W211 E500 Advice greatly appreciated!!!

[matthew k]

Hi, having decided to sell my E320cdi I'm looking to buy a W211 E500. Am I right in thinking the later 5.5 isn't great and the one to have is the pre facelift 5.0? Any advice greatly recieved, feel free to dissuade me etc!!! Cheers

 

[Wearsafoxhat]

Only have experience of the 500 engine.
The 5.5 is a quicker car.

One big difference is the road fund cost, around £320 or £560 ish for the 2006 onwards.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[matthew k]

Only have experience of the 500 engine.
The 5.5 is a quicker car.

One big difference is the road fund cost, around £320 or £560 ish for the 2006 onwards.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Isn't the 5.5 more problematic?

 

[Craiglxviii]

Isn't the 5.5 more problematic?

It’s maybe more that the M113 has a reputation for being massively non- problematic. However, ask @alexanderfoti for his opinions on the bore lining (his car was later bought by a Hollywood movie company to act in the part of a WW2 destroyer laying a smokescreen).

The 5.5 engine is a pretty solid lump in its own right.

 

[matthew k]

I've also been reading about the Valeo radiator issue. How likely is it that a car still fitted with one is having/going to have issues?

 

[matthew k]

I've just been to see a 2003 e500. Very nice, apart from the idle is a tiny bit lumpy, shakes the open door frame slightly. Is this a big concern? I haven't bought it, considering it. Cheers

 

[Uncle Benz]

Engine mountings most likely tired

 

[matthew k]

Just another Valeo rad question. If I bought a 2002 w211 5.0 with the Valeo radiator with 50,000 or so on the clock what are the chances that it's already or going to leak, do they all eventually go?

I know this has been done to death, but were learning more as time goes on I guess.

Thanks

 

[bembo449]

been on here a few years now and yet to read about any rad problems on 5.0 engined cars , had both 5.0 and 5.5 units , only issue with either was crank position sensor on the 5.5 and a noisey pulley on the 5.0 other than that all good so stop fixating on a problem that's rare and make sure then car is straight and everything checks out , the e500 is rare anyway and usually well cared for I would also consider a CLS 500 If I was you

 

[sonic]

I had a CLK270CDI 2004 version with a Valeo radiator, did 115K mies no problems with the radiator.

 

[matthew k]

It's brought, V pleased!!!! Nightmare scare just after picking it up, but all good. Obviously have questions, but it's very nice! Jap import, 49,000 miles. Seems genuine, feels like a new car.

I paid asking price, had negotiated £625 off but had last minute jitters and when I reproached it a month later he dug his heels in. But I'm pleased, it's very fast, much quicker than I was expecting. It's been in storage for 6 months in a warehouse.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Excellent purchase.

M113's generally very tough!! but like anything can have issues

 

[matthew k]

Excellent purchase.

M113's generally very tough!! but like anything can have issues

Thanks, it freaked me out when I picked it up, it was fine when I saw it a month ago. But this afternoon when I left the sunroof, passenger electric seat, interior lights, headlamp wash didnt work. I was worried a (Sam?) Module had gone. The battery was new, but low from disuse, but after 40 miles on the motorway it all suddenly started working.

It also has a very slight light pull to the left when you take your hands off the wheel. I presume it's probably tracking? All the tyres are new, but it handles well, and doesn't wander or feel odd around the bends.

 

[sonic]

Thanks, it freaked me out when I picked it up, it was fine when I saw it a month ago. But this afternoon when I left the sunroof, passenger electric seat, interior lights, headlamp wash didnt work. I was worried a (Sam?) Module had gone. The battery was new, but low from disuse, but after 40 miles on the motorway it all suddenly started working.

It also has a very slight light pull to the left when you take your hands off the wheel. I presume it's probably tracking? All the tyres are new, but it handles well, and doesn't wander or feel odd around the bends.

Its come out a few time on this chat line about electrical issues with low voltage.

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks, it freaked me out when I picked it up, it was fine when I saw it a month ago. But this afternoon when I left the sunroof, passenger electric seat, interior lights, headlamp wash didnt work. I was worried a (Sam?) Module had gone. The battery was new, but low from disuse, but after 40 miles on the motorway it all suddenly started working.

It also has a very slight light pull to the left when you take your hands off the wheel. I presume it's probably tracking? All the tyres are new, but it handles well, and doesn't wander or feel odd around the bends.

If they’re not directional swop the front wheels side to side. See if the pull to the left goes after that

 

[matthew k]

If they’re not directional swop the front wheels side to side. See if the pull to the left goes after that

Thanks, although they're very new, that's probably a good diagnostic. As I say it's very minor, only noticeable because I tested it hands free on a private road.

BTW, feel free to comment on it's status as an import, I won't be offended!! It's been registered here for 5 years. I wouldn't normally buy a pre 2004 Merc due to the lack of galverniziation, but this one's spotless, and I intend to treat it and not use it during the salty period.

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks, although they're very new, that's probably a good diagnostic. As I say it's very minor, only noticeable because I tested it hands free on a private road.

BTW, feel free to comment on it's status as an import, I won't be offended!! It's been registered here for 5 years. I wouldn't normally buy a pre 2004 Merc due to the lack of galverniziation, but this one's spotless, and I intend to treat it and not use it during the salty period.

All Mercedes are imports here...

 

[matthew k]

I'm going to give it an oil service. What oil do you guy's recommend? My 320cdi seemed better on 5w/40, but it had done 151,000. This has 49,000 on the clock, which seems genuine. Would a 5w/30 be more suitable, or stick with a 40 weight? Cheers

 

[00slk]

I use Mobil 1 in our petrol Mercedes 0w/40

 

[tjamesbo]

I have a lot of respect for the E500 nearly bought one a few times but just couldnt justify another car and couldnt decide which one would have to go but the E500 is a nice package, oodles of effortless performance and refinement and although the 320CDI's are very torquey and very economical theres no substitute for a petrol V8 especially one as well engineered as the M113
classy & utilitarian with that boot and a wafter / cruiser or a sleeper at the lights . I have a Jap import W124 E320 and love it ( wish it had a V8 engine tho )
Boyd