E Class buying advice

[Degsey]

I was looking to buy an S class but the wife has now said an S320 CDI is tooooo big so I have agreed an E class would be ok. This would be a second car so I not sure she will even drive it.
Mind you she has also said my Rover P6 has to go if I buy another car but I can’t agree on that.
Anyway just need a bit of advice before I go out looking again. I did go to view a 2004 E320CDI which drove nice but the seller put me off as his name was not on the logbook and a few other things didn’t add up so this made me walk away.
I would like a 2005, 2006 or 2007 model car in either a 320 or 280CDI’s. I was told the engines are both 3.0 but what I am more interested in is which is the best year to go for in terms of engine/gearbox or mechanical improvements? I’m sure like a lot of cars the later year you buy the more chance niggles are ironed out.
Also what else to look out for in terms of common faults. I think I would like the ********** model to but am drawn to the sports for some reason (I really like the wheels).
The wife is also keen on the Lexus GS300 which I too like but I prefer the shape of the E class. Any thoughts on a comparison back to back?
Any advice on buying the E class would be most appreciated. Regards, Derek.

 

[doobedoobedo]

Most people will tell you to go for the post-facelift (2006 on). Also not all 2005 cars are the V6 3.0/7 speed, early to mid 2005s may have a 3.2 straight 6 and previous spec transmission.

However, I recently acquired a well looked after late 2005 320CDI. I'm very pleased with it. It's a lovely car to look at, be in, and drive.

 

[sspeed]

Right...

Total reliability the LEXUS....

Not bad reliability then FACE LIFT E class Post 2006.. Mercedes advertised they mad over 2000 improvements over the pre face lift cars...

I have a V6 E320 Cdi and its bloody quick and very smooth..
You MUST be absolutely sure the Auto gearbox has been serviced at around 38,000 miles.. Don't take their word for it have absolute proof..
If in doubt get it done.. New ATF and Filter in the gearbox...

Rust and less reliability (except engines) then go for pre facelift..
That's it in a nut shell.

P.S I used to have a Rover 3500 V8 P6..

 

[sspeed]

Most people will tell you to go for the post-facelift (2006 on). Also not all 2005 cars are the V6 3.0/7 speed, early to mid 2005s may have a 3.2 straight 6 and previous spec transmission.

However, I recently acquired a well looked after late 2005 320CDI. I'm very pleased with it. It's a lovely car to look at, be in, and drive.

You are right in that IF.. I repeat IF you get a rust free one then the inline 6 Diesel is one of the best Diesels ever.. A bit agricultural compared to the V6 but it has a VERY long tried and tested history..
Engine is a beaute..

 

[doobedoobedo]

Mine is rust free and the V6 is still silky smooth despite having 15 service stamps.

 

[Degsey]

Thanks Guys,
Yes had a Rover P63500S and wife ground me down to get rid and I did. Now got 3500 auto and will not make the same mistake.

So 55 plate instead of 05 plate would roughly be the later V6?

2006 onward seems to make sense, is it obvious to a novice that its a facelift?

Many thanks, Derek.

 

[doobedoobedo]

On the facelift the front indicator/upper part of the headlamp is kind of louvred, whereas on the pre-facelift it's plain.
facelift:

pre-facelift:

 

[sspeed]

Mine is rust free and the V6 is still silky smooth despite having 15 service stamps.

What mileage has your V6 done?
Have you had any issues since you have had it ?

 

[sspeed]

Thanks Guys,
Yes had a Rover P63500S and wife ground me down to get rid and I did. Now got 3500 auto and will not make the same mistake.

So 55 plate instead of 05 plate would roughly be the later V6?

2006 onward seems to make sense, is it obvious to a novice that its a facelift?

Many thanks, Derek.

The most obvious thing to look for to tell its a face lift are the fog lamps..
The face lifted ones have silver slats that decorate the front of the fog lamp as in the photo below..

P.S And Yes.. That is my car..

 

[Benz2fast4u]

Hi Degsey, I have a E320 cdi on a 55 plate which is the v6 engine. Its fully loaded, has sat nav, dvd player, built in phone system, 6cd changer heated seats, electric rear blind, drivers memory seats (except for front passenger), upgraded sports suspension. I wanted the car too have specific items, so spent about 10 months looking for it.

Ive had it for 20 months now, do about a 1000 miles a month, been very reliable so far (touch wood)...I do have 1 problem thought, sometimes when i accelerate the vehicle jerks back and fourth then goes into safety mode, i think its the turbo, but need to investigate more.

Good luck in buying one and hope you make the right decision (make sure you buy a E class).

 

[doobedoobedo]

Mine's done just over 193000. I know that at the previous service before I bought it the transmission electronics were replaced, the transmission fluid changed and the springs replaced on the suspension. Before I bought it I rang the garage that had been servicing it for the last 100k miles.

It's just been for a service at my local indy and there was a minor oil leak which was fixed by replacing a seal which didn't cost very much at all. The guy I spoke to there was surprised when I told him the mileage as it still looks pretty much like new inside and out.

I've had high mileage cars before and I think the most important thing to check is how well they've been looked after.

 

[Bakili]

I bought 53 E320cdi couple month ago and absolutely love it.
My car is 10 years old and done 137k had few owners but body work condition and mechanical is excellent. Sometimes I do wonder if car was completely re-sprayed recently.
Just amazing how wear free interior is for 137k car. Absolutely rust free.
So far I had to do few repairs but its 10 years old and repairs done are wear & tear repairs.
Battery, 2 new shock absorbers and thermostat. Car is very economical for 3.2 I6 engine,
I get 35mpg around town driving and 45+ on long run.

 

[mercedesmanleed]

e class

I have an 05 e270cdi which i am more than happy with, before this i had a e320 and dont notice any difference in the two cars

 

[MUGGY]

my 2004 E320CDI is an inline 6 now with 180,000 miles. Very reliable, doesn't miss a beat and I believe more economical than the V6.

 

[Godfrey]

Recently bought a 2007 320cdi E class estate and what a pleasure it is to drive
Haven't done much mileage in it so far and still getting my head around all the toys so can only say it's much better put together than my new shaped Range Rover and probably our top of the range 3 series BMW.
Quick and surprisingly economical for such a large car.
I should also say that unless S mode is selected that gear changes are almost imperceptible so that it is almost impossible to count how many cogs are in the box.

 

[Degsey]

Hi Guys, Thanks for all the replies I am now more sure of what to look for. I will be on the hunt this weekend. Cheers, Derek.

 

[Godfrey]

The most obvious thing to look for to tell its a face lift are the fog lamps..
The face lifted ones have silver slats that decorate the front of the fog lamp as in the photo below..

P.S And Yes.. That is my car..

I have a 2007 manufactured estate without those slats around the fog lamps

 

[joecash]

One son has an 06 e320 cdi V6 estate
the other son has an 04 w211 e320 cdi I6 saloon
they both have plenty of power and are avantgarde
imho best is the I6 engine without the dpf as its not so thirsty
but whatever you get make sure you know what you are buying take your time if it takes 2 3 or 4 hours - if unsure get a good indy to inspect it
make sure it has a fully documented service history with all bills - NO RUST full leather with heated seats. COMAND with Sat Nav and DVD - the auto gear change should be smooth as silk - any doubts walk away

 

[sspeed]

I have a 2007 manufactured estate without those slats around the fog lamps

Ohhh Dear !!!

Has your car got SBC brakes??
Another BIG advantage with the face lift is it has the good old fashioned Servo..
Degsey .. Look at fog lamps for face lift..
If still not sure then lift the bonnet and look at top left area under the drivers side windscreen..
You should see as in the 1st photo if its a face lift..
The plastic cover with the tassels is where the servo is located..
Its easy enough to remove as there are just 2 thumb screws but its not necessary.

 

[sspeed]

If you did remove the cover with the tassels then this is what would be smiling at you...