Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse 211 E 320, 224 PS, 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (2002–2004)

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
M112 crank pulley and tensioner	M112 V6 to 2005	Not stated	No confirmed price	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).
Listen for a knock at idle, and check the crank pulley for play. Bad result: a loose pulley. This can cause major engine damage.
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	€308
Workshop	€167
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€144
Total per month	€619
New-car depreciation (not included)	€88

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	1	–	–
2005	11	€4,500	215,200 km
2004	34	€5,300	227,000 km
2003	61	€4,500	235,000 km
2002	25	€4,500	215,000 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	132	€4,850	€3,500 – €5,990	227,000 km
Oct 2026	132	€4,850	€3,500 – €5,990	227,000 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 320 Elegance Automatik	224 PS	Saloon	4	2002–2004	€616
E 320 Avantgarde Automatik	224 PS	Saloon	4	2002–2004	€616
E 320 Classic Automatik	224 PS	Saloon	4	2002–2004	€616
E 320 T-Modell Elegance Automatik	224 PS	Estate	5	2003–2004	€623
E 320 T-Modell Avantgarde Automatik	224 PS	Estate	5	2003–2004	€623
E 320 T-Modell Classic Automatik	224 PS	Estate	5	2003–2004	€623