MERCEDES-BENZ W211 engines

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211 was launched in 2002 and established itself as a technological pioneer in the premium segment of the upper mid-size class. Over its production period from 2002 to 2009, the W211 generation offered an exceptionally diverse range of engines with innovative technologies such as the first generation of the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission and advanced direct injection systems.

Mercedes-Benz W211 engines (2002-2009)

The Mercedes-Benz W211 E-Class marked a turning point in Mercedes engine development and introduced numerous innovations, not all of which were fully developed from the outset. Mileage expectations varied considerably depending on the engine: while the tried-and-tested V6 and V8 petrol engines could easily reach 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, the early CDI diesels often required costly repairs to the injection system or turbocharger between 200,000 and 300,000 kilometers. The absolute top engine of this generation was the E 500 with its 5.0-liter V8 (M113), which optimally combined reliability, power and smooth running. Technical highlights included the introduction of common-rail technology in the diesels, the first generation of 7G-TRONIC and the innovative AIRMATIC air suspension system. Typical repair intervals for the petrol engines were between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers for major maintenance work, while the diesels often required earlier intervention in the injection system.

Mercedes-Benz W211 petrol engines (2002-2009)

The Mercedes-Benz W211 petrol engine range was exceptionally diverse and ranged from entry-level four-cylinder to powerful V8 engines. The E 200 Kompressor started with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder (M271) with 120 kW (163 hp), which proved to be a reliable basic engine. The six-cylinder family comprised the E 240 with 2.6 liters (M112, 130 kW/177 hp), the E 280 with 3.0 liters (M272, 170 kW/231 hp from 2005) and the E 350 with 3.5 liters (M272, 200 kW/272 hp). Among the V8 engines, the E 500 shone with its 5.0-liter unit (M113, 225 kW/306 hp), while the E 55 AMG with its supercharged 5.4-liter engine (M113K, 350 kW/476 hp) was the top performer. From 2006, the E 63 AMG was added with the new 6.2-liter V8 (M156, 378 kW/514 hp). The Mercedes-Benz W211 engines of the M112 and M113 series were considered to be particularly durable, while the later M272 units occasionally had problems with the timing chain.

Mercedes-Benz W211 diesel engines (2002-2009)

The Mercedes-Benz W211 diesel range was based entirely on CDI technology with common-rail injection. It was launched with the E 200 CDI (90 kW/122 hp, OM646 engine), followed by the E 220 CDI with the same 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine in a more powerful configuration (110 kW/150 hp). The six-cylinder CDI engines included the E 270 CDI (130 kW/177 hp, OM647) and, from 2005, the more modern E 280 CDI (140 kW/190 hp, OM642) and the E 320 CDI (150 kW/204 hp, OM642). The absolute top model was the E 400 CDI with its 4.0-liter V8 diesel (OM628, 191 kW/260 hp), although only small numbers were produced. The Mercedes-Benz W211 CDI engines often suffered from problems with the piezo injectors, which resulted in costly repairs. The OM642 engine in particular developed into the most problematic diesel of this generation, with frequent injector failures and problems with exhaust gas recirculation.

Conclusion: The best Mercedes-Benz W211 engines

Mercedes-Benz W211 engine development reflects Mercedes-Benz's love of experimentation in the 2000s. While some units, such as the M113 V8 petrol engine, are considered masterpieces of engineering, other engines showed clear weaknesses in long-term reliability. The Mercedes-Benz W211 engines established important technologies that were perfected in later generations.

• Best Mercedes-Benz W211 gasoline engine:

The E 500 with M113 engine (306 hp) combines exceptional reliability with powerful performance and is considered one of the best V8 engines ever built by Mercedes.

• Best Mercedes-Benz W211 diesel engine:

The E 200 CDI with OM646 engine (122 hp) offers the best balance of reliability and economy, although it is not free from minor problems.

• Mercedes-Benz W211 hybrid engine:

Hybrid drives were not yet available in the W211 generation.

For the maintenance and repair of all Mercedes-Benz W211 engines, AUTODOC offers an extensive range of original and quality spare parts with reliable availability, even for the older engine variants.