By Chris Chase, CanadianDriver.com

In the summertime, there’s a guy up the street from me who regularly drives past my house in a late 1960s or early ’70s Mercedes-Benz 230. It’s a gorgeous car, and looks to be in mint condition. That 230 model (W114 series, 1968-1976) is one of many Mercedes models that can be found in the E-Class family tree, Mercedes’ mid-sized cars.

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

Interestingly, the “E” designation didn’t appear on a Benz car until the first fuel-injected models arrived in the late 1960s (the German term for fuel injection is einspritzung, according to Wikipedia’s entry on the E-Class), but wasn’t used consistently in its current form – E 320, for example, as opposed to 220E – until the 1990s.

If you follow the E-Class’ lineage, the model introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model is the seventh-generation of the car, and is also known by its W211 codename. The W211 began its life in 2003 in two forms: the V6-powered E 320, and as the E 500, with a 5.0-litre V8. The six was good for 221 horsepower/232 lb-ft of torque, while the V8 made 302 hp/339 lb-ft.

Find a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class on AutoTrader.ca

For 2004, the AMG-tuned E55 was added; its supercharged 5.5-litre V8 produced 469 hp/516 lb-ft. This model year also introduced the station wagon version of the W211, offered in E 320 and E 500 forms, and only with M-B’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

In 2005, Benz added a diesel engine to the line-up, this one a 3.2-litre in-line six producing 201 hp/369 lb-ft; this model was known as the E 320 CDI.

For 2006, the 3.2-litre gasoline V6 was replaced by a more-powerful 3.5-litre motor. It made 268 hp/258 lb-ft, and was used in the new E 350 model, in both sedan and wagon body styles. An E 55 wagon was added too, though this one was sold with rear-wheel drive only.

The 2007 model year brought a new base model to the E-Class line-up – the E 280 – powered by a 3.0-litre V6 making 228 hp/221 lb-ft. The old in-line six diesel was replaced by Benz’ cleaner BlueTec V6; this motor made 210 hp/388 lb-ft, while returning about the same fuel economy. At the same time, the wagon line-up was pared down to just one model, the E 350 4MATIC. Also, the E 500 became the E 550 thanks to a larger motor making 382 hp/391 lb-ft, and the E 55 AMG became the E 62 63 AMG, getting a 6.2-litre V8 with 507 hp and 465 lb-ft.

In 2008, the E 280 was rebadged as the E 300 and got standard all-wheel drive.

The transmission choice was limited to a five-speed automatic in 2003 models. In 2004, the E 500 got a seven-speed auto. The seven-speed was shared with the E 350 starting in 2006, and the E 63 got it as well in 2007.

The original W211s earned EnerGuide fuel consumption ratings of 12.2/8.1 L/100 km (city/highway) in E 320 form and 14.5/9.4 L/100 km as the E 500.

The 2005 diesel-powered E 320 CDI was rated at 8.9/5.9 L/100 km (city/highway), while the E 55’s numbers were 16.6/10.3, and 2006’s E 350 was rated at 12.3/8.0 L/100 km (city/highway).

The 2007 E 280 earned ratings of 13/9.1 L/100 km (city/highway); note that 2007 non-diesel, non-AMG models had standard all-wheel drive, hence the increase in fuel consumption over the 2006 E 350.

The E 63 was rated at 17.2/10.8 L/100 km, and the new BlueTec diesel at 9.0/5.9 (city/highway).

Where reliability is concerned, Consumer Reports’ data holds no surprises: like many high-end German cars, the E-Class has been less-than-perfect, earning average to below-average used car ratings, depending on model.

A “Brake – Visit Workshop” warning in the instrument cluster could be caused by a bad brake light switch. It’s an easy DIY repair; see this thread at MBWorld.org for a how-to.

Here’s a discussion comparing pros and cons of the old diesel models, versus the newer BlueTec versions.

A scraping or rumbling sound heard when driving over imperfect pavement could be caused by worn stabilizer bar links.

A thumping noise from the rear suspension in E-Class cars with the AirMatic suspension is normal. See this thread to read about one owner’s lengthy ordeal to find the source of the noise. More insight can be found here.

If the rear-seat climate control vents blow nothing but hot air regardless of HVAC settings, the problem could be with the “changeover valve.” See here for a DIY repair how-to.

Consumer Reports notes the audio and climate control systems as the main trouble spots in the W211 E-Class, as well as minor transmission issues. This last item could be attributed to owners experiencing odd shifting at city speeds, as discussed in this thread. CR’s data also points to the obvious fact that the more complicated a car is, the more there is that can go wrong. Thus, the relatively basic E 280/E 300 and E 320/E 350 models tend to experience the fewest problems. Also, the 2007-and-newer diesel seems to be a more reliable choice than the older oil burner, owing to a higher incidence of emissions control system troubles (check engine light) in the 2005 and 2006 models.

The W211 E-Class earned “good” ratings in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) frontal offset crash test, but only an “acceptable” rating for side impact protection, thanks to a high risk of torso and pelvic injury for front-seat occupants.

In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests, the 2003 E-Class earned four stars for driver and front passenger protection in the frontal impact test, and five stars for front and rear passenger protection in side impact tests. These ratings would remain the same through 2008.

Used E-Class values, according to Canadian Black Book, start at $15,225 for a 2003 E 320 sedan (a bargain compared to its nearly $70,000 MSRP, at the time) and range up to $85,725 for the stonking 2009 E 63 AMG. A 2006 E 350, featuring the larger, more powerful 3.5-litre V6, is worth $25,485, a third of its original price, while the station wagon version of the same car is valued at $27,050. Diesel models range from $24,250 for a 2005 E 320 CDI, to $53,950 for a 2009 model; remember that 2007-and-newer cars use the cleaner-running BlueTEC diesel engine.

Like most German cars, the W211 E-Class is a desirable vehicle, and a high rate of depreciation help make the older versions affordable to those who otherwise wouldn’t have the means to afford a European luxury car. In lower trims, this E-Class is also reasonably reliable, something that can’t be said for all German vehicles. There are things to watch for, of course, but most are minor (until you get into the more lavish versions), but perhaps the most important thing to consider is whether you can handle the cost of maintaining an E-class, as parts and maintenance costs for European luxury cars never come cheap. Regardless of what E-Class model you want, choose one with detailed service records, and find a trustworthy Benz mechanic to whom you can take any car you’re considering for a pre-purchase checkup.

Pricing

Black Book Pricing (avg. retail) October, 2010:

Online resources

BenzWorld.org and MBWorld.org both offer discussion forums specifically for the W211 E-Class, so I’d start with either of these sites in a web-based search for information on this car. Don’t overlook the E-Class forum at MercedesForum.com, though; it takes in all generations of E-Class, so finding specifics will more difficult, but there is plenty of information to be had here.

Recalls

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2008242; Units affected: 37

2003-2007: Certain vehicles may have been programmed with incorrect software calibration data during the manufacturing process. This could affect various functions such as: the electric fuel pump may not receive a signal which, in case of a crash, may prevent the fuel pump from disconnecting as designed; the maximum speed limiter may not be activated; the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; the speedometer may be out of tolerance which, as a result, may indicate inaccurate vehicle speed; the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system may reduce the emission level applicable to the vehicle, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate incorrectly. Correction: dealers will reprogram the electronic control module.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004210; Units affected: 6,579

2003-2005: The electronic monitoring system of the Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode. DaimlerChrysler AG has determined that in certain instances, if vehicles are not routinely serviced and have extremely high mileage combined with a high number of brake actuations or a high brake actuation frequency, the pump motor of the SBC may run out of permissible tolerances, thereby triggering the hydraulic function mode. Correction: Dealers will re-program the SBC hydraulic unit. A software update will provide a clear maintenance notice on the vehicle display and assure continuous pump speed operation within tolerances.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2005094; Units affected: 9,256

2003-2005: On certain vehicles, the Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) unit may contain a pump piston which is out of permissible tolerances. Also, vibrations within the electrical connector may cause a loss of electrical continuity. Both conditions may result in the system reverting to hydraulic function mode. A loss of brake power assist would result in increased pedal effort and extended stopping distance. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the SBC pump unit.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2007418; Units affected: 1,417

2007: On certain diesel powered vehicles, the crankshaft sensor may fail, causing the engine to stall. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver’s reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2006145; Units affected: 41

2005-2006: On certain vehicles, under hard operating conditions, the engine compartment temperature can increase to a level which exceeds the design parameters for the alternator. A damaged alternator cannot assure sufficient voltage to supply the vehicle electrical system. A damaged alternator has the potential to cause an engine compartment fire. Correction: Dealers will install a modified control unit and a new alternator.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2007410; Units affected: 4

2007: On certain vehicles, under hard operating conditions, the engine compartment temperature can increase to a level which exceeds the design parameters for the alternator. A damaged alternator cannot assure sufficient voltage to supply the vehicle electrical system. A damaged alternator has the potential to cause an engine compartment fire. Correction: Dealers will install a modified control unit and a new alternator.

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.

For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.

Chris Chase is an Ottawa-based automotive journalist. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

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