My wife and I are looking into a newer car and a model that I've always had interest in were the W211 wagons. Currently we have a couple of older Mercedes cars (W126 and W123 and our newer Honda Accord daily driver).
I have some questions about the W211's and I've been doing some reading. Looks like the air suspension is a major issue with these cars. Say I have catastrophic failure and would like to repair it, what sort of repair costs do I need to budget for this?
Any other common issues to look out for?
I'm favoring the V8 to the V6 models but from an efficiency and reliability view, is there one better than the other? I see that the E500 wagons were all with 4matics. Are these 4matics reliable or problematic like in the old W124 days?
Any particular years to stay away from or is there a facelift version that is better?
Any inputs and personal experiences would be appreciated!
We love our 2006 E350 4M wagon. We have owned it since 2009 and have more than 121K with expenses average at about $1K per year. Cross country with full loads many times without problem and not bad mpg...24-27. Only surprises so far are the air suspension and intake manifold. General replacement of wear items. Tires about every 35K.
Stay later in the W211 cycle. The balance shaft issue on the engines runs into the 2007 models (I know from experience, I regret to say). You can check the VIN to see if the engine is suspect.
I can't help you on airmatic-I have no experience with that.
I think that most if not all wagons are 4matic, so you will have a transfer case to deal with. In any regard, transmission service on a regular basis (every 39K miles) is cheap maintenance, so be sure that has been done.
Other issues may include conductor plate replacement re the transmission. That tends to run about $1,500 and is pretty common.
But going back to what I started with, stay later in the cycle, as the bugs continued to get worked out.
Yeah, 2008 or 2009 is best, but later 2007 might be ok, just need to check the VIN to make sure it's out of range, typically cars made after 9/2006 had the corrected part. I believe on the wagon you end up with airmatic on the rears, but those could be replaced with Arnott which around around $500 each. Other issues with it would be leaking lines or a failed pump, but as long as you don't ignore things, you shouldn't have to worry about burning out the pump from excessive use. I think failed transfer case and differential get mentioned once in a while, but I don't think that has happened that much in the later years, either it's still too early or it just doesn't happen as much.
I just sold a 2005 E500 4matic Wagon with 167,000 miles.
Air suspension failed at 97,000 miles = $3,000 at the dealer.
It was a solid car and very powerful. I enjoyed it every day! It has it's quirks, and little things will go wrong as with any car, but parts can be pricey.
Have a good PPI done and check for all stored codes.
The cargo covers on the luggage are can be finicky.
I would say, as has been said, buy the newest model you can afford with decent miles and records.
Best of luck with your search/purchase!
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