New To Merc, Looking At High(ish) Mileage W211

[Charlie.]

Hello,

I am in the market for a new family car after the sale of my current car.

I see the prices of 2003> E270cdi/E320cdi Avantgarde are around the £6000 - £7000 (maybe less with a haggle) - but they have mileage ranging from 90K upwards.

My questions are, does the models stated above have any issues to look out for - however big or small?

Does the famous rust issue appear a threat on the 2003 E class?

Anything to look for bills wise at the sort of mileage, i.e any big maintainence due?

I have had a look around Autotrader, both private and dealers - but I do not have a lot near me hence wanting to do my homework before commiting any further.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Charlie

 

[Sparky 371]

good thread- i have been looking at the same as you for the last month or so- especially on autotrader so will look at the replies here with interest

 

[greggster]

Hi there, great cars, not sure about rust, but search the forum for Valeo radiator issues which seems to be the only major pitfall to look out for

 

[kwakdonut]

Valeo radiator, front and rear springs can break, suspension in general can wear inc track rods.

Make sure ALL electrical items work.

Rust not common especially on facelift models (fully galvanised). Pre-facelift have aluminium front wings, bonnet and boot lid so can suffer but not generally a common thing.

Watch out for clocked vehicles - make sure you do a FULL HPI including MOT check!!!

 

[Dryce]

Rust not common especially on facelift models (fully galvanised). Pre-facelift have aluminium front wings, bonnet and boot lid so can suffer but not generally a common thing.

2004 and later - which includes pre-facelift cars are galvanised.

 

[st4]

Early cars can be playful and the SBC pump byb 90k miles will have seen some use, MB dealer tend to replace them FOC.

Your money will get you a newer 211 if you go for a 220cdi (a tad sluggish but ok) or a petrol engined varient.

 

[BQF]

I just part-exed a 2005 E270 CDi at an MB dealer for £6,600 - great engine, everything worked - I bought it at 73k and sold it 9 months later at 104k.

The front springs will break - both of mine went on the A1, which meant a 12 hour, 3 recovery truck journey home to Kent. I was very cross. if you do get one replace the front springs - just to avoid the inconvenience.

Other than that, they are fairly solid. I'd go for a higher mileage later model, definitely post 2004 as they are fully galvanised. Mine had not a pick of rust on it.

No disrespect to the 220 owners, but it's not as effortless on the motorway as the 270 - the 320 is fast but disproportionately juicy as a result.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

No disrespect to the 220 owners, but it's not as effortless on the motorway as the 270 - the 320 is fast but disproportionately juicy as a result.

I've had both the 270 & 320 CDi and there is little difference between the MPG figures in real terms.
I owned the 270 first and it was punchy enough, but if you drive the two engines back to back, you would be mad not to go for the 320 in my opinion.
Things to look out for are mostly electrical, I never had any mechanical problems whatsoever with either of my W211s.
If you go to have a look at a private sale, I have a simple trick that helps me to see whether the owner has looked after the car during their ownership... Check the brand of tyres that are on the car-if they are top-branded then there is the strong possibility that it has been well looked after. This also works the other way round....

 

[Charlie.]

Thanks for all the advice so far - much appreciated.

I will keep in mind radiator, electrics, springs, tyres plus essentially check the MOT history online.

To be honest, I would prefer the 320CDi especially as opposed to the 220CDi - everytime a 320 came up next to me at the lights in my 220 I would feel, well, you know (sorry if that offends).

I am scouring the usual sites such as Autotrader/Ebay/Pistonheads etc, mine is due to go a week this Saturday and I don't want to be car-less for long if I can help it - also I am not scared to travel from here in Scotland.

Again thanks for the advice.

Charlie

 

[afinden]

Mine is now in excess of 140k+
Radiator - no problems
Had to have work done on the auto box at 90k - which also seems to be a common issue in high milers
Springs - done
Fantastic on motorway - but as pointed out, front tyres get a mauling because of the weight going around corners

 

[Londonscottish]

My 97k mile 2005 211 has just sailed through a major service and MOT.

Sum total of additional work; one pair of front brake pads.

I also took the precaution of changing the gearbox oil. That was through choice not necessity.

I've had it for nine months/7000 miles and despite the fact it's got virtually every factory option available at the time the only fault I can find is that one of the electric headrest adjustment switches has fallen off. Immaterial as I've had DVD headrests fitted anyway.

So far so good.