211 estates?

[DieselE]

My guess would be that if you are actually wring the neck out of the car then you will notice a slight difference in performance but they are basically the same engine.

The early Elegance models all came with cloth seats as standard, Avantgarde came with half leather. My wife was very much an Elegance type person who liked the older styled wood finish with black dials, but we had an Avantgarde demonstrator for a week and those white dials with black trim grew on her.

If you are a performance type person that enjoys knowing when you have driven over a one penny piece, then don't forget the Avantgarde has a firm, sporty type suspension compared to the more executive ride of the Elegance

The wheels are also of different styling, but to me it is the suspension issue that you might want to consider. One option that overcomes this is airmatic, but if your buying to a budget then this might not be available.

If your wife intends using the car then I would strongly recommend you see how she gets on with the opening and shutting of the tail-gate. If your the sole driver then disregard my last. The reasons I say this is because some members have mentioned just how heavy the tail-gate is and wished they had gone for the optional electric opening option.

Good luck with the quest
Regards
John

Slight clarification John. The E280CDI has basically the same V6 3L engine as the V6 E320CDI engine. The 2004 year E320CDIs referred to earlier in the thread are the straight 6 3.2L version (as in your car).

 

[kusanku]

I got through in the end. The car sounds good, although it is in Essex, which is a bit further than I anticipated. It has the electric tailgate opening option, full service history from MB Hampstead, although it is due a service now. Previously owned by the director of Walthamstow stadium.

The dealer seemed to think it was a V6, but I doubt this as it has the 5 speed autobox. Were all of the V6s 3 litre? This is a 3.2, first registered jan 2005.

Is there anything in particular I need to cheeck for when I go to look at it?

 

[st4]

. Were all of the V6s 3 litre?

Yes.

 

[glojo]

I got through in the end. The car sounds good, although it is in Essex, which is a bit further than I anticipated. It has the electric tailgate opening option, full service history from MB Hampstead, although it is due a service now. Previously owned by the director of Walthamstow stadium.

The dealer seemed to think it was a V6, but I doubt this as it has the 5 speed autobox. Were all of the V6s 3 litre? This is a 3.2, first registered jan 2005.

Is there anything in particular I need to cheeck for when I go to look at it?

I tend to think these vehicles are solid as a rock, but I would insist on checking ALL the electrical options and make sure tyhey are ALL working. If the car is due a service I would want it done by a Mercedes-Benz main dealer as these vehicles are quite complex and come with a Mobilo 30 year warranty, but the car needs to have a full main dealer service history (Do NOT get any non main dealer stamps in the service booklet as that might cause problems)

I don't know if you have ever owned a car with an SBC braking system, but if you haven't then be prepared to hear some 'strange' noises when you lock and unlock the car. (It does not have indigestion, it is merely the system activating\deactivating )

We have always replaced our car every three years but not this time.... My wife will not let that happen with our 211, it is without doubt the best estate car we have ever owned and there is nothing out there that is its equal.

Good luck with your search
Regards
John

 

[st4]

I tend to think these vehicles are solid as a rock, but I would insist on checking ALL the electrical options and make sure tyhey are ALL working. If the car is due a service I would want it done by a Mercedes-Benz main dealer as these vehicles are quite complex and come with a Mobilo 30 year warranty, but the car needs to have a full main dealer service history (Do NOT get any non main dealer stamps in the service booklet as that might cause problems)

Sounds okay, but a non main dealer service stamp, agree to an extent, I'd certainly scrutanise, (have the car scrutanised) a bit more before buying and so some research on the indy who serviced it, but if the indy checked out and was reputable, and good things were said (like IBW's place and Olly's) I wouldn't discount the car.

I don't know if you have ever owned a car with an SBC braking system, but if you haven't then be prepared to hear some 'strange' noises when you lock and unlock the car. (It does not have indigestion, it is merely the system activating\deactivating )

It nearly gave me a heart attack the 1st time I tried it, the salesman told me about the system and it was one of the 1st things I asked when I joined here. The pedal pulsates but there has been no failure with SBC and that hold feature is a wonderful thing. I like SBC, even if it works and ultimately produces the same effect of a normal braking system, it makes me think I've got a more thoroughly engineered, more developed product. The 211 is such a product.

We have always replaced our car every three years but not this time.... My wife will not let that happen with our 211, it is without doubt the best estate car we have ever owned and there is nothing out there that is its equal.

Good luck with your search
Regards
John

Such praise but worthy of the E class. The E class is a grower and soon one can't imagine life without it.

 

[G-Force]

Originally Posted by glojo
"I don't know if you have ever owned a car with an SBC braking system, but if you haven't then be prepared to hear some 'strange' noises when you lock and unlock the car. (It does not have indigestion, it is merely the system activating\deactivating

)"

I have recently bought my 320 cdi avantgarde, what is the system? sometimes when i stop at light and put it into PARK i hear these mad noises!!!
I get some stick from the boys at work some time for the noise it makes grumbling away in the car park...lol

 

[kusanku]

I made the trip to Essex, to look at this car:

http://www.howardwisecars.co.uk/index.php/car-details/merc_e320_cdi_elegance/

I thought the car was pretty well exactly what I wanted. Documentation seemed in order, 1 previous owner listed on log book as Walthamstow dog centre. Car appeared to be very clean, with condition consistent with the mileage. Only blemishes were scuffs on two of the wheels, and a tear in the leather of the passenger seat, both of which the dealer agreed to get fixed. It was also showing as needing a "D" service, but the dealer phoned up the nearest MB main dealer, got a quote, and has booked it in tomorrow. I aim to collect it friday.

I was a little wary, as he was selling cars from a barn, but he had some very expensive stock in there: a CL63, a Lambo, and a Ferrari. This appeared to be where the polishing and valeting takes place. I did not see his main showroom. He also wants me to pay in full by transferring the money directly to his account, which I have never been asked to do before, and it does introduce an element of risk (I watch the Real Hustle). This would be pretty elaborate if it were a scam, but it is possible.

Assuming I do not arrive on Friday to find an empty barn, and no trace of this man, I was a bit unhappy about one of the front tyres, which had a small split in the wall. It looked like the tyre had driven up against something sharp. He said he will get his "wheel" man to check it, but will not change it if it is only surface damage. I intend to change it anyway. My question is, would you trust a tyre and exhaust centre to do this (as I have done with my 210), or does a 211 need someone a bit more specialist to set the tracking correctly?

 

[st4]

kusanku, stick to MB dealers, they will have the better cars and minus Donza's story more secure back ground.

 

[Soltan]

Hope things go well for you and you get a great car.
Sorry it's a bit of a late post but I have a '53 E320 estate and have spend a fair bit of money on it, although given the mileage I seem to have done this year (over 22,000 so far this year) perhaps it's not undeserved. I've spent allot on servicing (£750 last month on a C service). I won't tell you how much I've spent on tyres so far, but to replace the Michelins on the rear of mine I'm looking at over £400.

In terms of problems since I bought the car in July of last year I've had a headlight unit fail on me which was quite expensive. I've got a glitch on one of my rear parking sensors (detects ghosts ). My drivers side door mirror doesn't always unfold when I unlock the car. Within the last couple of weeks my Tyre Pressure Monitoring system has decided it will not display any more.

I think that's about it. I am very happy with the car, it has lots of toys which I love. It has a very good ride ( I have a bad back and the high mileage was taking it's toll on my health).
In terms of performance, I used to get told off by my father for driving too fast on the motorway (if I strayed over 80mph) in my other cars. In the E-class, well lets just say I went a bit higher and he didn't even notice .
I'd say that the E320 is quite thirsty, well at least mine is, could be the way I drive but I'm not convinced. Several members on the forum have reported quite good economy from their cars, but I suspect that the E280 might be a better compromise in terms of power and mpg (not driven one so just speculating). That said, the E320 never fails to put a smile on my face when I drop it into sport so I certainly have no complaints in that respect.

I would add that it can be expensive to own an expensive car, so bear that in mind. Dealers aren't known for their philanthropic spirit and even with a 10% discount servicing costs can be high depending on how much work needs to be done. Hopefully with a newer car that won't be much of an issue for you.

 

[glojo]

I was a bit unhappy about one of the front tyres, which had a small split in the wall. It looked like the tyre had driven up against something sharp. He said he will get his "wheel" man to check it, but will not change it if it is only surface damage. I intend to change it anyway. My question is, would you trust a tyre and exhaust centre to do this (as I have done with my 210), or does a 211 need someone a bit more specialist to set the tracking correctly?

Your spending quite lot of money and I would want the car looking just right before parting with it. I certainly would not put ANY money into his account until I was 100% happy with the car.

Only you know how bad that split is but if it warrants getting a new tyre then I would put that cost down to the seller and not buy a vehicle with a tyre that may or may not be legal.

I'm no fan of any seller that sells cars and only fixes them when a seller discovers the fault (torn leather, split tyre) but I wish you well and good luck with the car. Just remember this person is only interested in making a profit, it's your money, don't make it easy for them.

regards
John

 

[st4]

Your spending quite lot of money and I would want the car looking just right before parting with it. I certainly would not put ANY money into his account until I was 100% happy with the car.

Only you know how bad that split is but if it warrants getting a new tyre then I would put that cost down to the seller and not buy a vehicle with a tyre that may or may not be legal.

I'm no fan of any seller that sells cars and only fixes them when a seller discovers the fault (torn leather, split tyre) but I wish you well and good luck with the car. Just remember this person is only interested in making a profit, it's your money, don't make it easy for them.

regards
John

I might add that if it has an iffy tyre it may indicate its not been that well looked after. A car of that value should be in tip top nick, and TBH the dealer network is where the bulk of these cars go.

 

[SimonsMerc]

The EU4 spec did come out at the latter stages of the straight six reignh. It was slightly more expensive than the EU3 and more thirsty. Not a common sight and a strange option. Noi pointe

Good luck
Regards
John

Company car drivers ordered the EU4. When tax (based on emissions) is paid by the driver, but fuel is paid by the company, EU4 makes sense

 

[kusanku]

I decided to go ahead with this one, and pick up the car tomorrow. To be fair to the dealer, it was he who pointed out the torn seat, scuffed alloys and need for a service, all of which he agreed to sort out without prompting. I spoke to him about the tyre today, and he said he got it checked over and it has only surface damage. I will get it looked at anyway. All of the tyres are relatively new. He also found the D service from MB main dealer cost twice the amount quoted, as they highlighted a number of extra things that needed doing. He paid for the extras, whereas he could have left it, and not mentioned anything. So we will see how things work out over the next few months.

Thanks to everyone for their comments and advice.

 

[SimonsMerc]

I decided to go ahead with this one, and pick up the car tomorrow. To be fair to the dealer, it was he who pointed out the torn seat, scuffed alloys and need for a service, all of which he agreed to sort out without prompting. I spoke to him about the tyre today, and he said he got it checked over and it has only surface damage. I will get it looked at anyway. All of the tyres are relatively new. He also found the D service from MB main dealer cost twice the amount quoted, as they highlighted a number of extra things that needed doing. He paid for the extras, whereas he could have left it, and not mentioned anything. So we will see how things work out over the next few months.

Thanks to everyone for their comments and advice.

Sounds good. Congratulations on your purchase, don't forget to come back and leave pictures!