Sxg88

hi all, my first post!

Could I ask your advise...

I'm looking at a Mercedes e220 cdi 2004 Auto elegance 65k.

Is it reliable? I've read that it has electrical niggles, however if I give the car a full check over for any faults (check every single button) then with the age, should I be safe?

Would you suggest that this car is a good reliable family car?

I would buy a c class but the seats don't fold down....

P.s it is this car or a vow Jetta, very different car I know, but I have my reasons.

Thank you in advance

kajtek1

220cdi never made it to America, where most of the members are from, so you might find limited experience from members who might have it. I know that 220cdi is engine of choice for European taxis, so it seems to be good engine, but not familiar with the variations.
Would you post VIN, we can decode options, but likely the car has SBC brakes.
There are lot of myths about it, but main point is that at certain number of pushes the pump needs to be replaced, what is pretty costly. Other high cost maintenance is airmatic that car might have. Read the topics to get familiar with the issues and not to be surprised like the member who runs "Why I will never buy Mercedes" topic.
Good luck on your search. I drove Jetta - it is very different car and with my long legs the seat adjustment left about 80mm space for rear passenger legs.

2MERKS

I would suggest chatting w/ your mates, and getting a viewpoint from them. Also checking your boneyards, if you if a lot of those cars then you know the story.
Research is key, but ultimately its your decision.
GL

cetialpha5

I believe folding rear seats were an option, at least in the US so check to make sure the one you're looking at actually has that feature. As others said, you probably have SBC and most people on here are in the US and you don't really say where you are so we don't really know much about that particular engine. But early year W211's weren't that great in general, 2008/2009 were the best years.

kajtek1

Than you will find variety of opinions.
I think reliability and comfort -wise early W211 are the best.
- proven workhorse drivetrain
- excelent braking with SBC
- great air suspension.
Costly to maintain yes, but reliable and comfortable.
When our 2008 Bluetec gives more HP, I just spend $500 on replacing aging engine parts ($500 parts alone, what would make $5000 at dealer easy) and still trying to make smooth braking with the system that is using 7sp for slowing down with sudden surges.