak next.
Water intrusion from roof : Pano roof ( it doesn’t have any drain hoses!! I think it’s the windshield urethane. Needs to be rebonded?
Geesh can’t believe I baby this bad boy. It took care of us. I love MB because of this car.
Last edited by Anthony6621; 12-06-2022 at 01:14 AM.
Reason: Adding model
I have had very few issues. The brakes & rotors were changed on all 4 last November. I replaced the battery in March. The only issue I have is a slight chattering/vibration when turning the wheel. It appears the front transfer case needs to be flushed & filled with new oil. I have read this will remedy this issue.
The Mercedes feels confident and powerful. I also very much enjoy the high quality materials used in the interior.
I had the wheels refinished however that was a visual improvement and not a failure. The heater control valve was replaced also. The crankshaft position sensor was replace years ago. I had the widows tinted & had some very small dings removed also. Lastly I polished out the headlight lenses on all four lights.
These Mercedes are also a joy to work on as they are meant to come apart and back together. Below are a few images.
Mine just turned 200K on the way to work tonight. Latest work done was replace all fluids again, front half shafts and just had to have two new keys programmed, along with the EIS. Otherwise, still running like a champ!
07-13-2021, 01:30 AM
it always has a rewarding drive , very relaxing when needed aswell massage seats and stuff , i have not driven a more comfortable car to be honest
Needles California
2007 W211 w/ over 210K miles
