W210 vs W211 relative reliability/repairability
03-16-2015, 04:29 AM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
z50,ew350,950sm,450exe,525exc,t120,t140,98lowrider,W210E55
W210 vs W211 relative reliability/repairability
A little over a year ago I decided E55s looked pretty good in terms of value. I quite like working on cars, but was concerned about the reliability and repairability of Mercs. Spare time is limited. So I decided to get a (2001)W210 because they are cheaper and reportedly simpler (and I like the subtle, understated lines). Over the past year its gone well and only had two majors; a seat switch and a relay module. These were easily and cheaply fixed at home using help from the internet (manly MBWorld) and parts from eBay. Shop repairs are way too expensive for me to even entertain.
The plan was if the W210 worked out OK over a year, I'd sell it and spend considerably more on a W211 E55 (2004 or 2005) for more grunt, handling and fruit. So its time and its worked out well but I'm concerned the breakdown rate might be too high and complex for me to deal with as a home hobby. If anyone has owned both cars for an extended period or has advice, I'd like to hear from you.
By the way my ideal car would be a Kleemann supercharged W210 but for me they are unobtainable/unattainable. Thanks
The plan was if the W210 worked out OK over a year, I'd sell it and spend considerably more on a W211 E55 (2004 or 2005) for more grunt, handling and fruit. So its time and its worked out well but I'm concerned the breakdown rate might be too high and complex for me to deal with as a home hobby. If anyone has owned both cars for an extended period or has advice, I'd like to hear from you.
By the way my ideal car would be a Kleemann supercharged W210 but for me they are unobtainable/unattainable. Thanks
03-16-2015, 10:18 AM
#2
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
1999 E55 AMG, 2004 Big Turbo A4; 2005 C240 Wagon 4matic; 2001 ML430
W211s will be more work or money to maintain for a couple of reasons:
1. New model year. 2003-04 may have some issues that were worked out in later production 211s.
2. You already said it- more complexity. Pneumatic suspension. Supercharger and intercooler system. Go hang out on the W211 section for a week and see what issues they have. That said, it could be a lot worse; it's not like being the owner of an SL65.
1. New model year. 2003-04 may have some issues that were worked out in later production 211s.
2. You already said it- more complexity. Pneumatic suspension. Supercharger and intercooler system. Go hang out on the W211 section for a week and see what issues they have. That said, it could be a lot worse; it's not like being the owner of an SL65.
03-16-2015, 02:37 PM
#3
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
1999 E55 AMG, 2004 Big Turbo A4; 2005 C240 Wagon 4matic; 2001 ML430
Oh and, forgot the Sensotronic Brake Controller (braking by wire), which is disabled after its 300,000th actuation and must be replaced at a cost of around $1500, give or take.
03-16-2015, 03:40 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
I have both cars... I sold my 2000 black E55 6 months and missed that car so much and pick up a Silver 2002 3 days ago. W210 is more reliable but W211 is not that bad. I have owned 6 years my W211 spent around $3500 for repairs and maintenance and W210 for almost 4 years cost about the same. The only problem with W210 is their brake are very expensive when need to change the rotors.
