Ronald12

Hello. I am looking to purchase a used W211. I am looking for opinions of the most reliable model of the W211 series. I made the previous mistake of purchasing a 2006 E 350 only the find out it has the dreaded camshaft and possible issues with the sbc. Still like the w211, but want to make a better informed decision in the future. Thanks in advance.

cMazara

said it right there.. go for the facelit, 2007-2009.. besides facelift goods, there's no sbc to deal with, and better engine., regarding the 350 vs 320.

cetialpha5

Well the best would be the 2009. Has a couple pluses and minuses. Those were easier to find with the AMG sport rims which I like. Those are also more likely to have more features, but they are still hard to find with a lot of options. I hesitate to use the words fully loaded because I don't think that one really exists, there were too many expensive options that if you selected them all, you'd be in the E550 price range and no one really did that when buying them. Anyway, most cars had the basic P1 option, but the P2 option had the bixenons with headlamp washers and active curve illumination and Keyless go. Having the pano roof, power trunk closer, folding rear seat, side blinds, real leather, parktronic is a hard combination to find. The 2008 has slightly less problems than the 2007. Some early 2007's still had the balance shaft problem, but no SBC. For 2007/2008, you can find the navigation DVD out there if you search, but I believe for 2009, you need the original DVD to install it because they updated Comand in 2009. I believe 2007/2008 required the puck for bluetooth and the option wired for bluetooth but 2009 had it standard as part of Comand.

kajtek1

First - we are talking about buying +- 10 years old vehicle.
Even garage queen after 10 years will have aged rubber parts, so here goes reliability.
When SBC and airmatic are high-maintenance cost items, they add comfort. If you don't care about comfort -buy a Toyota and don't come back with story that the car you bought for 10% of original price is having some issues.
I love W211 for diesel engines choices, but that is me.

Ronald12

Thanks for your responses. I guess my line of questioning is inquiring what problems are inherent to different models. I know there are risks involved with purchasing a 10 year vehicle. But I received a $5500 estimate for the camshaft and the mechanic told me a $2500 SBC is in “just a matter of time”. That’s $8000 bill repair. Is it worth it or should I abandon (not literally) and look for another car? Just seeking some experiences and/or opinions. Thanks again.

arto_wa

I think 2009 was the last year for the W211 model, so you should go with 08 or 09.

Why not W212?

speed7

cetialpha5

Yes, dump it. When I first looked at them, I wanted a 2006 but then once I found out about the balance shaft and SBC, started looking at a 2007, but even if you get one that's past that problem, it still has a couple minor problems like the magnets on the engine although those don't cost much. But I basically got tired of checking the vin for the balance shaft problem and just ended up with a 2008. The difference between the 2006 to 2008 was not 8000. SBC is probably a little over 1000 as you can get the reman pump for around $800 and it's only a few hundred for labor to replace it. Also mileage is always a factor, but the intake manifolds also go, but that's more in the 120-160k range so don't get one with too high a mileage or you'll end up replacing it sooner rather than later. All the M272 engines have that problem so it's there even for W212 2010-2011. Manifold is about $460 plus labor so it's not too bad.

Ronald12

Thanks again all...I guess i’ll Be looking for a 2008 and up model. Is there much trade in value to the 2006? or private sale? The car is beautiful cosmetically and runs great. What’s a fair return? BTW, the mechanic suggested to dump it, but didn’t suggest how. He is not a dealer. Sorry for the newbie questions.

Strigoi

No SBC on 2007-2009 models. Go for the newest you can afford. The M156 in the E63 does have it's fair share of potentially very expensive issues. I still love mine and would not consider selling it.

There's no way I'd consider owning a 2003-2006 E-Class unless it was an E55.

bbirdwell

+100!

Mine only has 136,000 miles and I keep toying with the idea of buying a second one with the lowest miles I can find and incorporating all of the upgrades that have been discovered over the years.

kajtek1

Frankly I missed air suspension on 2008 W211 and W212.
Would not mind to DIY the air bags for ca $2500 every 10 year to have the comfort.
Now be careful with W212 . That car incorporated SCN coding, meaning you need to go to a dealer with each sensor replacement.
I just spend $1200 for MAF and Ox sensor replacement and dealer's coding on my 2014 model.
Would I go straight to the dealer, $5000 doesn't go very far with those.
Still as much I like my 2008 E320 BT, for throttle response - it will never get close to 40 mpg the E250 can get anytime.
If you don't like to be hosed off >>> sign up http://repair.org/stand-up/