Common Faults of W211

[Guest VBlaster_W211]

Given the crazy COE prizes, there are probably quite a few of us contemplating to keep our W211 longer. It may be useful to share the common faults to look out for.

Over the last 6-7 yrs, I have observed these common faults in mine:

a. Fading centre console display. Got it changed under warranty by C&C, but came back in the 5th yr. MBM repaired it and it's fine since.

b. Sourish smell in aircon. C&C cleaned the system but the smell was still there. They swapped out the evaporator for a new design that does not collect moisture. All done under warranty. No probs since the swap.

c. M271 air pipe leak. This resulted in jerky driving and CEL. C&C replaced the air pipes under warranty.

d. Left mirror auto tilt. The auto tilt feature failed to return fully to original position. C&C repaired under warranty.

e. Lower Control Arms and Anti Roll Bar. Recently, there was a squeaking sound when going over humps. The LCAs and ARB were worn out. The sound can be replicated by pushing the car down at the suspension. MBM changed them.

f. Nag screens if we have done full check and emission check. MBM removed.

g. M271 camshaft and hall sensors. A CEL came on that the OBDII read as these sensors failure. The leaking camshaft sensors (2 x at front of engine) of M271 seems to be a common problem from other forums. MBM replaced.

Thankfully, no SBC failure (fingers crossed), which I hear is a common fault too.

[Guest poh6702]

VBlaster_W211 wrote:

Given the crazy COE prizes, there are probably quite a few of us contemplating to keep our W211 longer. It may be useful to share the common faults to look out for.

Over the last 6-7 yrs, I have observed these common faults in mine:

a. Fading centre console display. Got it changed under warranty by C&C, but came back in the 5th yr. MBM repaired it and it's fine since.

b. Sourish smell in aircon. C&C cleaned the system but the smell was still there. They swapped out the evaporator for a new design that does not collect moisture. All done under warranty. No probs since the swap.

c. M271 air pipe leak. This resulted in jerky driving and CEL. C&C replaced the air pipes under warranty.

d. Left mirror auto tilt. The auto tilt feature failed to return fully to original position. C&C repaired under warranty.

e. Lower Control Arms and Anti Roll Bar. Recently, there was a squeaking sound when going over humps. The LCAs and ARB were worn out. The sound can be replicated by pushing the car down at the suspension. MBM changed them.

f. Nag screens if we have done full check and emission check. MBM removed.

g. M271 camshaft and hall sensors. A CEL came on that the OBDII read as these sensors failure. The leaking camshaft sensors (2 x at front of engine) of M271 seems to be a common problem from other forums. MBM replaced.

Thankfully, no SBC failure (fingers crossed), which I hear is a common fault too.

I had a 2004 W211 from PI, I experience similar problems: b,c,d,e and 2 times SBC failure plus one more fuel pump failure (it might be one off for my case, might not be common fault). I beleive the winscreen wiper squeaking sound is also another design flaw.

Have changed to 2007 E230 (face lifted model) few months ago, hope that MBM have fixed those early design issues. :bounce:

[Guest ahdi]

Passenger SRS airbag sensor faulty, got it changed twice when car under warranty, after warranty got it change at own expense, after which still ok till now.

[Guest Rolnah]

My front passenger door handle (outside) jammed for no reason out of a sudden! Cannot even pull out, just like stuck.

Anyone experienced that before?

[Guest jsiau]

Rolnah wrote:

My front passenger door handle (outside) jammed for no reason out of a sudden! Cannot even pull out, just like stuck.

Anyone experienced that before?

Another problem when going over uneven ground, can hear "kling kling" sound like something loose but just could not trace it!

Sounds like came from centre console storage behind the gear lever. Seems to be from below the storage console. Anyone share this problem?

It's quite irritating each time trying to trace but cannot find it sigh...

Touch wood , my 2006 July W211 has none of these problems yet been driving it for 4 years and 7 months.. could it be due to mileage mine is now 76000km ...good luck

[Guest wJaaay]

The passenger seat sometimes shift itself for no reason. My friends chua sai when the seat moved when they never touch anything. anyone experience this too? its a 2006 FL

Cheers

[Guest Gan]

the CENTRAL GATEWAY ...

the terminal socket always corroded

due to the COLD air blows direct on it ...

contains moisture

need to clean it up or replace

and alter the location ...

[Guest 9339]

vblaster_w211 wrote:

thankfully, no sbc failure (fingers crossed), which i hear is a common fault too.

sbc life time warranty

[Guest bbwannabe]

c. M271 air pipe leak. This resulted in jerky driving and CEL. C&C replaced the air pipes under warranty.

Yup, C for me.

[Guest VBlaster_W211]

2 more items:

Shock absorbers - started to have light knocking sound that comes and goes. Replaced with Bilstein at MBM. As usual - great service!

Engine and gearbox mounts - worn after last replacement at Yr 3 and can sense the vibrations. The job is much cheaper at MBM compared to C&C.

[Guest carnipotent]

Keyless Go door handles have a tendency to become faulty. Changed 4 in the past year. Very costly!

[Guest bbwannabe]

Just kanna the Keyless Go Handle issue. Goldenlink sells them at 170 while C&C charge more than 400. Need to paint, install and code though.

Also, kanna the ESP error. Thought it was the steering angle sensor problem from my Googling. A 700+ fix according to C&C. Turns out to be the brake switch only. Costs 40 nia.

[Guest carnipotent]

Interesting bro. After purchasing handle, where did you go for respray and installation?

[Guest bbwannabe]

Haha... haven't got them yet. Been sitting on my ass. It was rear right door so meh.

[Guest Roland106]

VBlaster_W211 wrote:

Given the crazy COE prizes, there are probably quite a few of us contemplating to keep our W211 longer. It may be useful to share the common faults to look out for.

Over the last 6-7 yrs, I have observed these common faults in mine:

a. Fading centre console display. Got it changed under warranty by C&C, but came back in the 5th yr. MBM repaired it and it's fine since.

b. Sourish smell in aircon. C&C cleaned the system but the smell was still there. They swapped out the evaporator for a new design that does not collect moisture. All done under warranty. No probs since the swap.

c. M271 air pipe leak. This resulted in jerky driving and CEL. C&C replaced the air pipes under warranty.

d. Left mirror auto tilt. The auto tilt feature failed to return fully to original position. C&C repaired under warranty.

e. Lower Control Arms and Anti Roll Bar. Recently, there was a squeaking sound when going over humps. The LCAs and ARB were worn out. The sound can be replicated by pushing the car down at the suspension. MBM changed them.

f. Nag screens if we have done full check and emission check. MBM removed.

g. M271 camshaft and hall sensors. A CEL came on that the OBDII read as these sensors failure. The leaking camshaft sensors (2 x at front of engine) of M271 seems to be a common problem from other forums. MBM replaced.

Thankfully, no SBC failure (fingers crossed), which I hear is a common fault too.

Hi Vblaster,

can I ask what is CEL you mentioned?

Also, when replacing lower control arms and ARB, did you use the OEM one or Original Merc parts?

hope to hear form you soon.

[Guest Roland106]

Rolnah wrote:

My front passenger door handle (outside) jammed for no reason out of a sudden! Cannot even pull out, just like stuck.

Anyone experienced that before?

HI Rolnah,

have you solved the knocking sound problem?

I think i have it too. very intermittent hard to trace...

what have you replace to crub that?

Cheers

[Guest blackteg]

One more new thing that got me worried initially.

- Wire Harness wear. This led to several 'inaccurate' fault codes when the OBD was plugged in.

But all was good after replacing the harness and the right code came up.

A very smart and new car still!

[Guest kepiting1sg]

blackteg wrote:

One more new thing that got me worried initially.

- Wire Harness wear. This led to several 'inaccurate' fault codes when the OBD was plugged in.

But all was good after replacing the harness and the right code came up.

A very smart and new car still!

How much for the new wire harness?:hand:

[Guest blackteg]

bro...PM you... ha ha ha...

excluding the price i paid for the new FL headlamps.....did that to make myself less heartpain being without the car for 3 days!

[Guest bossbthk]

VBlaster_W211 wrote:

2 more items:

Shock absorbers - started to have light knocking sound that comes and goes. Replaced with Bilstein at MBM. As usual - great service!

Engine and gearbox mounts - worn after last replacement at Yr 3 and can sense the vibrations. The job is much cheaper at MBM compared to C&C.

Hey,

was wondering how much u paid for MBM for the mounting change ...

[Guest galliano]

VBlaster_W211 wrote:

2 more items:

Shock absorbers - started to have light knocking sound that comes and goes. Replaced with Bilstein at MBM. As usual - great service!

Engine and gearbox mounts - worn after last replacement at Yr 3 and can sense the vibrations. The job is much cheaper at MBM compared to C&C.

I need to get both items changed too. How much did it costs u?

I was quoted $500 for each job at a mechanic at AV.