Is it time to let it go?

[rebecca]

I have had a 2003 E class 7 seater estate for 23 years now. Mileage: 287,000 (diesel).
It has been smoking for a while, I replaced 2 injectors when needed, but continues to smoke. Garage says it is not worth fixing as it will cost more than the value of the car!
Also transmission has played up with this week - Can't get it into gear (nor tiptronic route). The P/R/N etc does not display on dash! I think I drove it to the garage stuck in 2nd gear!
They said turn it off, then on and it resets itself.. which worked for them 3 times yesterday but Not me this morning! In addition the orange engine light has come on and won't go off!
So sadly, can anyone advise me where to go and get the best price for the car 'as is' ? But I sure have had my money's worth of this comfortable lovely car! I'll miss it! Not keen on the E Class estates! Cant scrap it as don't live in London. And you can only trade in if you buy a New car. I have tried the scrappage sites but they offer £300.00 .. I think my wheels and tyres are worth more than that! Suggestions gratefully received.
Thanks
Rebecca

 

[rebecca]

Correction: 20 years!

 

[zipdip]

Welcome aboard always sad to see a old car reach the end but a phone call to the scrap man is the right course of action,what will you buy next.

 

[DSM10000]

Welcome to the Forum.

At 20 years old, not far from 300,000 miles and with engine and transmission issues it may not be what you want to hear but scrap value is pretty much all it is worth.

There may be people who may want certain parts for spares but they will not be plentiful and do you have the time and space to break it?

Have you had a quote to replace the other injectors (assuming this is the cause of the smoke) and to repair the gearbox and investigate the engine warning light?

It's value to others is not the same as its value to you.

What condition is the bodywork, subframes etc?

If it cost £1500 for example to get it back on the road for a couple of years would this be something you might consider?

 

[rebecca]

What condition is the bodywork, subframes etc?

Bodywork near perfect! I have spent quite alot of money on it in the last year replacing the suspension bags, one trip to the garage cost me £1200.00 ! The car smokes quite a bit too when accelerating which is annoying to other drivers! Just passed the MOT last week though despite smoking.. thanks for your comments

 

[rebecca]

Welcome aboard always sad to see a old car reach the end but a phone call to the scrap man is the right course of action,what will you buy next.

What will I buy next? now that is a good question.. Not keen on Mercedes SUV's as suspension alot harder than E Class Estate.. Don't need all the neon dash lights Or lane assist! Maybe I should go for a VW or BMW ...

 

[rebecca]

I won't be buying a brand new car, whatever make it is

 

[Williamwoo]

If you're 'not keen on E class estates', how come you've kept it for 20 years?!

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Welcome !

Sadly at just shy of 300k, scrap is the best realistic route.

Why not buy a low mileage E class estate (S211), like yours to replace it? They’re easily found and … some … are in great condition. This one could be yours for less than £4K, and you know you could get another ten years / 150k miles out of it.

I picked up an even lower mileage, very high spec S211 last Spring. 13 annual main dealer services, obviously garaged from new, and it’s been perfect. It’s elegant, rides well and needs nothing spent on it. These things are out there…

 

[Teego]

If all you can get is scrap value, drive it till it dies.

 

[rebecca]

If you're 'not keen on E class estates', how come you've kept it for 20 years?!

My mistake I left the work 'new' E Class Estate ! A family member had a new one in 2018 and traded it in 3 years later..

 

[rebecca]

Welcome !

Sadly at just shy of 300k, scrap is the best realistic route.

Why not buy a low mileage E class estate (S211), like yours to replace it? They’re easily found and … some … are in great condition. This one could be yours for less than £4K, and you know you could get another ten years / 150k miles out of it.

I picked up an even lower mileage, very high spec S211 last Spring. 13 annual main dealer services, obviously garaged from new, and it’s been perfect. It’s elegant, rides well and needs nothing spent on it. These things are out there…

View attachment 148356

Thanks for this idea Mike! It is exactly the same colour as mine! I love the Mercedes logo on the bonnet as I use it to help me line up against the kerb! Might have a look to see if these cars come in petrol version.. When I drive into London I have to pay ULEZ and Congestion charge now.. These estates carry SO much. Downside to my E class - no SatNav (so plug my phone in) and No DAB radio to listen to LBC UK wide .. I'll check out listings and see what is out there ...

 

[DSM10000]

Bodywork near perfect! I have spent quite alot of money on it in the last year replacing the suspension bags, one trip to the garage cost me £1200.00 ! The car smokes quite a bit too when accelerating which is annoying to other drivers! Just passed the MOT last week though despite smoking.. thanks for your comments

Then is it worth fixing the existing faults and keeping something you know and enjoy driving?

Or, as Mike suggested , try to find another E Class Estate a little younger?

Petrol versions are quite rare and often come with a higher RFL, also, be aware that some of the early V6 engines fitted in the facelift E Class have potentially expensive issues with balance shaft wear

David

 

[Williamwoo]

My mistake I left the work 'new' E Class Estate ! A family member had a new one in 2018 and traded it in 3 years later..

Ah, that explains it!

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Thanks for this idea Mike! It is exactly the same colour as mine! I love the Mercedes logo on the bonnet as I use it to help me line up against the kerb! Might have a look to see if these cars come in petrol version.. When I drive into London I have to pay ULEZ and Congestion charge now.. These estates carry SO much. Downside to my E class - no SatNav (so plug my phone in) and No DAB radio to listen to LBC UK wide .. I'll check out listings and see what is out there ...

The petrol E350 is the car to hunt down. I’d aim for the facelift 2006 to 2009 cars, but anything from 2003 onwards is ULEZ compatible. (The luxurious E500 is rare to find in good order and is unlikely to float your boat)

The petrol ones are rarer because of ULEZ and because there weren’t many sold in the first place.

There are Japanese imports around, like the crazy low mileage one below, but I suspect you’ll be wary of a Japanese service history. (I am)

Satnavs, Waze, Spotify, podcasts? Much easier if you plug in or Bluetooth your phone. Much depends how often you use it

 

[BTB 500]

The petrol E350 is the car to hunt down.

But be aware of the M272 balance shaft issues already mentioned.

 

[rebecca]

The petrol E350 is the car to hunt down. I’d aim for the facelift 2006 to 2009 cars, but anything from 2003 onwards is ULEZ compatible. (The luxurious E500 is rare to find in good order and is unlikely to float your boat)

The petrol ones are rarer because of ULEZ and because there weren’t many sold in the first place.

There are Japanese imports around, like the crazy low mileage one below, but I suspect you’ll be wary of a Japanese service history. (I am)

Satnavs, Waze, Spotify, podcasts? Much easier if you plug in or Bluetooth your phone. Much depends how often you use it

View attachment 148359

Mike ... Is the petrol E350 a 3 litre engine? If so, doesn't it burn the fuel and be more expensive to Insure ?

 

[BTB 500]

The E350 is a 3.5 litre. I don't think you mentioned the engine size of your current car, but yes it would cost more in fuel and possibly insurance.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

The E350 is a 3.5 litre. I don't think you mentioned the engine size of your current car, but yes it would cost more in fuel and possibly insurance.

Yes, 3.5. You need to think around the whole ULEZ, petrol, diesel trade off.

If 30mpg is too dear, then a two litre petrol is your answer in a smaller body like the C or A class

 

[BTB 500]

Yes, 3.5. You need to think around the whole ULEZ, petrol, diesel trade off.

Absolutely.

If 30mpg is too dear, then a two litre petrol is your answe in a smaller body like the C class

Indeed, our C300 (which is a 2 litre petrol) does around 45 mpg on a long run ... plus of course petrol is usually cheaper than diesel.