The E-Class from Mercedes-Benz ranks among the top in the ADAC breakdown statistics. But the models of the first decade of the new millennium have quite a lot of defects.
According to Mercedes, the E-Class has a history of almost 100 years. Even before the start of the First World War, the model range included an E-Class predecessor, writes the manufacturer in a historical treatise. It wasn't until 1993, however, that the Stuttgart company aligned the designation of the upper mid-size class with the nomenclature of the S- and C-Class: From then on, the 200 was called the E-Class. With so much history, you wouldn't expect to find any teething troubles.
Malfunctions in the engine control system
But although the E-Class as a whole makes it to the top of the ADAC breakdown statistics, the club attests that the vehicles of the 211 series built between 2002 and 2009 that are of interest to used car buyers have "a wide range" of defects. Up to the 2003 model year, for example, there were often malfunctions in the engine management system of the diesel engine. Leaky fuel lines. Until 2005, batteries that had been discharged very frequently gave cause for breakdown assistance. Until 2006, wear and tear on front-. rear axles. Compared to the 210 series, the 211 series no longer has many defects, according to the ADAC.
Four generations so far
The first E-Class, which also bore this name, was produced until 1995. The second generation rolled off the production line until 2003 (210 series). A distinctive feature was her face with its four round headlights. Its successor, the 211 series, was put on the road a year before it was discontinued. The 2006 model update saw the introduction of the E 320 Bluetec – a diesel with reduced emissions. The new E-Class has been on sale since 2009. It is again available as a coupe, station wagon, cabriolet and sedan.
The smallest engine in the 211 series is a 90 kW/122 hp in-line four-cylinder engine. Depending on the year of manufacture, the range of compression-ignition engines extends to 231 kW/314 hp. Gasoline engines ranged from 120 kW/163 hp to 285 kW/387 hp – with the exception of the AMG versions, which were boosted to 378 kW/514 hp. The only natural gas drive produces 120 kW/163 hp.
Also available with natural gas
According to the Schwacke list, a used sedan from 2002, the E 200 Kompressor Classic with 120 kW/163 hp, is available from around 10.100 euros. The 2007 diesel T-model E 200 T CDI Avantgarde PDF (100 kW/136 hp) is available with 19.900 euros in the list. Anyone interested in a natural gas vehicle will still pay around 12.500 Euro.