29th Aug 2011, 10:48

I have an E240 on an X reg. I have had it for 5 months.

So far I have replaced the front shock absorbers, and the front anti roll bar with the down links.

I have changed both rear drive shafts due to rust, causing the sensor rings for the ABS to come out.

Then I changed all the brake pads and discs, plus rear parking brake shoes. Next the brakes kept sticking on; this turned out to be the master cylinder.

It has had one new front wing caused by rot. I have the other one to do.

Also the tailgate is rotten and the number plate illuminator is about to fall out.

It is a lovely car to drive, but a wreck to own. £1700 spent so far. Perhaps I'm just unlucky.

29th Aug 2015, 04:16

Mercedes, the best or nothing. I love my 210. It's the best. Talk of comfort, speed, reliability and space. I can't trade a 210 for anything.

26th Jan 2020, 04:11

I own a 1999 E240 Mercedes Elegance which I purchased in 2004, and have to say it is the best car I've ever owned.

After 110,000 km on the clock, she still feels and drives like a brand new vehicle.

I was considering upgrading to the E400 cabriolet - despite them being a little pricey, however after some serious consideration, I have decided to keep the E240 as the vehicle is virtually flawless, inside and out.

Mechanically, it has only had one issue in that the reverse lock out switch in the gear box had to be replaced.

I had this same problem about 18 months previously using a non Mercedes aftermarket part.

Recently, my new mechanic (Mercedes trained) stated that he only ever uses original MB parts, and advised me that aftermarket parts frequently fail.

The original job cost $1100 and the second time I had to replace the gear box part, I was amazed when presented with the bill; $416 parts and labour.

Mechanically, it is the only single issue that she's had. Not bad for a 20 year old car.

The car has always been serviced on time.

What I found really amazing was the fact that the battery was the original 1999 battery which had been in the vehicle since new.

The exterior is in immaculate condition, with no issues of fading paint or rust. Given I live in Australia, the car has been subject to much sunlight and I thought some fading was to be expected. However, all panels still appear to be in great condition.

The interior, like the rest of the car has held up very well. The leather seats and upholstery is unmarked.

All up, I feel I can not justify letting go of my E240 given it has never once left me stranded, nor ever missed a beat.

As technology has come a long way since 1999, I am having satnav installed along with a new sound system. The original 10 stack CD unit was good for the first 18 years, but it's time for something newer.

All up, I can't fault the car in any way, and aside from the gear box lock out switch, I can hardly complain about such a reliable vehicle.

I also own a 2016 E250 CGI (purchased new) that is also proving to be a great vehicle.

I'm sold on the MB brand.

26th Jan 2020, 20:10

Next time you get one of those overpriced parts with the 3 point star on the box, check to see where the part was actually made. You may be in for a surprise ;(