Highlights
- Top of the range model in luxury Elegance trim
- Best engine/transmission combination
- Low mileage for year (average 4,190 per annum)
- Beautifully kept cabin
- Air suspension
The Appeal
- Astonishing longevity
- Bulletproof engines
- Solid German engineering
- Premium comfort
- Understated looks and sophisticated image
- Effortless cruising ability
- Sensible colours
- Well-equipped, but not overly complex
The third-generation (W211) E-Class appeared in 2003. The E500 topped a range that started with the E200 4-cyl petrol. AMG-fettled E55 and E63 models appeared later, at monstrous expense. Mercedes claimed to have improved fuel consumption across the range, and introduced Sensotronic Brake Control as standard equipment. There was a considerable step up in terms of cabin and engine management technology – W211 was a more complex and modern car than its W210 predecessor.
The History and Paperwork
There’s not a lot of paperwork or documentation with the car, but the overall condition clearly suggests that the respective owners have looked after it properly.
- AO04 YNG first registered in April 2004
- V5C present and correct
- 5 previous owners
- Only 75,426 miles in 18 years
- MoT to 26 April 2023
- Post-April 2021 MoT: all four brake pipes replaced (corroded)
- August 2021: new alternator, full oil change service, complete set of new spark plugs
- December 2021: lower front ball joint drivers’ side replaced
- Recent full machine polish and Carnuba wax sealant
The Interior
- Cream leather is in fantastic condition, with even the drivers’ seat showing very little sign of any wear at all. It’s a very nice place to be.
- Height adjustable electric front seats with lumbar support
- Walnut dash inserts and other cappings all unblemished and scratch-free
- Silver-grey carpets and footwells all in excellent shape, protected by black overmats
- Door cards and furniture all very good, with just a couple of scuffs around the bottom of driver’s door
- Original carphone cradle still in place in central cubby!
- Rear central fold-down cubby with storage and cupholder
- Original single CD player/radio, with satnav and phone connection
- Slight age-related wear on steering wheel, barely noticeable
- Map net in front passenger footwell
- 510-litre boot with load net and anchor points. Carpets also excellent here too.
- Vendor is sourcing a replacement space-saver spare wheel for the car
The Exterior
- Mercedes Brilliant Silver coachwork in overall fine condition
- Built-in mudflaps have kept rear panels clear and clean
- Small (1.5cm) surface rust spot on exterior roof headline above driver, easy bodyshop job
- Brightwork generally good, with a little peeling next to front numberplate
- Usual minor surface rust colouration underneath, no sign of actual corrosion
- A few very small blemishes on the classic MB 17-inch alloy wheels, no evidence of kerbing
- 4 x Pirelli P7 Cinturato 243/55 R17 99Y-rated premium tyres, 5-6mm tread all around
The Mechanics
- Renowned and venerable 4996cc V8 produces 306bhp and 460nm of torque
- 7-speed MB 7G-TRONIC auto box
- AIRMATIC DC suspension (standard on E500, optional on lesser models)
- SBC Sensotronic Brake Control
- Dual-zone air conditioning with individual position controllers, all works fine
- Engine bay looks in good shape, with all belts appearing firm and trim
- Traction control
- No leaks reported
Summary
By 2003, Mercedes’ rust problems with South African steel for its panels were long past – the legacy can still be seen on W210 E-Class models from ’99 and ’00. But that meant the new W211 E-Class received particular attention to panel and overall build quality – and that’s why you still see so many around today, with some spectacular mileages too. The timeless elegance of this saloon made it the global executive passenger car of the era. And in E500 form, you get real punch from 300+ bhp and 460nm of torque.
This example has covered just over 75,000 miles, which is distinctly low for a brand renowned for reliability over hundreds of thousands of miles. You don’t often find 5-series and A6s that have covered 300,000 miles, but the world’s taxi and exec hire drivers will regale you with stories of their half-million-mile Merc. With this smart silver beauty, new plugs, alternator, great tyres and an oil change service only 1000 miles ago mean you’re ready for autobahn cruising, family trips or airport transfers. Truly an Everything-Class car!
This example has covered just over 75,000 miles, which is distinctly low for a brand renowned for reliability over hundreds of thousands of miles. You don’t often find 5-series and A6s that have covered 300,000 miles, but the world’s taxi and exec hire drivers will regale you with stories of their half-million-mile Merc. With this smart silver beauty, new plugs, alternator, great tyres and an oil change service only 1000 miles ago mean you’re ready for autobahn cruising, family trips or airport transfers. Truly an Everything-Class car!
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