I am looking for a W211 wagon to buy but thought I would ask if anyone has any experiences with one. I have had W124 and W210 wagons before and would like to know how the W211 compare.
thanks

I haven't bought one yet, but I think I'm going to do so when I stumble across one I like.

They have mostly the same plusses and minuses as the 211 sedans. I suggest you search here, and over at mbworld.org as well - they tend to have more information on newer models. A couple quick thoughts:

- The '03 wagon is still a 210 chassis!
- The '04-'06 wagons have SBC brakes. I don't mind them, but it is a possible expensive repair, particularly after the 10 year warranty expires. MB removed SBC as of the '07 model year.
- The '04-'05 cars use the same M112 v6 as the 210 wagon, and it is well proven, reliable, and economical.
- The early M272/273 engines in the '06 onward cars have the occasional balance shaft failure. This is very expensive to repair, though MB seems to be stepping up and covering the majority of the cost.
- At some point around '07 (?), MB product planners made all USA wagon 4matic (AWD). Since all wheel drive is pointless where I live, I rather prefer to avoid the cost, complexity, potential repairs, and fuel economy hit of the 4matic system. These cars still drive great, though.

Other comments apply to 211 sedans as well as wagons. I find the styling a bit bland, but not unattractive. Interior materials and overall "feel" and solidness are more what you expect from a Benz relative to the 210 wagons.

Thanks for the excellent reply.
What model year would be considered a late M272/273 engine?
It seems that a '08 or '09 is the way to go?

There's actually a discussion on the balance shaft issue, and it contains the engine numbers that are included in the service campaign. Here is a link to it for your reading pleasure: linky From memory, the '08 and '09 cars were built with the improved part. Late '07 model year cars have it as well, but the only way to be certain is to get the engine number of the specific car.