Hello Peaches!

I am considering the purchase of a W211 E500. I have read that some can be a money pit.

Can you tell me what to look for? Any particular year I should avoid?

Please share your experience!

Thank you!

Jeffrey

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Avoid the 05-06 years as they had the SBC braking system which can be $$$ to repair once out of warranty. Otherwise they are nice cars.

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The E500 was available in the 2003 through 2006 model years. In 2007 it was replaced by the E550 through 2009. The E500 uses the trusty old m113 v8 engine family and 722.6 5 speed automatic transmission. The E550 replaces those with the m273 v8 (with 385HP!) and 722.9 7 speed automatic.

Model years 2003 through 2006 have the SBC brakes. Although generally reliable, expensive repairs are possible. As part of the facelift applied in 2007, SBC was removed and a conventional anti-lock brake system used.

All E500/E550 models have airmatic suspension. Airmatic uses air springs with automagic damping and ride height control at all 4 corners of the car. The air struts don't last forever. Sometimes they develop a slow leak, where the car will settle over the course of a few days. Sometimes they pop. Replacement at dealer parts and labor pricing is quite expensive - perhaps $5K for all four corners of the car. An aftermarket alternative is Arnott industries - they have many fans among AMG owners.

Otherwise, an E500 is pretty much a well optioned w211. Which is to say a darn nice car, albeit one that is complex and hence can cost a bit to maintain and repair.

Stay away from the 722.9 equipped car....to many flea's

Martin

If you stay away from 722.9 equipped cars, that leaves you with only a 2003. In 2004 all V8 W211's got the 722.9, which in my opinion is a great reliable transmission after the bugs have been worked out. The 722.6 was just as much of a pile of junk when it first came out in 1997 and later became great.

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From a re builders point of view point of view, just google the failures on the 722.9. The second generation 722.6(+2000 vehicles) are bullet proof. Mercedes Made a boner maneuver with the aluminum bolts, software, and the oil pan. The aluminum bolts are the killer with pump failures. Get on benzworld search the failures-they are happening at 30 to 100k miles...

Sadly these are not mature transmissions for the higher powered cars. I would imaging you want that killer power on the 500 or 550? You will be stressing that pump bearing and pump stretching those wimpy aluminum bolts. Sadly Mercedes does not repair these at all locations. They want replace business... so they sell you a new one...(new tranny that is....). Buy the warranty and drag race your car, so you can get a new tranny, and start fresh.

And the 4-matic's on the 722.9 are blowing the bearings left and right...

Martin

Are there any specific choices or examples you're considering?

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