Moved to the proper section.

As a current W211 owner, I can tell you I absolutely enjoy the car. The 2009 was the last year of production, and arguably one of the best.

With the pre-facelift models, there's going to be a lot you want to look at. In all honesty, if you can spring for it, go for a later model. Much more refined. In the year I've had the car, I've had no trouble whatsoever.

I will say that MB had a lack of quality in a lot of their vehicles in the first half of the 2000s. It wasn't until 2005-2006 with certain chassis that MB started getting their act together again. These cars are DIY friendly, and as they get older, more and more people are beginning to diagnose and repair their own issues, adding additional write-ups for common tasks that need to be performed.

If it's been a well-maintained vehicle, with a good service history, and your inspection checks out, then I don't see why it wouldn't be a good fit. Perhaps a PPI at a local shop or dealer could help determine if there is anything you should be aware of.

 

I am big fan of W210 - the model proves itself to be one of the most reliable and most DIY-friendly car ever, but W211 gives me lot of new gizmos, that make it enjoyable (when they work).
Researching the air suspension on my wagon I can tell you right now it definitely is not DIY friendly at all.
IMHO it is not the actual reliability that is complain about, but the prices.
Why not too many (other brands) owners loose sleep over $100 master cylinder replacement on 10 years old car, the SBC pump replacement can give you heart attack.
That said, I am really happy that my recently purchased wagon come with new SBC pump, new air bags and new batteries.
Even I had to fix hatch and few smaller items, I hope to drive it for at lest 7 years before spending more than 3-digits on the repairs.
Just like I did on W210.

 

Not owning an MB until I bought an '05 E320 w/ 72K miles on it, I don't have a lot to compare. BUT, this has been so much fun and so reliable that 10 months later we bought another '05 E320 for my wife. They both have right at 94K miles on them and we would hope in either for a trip from coast-to-coast right now. I added NAV and XM to my first one and XM to my wife's. Other than routine things like oil, tranny service, tires, and new brakes on both, we've had very, very little problem. My stand-by battery was very old and got replaced, and my wife's is starting to send those same signals. But I consider that pretty routine for a car near 100K miles. We did have to put a fuel pump module in both and there should have been recall on that item (you'll see a lot of traffic on the topic), but I replace mine and wrote up a little cookbook for it without too much trouble. Our biggest expense for either car so far has been a new set of tires and that was only about $650. I buy another '05 or later W211 in a heartbeat.

 

My 2005 has been a very solid car in the heat of South Carolina and the polar cold of Wisconsin. The key to any 2005 or later W211 is the servicing of all fluids. The antifreeze is good for 10 years, but all other fluids need to be kept up. If that is done it is hard to find an issue that would put one of these stranded.

 

I purchased my 2006 cdi in January 2010. To date is the maintenance and repairs done to it:
Mike T.

1/26/2010 49,157 Pwr Str, Trans & Brake Flush, Alignment (ASC)
10/4/2010 55,200 Glows Plugs replaced by Benz Elite (Bosch plugs)
10/29/2010 56,150 Replace thermostat

1/7/2011 58,275 Glows Plugs replaced by Benz Elite (w/Beru plugs)
Replace Fuel Filter by Benz Elite
2/27/2011 59,100 Replace Wiper Blades (Bosch Icon #465)
4/7/2011 59,877 Replace Lower Ball Joints & Right Motor Mount (Benz Elite)
7/16/2011 63,900 Install MB Washer Fluid

1/5/2012 70,112 Brake Flush by European Cars
5/7/2012 74,200 Air Filter 646 094 01 04 (Mahle)
Cabin Filter A211 830 00 18 (MicronAir Charcoal Activated)
6/7/2012 75,079 Front & rear brakes & rotors (done by European Cars)
Front (Akebono) EUR987, rear EUR986
7/16/2012 Windshield Repair (2 areas)
10/22/2012 80,427 Replace #4 Glow Plug (European Cars)

4/18/2013 88,600 Install MB Washer Fluid
5/16/2013 89,630 Tires from Costco
6/4/2013 90,000 Replace Fuel Filter (Mann)
Replace Thermostat (Wahler)
8/6/2013 91,465 Windshield Replaced by Danny's Glass
8/8/2013 91,611 State Inspection (Tysinger MB)
Transmission Service (Tysinger MB)
Power Steering Flush (Tysinger MB)
Rear Differential Fluid Change (Tysinger MB)
Serpertine Belt (Tysinger MB)
New Belly Pan (Tysinger MB)
8/17/2013 91,843 Replace Wiper Blades (Bosch Icon #26 OE)
Replace Auxiliary Battery (AC Delco ATX-14BS)

1/6/2014 96,660 Tires Rotated. Next rotation at 103k

 

I purchased my 2008 BlueTec March 6, 2013 with 51k miles. I put 33k miles on it in 10 months. My maintenance to date:

~53k miles
Replace front rotors and pads (I do this whenever I get a used car)
Replace front wheel bearings (needed packing but replaced to escape labor charge because of new rotors)
Replace front shocks (these go bad on some near 50k)
Oil Change (I do this whenever I get a used car)
Fuel Filter Change (I do this whenever I get a used car)
Brake Fluid Flush (I do this whenever I get a used car)
Rear Diff Change (Trans flush was done at 38k, so I went for this because of all the torque)

~63k miles
Oil Change
Replace Rear Rotors and Pads
Replace Engine Air Filter
Rotate Tires
Alignment Check

~73k miles
Oil Change
Replace Serpentine Belt

Now at 84k miles and 100 miles from B service:
Oil change due
Fuel Filter Change due (every 30k)
Transmission Fluid Flush due (every 40k)
Replace wiper blades due
Rotate Tires due

Bearings were a surprise, but they needed to be packed. Dealer quoted $880 and only $100 more to replace and they didn't charge labor since they were doing the shocks and rotors. Overall, I'm at $6k but I've put 2-3 years worth of mileage on the car already. If the shocks and bearings were out of the picture, I'd be $2,200 richer right now.

On the plus side - NOT CONSUMING ANY OIL. No transmission issues.

I do get the occasional ESP error from the steering module.

 

I would say your car is well maintained, let me guess...$8500 w/o windshield replacement?

 

After calculating everything, I am actually a little under $5k. This does not include the seven oil changes since I had my cdi, which I do myself.
Mike T.

 

$1800/year to keep your benz in tip top shape is not bad, the ball joints and motor mount are probably a good chunck of the total, I had to replace my upper control arm at about 120K, then I started greasing the ball joints all around about once a year, I wish I started sooner, but so far so good at 164K.

 

Bearings were a surprise, but they needed to be packed. Dealer quoted $880 and only $100 more to replace and they didn't charge labor since they were doing the shocks and rotors. Overall, I'm at $6k but I've put 2-3 years worth of mileage on the car already. If the shocks and bearings were out of the picture, I'd be $2,200 richer right now.


What was the problem with the bearings?? I have not had any problems with front wheel bearings on 3 MB that have exceeded 200K miles. Just check when brakes are serviced for run-out and condition of grease -- on all three the grease is still the original green color.

 

What was the problem with the bearings?? I have not had any problems with front wheel bearings on 3 MB that have exceeded 200K miles. Just check when brakes are serviced for run-out and condition of grease -- on all three the grease is still the original green color.

I bought the car from a dealer in Austin, TX, which is where it spent its first 51k miles. The I-35 between Austin and Dallas is not really paved and it resembles the surface of the moon or the desert that surrounds it, which is why the shocks were toast by 51k. I was told that the bearings had play and needed packing on the inner and outer or something like that, so I just rolled over and told them to put new ones in since the cost difference between new and repacked was negligible. I was surprised that the bearings went bad and that was the only thing I didn't catch when I was buying the car. But I guess it could be related to the toasted shocks and the dry desert heat. I don't really know. The rears are fine and there's a ton of weight on the nose so it made sense when I authorized it.

 

WOW. Spending thousands on repairs sure does not sound like the Mercedes cars I've been driving for about 15 years.
Our W210 owned for 7 years averaged less than $150 a year in needed parts and I consider it bad as some of the cost was a result of PO driving over high curb.
Our original ML320 in 13 years averaged about $25 a year in replaced parts and that is what I would love to have again.
Sure with all additional gizmos W211 has way more sensors to break, but per my perception the manufacturers make better sensors.
In early years of W210 and W163 - MAF and CPS sensors were replaced on regular bases. New generation of the same sensors seldom fail.

 

With the exception of the bearings and shocks on my E320, the 2006 E350 that I leased back in the day was even worse. The E350 was in for numerous warranty repairs because of electrical gremlins... wipers wouldn't work, so they replaced the control stalks. Then the windshield washer wouldn't work. Then the COMAND would reboot on it's own - and it only started doing that after someone at TeleAid beamed some directions to the car. I was so glad to give it back at lease end.

The 2007+ model years worked out the kinks and I trust them. Their cost is still up there, but nothing compared to the W140 S500 I had. Selling the S500 was like taking grandpa off life support - it was a sad day but it was a gigantic relief.

Even the 2007 SLK55 AMG had issues - valve cover leaks every 11k miles, constant howling from the harmonic balancer for the poly belt, and the Pirelli PZero tires would wear out every 7k in the rear and the staggered wheels prohibited tire rotations. It was rarely driven and I sold it the day after Christmas. Registration and insurance alone was about $2k/year and I wan't driving it enough. I'll never buy a weekend car again.

 

I just bought my 2005 E320. Now I am a bit nervous at 149k on the odometer. It appears from car fax, that mine was serviced very well. It's going in this weekend for a oil change and maintenance check over. I hope I didn't buy a model that has numerous troubles....
It's in mint condition, and runs well. So far!

 

With 2005 you still have warranty on SBC if it wasn't replaced already. The drivetrain proves to be bulletproof, so beside few electronic gizmos you don't have much to worry about.

 

I don't know what the SBC is? Otherwise from what you're telling me that that's pretty good news. That makes me happy. Because I really do like this car lot.

 

SBC stsnds for Sense Tronic Brake Control. You have brake by wire.

 

Wow, thats different. Was that a recall I should bring up? Sorry for the dumbness.

 

From what I know it is not brake by wire, but boost by wire.
In case boost fails, you still can stop the car, although it will take much bigger pedal push.
The dealer should check the recall automatically, but out of curiosity I would request any record.
Also I heard that the warranty was extended from 10 to 15 years, but did not see any solid confirmation. Would you mind to ask about it?

 

I am going to bring it up while I am there Saturday for sure. I just have to think how to word it. Like what the recall is "named".

 

having just purchased an E350 '06 from the dealer this last week, i can confirm the SBC warranty still stands at 10 years.

 

Thanks for the info. I still have 3 more months
My SBC unit looks newer than the rest of the car, but I will take a close look at it.

 

There was a recall to take care of the main plug into the control unit wiring. If it was not done it would have showed on the Car Fax, but you can always ask any dealer if there are any recalls not performed.

 

I will have to write this all down. I guess the dealer can look this up? I remember calling an 800 number on my 450SL, and seeing if the recalls were done. I just can't find it now.
So the main plug into the control unit wiring, and the SBC so far.

having just purchased an E350 '06 from the dealer this last week, i can confirm the SBC warranty still stands at 10 years.

Thats a good thing. I will bring this up to them for sure. Before its too late.

 

SBC unit replace ABS unit and is located on passenger side inner fender (at least on my wagon).
You can easily spot it as big, shiny block with bunch of hydraulic lines and big wire harness going into.

 

The recall is no wire harness, while the extended warranty is on whole system per my understanding.
It can be confusing as some dealers replace acting pump with the recall, some diagnose it good and leave.
It is not a cheap unit, so there is serious money at stake.

 

he tried to tell me from MBUSA that the only recall was the SBC on mine. I was telling him about another recall with wiring harness and he said that that not apply to mine. Which I find very hard to believe. I would rather they fix this recall problem before November. But he said the dealer probably won't do it due to the fact that there's nothing wrong with it yet. I am pretty aggravated to be honest with you. the recall specifically states that the SBC is a problem. But he did state that there was no way they were going to replace it unless there was an issue. I am extremely mad about this. When I read him the other recall he said that it not to go accordingly to my vin number. Which is kind of strange. It was some type of electrical harness thing

 

What MB is stating is that the campaign is valid through Nov 14th if the unit goes bad.
In the 2005 production they made a change to the connector and a slight change to the SBC pump. Yours probably has they newer generation connector and SBC system than the 2003 and 2004 models.

 

You may he right. He said the SBC applied to my vin and was not replaced. But said they wont replace it if it isnt bad. I told him it may go bad after November then I am screwed. He never answered me on that.
The electrical harness one he said did not need done according to my vin.
I had an easier time with my 1979 recalls as odd as that sounds..lol

 

Have them flush/bleed the brake fluid if there is no record of it over the last two years. It needs the MB computer to do it correctly.

My dealer has told me that even if mine goes bad after the 10 years (Jan 2015 for me) they will get it taken care of. I do not know if other dealers are doing that for people, but keeping the fluid up to service spec is a good way of getting goodwill from MB on this issue should it occur.

 

Thank you. I will have them do that for sure.

 

"Reporting back"...went to the dealer Saturday.
Okay, first they pulled the car up, clear back from brand new on the computer.
The last guy, "one owner", had OCD worse than me...
He did have it very well maintained. I think a bit overkill, but thats a good thing.
I had them change the oil and filter, and do a maintenance check.
They showed me the air filter and housing, it was dirty. "done deal"
The tranny fluid was really not that bad, just "slightly" discolored. but still smelled good, and was very light colored.
But I had them change the filter and 4 quarts. Even though they said not to worry. I wanted it done.
The brake fluid was "slightly" yellow, so I had them flush the brake fluid. Done deal!
They said the anti freeze was not ready, and very clean.
Brakes and rotors all looked like new.
They did tell me the next visit, in one year, 159K, they want to change the tranny fluid, the full 16 quarts, transfer case....etc.
And rear axle fluid.
I did have them check the pilot bushing on the tranny. They showed me that it was changed twice already? But they said it is "dry" and no worries. Okay!!
Also, they showed me the SBC unit.
They said they couldn't change it since it wasn't bad. I did tell them it was only good till November of this year for the warranty.
The service manager, "hope he stays working there", told me not to worry. If it fails later, I can just pay the 250.00 labor, and they will take care of it. Sure hope they remember that.
I would hate to be in a bad mood there if they don't!
Thanks for all the advice everyone on what to get done.
I was treated very well, and they assured me I made a good choice. The tech said he really likes this model, and called the drive train bulletproof? I dunno. He said keep the fluids changed, and she'll run for a very long time!

 

That is good news.

What you have been told by the service manager about the SBC being replaced after the 10 years is what they are doing here at both MB dealers with a good service history. So I have no reason to doubt him.

 

Your probably right. I am just being paranoid. I will be back at the dealer in 10k miles for sure.
One mistake my wife made while there. They had coffee and treats there as I guess they all do. I thought the coffee tasted different. Well...She was giving me expresso by accident. I am not even allowed caffeine. Ugh!!
I thought I was anxious about what my bill was going to be. That wasn't what was wrong..lol

 

I’ve had me 04 E320 wagon for 1.5 years and had to replace the left rear axle at a cost of U$800 for part and 6 hours of labour, engine mounts, wheel liner and rear wiper motor. I expected to keep this car for 5-7 years; however, at this rate my annual cost is far greater than what a regular new midsize to large car would cost.

This model, from what I’ve experienced and read, is not reliable. I did better with 3 year old Volvos and may go back to that brand.