W211 facelift timetest

[TheFishBlub]

Hi Guys,

Hope everyone is well in the pandemic?
I am looking to buying an w211 facelift.
We are in 2021, just wanted to know if anyone still got that generation of the E-Class around, how has the car proven to be?
More worried about the transmission as doing a bit of research the 7G can be problematic. Also could you guys, advise me on what to look out for?

Kind Regards
TheFishBlub

 

[W1ghty]

I’ve had one for over 10 years , this lists what if anything has gone wrong in those 100,000 miles

8 Years with 80k on an E320cdi .

I was thinking earlier today how few issues my car has had outside of normal service parts (I know thinking like this or even saying it out loud can cause an immediate breakdown :) ) . I bourght the car with 20k miles on at just under 2 years old , so I've done the next 60k miles over the next...

forums.mercedesclub.org.uk

 

[Benz17]

I’ve had one for over 10 years , this lists what if anything has gone wrong in those 100,000 miles

8 Years with 80k on an E320cdi .

I was thinking earlier today how few issues my car has had outside of normal service parts (I know thinking like this or even saying it out loud can cause an immediate breakdown :) ) . I bourght the car with 20k miles on at just under 2 years old , so I've done the next 60k miles over the next...

forums.mercedesclub.org.uk

This was mine E280sports, had it for 10 years, px for my current one in 2019, had 123000 on the clock, was just a lovely car, the best, yes the turbo went within the first year of ownership at 60k, never had any problems with the gearbox, but fluid was changed at the correct intervals.

 

[W1ghty]

This was mine E280sports, had it for 10 years, px for my current one in 2019, had 123000 on the clock, was just a lovely car, the best, yes the turbo went within the first year of ownership at 60k, never had any problems with the gearbox, but fluid was changed at the correct intervals.

What a beauty buddy

 

[Benz17]

What a beauty buddy

It was, that was my first merc, had 50k when I bought it, still had the original battery when sold, it truly was a great car, in looks and to drive, had nappa leather, memory seats, and comand, yes had to change glow plugs and relay, also rear springs, and other bits and bobs associated with driving over speed humps in London, but was worth it, sad to part with it, but had to upgrade.

 

[m80]

With a 7sp box I guess you're not thinking of the 2.1 646 engine, so not much point in my feedback really.

 

[TheFishBlub]

This was mine E280sports, had it for 10 years, px for my current one in 2019, had 123000 on the clock, was just a lovely car, the best, yes the turbo went within the first year of ownership at 60k, never had any problems with the gearbox, but fluid was changed at the correct intervals.

what a beauty. You kept it in perfect condition.

 

[TheFishBlub]

With a 7sp box I guess you're not thinking of the 2.1 646 engine, so not much point in my feedback really.

I am open to the 2.1 as well haven't completely ignored it. Except for the MPG, I honestly dont see a reason why i should go for the 2.1 or the 2.7 when I can get a 3.0V6 for pretty much the same price...

However, I will still value your feedback

 

[W1ghty]

I am open to the 2.1 as well haven't completely ignored it. Except for the MPG, I honestly dont see a reason why i should go for the 2.1 or the 2.7 when I can get a 3.0V6 for pretty much the same price...

However, I will still value your feedback

Don’t drive the 3.2 V6 if you think you might get the smaller engines

 

[m80]

Pre facelift was the 4 pot 2.1, 5 pot 2.7 and inline 6 pot 3.2

The facelift is still has the same 2.1 engine with some evolution,
and the V6 3 litre in different power outputs.

The V6 is more powerful, smoother and quieter than the 2.1, but I would expect a 20% higher consumption. I expect others will comment / correct me on that, but it was certainly my experience with the Viano.
I would also expect the V6 to have a DPF, the 2.1 was more likely fitted as an option, mine wasn't.

With the 2.1 (09 facelift) I'm seeing 45 - 47 with ease on a run. London return, full to full, returned 47.75 mpg, although the OBD said over 53. I drive gently though.
It has plenty of torque, and I find it smooth and quiet. But there is no denying the V6 is more refined.

The 2.1 is far more robust than the V6 (OM642) engine, it comes with the 5 speed box.

I bought it for less than £3K with 121k miles, as a van. It's an estate.
It's far better than I imagined, I feel I've landed on my feet and enjoying it more than expected.

I intended to keep it long enough to cover the Viano being off the road, another long story.
Now I'm trying to convince the wife to take it on in favour of her younger Civic, the 211 is far superior. Problem for her is the Civic looks cool, the 211 is more for a Grandad, but I've 4 Grandsons, and she's a Grandma to a girlie.
Maybe she's better with a little car anyway.

 

[m80]

More thoughts.
There's a fair bit of writing here to understand the differences between Sport, Avante Garde and the other one I forget.
To my mind understand the available options and decide which are priority for you.

I personally don't favour Comand and prefer to install Android systems.
If sellers will provide their VIN you can interrogate what options are installed remotely. That can save a lot of travelling.
Have a go with this

WDB2112082B396518 Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN Want to know the specifications of your Mercedes? No problem! Our free Mercedes VIN decoder retrieves detailed information about your Mercedes-Benz vehicle. www.lastvin.com becoming familiar with such is a great advantage. You can see loads of information when you understand. Engine type, gearbox, DPF, Comand, seats, type of AC,.... and you can always ask us if the codes don't make sense. Rear sub frame can suffer catastrophic rust. Tailgate (on estate) struts are awkward to fit. DPF's can be a nuisance, depending on history and use. Even facelifts can rust. Common to pretty well all MB's is the rusting of the parking brake shoe mounting plates, plate cheap correct repair expensive (there is a short cut). My very limited knowledge is that they are a well made motor.

 

[Benz17]

For me it’s not even a question, v6 all day long, my replacement is also a v6, it’s true what they say about once you drive a v6, you don’t want to drive anything else.

my 2007 didn’t have a dpf, not sure of what year they started on the W211.

 

[350cls]

If one had to be had over the other. Out of the V6 facelift and the IL6 pre facelift which is the better smoother engine just out of curiosity. Have always thought about the V6. Having owned the IL6 now s211 for over 3 years. Just curious to what the V6 compares like on a power front to the IL6. The IL6 feels so strong even at 220k

 

[350cls]

For me it’s not even a question, v6 all day long, my replacement is also a v6, it’s true what they say about once you drive a v6, you don’t want to drive anything else.

my 2007 didn’t have a dpf, not sure of what year they started on the W211.

Was it sometime in around 2005 the dpf was introduced. I think I've read it on here.

 

[350cls]

I can't speak of the 7 speed on an eclass bit did have it on a cls 350 and did find the 7 speed more nothcy than that of the 5 speed. But on the other hand always thought the 5 speed was missing a higher gear. The 7 speed was more suited and helpful on a longer journey. Better for mpg I'd imagine also

 

[TheFishBlub]

From what i understand, inspect the car properly (as you should for anycar) have some money for when (because it will) it goes wrong. 2.1 is a robust engine but the V6 is more refined.

I am going to view a w211 e280 '09 on thursday, its got 111k on the clock. FMBSH, anything I should be looking out for?

Asked the seller about the transmission service but got told, they are sealed for life and dont need servicing. I am not convinced as my research is suggesting me otherwise.. Can anyone help me out on this one?

Are there two different types of 7G or does the seller not have an enthusiast level knowledge?

 

[m80]

I bought a C220 years ago, a 2004 model that had the DPF fitted as an option.

 

[m80]

Sealed for life only means it's a shorter life if not serviced. Not sealed, they are serviceable.

Best serviced at 37 - 40k miles.
My service schedule shows it should be serviced at 37K.

the 7 speed I won't comment on but I've bought 5 speeds w/o having had a service. They were smooth and drove as they should.
One got it's 1st service at 115k miles and was no issue for the next 16k until sold.
My Viano got it's service at 162k and ok for the next 3k, but now it's the flippin silly 651 engine that causes it to be 'having a rest'.

 

[350cls]

Every automatic gearbox I've had over the years has a service schedule. Sealed for life is a total load of garbage.

At 110k the box should have at least 2 transmission oil changes.

I'm only familiar with the 7g and the 7g+ which is the MCT transmission. The MCT I thought was more installed on the AMG variant vehicles.

 

[TheFishBlub]

Sealed for life only means it's a shorter life if not serviced. Not sealed, they are serviceable.

Best serviced at 37 - 40k miles.
My service schedule shows it should be serviced at 37K.

the 7 speed I won't comment on but I've bought 5 speeds w/o having had a service. They were smooth and drove as they should.
One got it's 1st service at 115k miles and was no issue for the next 16k until sold.
My Viano got it's service at 162k and ok for the next 3k, but now it's the flippin silly 651 engine that causes it to be 'having a rest'.

Thats what I thought.

Every automatic gearbox I've had over the years has a service schedule. Sealed for life is a total load of garbage.

At 110k the box should have at least 2 transmission oil changes.

I'm only familiar with the 7g and the 7g+ which is the MCT transmission. The MCT I thought was more installed on the AMG variant vehicles.

Thats what I was expecting. Confirmed with the seller, although the car has full MB Service History, it never had a transmission service which was rather surprising to me. Unless MB dont them???

Anyone know any good specialists around in Oxford or Reading?