How reliable is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

2003 Mercedes-Benz W211 E 200K: how reliable are these models?

Shayne Mangan (Limerick)

Feb 2015 Filed under: reliability

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Expert answer

Hi Shayne,

Electrics, electrics, electrics. The W211 was full of electrical and electronic toys and all of them are suspect. Mercedes was going through an especially poor stage in its history at this point and the W211 suffered more than most models. Anything with a wire poking out of the back is a potential worry and the battery can run it self flat if the car is left standing even for just a few days.

The electronic brain that controls the brakes is also deeply troublesome often leaving the car in limp home mode. Check that the automatic gearbox picks up gears smoothly and that there are no flat spots in the engine's power delivery. Paint can often be an issue too - check for damage or flakes coming off.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe