Considering a W211 - Need advice!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2017
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From: St. Louis
Various
Considering a W211 - Need advice!
Hi all,
I just joined this forum to feed off some of your expertise - hope this thread isn't misplaced!
I'm considering buying a W211 E320 or E500 Sedan for use as a daily driver (only car). I'm fairly practical (been working on cars since 12), but am still a little nervous considering the complexity of these vehicles. It definitely needs to be reliable (including for long business trips), and I don't want to bankrupt myself in maintenance.
Is this a realistic option for me? How much does maintenance/insurance typically run on these models? Any specific pitfalls I should keep an eye out for?
I'd really appreciate your thoughts, maybe there will soon be an actual vehicle for me to discuss on here.
I just joined this forum to feed off some of your expertise - hope this thread isn't misplaced!
I'm considering buying a W211 E320 or E500 Sedan for use as a daily driver (only car). I'm fairly practical (been working on cars since 12), but am still a little nervous considering the complexity of these vehicles. It definitely needs to be reliable (including for long business trips), and I don't want to bankrupt myself in maintenance.
Is this a realistic option for me? How much does maintenance/insurance typically run on these models? Any specific pitfalls I should keep an eye out for?
I'd really appreciate your thoughts, maybe there will soon be an actual vehicle for me to discuss on here.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Welcome to the forum.
Be prepared for lot of reading. W211 has several technologies changed thru the years and not everything work well, while basically nothing come cheap.
That said the 320/5sp drivetrain is grandfathered from W210, where the combo keeps proving to be probably the best of last 20 years (beside diesels off-course)
Just read what is the deal with SBC and airmatic, so you can check it before buying.
Be prepared for lot of reading. W211 has several technologies changed thru the years and not everything work well, while basically nothing come cheap.
That said the 320/5sp drivetrain is grandfathered from W210, where the combo keeps proving to be probably the best of last 20 years (beside diesels off-course)
Just read what is the deal with SBC and airmatic, so you can check it before buying.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 744
Likes: 144
From: Bay Area
W218 Stage 2, E85
I say buy the facelift model, 07-09 and refrain the 03-06 unless it had the balance shaft replaced. Mine is 06 and been reliable af. I've floored the crap out of it many times and still strong. If mpg is a big deal, go for 320 but there isn't much diff between the two. I've owned it for 3+ years and only had to do regular maintenance and recently the balance shaft issue came up (expensive repair and well known in 03-06 years and was fixed in 07-09 facelift models). It is also my daily driving car, my only car, and I've put 60k miles in 3 years.
SBC failure is one issue, as Kajtek said, and repair runs for abt $1500. I haven't encountered that. But balance shaft issue is expensive due to extensive labor, said it's an almost 30-hour job. Dealers quote must be around $5k or so. This was fixed in 07-09 years.
These 2 are the major issues I've heard so far but nothing in 07-09 years tho. Always go for the facelift models, which I didn't know when I bought mine, stupid me lol. Plus they look better. Insurance wise, it runs me around $400 yearly, liability.
SBC failure is one issue, as Kajtek said, and repair runs for abt $1500. I haven't encountered that. But balance shaft issue is expensive due to extensive labor, said it's an almost 30-hour job. Dealers quote must be around $5k or so. This was fixed in 07-09 years.
These 2 are the major issues I've heard so far but nothing in 07-09 years tho. Always go for the facelift models, which I didn't know when I bought mine, stupid me lol. Plus they look better. Insurance wise, it runs me around $400 yearly, liability.
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Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Merkville the galaxy of Stars
'99 CLK/05 E500 WAG
Hi all,
I just joined this forum to feed off some of your expertise - hope this thread isn't misplaced!
I'm considering buying a W211 E320 or E500 Sedan for use as a daily driver (only car). I'm fairly practical (been working on cars since 12), but am still a little nervous considering the complexity of these vehicles. It definitely needs to be reliable (including for long business trips), and I don't want to bankrupt myself in maintenance.
Is this a realistic option for me? How much does maintenance/insurance typically run on these models? Any specific pitfalls I should keep an eye out for?
I'd really appreciate your thoughts, maybe there will soon be an actual vehicle for me to discuss on here.
I just joined this forum to feed off some of your expertise - hope this thread isn't misplaced!
I'm considering buying a W211 E320 or E500 Sedan for use as a daily driver (only car). I'm fairly practical (been working on cars since 12), but am still a little nervous considering the complexity of these vehicles. It definitely needs to be reliable (including for long business trips), and I don't want to bankrupt myself in maintenance.
Is this a realistic option for me? How much does maintenance/insurance typically run on these models? Any specific pitfalls I should keep an eye out for?
I'd really appreciate your thoughts, maybe there will soon be an actual vehicle for me to discuss on here.
https://repairpal.com/
I used this site before i purchased, and it's right on point. GL
2MERKS
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,189
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Balance shaft problem was just the 2006 year and some early 2007 models til they fixed it a few months in. The earlier 2003-2005 were the older 3.2L engine. They all had SBC from 2003-2006 so the advice is correct to get something that's past the balance shaft problem which would be 2007+. Bluetooth also changed through the years, was a bit trickier in the early 2003-2005 years. You're more likely to find options like the Bixenons, parktronic, pano roof, keyless go, etc on the later models than the earlier ones, but some early ones had options like airmatic and dynamic seats which were discontinued in later years. The 2009 is probably considered the best year as they also updated the Comand that year. 2008 is also good, the 2007 you just have to be careful of the production date/engine number so you don't get one that has the balance shaft problem. The 2003-2005 also had a lot of other problems, but not too many people with those models come here that much but there were many issues, the worst year was probably 2003 when the radiators leaked into the transmission, ruining the transmission.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
If you like to get to your destination fast- buy a diesel.
You will smile each time you pass 500 park at gas station
I think if you avoid balance shaft issue, any of those cars is good choice.
SBS and airmatic can turn expensive to maintain, but do provide luxury, so this is one of the choices.
You will smile each time you pass 500 park at gas station
I think if you avoid balance shaft issue, any of those cars is good choice.
SBS and airmatic can turn expensive to maintain, but do provide luxury, so this is one of the choices.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,059
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From: DC Metro Area
2007 Mercedes E550
Hi all,
I just joined this forum to feed off some of your expertise - hope this thread isn't misplaced!
I'm considering buying a W211 E320 or E500 Sedan for use as a daily driver (only car). I'm fairly practical (been working on cars since 12), but am still a little nervous considering the complexity of these vehicles. It definitely needs to be reliable (including for long business trips), and I don't want to bankrupt myself in maintenance.
Is this a realistic option for me? How much does maintenance/insurance typically run on these models? Any specific pitfalls I should keep an eye out for?
I'd really appreciate your thoughts, maybe there will soon be an actual vehicle for me to discuss on here.
I just joined this forum to feed off some of your expertise - hope this thread isn't misplaced!
I'm considering buying a W211 E320 or E500 Sedan for use as a daily driver (only car). I'm fairly practical (been working on cars since 12), but am still a little nervous considering the complexity of these vehicles. It definitely needs to be reliable (including for long business trips), and I don't want to bankrupt myself in maintenance.
Is this a realistic option for me? How much does maintenance/insurance typically run on these models? Any specific pitfalls I should keep an eye out for?
I'd really appreciate your thoughts, maybe there will soon be an actual vehicle for me to discuss on here.
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 46
Likes: 3
W211 E550
My recommendation would be an 07-09 car with extensive service records. I purchased my E550 from what was essentially the first owner. It had 140k miles on it, but based on the condition and amount of records, I'm quite confident that this car will last me a long time.
Chris
Chris
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 571
Likes: 195
From: PA
W223 S500 LWB 4-Matic, W222 S450 LWB 4-Matic, A238 E400 Cabriolet 4-Matic
Welcome to the forum.
Be prepared for lot of reading. W211 has several technologies changed thru the years and not everything work well, while basically nothing come cheap.
That said the 320/5sp drivetrain is grandfathered from W210, where the combo keeps proving to be probably the best of last 20 years (beside diesels off-course)
Just read what is the deal with SBC and airmatic, so you can check it before buying.
Be prepared for lot of reading. W211 has several technologies changed thru the years and not everything work well, while basically nothing come cheap.
That said the 320/5sp drivetrain is grandfathered from W210, where the combo keeps proving to be probably the best of last 20 years (beside diesels off-course)
Just read what is the deal with SBC and airmatic, so you can check it before buying.
I seems to get a bit confusing on selecting the most reliable W211 as some folks like the 2006 & up yet they are the ones with harmonic balancer/ worn cam gear issues, 7 speed transmission issues and later years needing to go to the dealer to code any sensor that's replaced? I believe that last issue is out of the W211 series range?
Last edited by Sleeper Benz; Dec 12, 2017 at 02:53 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
It's the 2006 models that had the bad balance shaft. Once you go to 2007 and up, that's when they updated the part. Also 2007+ doesn't have SBC so no need to worry about going to the dealer to get it coded. Airmatic was also on the wagons, but only for the rears.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 571
Likes: 195
From: PA
W223 S500 LWB 4-Matic, W222 S450 LWB 4-Matic, A238 E400 Cabriolet 4-Matic
2004 & 2005 US Wagons could be had with Airmatic front & rear plus active suspension. Good to know about the 2007 models not having balance shaft issues, but I would double check that engine's serial number to confirm it was past the cut off. One would think that a 2006 that had service records stating the balance shaft was replaced would be good to go as well?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
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From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
2004 & 2005 US Wagons could be had with Airmatic front & rear plus active suspension. Good to know about the 2007 models not having balance shaft issues, but I would double check that engine's serial number to confirm it was past the cut off. One would think that a 2006 that had service records stating the balance shaft was replaced would be good to go as well?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,189
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
They updated the part in the 2007 production run so some early 2007 still had the problem. It was probably somewhere in the Sept 2006 production run where it was updated, Before that it was in range and after that it was out of range but Sept was hit or miss. That was probably about 1/3 to 1/4 of the 2007 production. Only way to know for sure is to run the vin decoder and see what the engine number is. Or skip all that and just get a 2008/2009.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 8
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From: St. Louis
Various
Thanks for the input you all, I'm definitely going to be looking into these further! Is the balance shaft issue isolated to the 3.2 V6 models? V8s don't typically come with balance shafts, as far as I'm aware.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I think you meant 3.5. 2006 was the first year with the 3.5 V6. 2003-2005 had the 3.2L engine which was a different engine. The usual advice to avoid a first year model still kinda holds true I guess. The V8's didn't have a balance shaft, but it had a separate problem also in the first year, but it's not as bad (expensive) as the balance shaft problem. The V8's came with airmatic though and that's about 1k per corner so you could in theory pay 4k or more at the dealer to replace those. Aftermarket is about $500 a corner though. It's considered a maintenance item though so it could go anywhere from 80-120k or maybe more if you're lucky.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 8
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From: St. Louis
Various
I think you meant 3.5. 2006 was the first year with the 3.5 V6. 2003-2005 had the 3.2L engine which was a different engine. The usual advice to avoid a first year model still kinda holds true I guess. The V8's didn't have a balance shaft, but it had a separate problem also in the first year, but it's not as bad (expensive) as the balance shaft problem. The V8's came with airmatic though and that's about 1k per corner so you could in theory pay 4k or more at the dealer to replace those. Aftermarket is about $500 a corner though. It's considered a maintenance item though so it could go anywhere from 80-120k or maybe more if you're lucky.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...nce-shaft.html
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
Economy an issue? Get the diesel and enjoy an easy 35mpg.
Want quick? Get the diesel and outrun the E500 off the line.
Want to avoid the balance shaft and idler gear issues? Get the diesel.
SBC isn't bad to fix and the brakes are phenomenal.
Just my 2c for free.
Want quick? Get the diesel and outrun the E500 off the line.
Want to avoid the balance shaft and idler gear issues? Get the diesel.
SBC isn't bad to fix and the brakes are phenomenal.
Just my 2c for free.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,358
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From: South Florida
2010 E63 AMG, 2003 E500
https://www.zeroto60times.com/vehicl...-60-mph-times/
2003 Mercedes E500 0-60 mph 5.7 Quarter mile 13.9
2007 Mercedes E320 Bluetec 0-60 mph 6.7 Quarter mile 14.9
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,745
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
Try again.
https://www.zeroto60times.com/vehicl...-60-mph-times/
2003 Mercedes E500 0-60 mph 5.7 Quarter mile 13.9
2007 Mercedes E320 Bluetec 0-60 mph 6.7 Quarter mile 14.9
https://www.zeroto60times.com/vehicl...-60-mph-times/
2003 Mercedes E500 0-60 mph 5.7 Quarter mile 13.9
2007 Mercedes E320 Bluetec 0-60 mph 6.7 Quarter mile 14.9
My friend's 2004 E500 vs my 2005 E320CDI, I leave him behind from the line. Perhaps he'd catch up with me somewhere north of 120, perhaps not. So sorry about your ego
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: South Florida
2010 E63 AMG, 2003 E500
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,745
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 297
From: South Florida
2010 E63 AMG, 2003 E500
