2008 (58 reg) E320 diesel S211 facelift - what should I know

[Rosscow]

Hi all,

Contemplating a 58 reg E320 estate, which I think is the facelift version of the W211.

Low mileage (30k) and just the one owner. What do I need to know and what should I look out for?

Thanks in advance

Ross

Edited by Rosscow on Tuesday 3rd April 12:54

[Stegel]

We have an 09 S211 320, bought at 2 years old and now approaching 130k miles. At that low mileage, not a lot is likely to have gone wrong - ours needed a new inlet manifold and inlet port shutdown motor at about 75k miles. That engine does not like bimbling about town, and if it has kept that mileage low by doing short trips, it is likely to be a bit coked up and need some turbo cleaner and a good Italian tune up. The interior is robust, and there’s no sign of corrosion on ours. It broke one front spring, I replaced the entire front suspension at about 100k miles, and the rear struts are now Arnott pattern parts. It does like tyres - I fitted camber bolts to the front when I rebuilt it, and that’s stopped it knocking off the inside edges of the front tyres. That model is due a transmission fluid change at 45k miles, but given the age I’d do it now - and repeat every 45k miles, regardless of what MB state.

[Monkeylegend]

In addition to the above be aware of the Black Death, a common issue with leaking injectors. It is well documented on the internet.

[jamie w]

Stegel said:

We have an 09 S211 320, bought at 2 years old and now approaching 130k miles. At that low mileage, not a lot is likely to have gone wrong - ours needed a new inlet manifold and inlet port shutdown motor at about 75k miles. That engine does not like bimbling about town, and if it has kept that mileage low by doing short trips, it is likely to be a bit coked up and need some turbo cleaner and a good Italian tune up. The interior is robust, and there’s no sign of corrosion on ours. It broke one front spring, I replaced the entire front suspension at about 100k miles, and the rear struts are now Arnott pattern parts. It does like tyres - I fitted camber bolts to the front when I rebuilt it, and that’s stopped it knocking off the inside edges of the front tyres. That model is due a transmission fluid change at 45k miles, but given the age I’d do it now - and repeat every 45k miles, regardless of what MB state.

Mine had all the same issues, either before I had it or during my ownership. 2009, ran it between 90k - 135k.

Plus glow plugs and glow plug controller and tailgate mechanism. Ride is harsh on 18s if it's a Sport, better on 17s. Not very economical running round town

[Stegel]

jamie w said:

Mine had all the same issues, either before I had it or during my ownership. 2009, ran it between 90k - 135k.

Plus glow plugs and glow plug controller and tailgate mechanism. Ride is harsh on 18s if it's a Sport, better on 17s. Not very economical running round town

Yes, I forgot about the boot mechanism (18 months ago) and glow plugs - it has had 4 or 5 in the time we have had it.

The “Black Death” mentioned in a post above I think applies solely to the straight six 320s - the OM642 V6 has enough issues of its own!

[Rosscow]

Thanks Guys, you've put me off!

[MrMT]

I'm currently running an 07 E320 CDI Sport, bought at 60k now at 96k.

I have to say it is a great car and I never fail to enjoy driving it (huge torque). It is also very practical for the family when loaded up. The boot is huge and I think they styling has aged very well.

I've had a few glow plugs go and had the turbo re-conditioned (limp mode). But in reality with an older diesel cars these things are to be expected. Find a good indy and they should be able to sort any issues in a cost effective manner.

Mine has the full airmatic suspension, which is really good. Wafts like an S-class in comfort mode then in Sport II the whole car lowers and firms up nicely.