Mercedes-benz E-class
Sourcing new and used parts.
The comfortable, classy, well equipped and highly refined third-generation Mercedesbenz E-class W211 saloon and estate still have plenty going for them, not least the range of silky six-cylinder petrol engines and choice of robust diesels. There was even a V8 available in the form of the plutocratic E500.
A pricey car when new, values are now much more realistic, with the earliest, high-mileage examples changing hands for as little as £1500 in the classifieds.
Initially, there were three spec levels: Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde, with even the entry model getting alloy wheels, climate and cruise control, and all manner of goodies such as rain-sensitive windscreen wipers and heated washer jets. In addition, the Elegance got burr walnut trim, while the Avantgarde added bi-xenon headlamps, LED brake lights, part-leather trim and five-spoke alloys. Neutral handling with excellent body control were always W211 trademark qualities, with a massive boot adding an element of executive car practicality.
There was a facelift in 2006, when the troublesome Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) was dropped and various other niggles ironed out. It was replaced by the more chiselled-looking W212 in 2009.
It’s worth making a quick observation about running costs. Mercedes main dealer parts are very competitively priced, helped by the fact that some of the most expensive items are offered on an exchange basis. This is worth bearing in mind if you’re about to order a new dual mass flywheel, air spring or power steering pump.
Engines
Engines last well, as long as they are looked after. That said, superchargers have a limited lifespan – once they get much beyond 100,000 miles, you can expect some wear. Usually, it is the bearing in the drive pulley that fails, not the supercharger itself. The recirculating air flap in the actuator wastegate for the supercharger can also stick if it becomes
clogged with oil, bringing on the engine management light.
A common problem on all Mercedes CDI engines concerns injector seal leaks. You’ll notice the engine running roughly, hear a chuffing sound and detect the smell of neat fuel in the cabin. Having the seals reground and replaced can cost as much as £500 at a specialist. Meanwhile, if you notice loss of power, suspect the EGR valve. Turbos can
also fail, but if you start getting turbo problem symptoms, check the turbo-tointercooler pipes first, as these have a tendency to pop off and split. Air filter mountings on the CDI can also break, so listen for any untoward rattles.
The inlet port shut-off motor on the manifold of the 3.2 V6 diesel can prove problematic, putting the car into ‘limphome’ mode. Replacement is fiddly because you have to remove the turbo.
The radiator on early E-class autos can leak into the gearbox oil cooler, causing the torque converter to lock up and other running problems that can be expensive to fix. It only affects cars with the Valeo radiator made up to 2003.
Being chain-driven, it’s crucial that oil and filter changes are carried out when prompted by the car’s service light indicators or sooner. On the smaller petrol-engined models, 5W-30 oil is required, while the 3.2 V6 needs a 229.1 and the CDI requires a Merc spec 229.51. Buy in bulk, because even the humble E240 V6 takes eight litres.
Engine component prices
OIL FILTER
Main dealer £11.40 Independent from £7.19
DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL
Main dealer £501.60 (exchange) Independent from £736.90
EGR
Main dealer £235.44 (exchange) Independent from £219.90
Steering/suspension
There have been reports of broken front coil springs on the W211, as well as problems with the Airmatic suspension fitted to the estate and the E500. It appears the airbags can leak at the top where the pipe enters, causing the suspension to sag and illuminating a dash warning light. There’s a 40A fuse under the driver’s footwell carpet, so it’s worth checking that as well. Sagging suspension can also be due to a failed sensor, so a diagnostic test is the best option before ordering any replacement parts.
Steering/suspension component prices
AIR SPRING UNIT (REAR)
Main dealer £366.00 (exchange) Independent from £734.99 Secondhand from £162.00
POWER STEERING PUMP
Main dealer £275.52 (exchange) Independent from £319.99
Electrics
Being a relatively sophisticated car, there’s lots to go wrong. Thankfully, Mercedes-benz electrics are generally reliable, so the only issues are likely to be age-related, affecting components such as window regulators, central locking and air-conditioning.
Electrical component prices
WINDOW REGULATOR
Main dealer £94.20 Independent from £98.99
AIR-CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR
Main dealer £462.00 (exchange) Independent from £304.99
Brakes
The Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) fitted to the W211 was designed to make fine adjustments to brake pressure at each wheel as a form of anti-skid control. However, it’s been a constant cause of complaints from owners, with Mercedes replacing many units free of charge when the cars were new, before reverting to a conventional hydraulic system from 2006. The first sign of trouble will be a warning light on the dash stating: ‘Service brake! Visit workshop!’ This isn’t a warning regarding pad wear, but rather suggesting that the SBC pump is at the end of its life.
Some units have a counter which can be reset (bba-reman.com offers this service), otherwise buy a replacement from a main dealer or direct from Bosch (bosch-repair-service.com).
Brake component prices
FRONT DISCS (PAIR)
Main dealer £137.12 Independent from £111.98
FRONT BRAKE PADS
Main dealer £73.09 Independent from £29.49
SBC UNIT
Main dealer £1142.40 (exchange) Bosch from €850 Bba-reman £215.00 (counter reset)
Other issues
The only other matter worth mentioning is rust. Early Es could have missed out on galvanising, so check for corrosion in the arches and sills. Inspect the lacquer on those alloys while you are at it – refurbs will cost £40-£50 per wheel.
Other parts prices
WHEEL REFURB
Independent from £40.00 per wheel