Buying a Merc E200 Kompressor (W211)

Lellostag

Hi there,

I'm a considering a bit buying a Mercedes E200 Kompressor (the W211 model), more specifically the pre-facelift '03-'05 model with the 1.8 litre petrol engine. Reason being partly because they're cheap (for a reason no doubt) and it's a big, comfortable Merc.

I know there were around 2000 or so updates made to it for the '06 model year which rectified lots of issues, but those are still out of my price range.

What I'm hoping to get your advice on and experience of is what particularly to look out for when looking to buy one of the early W211 models, eg. what part replacements should definitely show up in the service history (and recalls) and suchlike? I understand the model is suffering from various electrical gremlins, but I haven't really been able to find out what the main problems seem to be...

Any thoughts, suggestions and advice are most welcome!

Thanks,
Joakim

Seweryn

Hi Joakim,

On the mechanical side make sure the cam chain is in the right order or was replaced.
Also, If the car is equipped with the Airmatic suspension, make sure there is no issue with the system, as they go wrong and and may be expensive to put right.

Lellostag

Thanks Seweryn, much appreciated! I'll definitely keep your advice in mind if and when I'll have a look at one of these cars.

Cheers,
Joakim

ofcork

The SBC system for the brakes was also subject to recall as it gave a lot of trouble,first time it was used iirc.

Lellostag

Thanks ofcork for your comment, and apologies for the late reply.

I did a little research on Merc's SBC system, and it seems they have more or less abandoned it for later models, at least in the form it was used in the W211. From '07 Merc looks to have gone with the Adaptive Braking System from the W221 S-class instead.

Seems the SBC unit has a 10 year warranty, so I'm guessing it would be essential to try and figure out if and when it was changed...

Does anyone have any other comments or suggestions? What do you learned ones think of the 1.8 litre petrol engine in the E-class, is it sufficient or does it make the car very underpowered?

And what about real-life mpg figures, what would you be getting in general?

Thanks again,
Joakim

landmarkjohn

Work colleague had one, I know he had a few issues. The central locking used to cycle constantly like a machine gun. This car is a well documented bag o sh*te, why put yourself through it.... there's got to be similar comfort with more reliability for same money. Just my 2c :-)

Lellostag

Thanks John! Yes, the more research I'm doing on this particular model the more issues seem to be common enough with it. Starting to lean towards a Volvo S80 or something similar to that instead....

Cheers,
Joakim

BrookieD

I had one and it broke me... rear suspension collapsed and engine needed a rebuild - although the dealer i bought from tried to fix i ended up taking a hit and shifting on... loved it though.

Lellostag

Thanks for that Brookie. I does start to sound like not such a great idea after all...

Cheers,
Joakim

bazz26

Timing chains are notorious for stretching on those Kompressor engines. Also the early models were known to be plagued with electrical issues too. I'd either try and get a facelift model or look at something else.

Lellostag

Thanks Bazz, yeah I think I'll probably look at something else for now and perhaps look at an '07 model when they come down a bit more in price in the near future.

Cheers,
Joakim

unkel

Pre facelift has worst reliability in its class, post facelift has best!

MB really got their act back together around 2006, not sure if it is wise to buy an earlier one. But as you said, if you can buy one very cheap, then you've a budget to play with for repairs. Eyes wide open though. Good luck and keep us posted!