W211 E320D Avantgarde Estate

[AGOG]

Hi there, I may soon have the opportunity to buy a 2004 E320 D Avantgarde Estate with 85000 miles covered.
It's a 2 owner car with full MB service history.
I would love some comments from owners about their experiences with this vehicle. What if any, are the pitfalls, average mpg figures, quirks etc, etc.
Grateful for any knowledge. Thanks, guys, I know you wont let me down.

 

[renault12ts]

SBC...do a search.

 

[Vlad]

Great cars, but as has been mentioned check to see whether its had a new SBC pump or how long its got left.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

^ +1

 

[AGOG]

Great cars, but as has been mentioned check to see whether its had a new SBC pump or how long its got left.

SBC pump?

 

[A210AMG]

Hello


SBC not 100% what it stands for but on most auto's you stop at the lights and you keep your foot on the brake.

With SBC on these models you stop, press the brake down then again and it holds it, you can then rest you foot on the accelerator pedal (makes for a quick start...)

Or you can use the cruise stalk to activate de activate...

I rarely used it but my dad loved it.


My Dad bought a E320CDi S211 new in 2003, his car has this SBC, three years ago I bought this car off him and only recently just swapped it for a ML.

Best car we have ever owned, 40mpg plus on any longish journey. fits anything almost in the boot, very comfy to do big miles in. This car has blasted to Europe probably over 30 times, carried and towed all manor of stuff. However it was looked after and serviced regularly.

In the time we had it apart from tyres and brakes it needed two springs (front), oh and I sold it on 135,000 and I spoke to the current owner who said its now on 150,000 and just needed a water pump.


When I had it I also changed the wheels a few times for looks and fitted a Brabus D6 box which seem to make it even more economical and pretty nippy !!


Really is a good car, I don't know what SBC fault will cost or indeed if it can be reset? It never caused me an issue. The other thing you will find googling is the radiator depending which one can cause issues???


Too be honest spend enough time on line on forums and googling and you would put yourself off buying any car.


My old one (on 135,000 miles)

 

[E55 in waiting]

I agree with the post about becoming too bogged down in fault chasing. Go in with your eyes open and remember it is not a cheap car to start with. In the last five years I have replaced the pump in question and still have some airmatic issues. A pump was about £300 fitted, it was a few years ago. Another £800 on rear shock absorbers and that is about it. Not bad in five years and I have no issues that things will need sorting. Now on 171,000 and still going strong

 

[Sve]

Hi AGOG,

I've done this type of research (if I may say so) and I got MB E Class E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr Tip Auto Diesel Saloon 3.2 2004 on 110k miles.

I was mainly looking here in the forum for information and few other places but especially came up with following list:
- SBC pump - was it faulty and if so was it changed. I was assured that mine was changed and I hope I don't have to find out that the hard way. If it has FSH and was services in MB then it should have been replaced at some point when there was a service note
- Valeo radiator - another famous problem with 211 but I think it's fixed in 03 or something
- Airmatic suspension - had a chance to look/buy a car I was looking for with airmatic suspension. I'm sure it's great and there a plenty of people in the forum which are more than happy with that. I was just scared that if it fails I have to spent another amount of money fixing it
- Rust - early models are not galvanized and you can see some rust appearing. Just run a quick check.
- Electrics - just check that all lights, electrics are working. I've read a lot of tricky problems with them
- Any other signs of problems, car accidents, abuse or suspiciously great looking parts.

I came up with a long list of cars to see, but I bought the second car I saw. You can have a long list of things to check but still you can have a problem afterwards. Just check that the car wasn't ABUSED - not overheated or things like that. Tyres will always look heavy black - like they just got out of factory and that's because the paint/wax they put on them to shine and look better. Brakes and pads should be changed anyway, don't look for them much. If you find any minor problems use that as you advantage and ask for a discount, don't just walk away if you like the car.

You can ask for the car plate and run query to see its MOT history - any major problems or any problem with the electrics, suspension will popup there.

I have to say that so far I'm happy with my MB, although a month later the alternator failed.

Good luck and enjoy the ride!

Regards.