E class 211 estate

[usernamerequired]

Hi all. Newcomer here. I'm looking to buy an older e class estate. 7 seats and petrol.

Been researching the w211 pre vs post facelift and sbc pump. I've seen a sport model thats had some work done at main dealer with sbc pump. Receipts show the work. My understanding is that the issue cannot be fixed as such? This work was awhile ago now so I'm just seeing how sensible it is to consider buying one with this brake system?

Ive seen an 06 sport and while its pre facelift I'm wondering if it falls within this changeover period and benefits from any of the improvements? Albeit with the older braking system. Any thoughts

 

[Wearsthefoxhat]

It only shows brake fluid changes, a new SBC pump can be fitted these days, and fairly cheaply too.
Nice cars to drive and nicely built imho..
I think the ved tax increases in 2006 to the higher band

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Struggling to understand the relevance of this main dealer invoice from 12 years and an unknown number of miles ago. Can you elaborate?

In general, buy on condition, mileage and service history. You’ll have already found that petrol estates are rare and seldom trade.

To keep it running well, a relationship with a good independent specialist will pay dividends. They know the issues and how to source the right parts and the right cost.

Cars are good for 300,000+ “if” the owners are prepared to maintain them.

 

[usernamerequired]

I did see the thread with the guy who refurbs them. I dont know if there are extra lines on these invoices on next page been sent them by the seller. I did notice the price was adjusted so wondered if something had been negotiated due to a fault. Any ideas about the status of pre facelift sport. Its 06 so wondering if has any of the improvements? From my reading the pre facelift brake system sounds better but more prone to faliure.

 

[usernamerequired]

Tax on the one I was looking at was just over 400

Less than 100k

The invoices were just sent over to me as part of the history i didn't ask about the brake system in particular. Just thought I'd post them here for thoughts as its a known issue.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Tax on the one I was looking at was just over 400

Less than 100k

The invoices were just sent over to me as part of the history i didn't ask about the brake system in particular. Just thought I'd post them here for thoughts as its a known issue.

Well, if it’s this one, I’d get over there quick and grab it before it goes. Because it looks fabulous. (I’ve owned three s211’s)

It’s been up for eight days and it’ll go quickly.

Long ownership, good history, low mileage, seven seats.

Can’t see a reason to focus on the brake issue on an 18 year old car. It’s more a question of who’s owned it and how it’s been treated

Obviously check out the Mot history, rust and look it over generally, but at face value, I’d grab it

 

[DSM10000]

I did see the thread with the guy who refurbs them. I dont know if there are extra lines on these invoices on next page been sent them by the seller. I did notice the price was adjusted so wondered if something had been negotiated due to a fault. Any ideas about the status of pre facelift sport. Its 06 so wondering if has any of the improvements? From my reading the pre facelift brake system sounds better but more prone to faliure.

I don't recall the cars without SBC crashing due to inadequate brakes! As discussed, two different systems, one more prone to expensive failure.

At this age I would be more concerned as to the condition of the brake pipes, especially at the rear and of the subfrane.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Having looked at the MoT history on the one in the photo, I wonder why he’s taken the car in for MoT with the Engine Management Light on, so that’s something to ask about.

Might be a minor issue, might not.

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?registration=Ln06yxp&checkRecalls=true

;of course I might be looking at the wrong car, but overall, the broad approach remains.

 

[usernamerequired]

Thanks for the replies
I understand that with these age cars you are buying on condition more than anything else. I just wondered if i was letting myself in for trouble having not owned a merc before especially of this vintage. Also the pre facelift vs facelift argument came up in my research.

As to brake pipes had some done on an old bmw not too long ago. Wasn't cheap seemed to be lot of work involved

 

[usernamerequired]

Abs pump replaced earlier in year and very recent ecu replacement with used model, 12 month warranty on this.
Reassuring or concerning?

 

[SpikyMikey]

Abs pump replaced earlier in year and very recent ecu replacement with used model, 12 month warranty on this.
Reassuring or concerning?

I'd have thought that anything that has already been replaced at someone else's cost is a bonus.

 

[usernamerequired]

I'd have thought that anything that has already been replaced at someone else's cost is a bonus.

Yes there is that. Sometimes you wonder if your buying a potential headache though. Not really done a lot since ecu been done id be happier if done 6 months ago and no issues. I just dont want a headache with everything to start failing at 20 years old. Im concious theres a lot of electrics in a car like this.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Yes there is that. Sometimes you wonder if your buying a potential headache though. Not really done a lot since ecu been done id be happier if done 6 months ago and no issues. I just dont want a headache with everything to start failing at 20 years old. Im concious theres a lot of electrics in a car like this.

If in doubt, buy newer and Japanese or Korean

But never French….

 

[Smiley]

Yes there is that. Sometimes you wonder if your buying a potential headache though. Not really done a lot since ecu been done id be happier if done 6 months ago and no issues. I just dont want a headache with everything to start failing at 20 years old. Im concious theres a lot of electrics in a car like this.

The 211 estate is a great car, I bought another one in preference to buying a 212 or 213. They are generally reliable but they are all at least 15 years old and things do go wrong. They are much better than the 210s but rust can still be a problem especially around the rear arches, the front spring mounting area, the tailgate and the brake pipes (more the rear but the front as well); the air suspension system gives problems (I would avoid one with air on the front). The SBC braking system can be fixed cost effectively now so I would be more interested in the whole condition of the car and not pre vs post facelift. The pre facelift diesels are better than post facelift imo. The best petrol is the bullet proof e500; there are some issues with the smaller petrol engines.
If you are on a budget and are dependent upon a mechanic and going to be upset at spending £500 ish sorting niggles after you buy a car then it is probably not for you.
A Jap petrol from mid 2000s onwards is going to be boring and not so nice to drive but will be much less costly to own.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

BTW - have you seen this E280 S211 on here?

[SOLD] Thread 'W211 E280 Sport Estate for sale'

Jul 13, 2024

For sale our 2009 E280 Sport, we have owned the car since December 2021 and she has provided us with effortless motoring since then. The car is on a private plate which will revert back to its original HN58ZHO and has covered just over 100,000 miles. The car has 3 previous keepers, the first two being husband and wife and then a lady who bought it from the garage that supplied it to us and kept it for 4 days deciding it wasn't what she wanted despite previously owning a W210 estate (go figure).

The car has an extensive history file including the original purchase invoice and it was...

• abecketts
• Replies: 4
• Forum: Mercedes Cars for Sale

• 
• 

 

[m80]

I don't have any experience of petrol MB's, so I'll let others comment there. I'm aware that some earlier engines had common issues.

ECU changed? This may have been a SAM, that's more common.
Tbh I didn't think a used ECU would be possible to recode.
But in either case why, what were the issues?

Expect brake pipe corrosion, that would include hoses at repair. The brake pipes would be joined at some protected point on their run.

Then soon(ish) you might expect front suspension components to show some wear. I replaced all components on ours at about £130k, some as a preventative measure.

Confirm mileage to be genuine, MoT history often can hilite unrealistic progression, and even 2 MoT's p.a. These were a good taxi. Clocking is pretty common.

W/o seeing the price I can't say if it's a punt or a serious consideration.

Loverly motors, just somewhat retro inside. But easily forgotten while driving.

 

[usernamerequired]

I don't have any experience of petrol MB's, so I'll let others comment there. I'm aware that some earlier engines had common issues.

ECU changed? This may have been a SAM, that's more common.
Tbh I didn't think a used ECU would be possible to recode.
But in either case why, what were the issues?

Expect brake pipe corrosion, that would include hoses at repair. The brake pipes would be joined at some protected point on their run.

Then soon(ish) you might expect front suspension components to show some wear. I replaced all components on ours at about £130k, some as a preventative measure.

Confirm mileage to be genuine, MoT history often can hilite unrealistic progression, and even 2 MoT's p.a. These were a good taxi. Clocking is pretty common.

W/o seeing the price I can't say if it's a punt or a serious consideration.

Loverly motors, just somewhat retro inside. But easily forgotten while driving.

They all seem to be fetching around 6k with wbac and insurers quoting less than 2k value. I appreciate a genuine example is worth the market price though

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

They all seem to be fetching around 6k with wbac and insurers quoting less than 2k value. I appreciate a genuine example is worth the market price though

Bear in mind that advertised price on a twenty year old car isn’t price achieved.

And a good 20 year old will run for a year or two with no maintenance. A not so good one? Not so much

 

[merc85]

I have had 5 211's , they are just so hard to beat as a all round package even now there getting on.

 

[350cls]

I have had 5 211's , they are just so hard to beat as a all round package even now there getting on.

Will there be a no.6 on the cards Gav. 2/3 of them 211 have been the big monster E55's haven't they?