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I'm new buying a W211 info needed

marky_g

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Joined
Jul 1, 2007
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Hi my names marcus always been a ford man at hart but as I'm about to turn 30 I'm looking to purchase a w211 preferable a e320 Cdi sport I love the way they look and I've seen a few black examples done rely nicely

Just looking for for helpful into rely all I seem to have learned so far is that the facelift car is the one it go for but as I'd rely like a sport and am on a budget am early car is not something I would dismiss

What's the mpg on a 320? What are 280s and 270s like in comparison?

Do I rely need a sport? vs advantaged spec?

Common faults?

Thanks in advance
 
On the pre facelift cars the braking is brake by wire using sensortronic brake control SBC. This unit has a finite number if unit operations 300,000 I think, after that it's service life can be extended if it is in good condition but eventually it will need replacement at a cost of £1500 - £1800

Also on the engine inlet port shut off motor is a common fault on this car and again an expensive fix

I guess what I am saying is buy with care and check everything works as it should but if your budget can stretch to it a facelift car is a better proposition and could cost less in the long run

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK
 
I can only give my experience as a warning.
18 months ago I bought a lovely looking 2003 E270CDI that drove very well.
3 months later the problems started and are still going on as I write this post. I have now spent 4000 pounds as problem after problem appeared most of it gearbox related.
After spending 2800 pounds with MBTech in Warrington to put right many problems just 100 miles later the torque converter failed which had to replaced.
Only 100 miles later the gearbox was stuck in 2nd gear and I was told that the oil was contaminated and a full gearbox rebuild was the best option along with fitting of a seperate oil cooler to stop any further problems.
Just 50 miles later the gearbox failed again. The garage admitted responsibility, took it in and again rebuilt the gearbox. I picked it up and guess what, 50 miles later it failed again.
The garage in question builds radiators for major companies and the owner said he is completely flummoxed and has now taken it to a merc dealer for advice. I await his call.
You have been warned.
 
Sorry to hear of the problems above.
To balance that tale of doom. I have a 2004 E320 CDI. I have had it for 6 years and put around 140,000 miles on it. Mileage now stands at 206,000. Costs have been only the general wear and tear expected.
I love my E and still enjoy driving it. By far the longest time I have ever kept a car.
 
Only 100 miles later the gearbox was stuck in 2nd gear and I was told that the oil was contaminated and a full gearbox rebuild was the best option along with fitting of a seperate oil cooler to stop any further problems.

That sounds like the Valeo radiator glycol contamination problem. As already stated, getting a later car, preferably post-facelift, is your best bet if the budget allows. I'd rather have my post-facelift 220 than a pre-face 320 built a month earlier.

Pre-facelift, you have the SBC time-bomb, and the earliest cars have glycol contamination and lack of galvanization to worry about too.

No Sport spec on the 220CDI, though.
 
320cdi available in sport(hard suspension, 15mm lower), avantgarde, medium suspension, elegance with squishy suspension.

I have one with airmatic, which allows you to change the suspension between all three types.

Mine has 180+k miles, and is pretty good for its mileage. Yes, a few bits arnt perfect, like the air operated dynamic seat leaks very slightly. The mirrors squeek when being folded. Um.....

Buy post mid 2003 to avoid the rad issue. Look at the grille on the middle of the dash, if its fine mesh, its post minor facelift, if its slatted its pre. Avoid slatted as they might not be galvanised bodies.
 
Usually no one buys a 2nd hand car that doesnt require anything doing imho.

Ive recently bought a s211 2003 (53) e320 cdi my 1st job was changing the radiator as it was the old valeo one and the auto box fluid and filter just out of precaution. I then did the glow plugs and glow plug relay. all the above are comon issues to replace and im glad ive done it for peace of mind.

Totally love the car getting 45mpg regular and everything works as it should she's covered 79k
 

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