E Class diesel estate buying advice please

[The Mirror Man]

Hi Guys,
I've been running Rover 75 Tourers for the past 6 years or so. I'm now thinking about moving on to an E Class diesel estate and looking for some advice please.
Probable purchase is about 2003 vintage and in Elegance spec. They all look to have 120k plus miles on them which doesn't frighten me but I'm wondering if there are any common issues I should be wary of.

Any advice much appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[AMGeed]

One possible issue is the SBC braking system. It is an electronically controlled system with a pump that has a definite number of 300,000 brake pedal actuations. Once this has been exceeded, depending on the fault code, you may be able to extend the life of the pump for small money.
If the SBC needs replacing you are looking at around £1k repair. Keep a bit of money to one side in case of repairs and you should find the car serves you well.
The thought of replacing the SBC pump didn't deter me from buying an E class.
The facelift model out in 2006 did away with this pump.

 

[The Mirror Man]

it's a bit difficult to quantify 300,000 brakes. Is this problem common at 13 years old? How concerned should I be?

And are there any other potential horrors?

 

[bob6600]

You can check if the owner has any receipts for work done or replacement of the SBC pump, otherwise it will cost you in the future. This is part of the maintenance of these cars but is supposed to be a superior braking system. Other thing to check is if it has a valeo radiator as early ones leaked into the transmission. Some have had additional pipework fitted to overcome this. If it does have this radiator, check for any vibrations from the transmission as it can result in a refurbishment or replacement of the 'box

 

[HB]

I had to replace my sbc at 150k at a cost f £1200. My torque converter was damaged by the glycol issue but it lasted till 155k and I had it refurbed for £300 and it's perfect.
These are great cars, such value for money. However, it's still a £45k car (mine was)no matter if it's 13 years old. They are not cheap to run especially if you like it to be perfect like I do mine.
Other than that , the il6 diesel is a strong ox of an engine.

 

[jpwilliams]

Hi Guys,
I've been running Rover 75 Tourers for the past 6 years or so. I'm now thinking about moving on to an E Class diesel estate and looking for some advice please.
Probable purchase is about 2003 vintage and in Elegance spec. They all look to have 120k plus miles on them which doesn't frighten me but I'm wondering if there are any common issues I should be wary of.

Any advice much appreciated.

Cheers.

Do not exclude a 52/53 Reg, one of the last W210`s. They were very well specced run out models with no problems other than RUST, so look very carefully and take someone knowledgeable with you.
Mine has done 205,000 miles and is off to Spain again shortly.

Good luck and regards

John

 

[The Mirror Man]

Do not exclude a 52/53 Reg, one of the last W210`s. They were very well specced run out models with no problems other than RUST, so look very carefully and take someone knowledgeable with you.
Mine has done 205,000 miles and is off to Spain again shortly.

Good luck and regards

John

The W210 is the older style one isn't it. I've considered these but I need the extra mpg the later models are capable of: I currently get close to 50mpg. The interior is also a little dated for me. Impressive cars they are though.

No, if I change from a Rover 75 it will have have the interior of the later car. I love the the traditional style and soft curved walnut interior of the Rover but the Elegance sweeping dash is beautiful.

 

[The Mirror Man]

The other thing I am wondering is, are they maintainable on a DIY basis? I'm a competent amateur mechanic happy (and capable) of tackling anything from a simple service, to replacing suspension parts, clutch and anything else really.
But I don't know how complex and computer based the E is.

Really appreciate you experience and guidance guys.

 

[HB]

The other thing I am wondering is, are they maintainable on a DIY basis? I'm a competent amateur mechanic happy (and capable) of tackling anything from a simple service, to replacing suspension parts, clutch and anything else really.
But I don't know how complex and computer based the E is.

Really appreciate you experience and guidance guys.

Suspension won't too hard to maintain. Simple engine stuff will be easy too. But , these are complex cars with lots of tech in them so I would use a competent Indy where necessary.
I am totally useless so my Indy sees me whenever needs be.

 

[jpwilliams]

The W210 is the older style one isn't it. I've considered these but I need the extra mpg the later models are capable of: I currently get close to 50mpg. The interior is also a little dated for me. Impressive cars they are though.

No, if I change from a Rover 75 it will have have the interior of the later car. I love the the traditional style and soft curved walnut interior of the Rover but the Elegance sweeping dash is beautiful.

Do not exclude a 52/53 Reg, one of the last W210`s. They were very well specced run out models with no problems other than RUST, so look very carefully and take someone knowledgeable with you.
Mine has done 205,000 miles and is off to Spain again shortly.

Good luck and regards



John

Like I said, do NOT underestimate the very late W210`s. Leather, Comand, 5 Speed auto, 2.2 litre Diesel, etc,etc.Walnut dash and door cappings and NO SBC or minor electrical niggles of a "new" W211 model.

50mpg on any journey greater than 50 miles, 50,000 ,miles from each set of Michelin Primacy`s.
I must stop there as mine is NOT for sale Mirror Man!
I will not pursue this further, but good luck in your searches.
Regards
John

 

[The Mirror Man]

I had to replace my sbc at 150k at a cost f £1200. My torque converter was damaged by the glycol issue but it lasted till 155k and I had it refurbed for £300 and it's perfect.
These are great cars, such value for money. However, it's still a £45k car (mine was)no matter if it's 13 years old. They are not cheap to run especially if you like it to be perfect like I do mine.
Other than that , the il6 diesel is a strong ox of an engine.

What were the symptoms of your damaged torque converter HB? I have now bought an E270 but it needs about 2,000 revs to get it moving and think whines a bit more than I'd expect it to. It's done 179k.

 

[neilrr]

Hi Guys,
I've been running Rover 75 Tourers for the past 6 years or so.

What were the Rovers like for reliability & driving enjoyment?

 

[The Mirror Man]

What were the Rovers like for reliability & driving enjoyment?

Reliability: 99% bullet proof. On the CDI anyway. I've had 4 and driven a combined 120k miles. Apart from suspension, tyres and servicing I had 2 alternators and a PAS pump go. Easy to work on spanner work.

Driving enjoyment: I loved them to bits. Smooth, quiet, comfortable and economical. And the interior is a delight, if you like that sort of thing. If you are thinking about a CDI have it mapped to 160bhp for £130.

I've no personal experience of the 1.8 (weak head gasket) or the 2.0 and 2.5 V6 petrols (£800 belt change), but they all have the same running gear.

Although they are better screwed together than a Mondeo or Vetra, with better quality materials they do suffer from loose door cards.

So why am I changing? First thing: I'm keeping my Rover 75 Connie SE Tourer with Personal Line Neptune Blue leather interior as a future classic. Secondly: I have always wanted an E Elegance estate. Having only had it for less than a week and 700 miles I think it's in a class of it's own. As good as the Rover is you can't compare a 75 to an E class. I bought my E class cheap fully expecting it to be generally straight and honest but with a few issues to sort out and I think I'm right. I don't mind that really because I like to have a work in progress. On the whole I'm really pleased with the E.

If you like the Rover 75 now is the time to buy one. They are at rock bottom prices, are going to the scrap yard by the hundred every week and are nicer to drive and a better car than a jag. Go for high spec and CDI or V6 pertol. You can get a near mint, low mileage saloon for less money than a Merc SBC pump too.