By Josh RosenbergWhile historically high new and used car prices have forced buyers to look for "older" vehicles that may have aged well as a way of saving money, the issues of reliability and dependability have become even more crucial.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, in terms of reliability, falls somewhere in the middle when compared to other vehicles in its class and age range. Some owners have experienced reliability issues, while others have found it to be a dependable and long-lasting vehicle when properly maintained.
So here, ...
- We'll take a look at it's overall pros and cons.
- Next, we'll review its features as it was originally released in 2011.
- Then we'll list areas of possible mechanical problems that some owners have experienced that should be checked before buying.
- And finally, we'll suggest ways of buying one today at the lowest price.
But first, and very importantly ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Mercedes
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's usually best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
And My #1 Price Tip: Please, always get online price quotes at auto sites such as CarsDirect.com and Edmunds.com (both, actually), whether looking for a new or used car. Competition among dealers for your business does amazing things to prices, and it's so easy. It really does make a difference.
And quickly, while we're at it, my #2 Tip is to always know the up-to-date trade-in value of your current car. You can get a quick and surprisingly accurate one at Edmund's Trade-In Quotes.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.
2011 Mercedes E-Class Pros
Luxurious Interior: The E-Class is known for its high-quality, luxurious interior with premium materials and excellent craftsmanship.
Comfortable Ride: It offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it suitable for long drives or daily commuting.
Safety Features: Mercedes-Benz is known for its advanced safety technology, and the 2011 E-Class comes equipped with various safety features like stability control, antilock brakes, and airbags.
Engine Options: The 2011 E-Class offers different engine choices, providing varying levels of power and efficiency to suit different preferences.
Technology: It features advanced technology for its time, including a user-friendly infotainment system, navigation, and various driver-assist features.
Value for Money: As a used car, it may offer good value for the luxury and features it provides.
Status and Prestige: Mercedes-Benz vehicles often carry a certain status and prestige, which could be a significant factor for some buyers.
2011 Mercedes E-Class Cons
Potential Reliability Concerns: Being an older vehicle, it might have accumulated wear and tear, potentially leading to reliability issues, especially if not properly maintained.
Higher Maintenance Costs: As with any luxury vehicle, maintenance and repair costs might be higher compared to non-luxury brands.
Outdated Technology: While it was advanced in its time, the technology in the 2011 model might feel outdated compared to newer vehicles.
Fuel Economy: Depending on the engine choice, the fuel economy might not be as impressive as some of its competitors in the same class.
Space: Rear-seat space might feel a bit limited compared to some competitors, especially in terms of headroom.
Outdated Technology: The technology in the 2011 model might feel outdated compared to newer vehicles, lacking some of the latest features and advancements.
Depreciation: The vehicle may have already gone through significant depreciation, but further depreciation can be expected as it continues to age.
Car Buying Tips:
Easily Negotiating The Lowest Price
Understanding Wholesale And Trade-in Values
How To Get The Lowest Rate Car Loan
2011 Mercedes E-Class Overview
When it comes to describing luxurious vehicles, it's hard to keep from gushing with enthusiasm when the topic turns to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. With its excellent balance of ride quality and handling, powerful engines, superior build and materials quality, extensive list of luxury and safety features, roomy cabin and availability in multiple body styles, the 2011 E-Class is a very serious contender.
The 2011 lineup includes a choice for nearly everyone attracted to high standards of excellence thanks to offerings in sedan, coupe, convertible (Cabriolet) and wagon forms. It is likely, however, that most consumers will be focused on the E-Class sedan with its remarkable ride composure yet impressive handling ... and all the accoutrements of luxury.
New in 2011 is the E350 Bluetec diesel sedan that gets 33 mpg on the highway, while the E63 AMG sedan, aimed at more performance-oriented drivers, can run right up there with many sports cars in the speed and athleticism departments.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The sedan is offered in four trims: E350, E350 Bluetec (diesel), E550 and E63 AMG. The E-Class coupe and convertible are available in E350 and E550 trims, while the E-Class wagon is available in just E350 trim.
Standard features on the E350 convertible include leather upholstery, full power accessories, 17-inch wheels, power front seats, driver and passenger memory settings, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, the COMAND electronics interface, auto-dimming mirrors and an 8-speaker audio system with a 6-disc CD changer and auxiliary audio jack. The E350 coupe is equipped the same way but also comes with sport seats and a panoramic sunroof.
The E350 sedans and the wagon are also equipped like the convertible, but add MB-Tex premium vinyl instead of leather as well as a standard sunroof.
The E550 sedan then adds a V8 engine, an air suspension and leather upholstery, while the E550 coupe adds a sport suspension, shift paddles, 18-inch wheels and a sport body kit. And compared to the E350 drop top, the E550 convertible adds the V8 engine and 18-inch wheels.
Optionally available on all E350 and E550 models is the Premium 1 package which includes heated front seats, a hard-drive-based navigation system, voice controls, a rearview camera, a power rear sunshade and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with digital music storage, an iPod/MP3 player interface, satellite radio and HD radio.
The available Premium 2 package includes all Premium 1 features, plus additional items such as keyless entry/ignition, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and adaptive high-beam assist.
The Driver Assistance package is also offered on the sedan and wagon, adding adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system and a lane-departure warning system.
Available stand-alone options for the sedan include a rear entertainment system and parking sensors. And both sedan and wagon buyers can opt for expanded leather upholstery, an infrared night-vision camera, the panoramic sunroof and a multicontour driver seat with massage functions.
The E63 AMG comes with most of the E550's features, plus a larger V8, an adaptive sport suspension, a sport transmission, adjustable drive settings, high-performance brakes and a sport steering wheel.
The AMG Performance package adds even sportier suspension tuning, a limited-slip differential, a leather/faux-suede steering wheel and 19-inch wheels. The Premium 1, Premium 2 and Driver Assistance packages are also available for the E63 AMG.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Under the hood of the 2011 Mercedes E350 sedan, wagon, convertible and coupe is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that pumps out 268-horsepower and 258-pound-feet of torque. The E350 Bluetec sedan is equipped with a turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 210-horsepower and 400-lb-ft of torque. All are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission as standard. In performance tests, the E350 convertible and coupe were timed from a standstill to 60 mph in a quick 6.8 seconds.
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The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the 3.5-liter V6 is 18 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway for the sedan, 17 mpg city and 25 highway for the convertible, and 17 and 26, respectively, for the coupe. The E350 wagon has an EPA rating of 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, while Mercedes estimates the E350 Bluetec's gas mileage at 24 city and 33 highway.
Powering the E550 models is a 5.5-liter V8 that produces a robust 382-horsepower and 391-lb-ft of torque, that is also mated with the 7-speed automatic transmission. Both the E550 sedan and coupe have been timed from 0 - 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the sedan is 15 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway. For the convertible it's 15 and 22, respectively, while the coupe comes in at 15 city and 23 highway.
All E-Class convertibles and coupes are only offered with rear-wheel drive. The E350 and E550 sedans can be had with either rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. The E350 wagon is all-wheel drive only.
The E63 AMG is outfitted with a 6.3-liter V8 that's good for a massive 518-horsepower and 465-lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a sport-tuned seven-speed automatic transmission with a paddle-shift manual mode. Mercedes says the E63 blazes from 0 - 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, which is incredibly fast for a large sedan. Gas mileage for the E63 is 13 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, although it really isn't a concern for those attracted to this vehicle.
Safety:
Standard safety features for the 2011 E-Class include traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes (ABS), front side airbags, a driver knee airbag, front pelvic airbags, Attention Assist (a driver drowsiness alert) and PreSafe (detects an imminent crash and automatically initiates additional protective measures).
In addition, the Driver Assistance package adds a lane departure warning system, a blind-spot warning system and PreSafe braking. Other optional safety features include rear side airbags on the sedan, convertible and coupe, while infrared night vision is available for the sedan and wagon.
In government crash tests, the E-Class sedan received five out of five stars for side-impact occupant protection and four stars for frontal- impact protection.
Interior:
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class's cabin is refined and attractive as well as solidly constructed with high-grade materials. The overall look is the same for all styles, however, there is an optional three-spoke sport steering wheel and an electric gear selector (on the column in the sedan and wagon; console-mounted in the convertible, coupe, and AMG) which can create some fairly minor differences.
Standard in all E-Class models is Mercedes' COMAND electronics interface, featuring a large display screen, a control knob and dash-mounted buttons, making the mode of control an occupant preference. The seating in the E-Class sedan, convertible and wagon is firm and supportive yet exceedingly comfortable, making for easy going on long trips.
Both the coupe and E63 come with sport seats which are a closer fit as they are designed to hold you in place when engaged in more aggressive driving.
The backseat in the sedan is tied (with the BMW 5-Series) for the most spacious in the midsize luxury segment. And the E350 Wagon offers a rear-facing third-row seat and an ample maximum cargo capacity of 57 cubic feet.
The convertible also offers comfortable seating both front and rear, however, taller passengers might be more challenged in the back. The coupe's rear legroom is about average for luxury two-doors, but the headroom is on the tight side.
Drive:
The drive of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class demonstrates a remarkable balance of both ride quality and handling dynamics. It's certainly at the top of its class with its versatile ability to master a wide range of different road conditions and driving situations with its confident and engaging capabilities.
While it's not engineered to perform like a sports car, in all body styles it still possesses precise steering with plenty of feedback, strong engines and a confident chassis. It's simply a luxury car with superior road manners.
And for those drivers who demand topnotch performance-oriented speed and athleticism, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, with its long list of performance upgrades (including suspension, steering, transmission, wheels, tires and brakes), provides road dynamism that matches many sports cars. It's impressive capabilities are all the more remarkable because it's still a sedan that seats five passengers comfortably.
2011 Mercedes E-Class Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, like any vehicle, has had owner-reported mechanical issues. Not every car will experience these issues, and the severity can vary from one vehicle to another. Regular maintenance and timely repairs may have helped prevent or mitigate some of these problems. However, these possible issues should be included in an inspection before purchase:
Electrical System Malfunctions: Various electrical issues have been reported, such as problems with the infotainment system, malfunctioning sensors, and issues with the car's electronic control units.
Engine and Transmission Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the engine, such as oil leaks, timing chain problems, and engine misfires. Transmission issues, including rough shifting or transmission failure, have also been reported.
Suspension and Steering Components: Problems with suspension components, such as worn-out control arm bushings or steering issues like power steering pump failures, have been reported by some owners.
Brake System Concerns: Instances of premature brake wear or brake system malfunctions have been reported, including brake pad wear and brake rotor problems.
HVAC and Climate Control: Complaints regarding the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system have been noted, with issues related to blower motor failure or inconsistent heating/cooling.
Fuel System Problems: Some owners have experienced fuel system issues, such as fuel pump failures or fuel leaks.
Miscellaneous Issues: Other reported problems include issues with the sunroof mechanism, door lock failures, and occasional rattles or squeaks in the interior.