Late Model E Class Engine Life
 

Hi, I am seeing some very nice E-class models on the dealers' previously enjoyed lots: circa 3 to 5 years old, with 65 to 80 or so thousand miles. I would like to understand better the expected life of the gasoline v-6 engine, and the common failure modes. Do they break the timing chain, or start using excessive amounts of oil, crack the head, or? I put about 10K a year on one, and I can save some real money buying used and absorbing a lot less depreciation, while enjoying a very nice car.
I have an '05 Diesel, 134000 miles and so far so good. I was just wondering about the gasoline cars. I have read that the v-6 Diesels (newer ones) are less desirable then the inline engine.

My parents drove their '99 E320 for more than 170k without any mechanical issues. Electrical gremlins were another matter. They now have a CLK320 (same engine) with about 75k and the same description applies to it.

The only W124 I've ever seen in a junkyard was a 260E with 327,000 miles. From the damage, I think it went off a cliff.

That year range uses the M272 engine, and 04-07 have a major issue with the balance shaft. See Mercedes-Benz M272 engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

what a crooked Judge agreeing with Big Money

What a sad day for MB when they actually pay a lawyer to plead a case for them that they should be able to build crappy engines.

Not a good way to get repeat customers.

I don't think there is anything inherently undesirable about the V6es. The only aspersions I have seen cast against them have been from people dubious about them because they have are new.
Really? The Benzes in our yard are about 40% W124.

I'm not sure what your Q is? :confused:

If you're buying used cars, you'll always wonder about how it was really cared for.

Otherwise, go ahead and buy a new V6 and enjoy it. I'm certain they're good for hundreds of thousands of miles between overhauls, provided they are maintained per manufacturer recommendations.

In my area the early 70's to mid 80's models must have sold well, since they are still relatively abundant on the roads with a few showing up in the yards. Mid 80's to mid 90's models don't seem to have sold well here, since I seldom see any. Sales apparently picked up somewhere in the late 90's, since I see a lot of that era to present ones on the roads, but they are still new enough not to be seen in the yards very often.

My father has a 2001 E320 RWD pushing 175k miles. NO engine issues whatsoever, engine does not burn oil or smoke either. I personally had a 2001 C320 RWD, similar if not the same engine with approx 160k miles. Engine have me no issues. Did not burn oil and did not smoke either. Both were well maintained & both bought used

I'd be more interested in all electric for newer cars. BMW has one that looks interesting.

I figure the 2000+ cars are meant to go for 100k and then to the crusher. The computer control systems are very complicated and very proprietary. Good luck troubleshooting that in your garage.