Reanimation

So I want an estate and a tasty w211 e270cdi with good service history, mileage is 150k, the car is in lovely condition and priced Low I think. I started the car and no warning present.

But I'm very VERY concerned with Brake failure (SBC) if its been replaced could it just fail again? I've seen people saying the cost is around $1800.

Should I be worried about anything else?, is the hydro suspension leveling a common fail?

Thank you in advance.

Reanimation

Well I will answer this for my self, No I'm not going near one unless its 2006 onwards.

2MERKS

I would purchase in a heart beat! When i brought my wag, i was very nervous about that braking system, but after while you tend to relex a bit and enjoy the ride! You'll be ok.
R
2merks

rapidoxidation

The SBC brakes may be spendy to have someone fix for you (not as bad if you DIY) but while they are in working order...MMMMMM they work well. Really well. Like pop- your -darn- eyeballs -ou-t of -your- sockets -when- you- stand -on --the -brake- pedal well. Like you'll stop- before- you -even- started- to- stop well. AND you don't feel the ABS engage like on an inferior brake system.

The airmatic is another spendy repair but can be converted to a conventional system for considerably less than repairing to factory spec.

Buy the car and enjoy it.

Strigoi

If you're that impressed with E320 brakes (assuming talking about your car) the E63 ones would make you cream yourself.

rapidoxidation

Too late...

I have heard the E63 brakes are the goods though. And that pads and rotors can easily touch $1200+

Reanimation

Your all tempting me now, Ill have another think.

kajtek1

I am always confused with Estate? Is it wagon?
Anyway 2004 models can have 2 high-priced MAINTENANCE items.
1. SBC
2. Airmatic.
When buying - check the status on them (brake push count, age of air bags) and calculate from there.

Reanimation

Estate, station wagon, avant, touring, shooting brake what ever you call it I love em.

Regarding the early 211 I cant be bothered with these problems Ill wait for a newer car or something else. Tempted with a w210.

cetialpha5

Well 2007+ didn't have SBC so you can cross that off, but wagons had airmatic in the rear, but the Arnotts aren't that bad, I think they're about $500 a corner. I think you're better off spending an extra $1800 on a newer model that doesn't have that problem. Others also say SBC takes getting used to as they're sometimes instant on and you end up slowing down way more than you intended.