After a couple of years...
Hi all,
I thought it would be interesting to come back with my experiences after a couple of years with the S211.
The car has now done just under 115,000 miles and is still running wonderfully. It has been looked after by the main dealer with a couple of sets of brake pads replaced by a well regarded specialist.
I did change the wheels fairly early on for 18in AMG 5-spokes which improved the looks but didn't do much for the ride (mine also has the optional sports chassis). I got used to it over time
.
The car has mainly been used as a motorway cruiser and I have averaged about 36mpg over about 80,000 miles. It's been used to lug people and vast amounts of stuff all over the place and has held up like a champ. About the only thing that I could complain about has been the appetite for tyres, which invariably wear through to the canvas on the inner edges, both front and rear, at about 15,000 miles. It's been on the laser alignment system at the main dealer three times now and is always well within tolerances, apparently (it did this with the original 17in wheels too, so it's not the rims).
All the electrics are still working and there isn't a single squeak or rattle anywhere - the car is wonderfully engineered and I still look forward to long trips in it. In summary, a truly wonderful car and it will be extremely hard to replace.
Alas, it's time for a change now before the big bills start coming in. I think I've got it narrowed down to either the new E350CDI saloon, a year or so old CLS 320CDI or (whisper it) - a Jag XF Diesel S which I really like.
If I decide on either of the Mercs (which is very possible as I've become a big fan), I look forward to posting another review
.
Sorry for the long post, and thanks for reading!