W211 – will it last?

[alexmoon]

I have the first of the W211s, a 2002 (52) 270 CDi, which has done 95k. I bought it six months ago at 85k with full FSH. This was my first MB so I am keen to figure out how long this model will RELIABLY last. This Merc forum, and others, is brilliant at highlighting good and bad points about models. In various posts you read that, generally, the W211 does last – especially the CDi engine and auto gearbox. All well and good. BUT. Your car then develops lots of niggling problems and you find that, generally, they are not that reliable. (In four months I have spent a grand on new batteries, glow plugs, a wishbone, leaking injector and camshaft sensor – and been stranded eight times. I now have the engine light coming on occasionally!) You read from techies on here that these problems, and many others, are common. So, er, where's the reliability? My point is this – I have one of the oldest W211s on the planet – eight years – so the car is entering new territory daily, and not doing too brilliantly. What will history tells us about the W211s? I fear the worst – and hope for the best. Your views appreciated!

 

[GordonTarling]

The faults you describe are fairly typical for a car of that age and mileage, but are relatively easy to fix, if not cheaply. The big question is - does it RUST?

 

[alexmoon]

No rust and paintwork is fine apart from the odd scratch. Maybe I'll get a period of trouble free motoring – time will tell! Have to admit I do like the car. It drives well and averages 40mpg which is great for a relatively big car. Fingers crossed...

 

[JasM]

No rust and paintwork is fine apart from the odd scratch. Maybe I'll get a period of trouble free motoring – time will tell! Have to admit I do like the car. It drives well and averages 40mpg which is great for a relatively big car. Fingers crossed...

Have you had the Valeo radiator replaced?

 

[Smiley]

If any car of mine left me stranded twice in six months that would be it gone; 8 times in six months unbelievable. I bet I could buy a £500 used Mondeo that would perform better than that.

 

[jeremytaylor]

The earliest produced of any car is generally the leaset reliable. And this seems to be especially the case with the W211 E-class, unfortunately.

My brother's 54-plate E270 has done 130k now, but with none of your problems.

 

[timskemp]

My 03 plate E270 has had a number of issues but never actually stranded me away from home. I got a lot of bits replaced under warranty though.

I don't see why mechanically 500k miles isn't possible, especially as by then the springs will have been changed five times on average!

Mine (from memory) has had a waterpump / tensioner / alternator (expensive), all the springs, some suspension bits and a MAF sensor - other than that it's been general servicing and bodyshop bills, and still cheaper to run than my Volvo S60 was.