E Class Buying Guide W211

kamba

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W164
Hi

had a change of heart from S Class anyone got any buying advice for E Class W211
 

st4

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Disqualified driver
Lots.

Search valeo rad. Looks coolant into box and wrecks transmission. Get transmiision tested for gylcol. Avoid Valeo radiator cars.

Aim for a late 2004/2005 car onwards. They also come with better paintwork and electrics

All engines up for the job.

Elegance is comfy, AG and sport a bit less comfy but more surefooted handling wise at the expense of ride quality and fake David Dickinson wood, and you get Xenons.
 

Warrior

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E320 CDI 03 (Now changed for Jag XF 3.0D S), & Chrysler Crossfire Roadster 04 (SLK in Drag)
Hmm that Valeo radiator problem makes interesting reading, i've just bought an early 03 E320CDI which should be ready to collect this weekend!!

I'm going to ring the dealer today and find out (A) if its got a Valeo, and (B) if it has got a Valeo does the service history show that its been replaced.

I'm getting a six month warranty which gives me some re-assurance but i'd rather have it it right before I take it away.
 

hawk20

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ML250 BlueTEC Sport
Lots.

Search valeo rad. Looks coolant into box and wrecks transmission. Get transmiision tested for gylcol. Avoid Valeo radiator cars.

Aim for a late 2004/2005 car onwards. They also come with better paintwork and electrics

All engines up for the job.

Elegance is comfy, AG and sport a bit less comfy but more surefooted handling wise at the expense of ride quality and fake David Dickinson wood, and you get Xenons.

For the record it is not fake wood. For example the walnut trim, as just one example, is selected Californian walnut (it has an especially nice grain) which goes through a 13 stage production process not just to make it beautiful and long lasting but also to ensure it is safe in a crash and does not splinter. Wood and leather make for a really nice interior IMO.
 

jberks

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Jaguar XF 3.0 S, LR Freelander 2, Fiat 500 & Fiat Panda
funny isn't it. So many manufacturers use printed plastic in place of wood everyone assumes Merc wood isn't real either.
I used to really love the elegance wood and didn't like the black stuff in the avant garde. Then I bought an AG and now I prefer the dark wood!
The only one I really couldn't get on with would be the 'aluminium' (is that really plastic, looks it to me) in some more recent models. It may be sporty but it loses too much in the process.
 

Warrior

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E320 CDI 03 (Now changed for Jag XF 3.0D S), & Chrysler Crossfire Roadster 04 (SLK in Drag)
So what is the sort of marble effect stuff in my prospective Avantgarde made of?
 
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kamba

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W164
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its a 2003 e220 cdi

located one with full merc history 92k in champagne gold

£4700 only thing is its not got leathers

how much do leathers cost
 

Alex M Grieve

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B Class d200 Sport Premium Plus (66)
its a 2003 e220 cdi

located one with full merc history 92k in champagne gold

£4700 only thing is its not got leathers

how much do leathers cost

If is is an Avantegarde, it will have part leather and xenon lights - a much better combo IMHO.

Bought new, leather cost around 1400 on the Classic and Elegance, and around 700 on the Avantegarde (to top up). I am sure you could have the fabric parts of the seats converted on an Avantegarde, but a provider will almost certainly suggest re-upholstering the seats to give a uniform finish.

I would be reluctant to spend that sort of money on a retrofit.

You might find a car which is being broken, which could be a reliable source but much cheaper.
 

jberks

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Jaguar XF 3.0 S, LR Freelander 2, Fiat 500 & Fiat Panda
Ok - a 2003 E 220cdi AG.
Nice motor - My Dad has one.

The engine is well proven so should be trouble free. That mileage is only just run in.
Obviously check for full history.
Check that the gearbox oil has been changed (should be at 45k but many weren't). I'dbe tempted to have it done again anyway.
Make sure everything electrical works and on start up there are no "Consumers off" messages. This may just be because its been stood but it could be a sign of a current drain problem.
2003 weren't all galvanised so check rear wheelarches for rust.
Finally, and most importantly, one word, "VALEO" -Do a search on here, loads of info. Make sure you know what to look for.
 

toby1

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1998 CL420 C140; 1997 SL500 R129
its a 2003 e220 cdi

located one with full merc history 92k in champagne gold

£4700 only thing is its not got leathers

how much do leathers cost

I hadn't realised they'd come down in price that much. Lot of car for the money with or without leather.
 
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kamba

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W164
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ok didnt end up buying car

was a Classic but kitted out like a AG

also did millege check on direct.gov and it was actually 202,000 miles

oh well back to searching again
 

kayem

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w211 270cdi
Good luck witrh the search. At £4700 it always sounded too good to be true.
Ken.
 

Alex M Grieve

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B Class d200 Sport Premium Plus (66)
OK didn't end up buying car

was a Classic but kitted out like a AG

also did mileage check on direct.gov and it was actually 202,000 miles

oh well back to searching again

Well done you! It really does pay to do your homework.

And remember the Glaswegian motto - trust nobody!
 
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kamba

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guys

just a quick question

is the Valeo Rad issue only on automatic diesels

or is this issue on all models eg petrol/manual/auto etc
 
B

bobceeuk

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its a 2003 e220 cdi

located one with full merc history 92k in champagne gold

£4700 only thing is its not got leathers

how much do leathers cost

Leather???? so working class! All the local drug dealers have it :).
Seriously though, the MB cloth is amazing. Comfortable on hot days, easy to clean and actually outlasts leather on the "Scuff Test". I recently saw an ex taxi with cloth seats with 600,000 miles on it. The only giveaway to the mileage was that the drivers seat looked a bit shiny
 

dieselman

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A diesel
guys

just a quick question

is the Valeo Rad issue only on automatic diesels

or is this issue on all models eg petrol/manual/auto etc
It only affects auto's as they use the radiator as a gearbox cooler.
 

Alex M Grieve

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B Class d200 Sport Premium Plus (66)
Leather???? so working class! All the local drug dealers have it :).
Seriously though, the MB cloth is amazing. Comfortable on hot days, easy to clean and actually outlasts leather on the "Scuff Test". I recently saw an ex taxi with cloth seats with 600,000 miles on it. The only giveaway to the mileage was that the drivers seat looked a bit shiny

Very true. We have had several cars with MB fabric upholstery - W 201, 202, 124 - and when we sold them their seats all looked and felt like new.
 


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