2004 W211 reliability
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Southern Illinois
2004 E 320
2004 W211 reliability
I just bought a 2004 with 42000 miles on it and it seems like a great car, but I don't know about modern Mercedes Benz reliability, I know the older ones are very reliable.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 2
From: Bristol, CT
06 S211 E500 4Matic
There is a search function on this forum - use it. Airmatic and SBC are major items that can and will need to be replaced if weren't already. Other than that, pretty much like any other German car out there.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2004 E500 4matic
I have a 2004 E500 4matic with 117k (only owner) and very few issues. I did have a leak in the Airmatic but it was just an issue with the hose connection from the shock to the expansion tank and it was an easy fix, the aluminum was a bit corroded. It does eat tires, I'm sure it's the combination of the 4Matic and the weight of the car. I just noticed I have a leak in the power steering, we'll see how that goes.
Starting at 75k miles I started changing the oil every 5k and using Mobile 1, 0-40. The last time the transmission fluid was replaced was at 50k. I'm sure with the miles I have there's more on the horizon.
Good luck with your purchase...
Starting at 75k miles I started changing the oil every 5k and using Mobile 1, 0-40. The last time the transmission fluid was replaced was at 50k. I'm sure with the miles I have there's more on the horizon.
Good luck with your purchase...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Those are the two biggies. Small ones are ac blower fan, hot water heater valve, battery going dead over night, ball joints early failure.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Hood River, OR
2004 AMG E55, 2011 Ram 2500 6.7L
Just got a '04 E55 about 2 months ago and was "initiated" within the first week.
Replaced the Airmatic Pump and Front Struts. Did the struts first, per a Mercedes diagnostic which was wrong. Did the pump next and solved the problem. ~$1200 ;-(
While in the front end, I noticed loose upper ball joints, so did all 4 since I had read of the issues on the forums. ~$200
All I can say is read, read, and read more of the forums. What people talk about are the items you will likely see.
Replaced the Airmatic Pump and Front Struts. Did the struts first, per a Mercedes diagnostic which was wrong. Did the pump next and solved the problem. ~$1200 ;-(
While in the front end, I noticed loose upper ball joints, so did all 4 since I had read of the issues on the forums. ~$200
All I can say is read, read, and read more of the forums. What people talk about are the items you will likely see.
