Benz experts -e500 4matic?

greglepore · 02-13-2014, 07:27 AM

I have a w124 e320 wagon that I dearly love, and its sorted. However, I've come across a deal on an '04 E500 4matic, and after driving the s/o's A* for a bit, the awd ting is very attractive. What are the known issues with the e500? I expect to give up build quality from the w124, but how much? Am I better off standing pat?

speeder · speeder's Garage

You'd be stepping into a potential nightmare in maintenance and repair costs compared to the w124 you have now. How much depends on the miles and service history of the e500, (plus luck or lack thereof), but your motoring costs could skyrocket.

The w211 4matic has a lot of components that can leak or fail expensively and the fuel mileage on that model would suck. I also do not think that they drive particularly well, very dull. Stick with what you've got.

greglepore · 02-13-2014, 10:15 AM

Thx. Just what I wanted to know.

VincentVega · 02-13-2014, 10:43 AM

Quote:

w124 e320 wagon

The bar is pretty high, well sorted the w124 will last a long, long time.

onewhippedpuppy · 02-13-2014, 10:50 AM

What Denis said. I personally find both the W210 and W211 to be very uninspiring drives, much like a German Buick. I like the W124 better in every way.

notfarnow · 02-14-2014, 07:18 AM

I've had my e500 4matic wagon for about a year. Bought it with 100k miles, put about 15k onto it. Other than having the front diff flushed, we haven't done a thing. It's a fantastic car, drives beautifully and has lots of beans. Yes, it's a bit floaty, but the adjustable suspension works well, as long as it's working well.

And that's the caveat... the airmatic suspension can be very costly, so be sure to check it out.

Anyway, I love mine, and would drive it every day if my wife would let me

MRM · 02-14-2014, 07:25 AM

My wife has an 08 E-350 4matic and a good friend has an 07 E-550 4matic. Wonderful cars. Can't say enough good things about them. We test drove several 06 and older E-350s when we were selecting both of our cars and we really didn't care for them. We thought they were boring without any noticeable luxury. The 4matic with Blizzaks is so good you have to experience it to believe it. It is better than our Ford Explorer with Blizzaks.

You can get 07s and 08s for well under $20,000. I'd really encourage looking into them.

black_falcon · black_falcon's Garage

Yup the e500 will be night/day compared to your old, anemic w124. I've been putting miles on an '05 4MATIC over the winter and with Nokian snow tires the car is a tiger tank in the snow, 5" of snow and it's like accelerating away on concrete. Prior to the W211, I put about 30,000 miles on a W210 which was also a VERY good car. As pointed out, the FAILMATIC air suspension is by far the biggest "gotcha" of the platform, but find a well maintained car with low miles and you'll be fine.

notfarnow · 02-14-2014, 07:47 AM

At the first sign of airmatic issues, I'm going this route:

https://www.arnottindustries.com/part_MERCEDES-BENZ_yid18_pid127_gid941.html

HardDrive · 02-14-2014, 08:24 AM

2006 and prior W124 had electronic bugs up the wazzo. They did a major upgrade for 07-09 that sort many of the issue. I would focus on those model years.

I had a 2006 E350, and I loved the car. But it did end up in the shop for engine lights and a broken GPS receiver more than once. $800 GPS receiver going out twice in 6 months = not cool.

speeder · speeder's Garage

There are pros and cons to each chassis going forward and backwards in time. I just bought a 1979 w116 diesel that I can't wait to drive and I frequently drive a 2013 E350 4matic wagon that is absolutely beautiful.

The OP has a sorted w124 wagon that he likes owning and driving, from the sound of it. "Dearly loves". He's asking about a 10 year old w211 4matic, (no mention of service history), not which Benz is the bestest and greatest one to own. I think it would be a regrettable move, under the stated circumstances. These threads can take on a life of their own, like a bunch of guys 4 or 5 beers in at a BBQ.