Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse 211 E 280 CDI DPF, 177 PS, 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (2004–2005)

Research for this car

Generation guide Mercedes E-Class W211 (2002-2009): known problems and buying guide
A risky buy for its age. Check SBC brakes, air suspension and timing chains first, since their repairs can cost thousands of euros.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost	Source
SBC brake faults before the 2006 facelift	Cars built 2002 to 2006	Control unit about 100,000-150,000 km	Unit about 1,200 EUR in parts plus 3-5 hours labour (Germany, year not stated)	Generation guide
Airmatic air suspension leaks and compressor failure	Cars with Airmatic	Bellows about 80,000-120,000 km	Two rear bellows 2,500-3,500 EUR; compressor 1,000-1,300 EUR (Germany, year not stated)	Generation guide
OM642 oil cooler seals and EKAS intake flap actuator	OM642 3.0 V6 diesel	Not stated	Intake flap actuator just under 2,000 EUR (Germany, year not stated)	Generation guide
Chassis, ball joints, tie rods and steering play	All cars	Steering play about 300,000 km	No confirmed price	Generation guide
Rust at rear arches, sills and the tailgate	All cars, mostly before 2006	Not stated	No confirmed price	Generation guide

Check the car after it has stood overnight. A sag or a "car too low" warning points to a leak. A scanner reads compressor run time: 40-80 hours per 100,000 km is normal, over 200 hours means a leak. Two rear bellows cost 2,500-3,500 EUR (Germany, year not stated).
On cars built 2002 to 2006, a scanner reads the SBC pump run time. Bad result: a red brake warning, a pump that runs over 15 seconds to reach pressure, or an accumulator that holds pressure for less than 30 minutes. A new unit costs about 1,200 EUR in parts plus 3-5 hours labour (Germany, year not stated).
Look for fresh oil at the back of the engine and in the coolant. Bad result: oil in the coolant. The intake flap actuator repair is just under 2,000 EUR (Germany, year not stated).
Turn the wheel lock to lock, then drive over bumps. Bad result: play in the steering or knocks from the front joints. Steering play is typical after about 300,000 km.
On a lift, check the rear wheel arches, sills, lower door edges and tailgate for bubbling or holed metal. Check the boot for water. Bad result: holes, or water that corrodes the rear electronics box (SAM).

Operational	€235
Workshop	€150
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€181
Total per month	€566
New-car depreciation (not included)	€78

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de in this generation with this fuel, gearbox and power.

First registration	Listings	Median price	Median mileage
2006	4	–	–
2005	18	€4,400	245,000 km
2004	40	€3,499	297,000 km
2003	20	€3,000	297,000 km
2002	7	€3,500	287,000 km

Medians only for years with at least 5 listings. Many cars are first registered after production ends, so years can run past the build years.

Month	Listings	Median price	Middle half	Median mileage
Nov 2026	89	€3,500	€2,800 – €4,800	293,000 km
Oct 2026	89	€3,500	€2,800 – €4,800	293,000 km

Median asking price at the last snapshot of each month.

All 6 ADAC versions

Version	Power	Body	Doors	Production years	Running cost per month
E 280 CDI DPF Classic Automatik	177 PS	Saloon	4	2004–2005	€574
E 280 CDI DPF Elegance Automatik	177 PS	Saloon	4	2004–2005	€574
E 280 CDI DPF Avantgarde Automatik	177 PS	Saloon	4	2004–2005	€574
E 280 CDI DPF T-Modell Classic Automatik	177 PS	Estate	5	2004–2005	€559
E 280 CDI DPF T-Modell Elegance Automatik	177 PS	Estate	5	2004–2005	€559
E 280 CDI DPF T-Modell Avantgarde Automatik	177 PS	Estate	5	2004–2005	€559