Early W211 E270CDI - all problems likely to be fixed by now?

[boarderofcanada]

Hello there, complete newbie so I apologise if I have missed any rules of introductory etiquette, but I had a good search before posting this. I'm about to buy a 2002/2003 E-class for £10,000-13,000 and am torn between a final year W210 320CDI and a first-year W211 270CDI. I want to own and enjoy this car for years and condition and reliability are my priorities. I'm drawn by the improved quality of the W211 but understand the early models were electrical basket cases. Even if this were true, can I safely assume that most will have been recalled/fixed by now, and that the W211 is in most respects a more bulletproof buy than a W210?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Xtractorfan]

There is a body of opinion thru out the trade that the 270cdi gives less problems than the 320..my own preference is for the 320, simply cos it sounds more butch, drive a range of both cars and pick your favourite if u go for the 270 rebadge it 320 or debadge it ...cos when u come up behind a 320 u will always think his is bigger than mine..not a good man thot....this will stop u from overtaking, probably save your licence but do absolutely nothing for your credibility...

 

[Jensen]

Drive both and see what you prefer, but I imagine it will be the 320cdi. I'm led to believe that this is the better engine and more reliable than the 270cdi. Check the radiator on early W211's as there were problems with Valeo raidators causing damage to gearbox.
The 320cdi MUST be the superior engine as Idon't think the 270 is fitted in the following cars, if it is I haven't seen it:-
S class all S320cdi
CLS all 320Cdi

so why no 270cdi

 

[Daeths]

E320 if its the last year of the 210's majority of niggles sorted. The first of the 211's must have had niggles which wont have all been addressed as it's a new model (unless it's recall stuff).

 

[jberks]

the only real problem with a late 210 320cdi would be corrosion. Assuming you find a good one (many about) then that should give years of good service. The 270 isn't as quiet or smooth or powerful as the 320 though it's no bag of spanners either. (I'm very happy with mine - at least until I get into my pals 320v6 anyway). Build quality wise, the 210 was fine.

My experience of early 211s is that they can be electrical basket cases. If you'd asked me a year ago I'd probably have said they were all updated and ok, but.. whilst mine has been fine, my Dad bought himself a 2003 E220cdi. It was fine for the previous owner and great for him for the first year, but then he got a flat battery caused by a dodgy hazard light switch (I don't understand that either but a new one stopped the problem), then a new battery control module, a new battery, another new network gzimo and finally some wiring in the headlining that caused his roof console to die. After all that (and the £2,000 it cost), the one problem he's always had, that the stereo just goes quiet for no reason once in a while, persists - so hand on heart, no I can't fully recommend pre mid-04 211s.

 

[boarderofcanada]

Thanks a lot for the responses everyone, I will be back when I've made my purchase.

Best wishes,

Boc

 

[M-B PARTSMAN]

early 211.... hmmm barge pole springs to mind!

 

[boarderofcanada]

Really, are they that bad?

 

[euclidb2]

Iv'e had my 53 reg E220 Elegance auto nearly 4 years but only done 47,000,had 1 new radio,all recall's done,goes in t/morrow SBC/HOLD/STOP,not working(cost£410,paid for byW/Direct)other than that been ok,still got original discs/pads fitted and i know there ok cause took wheels off and measured thickness.......pads..9mm, wear on discs just small lip,measured with feeler gauges about 10 thou,yer pays yer money yer takes yer chances