Mercedes-Benz W211

Mercedes -Benz E 240 Avantgarde (2002-2006)

Mercedes 211 series is the manufacturer's internal designation for the third series of the E-Class, a car of the upper middle class of Mercedes -Benz, which was built by the spring of 2002 until early 2009.

• 2.1 revisions and changes
• 2.2 E 63 AMG
• 2.3 Further development in the subsequent period

History

The first version of the W 211 was presented at the Brussels Motor Show on 15 January 2002 as the successor of the W 210. The sales of the sedan was launched on 16 March 2002. The 32 mm long T- model, the wagon version with the internal designation S 211, a year later was presented on 2 January 2003 at the Detroit Motor Show and on 22 March 2003 brought to market.

The car was advertised with the slogan " The continuation of a passion," prospectus with photos from Barcelona and Catalonia ( sedan ) and " The Art of Seduction " (T- model).

In this vehicle model four years development time and development cost of more than two billion euros were invested. Since its market launch, the car has been sold over a million copies worldwide and it is therefore the best-selling vehicle in its segment. In the first six months there were more than 100,000 deliveries.

The body was safer by high strength steel sheets. The weight rose only minimally due to the use of aluminum. The drag coefficient is 0.26 slightly lower than the previous 210 W ( 0.27). The five-speed automatic transmission has been further refined. The converter lockup is now on the first gear possible, so that the fuel consumption. The petrol engines consume up to 0.9 liters less per 100 km. The trunk grew from 520 liters to 540 liters. In the Euro NCAP crash test, the W 211 was awarded 33 points and therefore five stars.

Parallel to a three-volume handbook may also contain an interactive instruction manual is delivered as a DVD since 2003. It works both on your home PC as well as in the Comand APS.

First fully uncloaked photos of the new model appeared unusually early mid 2001 in New York. A German tourist watched the W 211 at the filming of the movie Men in Black II, in which the car was used, and sold the pictures to a car newspaper.

Cockpit equipment in line with avant-garde Thermatic air conditioning and navigation system Audio 50 APS

Mercedes -Benz E 200 T Elegance (2003-2006)

Rear view of the E 200 T Elegance

Model-T Avantgarde trim line (2003-2006)

Rear view of the Estate Avantgarde

E-Class sedan as a taxi

Standard equipment

Standard features include automatic climate control Thermatic with residual engine heat utilization and combination filter, Audio 20 radio with possibility to control a CD player ( CD function ) and telephone keypad, two-stage airbags for driver and front passenger and window bag and side airbag front, alloy wheels, multifunction steering wheel, instrument cluster with trip computer, electrically adjustable seats with fabric, clear glass halogen headlamps with projection technology, headlamp Assist, ABS, ESP, the electrohydraulic brake SBC, five head restraints - electrically retractable rear, cruise control with variable speed control, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, seat occupancy detector, heat-insulating glass, Rain sensor, mechanical six-speed transmission, power steering and central locking with immobilizer.

The car was offered in three trim levels, with each containing higher the extent of the lower trim line:

• Classic: Basic equipment with Calyptus - Linea - precious wood and above-stated standard equipment.
• Elegance: Higher-quality interior appointments including walnut wood, leather covered steering wheel in interior color, trim in chromium ( for example on the door handles or side skirts ), ambient interior lighting ( dimmable lighting of the interior when driving at night with special lighting in the ceiling and door area) and radiator grille with four lamellae.
• Painted Sporty out blank vehicle, other front spoiler with side trim in body color and grid background, radiator grille with five blades, firmer suspension plus, lowered by 15 millimeters, bi-xenon headlights, LED brake lights for the sedan as well as LED taillights at: Avantgarde T- model, light blue tinted windows, interior with aluminum trim, birdseye maple hardwood and sitting in fabric and leather combination in which the seats held in fabric and the edges are coated with leather. The price difference is about Classic 3500 €.

In 2003, the distribution was:

• Avantgarde 39%
• Elegance 35 %
• Classic 26%

The most chosen color components according to

• Brilliant silver 35.0%;
• Obsidian Black 9.4%;
• Cubanite 9.0%;
• Black 8.3%;
• Teallite blue 6.8%;
• Tanzanite 5.5%.

In addition, a sport package was available from March 2005 onwards optional. It includes a multifunction sports steering wheel in leather with four -spoke, leather seats with decorative stitching, sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with an automatic gearbox integrated gearshift buttons on the steering wheel. There were external 18- inch alloy wheels with double-spoke, sportier tuning of the bargain lowered suspension, speed-sensitive steering and dual-branch exhaust system with oval tailpipes made ​​of stainless steel.

The AMG sports package offers in addition to the sports package above the driver and passenger seats with pronounced side support, an AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel, AMG appearance with other front apron, side skirts and diffusers at the rear.

During the entire construction period, special equipment packages were offered in addition to combine the various options available to each other. There is also extensive accessories.

To make the 211 series even more individual, special designo packages were offered. They offer their own exterior colors as metallic paint (for example, designo mystic ) and special leather and wood species in the interior ( for example, a roof liner in Alcantara ).

The T - model is the Easy Pack System as standard (depending on the equipment line ), which allows an intelligent loading of the rear area by sliding elements.

Special equipment

As an option, the 211 series offers many new developments that have been introduced for the first time in a Mercedes. Other optional equipment were taken from the S-Class and modified.

Air suspension Airmatic Dual Control

Example is the optional semi-active air suspension Airmatic -been Dual Control. It is based on the introduced in the 220 ​​series Airmatic and controls electronically for the first time the suspension and damping separately for each wheel. While driving, you can choose between " Comfortable ", " Sporty Comfortable " and " Sporty ". In addition, adjusted with the adaptive damping system ADS II, the damping force to the current needs and condition of the road. Other components include an automatic level control, reducing body roll during fast cornering and the automatic lowering of the vehicle at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag. On bad roads the body can be set higher. For the control is located next to the gear lever, a control unit. The Model T has to choose on the rear axle as standard air suspension with level control, but without the possibility of different modes.

Sliding and glass roofs

The sedan and station wagon models could be fitted with a simple sunroof glass. Inside it can be closed manually with a headliner fabric upholstery color to protect the interior from sun and heat.

The sedan was also able to be fitted with a two-part panoramic glass roof that extends over the entire length of the roof of the vehicle. Electronically controlled, the front roof section lifts and moves over the other to the back almost to the rear window. In the first model years, there optionally the roof with solar cells above the windscreen, so that the interior space in sunny areas could further be supplied with air by the blower during parking. The panoramic glass roof can inwards also be closed with a headliner fabric upholstery color, in this case, however, electrically for the front and rear.

Seating comfort

For the various seats leather trims were selected up to high-quality nappa leather. They are optionally available as comfort seats with heating and air conditioning as well as in the front seats as a multi -contour seat, which can be electrically adjusted lumbar and backrest surfaces. Worldwide the first time the Dynamic multi- contour seat was offered. With him there is a contour dynamics, with the depending on driving conditions, air is pumped up or in the side flanks of the seats, and thus offer the seats greater stability when cornering. Ingredient is also a massage function for the back. The seat and mirror settings can be saved in each case on the driver and passenger side of the memory function for up to three people.

Climate ThermoTronic

Also as an option, the four-zone automatic climate control ThermoTronic was available. When her temperature for four different spatial zones can be selected, in the rear there will additionally own control unit. Other features, additional air nozzle in the B-pillar, a sun sensor on the bonnet to the adjustment of the internal temperature and a corrosive gas sensor.

Media, communication equipment and display systems

→ Main article: Comand system

As media and communication facilities were in the center console as an option since 2002, a navigation system with arrow display (4.9 -inch color display ) on CD- base with data for Germany (Audio APS 50) and, since the 2003 model year, a navigation system with map display in 16: 9 format (6.5 -inch color display ) DVD-based with data for all of Europe ( Comand APS) available, in which the left side is a separate navigation computer in the trunk. The latter is located in the glove compartment, aux -in port, and it is optional analog in the state, starting from 2005 and digital (DVB- T) television reception possible.

Both navigation systems provide a RDS system, can be connected to a cellphone and thus combine radio, CD (up to 2003, cassette), telephone, navigation and telematics and Internet functions, as long as a WAP-enabled mobile phone is connected. Until 2005 it was the Mercedes -Benz portal available to whose service has now been set. In addition, a six-disc CD changer was available (from 2004 model year with MP3 function ) projecting flying the switch panel, and a surround sound system from harman / kardon with 12 speakers and 420 watts of power. Optionally, a screen in the rear was offered. The Comand APS could be supplemented as additional special equipment with voice control Linguatronic. In this operation of the navigation system and radio is as required on the driver's voice. To activate located on the steering wheel, another lever.

With the Comand APS for the first time a completely new generation of navigation systems at Mercedes was introduced, called NTG 1 ( New Telematics Generation 1 ). The system is derived from the manufacturer Harman / Becker and is linked for the first time with all vehicle components. Component is also a connection to the digital instrument cluster, on the in the middle of the tachometer means of color graphics display important data and can be selected via the multifunction steering wheel. The digital map, which costs about 200 € to 250 and updated annually appears, comes from Navteq. The system took place after the W211 in numerous other series of Mercedes collection, partly also with other manufacturers.

Distronic radar distance

→ Main article: distance radar

The distance radar Distronic may automatically with a radar antenna in the radiator grille and a control computer at speeds of 30 to 180 km / h the distance to the vehicle ahead and keep constant speed independently of the car if needed or slow down. About a control wheel next to the gear lever, the driver can adjust the distance to the vehicle ahead meter accuracy. In the display in the instrument cluster, the exact distances are displayed.

Be seen from the outside is the radar, which was introduced for the first time in the Mercedes -Benz 220 series, on a plastic badge in the center of the grill or on a stored with plastic star at roadsters and coupes.

Other special equipment

Additional options include active headlights from the 2004 model year, Parameter steering, a through-loading option asymmetrically separable back seat (1:3 / 2:3 ), the ultrasound-guided parking aid Parktronic with acoustic support and LEDs inside, sun blinds, voice control Linguatronic, garage door openers in the interior mirror, infrared reflective and sound-insulating laminated glass, a mechanically hinged hitch, tailgate with a hydraulic drive, the keyless locking system Keyless Go or even a anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection and interior monitoring. When the Model T an electrically by 40 cm retractable load floor also was offered.

Engines and transmissions

As engines were 4 -, 5 -, 6 - and 8- cylinder engines offered, were a total of five gasoline and six diesel engines available that have been introduced gradually from 2002. They were re-write from the engines of the 210 series.

From model year 2003, the CDI engines were gradually equipped with a particulate filter.

For the model year 2004, the 320 E was replaced by the 3.5 -liter E 350. Parallel to this was introduced a little later for the E 240 E 280.

Since March 2004 to 2008, the sedan as a natural gas vehicle E 200 NGT (Natural Gas Technology) was offered. As the energy storage of the fuel tank with 65 liters volume and serve gas tank with 18 kg capacity which are securely placed in the spare wheel well of the trunk and behind the rear bulkhead. The model comes as standard with a five-speed automatic.

The first models were available with an optional five-speed automatic, starting in 2004 with the new seven-speed 7G -Tronic, the first of their kind to offer better ride comfort because of the rapidly moving shifting and saves fuel.

Only TaxiNGT (Natural Gas Technology) - This abbreviation refers to the Mercedes models powered by natural gas.

• The engine designation is encrypted as follows.
• Gasoline: M = motor, Type = 3 digits, E = manifold injection, DE = direct injection, ML = compressor, red. = Reduced performance.
• Diesel: OM = oil motor, series = 3 digits, DE = direct injection, L = intercooler, A = exhaust gas turbocharger, red. = Reduced performance.

4MATIC all-wheel drive

→ Main article: 4MATIC

For more powerful engines, the Series 211 was offered in conjunction with the permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC from 2003. In this case, no longitudinal and transverse differential locks are required, thanks to the electronic traction system 4ETS; the system can brake the spinning wheels specifically. The force is transmitted to 40% on the front axle and 60 % on the rear axle. For models with 4MATIC all the bodies are higher compared to the rear wheel drive models to 10 mm. Due to the all-wheel - drive technology of the footwell falls right front a bit smaller.

E 55 AMG

In October 2002, the E 55 AMG came on the market, which to date most powerful E -Class. Was developed the car in Affalterbach at the wholly-owned subsidiary AMG. The car was offered as a sedan and station wagon.

The engine of the car is based on the M113 V8 engine of the E 500, however, was revised by AMG and charged with a compressor. It delivers 350 kW (476 hp ) and offers a maximum of 700 Nm of torque. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h were AMG at 4.7 seconds.

The equipment of the car is different from the other models in technical terms, the fact that the air suspension Airmatic DC included as standard and the brakes are sportier. Compared to the previous top model, the E 500, provides the eight front brake piston on each side. From the outside, the car can be seen on the AMG styling with a modified front apron with front grid structure, own AMG rims, the side marked " V8 Kompressor" and a four-pipe exhaust system with rear diffuser. The interior is fitted with fine nappa nubuck leather, an AMG sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons, bird's eye maple wood, AMG door sill panels and the navigation system Comand APS. Axles and drivetrain were enhanced due to the engine torque. Like all AMG vehicles, the E 55 AMG own software versions for engine, transmission, stability control systems and chassis.

The E 55 AMG was built by mid-2006 and then replaced by the model E 63 AMG, whose engine was in contrast to previous models developed entirely by AMG.

Problems

The models up to model update in June 2006 were among the most vulnerable who have ever left the Mercedes- works. The ADAC presented " a wide range " of defects fixed: Until the Year 2003, there were disturbances in the case of the diesel engine control and leaking pipes in the fuel system. By 2005, there were repeated to discharged batteries. By 2006, attended weakly dimensioned ball joints and bad gums for above-average frequent wear on the front and rear axles. As prone proved and the Hardy - panes that connect the propeller shaft with gears and rear axle. In the defects statistics JD Power and Associates determined last three years old vehicles of the 211er series 283 defects per 100 cars (with an industry average of 237 errors).

Be particularly prone proved the electrohydraulic brake SBC. A number of failures of the system were known, especially in borderline situations. Due to a faulty control of the electrical high-pressure pump, the pressure accumulator of the brake was filled to a minimum. Consequence was that the brake is switched in the mechanical-hydraulic emergency. In the context of two recalls in June 2004 and April 2005, the hydraulic units were replaced at 200,000 E-Class models in Germany. Today, in the models of all years of construction the problems are resolved, so that the SBC is considered safe and will continue to built into the SL-Class, the CLS -Class and the Maybach.

Because of the extremely susceptible to wear brake cylinder Mercedes had to ask about 680,000 vehicles in the workshop to check the electrohydraulic brake system SBC worldwide in 2004.

There were more problems in connection with the panoramic glass roof, often appeared at the noise caused by friction of the glass plates when driving, Driving Dynamic multi-contour seat which stood out due to leaks, or even at the ThermoTronic in which it could come to faulty control of ventilation flaps.

During the construction period there were the following recalls:

• February 2004: Incorrectly snap buckles, replacement of belt buckles.
• June 2004: loss of the electrohydraulic brake SBC, renewal of the hydraulic unit.
• April 2005: Optimization of battery control device (on-board network manager ) by installing new software.
• April 2005: Increased piston wear the SBC high-pressure pump, replacement of pump.
• August 2005: bad case of diesel engines common rail high pressure pump, replacement of high pressure pump.

Facelift

In June 2006, the series has undergone a facelift 211, with the slogan "See the E-Class in a new light. " Was advertised. The brochure shots come from South Africa.

Revisions and changes

Greatest technical change is the removal of the SBC- brake and thus return to a conventional braking system. As standard, the car now has the first generation of security system Pre-Safe. The driving behavior was modified via a more direct steering. Circuit and chassis are now aligned sporting, especially the Airmatic Dual Control springs now harder.

After the revision, the optical front is swept and pointed aligned with a new grille. In front is a three-part air intake to see in Elegance and Avantgarde with new chrome trim. The headlights are equipped with fins in the indicator area. There are larger side mirrors are now mounted on a pier. The Avantgarde equipment line features LED parking lights in the headlights, Bi - Xenon lights illuminate in matching color to the ( standard ). At the rear, the taillights have been redesigned, the LED lights are omitted for the station wagon. The three trim levels remained unchanged, but new alloy wheels were offered for them. The body-color antenna is now mounted on the roof and no longer on the rear window.

In the interior, new fabric and leather upholstery were offered. The air conditioning Thermatic has since then - as before only the ThermoTronic - via a digital display. As a further amendment there is a new multifunction steering wheel and new gear lever.

When new special features the Intelligent Light System was available, at which the headlights to adapt to the driving situation and illuminate the roadway itself differently. Optionally, the brake lights may during emergency braking (so-called adaptive brake lights ) are flashing.

The media and communication equipment were initially not changed. Since October 2006, however, a Mobiltelefonvorrüstung was available that has the SIM Access Profile.

In April 2008, the Comand NTG was introduced in version 2.5.

Rear view

Mercedes -Benz E 280 CDI T Avantgarde (2006-2009)

Model T with AMG Sports Package

Sedan with Brabus kit

E 63 AMG

In April 2006, was presented at the New York International Auto Show, the E 63 AMG. Unlike the previous E 55 AMG in Affalterbach of the handwork mounted engine is a pure naturally aspirated engine at no extra charge, whereby the torque of the E 55 AMG is not reached. It delivers 378 kW ( 514 hp) at 6800 rpm and provides a maximum torque of 630 Nm at 5200 rpm. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes place in 4.5 seconds (4.6 for the station wagon ). Highlights include the AMG Speed ​​Shift 7- speed automatic transmission with three individual switching programs and steering wheel paddle shifters, 18-inch AMG light- alloy wheels and wide tires measuring 245/40 and 265 / 35th As standard, among other things, the Airmatic with sporty tuning and nappa leather.

The interior corresponds series of avant-garde features. So decorative strips remain in bird's eye maple, but can be replaced with a surcharge of Carbon panels. The AMG speedometer was kept in black and reaches 320 km / h

Further development in the subsequent period

As of July 2006, the models E 320 CDI, E 350 and E 500 were also known as the E-Class Guard with B4- special protection available and thus provide protection against attacks on the car and its occupants.

From 2007, the Business Edition and as of 2008 the premium package was available, combining different extras together.

In the last three model years 2007, 2008 and 2009 - away guestroom and no longer available - with no impact on the price list. These include, for example, the center console, only one piece open ( mobile storage ), the elimination of the switch for the headlight washers - this is automatically triggered after 5 times pressing the disk cleanup, when the headlights are turned on - or even the reduction of speakers as well as the elimination of the subwoofer under the rear shelf in the sound system from harman / kardon.

From 2008 was offered with the E 300 Bluetec one of the cleanest and most fuel-efficient diesel engines in the world, which is already the Euro 5 standard met. He had been introduced in the U.S. as E 320 Bluetec in 2007 and won the title there " World Green Car of the Year 2007". In parallel, with the E 350 CGI for the first time an engine with direct fuel injection for the E -Class offered.

In the last model year 2009, new media and communications equipment were offered. Based on NTG 2.5 ( new telematics generation ) now have all three facilities Audio 20, Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS via a Bluetooth interface that allows a wireless calls with a mobile phone, and the Audio 20 has a color display. The navigation system Audio 50 APS undergoes expansion as compared with NTG 1 a junction zoom so that the crossover region is shown in detail on the display, and maps on DVD instead of CD. The navigation system Comand APS now has a hard drive on which the navigation data are stored. From this hard drive has 4 GB as a separate space for music. A new feature is the display of the route display in a 3D bird's-eye view. Component is also the voice control Linguatronic, with which you can control the radio or navigation through the language. The three new devices were manufactured by Alpine, the maps continued to derive from Navteq. As another optional extra, a six -disc DVD changer is available.

• The engine designation is encrypted as follows.
• Gasoline: M = motor, Type = 3 digits, E = manifold injection, DE = direct injection, ML = compressor, red. = Reduced performance.
• Diesel: OM = oil motor, series = 3 digits, DE = direct injection, L = intercooler, A = exhaust gas turbocharger, red. = Reduced performance.
• Values ​​in brackets for automatic.

1NGT (Natural Gas Technology) - This abbreviation refers to the Mercedes models powered by natural gas. 2 natural gas quality L, in m³ / 100 km ( with quality H is the combined fuel consumption 9.5 m³ / 100km) 3 Manual available from September 2007 4 The new E 500 with 5.5 liter displacement and 285 kW ( 388 hp) of power transfers on the North American market according to the displacement the designation E 550

Production

→ Main article: Mercedes -Benz plant in Sindelfingen

The production was the 211 series in the Mercedes -Benz plant in Sindelfingen, the largest of all the works. Here approximately 190,000 annually sedans and 40,000 T- models are produced on 1,170,000 m² production area. Components such as engines, axles, transmissions originate from the not distant Mercedes -Benz plant in Stuttgart- Untertürkheim.

An exception is the models with 4MATIC, which were produced until 2006 at Magna Steyr in Graz.

New registrations

In the German vehicle statistics, the E-Class positioned ( built until March 2009 as a sedan ) against their competitors as follows:

Market share in 2003

Market share in 2004

Market share in 2005

Market share in 2006

Market share in 2007

Market share in 2008

Since its launch in early 2002 ( worldwide):

The most important markets for the E-Class were each about a quarter of total sales Germany and the United States. Most popular engines in the E-Class E 350 were, for the chosen 220 CDI and E are each 10 % of customers. Overall, around 40 % of customers chose a diesel engine.

Trivia

In 2005, the E 320 CDI set three world records on the high speed line in Laredo, Texas. It took three of the vehicles free of defects over distances of 100,000 km, 50,000 and 100,000 miles.

In 2006 took place, as an advertising measure for the revised version of the car, a trip from Paris to Beijing. On the 14,000 -kilometer route to 360 drivers took turns who had applied for participation in sweepstakes. The cars were this E 320 CDI and E 300 Bluetec.

In the movie Men In Black II from 2002 E 500 served the agents Jay and Kay as a company car. At the time of filming, the model was, however, not yet published ( see above).

In the television series The Old ( ZDF), Family Dr. Kleist ( ARD) as well as in a number of crime scene movies ( The First ) Vehicles of this type are used.

Vehicles from other manufacturers

The Brabus E V12 car tuner Brabus is based on the W 211

The company built a Binz extended to 1046 mm version with four or six doors on the basis of the models E 350, E 220 CDI and E 280 CDI. The cost of converting topped with about 43,000 euros (6 -door) and about 48,000 euros (4 -door) the base price of the standard vehicle (Prices without VAT as of August 2006).