S211 e320 oil cooler seal failure probability?

[Brewers Whoop]

Currently lusting badly over an S211 with the V6 engine. A cloud on the horizon in my otherwise perfect world of happy anticipation, is that I've read many threads about the oil cooler seal failure issues that these engines can suffer with. My question is on the likelihood of this happening, bearing in mind that my budget means I'd be looking at cars with well north of 100k miles. So how likely is this; is it a case of when not if? And is there any preventative maintenance beyond regular oil changes that can help?

Thanks.

 

[Wighty]

Currently lusting badly over an S211 with the V6 engine. A cloud on the horizon in my otherwise perfect world of happy anticipation, is that I've read many threads about the oil cooler seal failure issues that these engines can suffer with. My question is on the likelihood of this happening, bearing in mind that my budget means I'd be looking at cars with well north of 100k miles. So how likely is this; is it a case of when not if? And is there any preventative maintenance beyond regular oil changes that can help?

Thanks.

Any car you buy may have had them done already ?
My 2009 E320cdi on 135k hasn’t had them yet if that helps .

 

[LostKiwi]

It's a certainty it will happen eventually.
Our R350 has just started leaking at 140k miles and that has the 'improved' seals. Just look on it as a once in your ownership kind of thing and budget for it.

 

[Uncle Benz]

In my experience, much less likely to happen on earlier cars without DPF. Diesel dilution of the oil that occurs during regens attacks the rubber

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I think it’s something you have to factor in when you buy the car there is a good likelihood that they will need doing at some point mine went on my 12 plate E350cdi at 80k miles last year. Cost to replace seals and oil cooler was £800ish, I knew this was a possibility so budgeted for it and didn’t let it put me off a great car

 

[Wighty]

Currently lusting badly over an S211 with the V6 engine. A cloud on the horizon in my otherwise perfect world of happy anticipation, is that I've read many threads about the oil cooler seal failure issues that these engines can suffer with. My question is on the likelihood of this happening, bearing in mind that my budget means I'd be looking at cars with well north of 100k miles. So how likely is this; is it a case of when not if? And is there any preventative maintenance beyond regular oil changes that can help?

Thanks.

Use it as a negotiation point on price ?

 

[DSK]

Also prices seem to vary quite a bit between MB independents for this job. My local MercServe would charge around £1200 for this job.

I will also echo that it’s one of those things that shouldn’t put you off as it’s about the only big bill item to expect. I have a 2007 CLS with 95k and 2011 S350 with 60k and both are fine. In my opinion it’s the only ‘sensible’ diesel engine to have in the E class. It’s absurd to even consider a 4 pot in such a car.

Just buy the lowest owner, strongest history car that drives the tightest that you can find.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Also prices seem to vary quite a bit between MB independents for this job. My local MercServe would charge around £1200 for this job.

I will also echo that it’s one of those things that shouldn’t put you off as it’s about the only big bill item to expect. I have a 2007 CLS with 95k and 2011 S350 with 60k and both are fine. In my opinion it’s the only ‘sensible’ diesel engine to have in the E class. It’s absurd to even consider a 4 pot in such a car.

Just buy the lowest owner, strongest history car that drives the tightest that you can find.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good advice - personally I’d buy a 212 a much better sorted/quality car MB restored their reputation for reliability and build quality with this car