2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cdi 2.7 cdi
Summary:
Most unreliable vehicle ever owned
Faults:
The number of major faults I have had with this vehicle is unbelievable. It was bought at 6 months old from the original MB dealer. The following in chronological order are some of the major issues experienced over the two years of ownership. The vehicle has been fully MB serviced.
1. Engine running, but unable to engage transmission, fault occurred on dealer site. Apparently a broken switch within the auto select – off road for around 1 week whilst parts were ordered and fitted. Replacement hire vehicle provided.
2. Running rough – analysis discovered the membrane separating water from engine coolant was perforated resulting in replacement of major engine parts around £3000 of warranty - off road for around 2 weeks due to absence of parts. Replacement vehicle provided.
3. Battery discharge issues on leaving vehicle standing for more than a couple of days. Breakdown recovery around 4 times. Multiple dealers unable to diagnose fault for around 8 months.
4. Central control unit affecting operation of seats, locking etc. Electrical issues requiring replacement of whole unit. Vehicle off road around 3 days due part unavailability.
5. Front ball joints replaced
6. Cutting out when accelerating and moving to safe mode, repeatedly flagged to dealers. Eventually diagnosed as faulty turbocharger. Turbocharger replaced.
7. Fuel injectors faulty and replaced.
8. Steering knuckle failed (two weeks out of warranty) vehicle recovery. Replacement vehicle provided.
General Comments:
This is without doubt the most unreliable car I have ever owned in 30 years of driving.
Roadside assistance is first class, but needs to be with such levels of unreliability.
The issues I have experienced are not unique and other business associates have experience identical problems to those outlined.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 1st November, 2005
7th May 2007, 09:08
I think, you haven't read the post properly, this person wrote at the beginning of the piece that "The vehicle has been fully MB serviced."
13th Jan 2008, 12:14
Unfortunately you got yourself a monday car. The E-class W211 and S211 are extremely reliable vehicles. Those I know of whom own one, never had such problems (as)described here.
11th Oct 2010, 12:03
With regard to the reliability issues, which are many and too common (for any car manufacturer, especially MB), it is a known fact that from its introduction in 2002, the W211 E Class had issues.
If anyone is interested in buying one, I can only recommend the post facelift version from mid 2006 onwards. They have over 2000 component changes to address these issues, and it seems to have worked.
I spoke to my Merc specialist today, and he would give the facelift model a thumbs up. These are fabulous cars, especially for the distance driver, and now have the reliability to match. Buy with confidence.
12th Jan 2007, 01:39
I think your car is badly maintained hence the unreliability. Every car need to be serviced at the recommended intervals. Every engineers knows this as well as most car enthusiasts.