As an ex W203 owner I was impressed by your knowledge of these problem areas. My W203 suffered with almost all of the things you mentioned at one point or another. They are not like deal breaker things. Especially, when you get the joy of these cars while everything is insync, and working as designed. I just needed a little more reliability for my driving needs, so I moved back to boring, plain, and simple Toyotas again. I sorely miss German cars but constantly keep reminding myself I am at a stage in life where driving is out of need now, and no more fun factor; or who knows I'm just probably too old to deal with the aggravation anymore.

Yeah I’ve already had to do my intake manifold. A shop quoted me 1700 I got one off Amazon for 250 and did it myself. A couple more things is the fuel pump gasket “ you’ll start smelling gas in your cab” and the brown wire in the trunk. The brown wire in your trunk will break just from opening and closing so many times you’ll know when it says your license plate lights are out, but an easy splice. 👍🏼

Airmatic suspension isn’t complicated and parts are much cheaper now plus the installs are not hard. I believe people who own these cars should do their research to learn they cars.

I have a 2005 E500. I love the car. Take reasonable care and they last a long time. I bought it with in 2015 with 116K miles and it has 248K miles on it now. Replaced front and rear air shocks. Replaced power steering pump. SBC accumulator was replaced under warranty. One issue I didn't see mentioned that I think is somewhat common is the duo-valve for heating the rear passenger space. Mine failed and would blow full heat to the rear even with AC on. Replacement is not too difficult. Other replacements have been pretty minor/typical for a car with 248K miles (brake rotors, various front suspension components, ignition coils, spark plugs, drive belt & pully, etc.) The dynamic seats leak so they no longer work. Would love to fix them, but does not seem simple.

It's the silver star. It's creativity. Well done. Thank you. We follow you from Benghazi, Libya

Thx for the vid. I love the ride and cornering the air suspension provides. When and if mine fails I’m going back with the original stock setup.

Thanks for the mention of FCP Euro! I appreciate it - I work there.

It’s funny how most, if not all of the negative comments have at least 2-3 misspelled words. Good video, kid. I have a 2005 e500 w211 with 66k miles. Still has the new car smell. I have a file with every service record from the previous owner. 4 of the 5 issues you mentioned had already been repaired plus the transmission red milk shake thingy too. The air suspension is like driving on air. Beautiful car. I’ve driven 3 335i’s 328i and a 335d the last 10 years. BMW is the ultimate driving machine but Mercedes is truly the most luxurious. We’re lucky to have these cars. Stay well buddy!

Thanks for this video, I thoroughly enjoyed and found it useful 👍

Rear shade throwing shade!

Don’t forget about the notorious transmission issue where coolant gets into the radiator and seizes the transmission. We replaced 1 transmission and now are looking at replacing another on account of that faulty radiator!

All the issues you mentioned has occurred in my 2008 E550 base model. Except for the actuators in the engine. I haven’t checked that. 👍🏼

My rear shade in my 2005 e320 works perfectly fine and I’ve owned the car for years. Good video tho

Air matic lines will leak from age, not by a pump going bad. Air pump goes bad normally from people not correcting strut or valve block problems when recommend (the pump will be working over time and burn out). Arknot makes an excellent aftermarket strut that is a fraction of the price.V8s do not have a balance shaft, only an idler gear, and doesn't require a full engine tare down (neither does the v6 require full tare down, but the v6 is a pos and not worth fixing). Beware of aftermarket cam position sensors. A lot of them are trash. Intake manifold will never throw a CEL. As for the rear privacy screen, just decide if you want it up or down and leave it alone. Most of these problems occur in early production models. Ooo and keep the water drains clear of debris or water gets in the car and can ruin your front or rear SAM (expensive to replace) And the drive belt problems on all models. If you dont keep up with the pulleys your looking at a break down when the belt breaks after one of the multiple pulleys seize.

CDI's are the gems of the w211. Every vehicle make will have some issues. Those with the I-6 are pretty reliable and serviceable. Love that they have "service postion" hoods so you don't hit your head!

Looking at a 2005 E320 4matic, so it should have regular suspension and no balance shaft issues? I heard that the balance shaft and camshaft solenoids were only an issue in the e350 and v8 models

two more common issues are the SBC brake module failure and the shift control unit. the SBC can result in near total brake loss. it's like driving without power brakes. the shift unit can cause the car to go into limp mode. it won't shift out of first.

Hi Justin, what are your thoughts on the diesel variants, namely the 320 CDI like mine?

Only E500 and ///AMG’s & 05’ E320- (last year of 320) Appearance Package. It came LOADED 70k for a V6! In 05~ it was equipped with AirMatic (air suspension) with adaptive headlights and seats that hug you while you turn’ cause your in a suit or silk jump suit. FYI if your rear curtain is STUCK?!?! Generally pull it up as a friend press’s the button (again have the friend press the button and gently tug it should come up.

Gas pump assembly unit (gasoline engine) major recall also North America. Dealer would change the entire pump and bushings around it. Both the primary and secondary pumps (03-09) located under the rear seat. SBC on the w211 are bad and had a huge recall. From late 07-09 don’t have that issue. 03-09 another huge recall on the sun roof flying off. (Recall currently in progress. Minor issue: cigarette lighter or interior power connector Fuse blown; (fuse #13 located in the rear trunk fuse housing 15amp)

Hi, thanks for the video. I am thinking about getting a W211 E200 cgi 2009 model. What do you say? Is it a good choice? And about consumption, will I get a let’s say 12 urban and 7 extraurban? Thanks

Thank you... I just had the intake manifold flap issue in my (loved) 2005 W211 E350 Avantgarde. My mechanical shop first tried to replace the flap system inside the manifold with an upgraded metallic part, which would have avoided replacing the entire intake manifold. Unfortunately no go--after resorting to drill out of the flap supports it became obvious that the only option was to replace the intake manifold assembly--OUCH, that was expensive. Also, early on in my affair with the car the gas fume problem arose... leading to a fuel tank replacement (they tried two used tanks before finding one that was OK). My car has only done 100,000 km (around 60,000 USA miles) and I've not yet had the dreaded balance shaft check engine light :-) I note you mention regular service in relation to prevention of this this frightening problem . I oil change with synthetic oil and new filter every 6 months and I only do extremely low kilometres... A recent problem I had was a check engine light which codes showed was related to failed catalytic convertors (there are four of them and I paid $600 Australian a piece including labour to chop 'em out and re-weld new units in...) Thanks for your experience, much appreciate it! Oh! BTW, we in Australia don't get any help from the balance shaft USA class action law suit, nor from the issue you mention with the SBC brake-by-wire system (a braking technology which I personally really enjoy).

Aftermarket shocks for air matic are just as good if not better than OEM are not real expensive and super easy to replace

did not mention the oil cooler on the 646.820 with leaks (bad seal)and then the oil goes true the intake and intercooler

2007 Mercedes Benz without air matic suspension rides perfect

I have the 2007 E350 and you are on the money with those problems. One thing i have to add is the secondary air pump. It's very easy fix but make sure when replacing parts that it has to be OEM parts. I tried to save money at first but it doesn't work. Those parts made in China just doesn't accept it the CEL light will not turn off at least not with my car. I had to change parts 3 different times to save couple bucks but end up spending more at the end.

I bought a old 211 2003 just for stop gap turns out I truly love it but now had problems with air suspension. Had some silly quotes but doing my own research and sourcing a part from a breakers yard I have managed to get it fixed for about 300 pounds .

Hi, how would you know which cam shafts sensors is bad? Does all 4 go out at same time? Thanks!

Any guy doing a review with a Marlboro in his hand is straight up the real deal in my book!

I have a 2008 E230 V6 2.5 with a P0120 code trottle position sensor after 13yrs. What to replace ?

Wow I really wanna smoke a cigarette for some reason. Amazing content ! Clean car as well !

You forgot about the "PZEV" fuel tank. If your fuel pump quits, you have to replace the whole tank.

Thank you, Getting rid of this POS now, 🥂

another issue id the "Pzev" meaning if you have this in your door card or bonnet card - manufacturer id card... that means your fuel pump when it fails you have to buy the whole fuel tank

I have a 2006 e350. And for some reason my key fob don’t comunícate with the ignition. So the steering is locked and key won’t turn

Have you ever had the problem where there is a strong smell of gas if you fill the tank more than 3/4?

Thank you for your valuable video :-) Three years after leaving a previous comment, I wonder if you, or other experts, have any more info about the root cause of balance shaft drive gear failure on early W211 272 V6 engines like mine. In the USA class action lawsuit, it was claimed by MB that the root cause of failure of the balance shaft gear's drive teeth was a supplier who used a defective metal tempering process on the drive gear, leading to failure of the gear, possible engine damage and a huge repair bill when most cars had reached about 60,000 miles (100,000 kilometers). At 01:57 you potentially attribute failure of the balance shaft drive gear (teeth wearing away almost completely) to improper maintenance. I've now driven 110,000 km and change oil and filter six-monthly using synthetic oil--so far without any problems or engine codes--touch wood! So, how do experienced people now feel re whether this is an issue caused by poor maintenance practices versus it being due to a manufacturing defect of the drive gear, as claimed by MB USA?

Thanks for the information so all 2009 are not airmatic suspension

I have a Mercedes like it... It is the best car I have ever driven..these r miner problems.. Every car has some issues...

How do you play youtube or Sirius on your command/speakers ?

All good points, but the airmatic struts you can now get for $150, and it's literally 6 bolts. Much easier and saver than replacing regular shocks and springs. So yea 10y ago it was dealer only and thousands to fix and that is where airmatic got its bad rep.

Thanks great video I have a 2007 e550 and when is cold y have a low power, I can’t figure what’s the problem! Any suggestions?

Poor schick, unattended to,lol. Thanks for the information,cool.

Balance shaft was fixed in 2007-2009 cars even a few late build 2006 cars shipped with the updated balance shaft

Good vid!

You forget the ABS 😂😂

Don't forget the seat module issues( parasitic draw)

Dude you forgot one major issue that affects the earlier W211 think it's from 2002 to 2008 and that is the sbc brake system it's a pig of a thing mind you I have driven a 2009 standard abs vs my 2005 Sbc the sbc is amazing at stopping such a large vehicle in such little time. I love my W211 I have it 14 year's rarely drive it with the cost and amount of fuel it uses. One other issue with all W211 is the steel brake line's under the plastic splash plates under the car they get pretty bad if your in rust belt. Oh and those frigging ball joints what are they made of plastic I've done 280000 miles on mine over the year's. Ball joints and those abs ring's not for the fainthearted.

I liked the video just for the cigarette. Classy touch. I can't believe manufacturers stop putting ashtrays in cars. Like using an empty soda can in the cup holder is soooo trashy and so not Mercedes. Then they want to snivel when you throw it out the window. The world is one giant ashtray since cars no longer have them.

Aftermarket: $2k for a full set of Arnott bags, $500 for 2 new pumps. $2,500 total in parts, if you do your own labor, you are still paying $500-$1,500 less than anyone else is to retrofit their cars with even the most basic airbag kit.

Balance shaft problem is only for E350 v6 before 2009. V8 models were not affected. Do some research if anyone doubts it.

Fuel pump and fuel tank pressure sensor will go/known issue.The components are located on top of the gas tank.Major work involves removing exhaust system and gas tank.A very expensive repair.Mercedes knows about it and extended the warranty (since expired) maybe due to class action lawsuits .

I was lucky to find a 2003 e55 without the airmatics

Aww! That's how that visor works in the back. Not an issue.

Just purchased an 07 e550, fucking beautiful !!!!! But the gas ⛽️ 😭

What is your advice on buying mercedes e220 cdi 2005 with a high mileage but been serviced through the years? Thanks

Hey, I have a 2007 E350 sometimes when I go at about 25-30MPH and let go of the gas pedal for like 10sec the car does this weird jerk, I think it happens when it switches to 1st gear but it doesn't happen that often, any idea what it could be? Also thanks for the vid, it's very informative

I've been really interested in these E-Class cars for some time, specifically this generation. Love the corporate styling and size. Does anyone have a full PDF file they could send me with a full run down of common issues and the smaller things to look out for or that would need to be replaced for preventative maintenance?

Mate how did you forget about injectors... :(

SBC sucks, i got a pre FL unit, at 65000 ish miles, the sbc needed replacing

Blessed Love my E500S .

I own the 2008 E550 w211. I have replaced the airmatic suspensions to struts and coils. I recently changed the steering pump. I have not had any other major issues with car. I hope I don't.

I have e200 kompressor 2007 w211. I have a issue ESP fault showing. And the diagnostic detect the fear control module defected . You have a idea about this, and if can you explain to me how coming this issue, of I need replace it or have a solution to repair it. Thx

100 likes 👍😎 nice video!

I have 08 e350 with code P0012 and P2006. Do you have a link or part number please

What was the best way to fix problem on the intake

is this the v6 diesel

Hi Justin I have 09 e350 sport with 58k miles but non 4matic. Do you know if front has adjustable coilover? Because my front has too much gap between the fender and tire. I see your car sits flush both front and back. My rear is fine barely fit only one finger but the front I can put my 4 fingers.... btw my car is bone stock with 18 mag sport wheels. My car looks very funky with that gap and it's just too much space... My question is do I need to change the spring and shocks to lower the front? Or I can adjust the coilover if it has one Thank you

It depends what exactly braking) it's not necessary air suspension normally brakes, normally plastic valves which fits on top of shock observations brakes or having lick, or it cat be lick somewhere else... easy fix...

The first part is lies. The air matic suspension did come with w211 in 09 its a factory option. An you can replace the air struts an shocks by yourself

3:24 dude smoke in the engine area. 😂

My rear window screen shade does not open and it grinds. How did you fix it?

HOW DO I OPEN A CUP HOLDER OF A MERCEDES?

my car is a E350 with a 2009 engine and trans got it at a benz dealer

Washer fluid reservoir Srs light

U don’t have to take out the engine to do the engine balancer and all engines will need it in time it rubber piece

Anyone know how to fix the rear window shade issue?

My 2007 FL W211 doesn't have : - airmatic suspension (still comfy and one less problems to think of) - SBC (starting with 2006, the FL doesn't have this system) - auto transmission (manual ftw) The only thing that concerns me at my M271 1.8 Kompressor is the timing chain. When I start it, I hear a little squeak and I think that I should change the tensioner for starters. Otherwise, in this configuration, the car is awesome, I wouldn't change it for a newer model.

Yup yup and yup

He scared me about this car

🏆🏆

What did u do to fix the rear screen

Very good video my friend, i have a mercedes W211 and i agree with you, is the very good car but a have a problem, beaucause my car goes into safety mode, and deactivates all electronic functions, I can't find the solution, heeeeeelp meeee ( sorry i'm french i don't write english well)

Poot wd40 in mechanizam in rear shade.

The SBC pump is under recall, they replaced mine at no charge

don`t smoke

What about e55 and the m113 and m155 engines

i have 540k/km runs fine still

Gas tank leak. Trunk rain seals leak. Sound system battery drain

u forgot the cam caps leak oil to

fuel pump goes south, pump leaks.

Wrong no need to dissamble engine for balance shaft it only have 2 bushes an be changed easily

Just 5 problems eh ?!

l have mercedes benz E 350 2007 l fix all this problem Radio problem Amplifier wires esp Switch control and brake lights fuse box module front problems headlights wires no work Signals turning left and right l didn’t fix that Ball joint bad intake manifold bad coolant water hose bad Camshaft position With crank shaft bad And the most number one A/c compressor broke 133,678 miles $1000 fix l will like this car beautiful car fast V6 l race almost all cars v6 l win everytime

Do you know the difference between the 4966cc and the 4973cc?

Balance shaft... This is a manufacturer's defect. Why? Because it was made in America. The German made version does not have this defect. Why not a recall? IDK

Some have SBC braking...

R6 320 CDI its longest living part od this car

It's not extra luxury it's a nightmare and so is the sbc..and the car always going into limp mode I had 2 Mercedes and both were nightmares didnt get to enjoy the cars at all

just put classic spings and schoks more komfortoble...