W211 E320 Which one to buy?

[Alex Tund]

Hello! I'm interested in buying W211 with atleast 3.0 diesel engine. I want something powerful, but at the same time reliable. What are the common problems to check out when buying used merc? I've found one that I like but it got 400k km on it (248,5k miles). It's om648 150kw I6 diesel. Is that good engine or should I get om642 v6? I mean inline engine is obviously easier to repair but which one of them is more reliable? How is w211 holding against rust? and what about it's suspension, does it got any common issues? Thank you!

 

[Alex Tund]

Also what are the differences between avantgarde, elegance and classic on w211?

 

[Benz17]

Avantgarde is the higher spec, classic being the lowest spec, and elegance is in between the two.

 

[LostKiwi]

Avantgarde is also typically lower ride height and sportier than elegance.
If you want comfort go for elegance, if you want a sportier suspension go Avantgarde. Classic is basic spec, often with cloth seats or missing toys compared to the others.

OM648 is a superb engine with less reliability issues than the OM642 and much easier to work on. The OM642 can suffer from EGR issues, oil cooler seals (£5 part, 8 hours labour), turbo actuator issues and swirl flap motor issues. The latter are largely preventable with regular maintenance and not overly expensive or difficult to fix for the average home mechanic.
Oil cooler seals are a pain. If there is an oil leak between the heads or at the back of the engine walk away or negotiate a £900 discount (cost of doing them). Good news is once done they unlikely to be an issue again in your ownership.

 

[Blobcat]

As long as it’s on 17” wheels it’s perfectly comfortable - did 100k miles in my Avantgarde W211 E320CDI

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Regarding W211 reliability the OM642 2007-09 cars are the best being the run-out models and thoroughly sorted.
The oil cooler seals on this engine usually require doing circa 100k miles. I’ve become a big fan of the V6 in my S212 E350cdi so don’t rule them out they are very well built and in EU5 guise don’t present many problems other than those listed #4

 

[onefortheroad]

Ask any Greek taxi driver . L6 all the way . 55 mpg . I'd look for a less mileage model tbh. I sold an 04 with only 78k on it and it was immaculate.

 

[PaulG]

Since February I have owned a pre-facelift W211 which now has 81k on the clock. You should be able to get one in decent condition with under 100k on the clock for a reasonable price. In the UK you will alway have to keep an eye out for rust more than you would in Southern California but my W211 has not got any significant rust to worry about. Just check it out as best you can before you buy. I enjoy driving my W211 and I hope that if you buy one you can say the same.

 

[S500 Pete]

How many miles do you do in a year. If it is under 10,000 what about petrol? The E500 is a peach.

 

[Wighty]

As long as it’s on 17” wheels it’s perfectly comfortable - did 100k miles in my Avantgarde W211 E320CDI

That’s also how I roll in mine buddy , apart from 16” winter wheels .

 

[Wighty]

This is my thread on my E320cdi om642 had it since 2011 , now with 120k (I’ve done 100k)

https://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php?threads/8-years-with-80k-on-an-e320cdi.163395/

 

[PaulG]

That’s also how I roll in mine buddy , apart from 16” winter wheels .

Yep. 16" wheels on my W211 too. Does moving up to 17" make much of a difference?

 

[Wighty]

Yep. 16" wheels on my W211 too. Does moving up to 17" make much of a difference?

It’s barely noticeable but 17’s is still a pretty good ride . The 16’s are a better option with our winter potholes and cheaper for tyres of course

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

The 17in wheels will give slightly sharper handling they are are more comfortable than 18in+ wheels a very good compromise in my book

 

[00slk]

Buy any one you want, just don't buy a Money Pit
Mine is the Classic, missing a few extras, less too go wrong

 

[horatio]

Buy any one you want, just don't buy a Money Pit
Mine is the Classic, missing a few extras, less too go wrong

I think my favourite 211 would actually be a classic with cloth, 16’s, no sunroof and powered by an OM648 diesel or M113 V8 (yes I have spotted E500’s with cloth for sale on the Japanese auctions!). Proper car.

 

[Wighty]

I think my favourite 211 would actually be a classic with cloth, 16’s, no sunroof and powered by an OM648 diesel or M113 V8 (yes I have spotted E500’s with cloth for sale on the Japanese auctions!). Proper car.

I hope my W211 V6 with full black leather and 17’s doesn’t hear you spouting that clap trap buddy

 

[horatio]

I hope my W211 V6 with full black leather and 17’s doesn’t hear you spouting that clap trap buddy

Sharpie a few buttons to create faux switch blanks and throw on a set of Wilko wheel trims. Fake it til you make it.

 

[Alex Tund]

Hello! I’ve been looking for a W211 for a few months and found one that I like. I want one with inline engine and as many trim options as possible. The one I found has parking sensors, sunroof, electric seats with memory, heated and ventilated seats etc. I have seen it only on pictures and so far body looked good, didn’t spot any rust. Now I’m planning to go see it and I’m wondering what should I look out for before buying it? Any suspension or engine issues? Where does it rust most often? Thank you!

 

[Blobcat]

211’s aren’t particularly prone to rust. I’d want to know the ATF has been changed and that it’s been regularly serviced