Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211) Explained

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211)
Manufacturer:DaimlerChrysler (2001–2007)
Daimler AG (2007–2009)
Model Years:2003–2009 (sedan)
2004–2009 (station wagon)
Predecessor:Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210)
Successor:Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212)
Class:Executive car (E)
Body Style:4-door saloon
5-door station wagon
Layout:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive / four-wheel drive (4Matic)
Length:2003–06 Sedan: 190.30NaN0
2007–09 Sedan: 1910NaN0
2004–06 Wagon: 191.70NaN0
2007–09 Wagon: 192.30NaN0
Width:2003–04: 71.30NaN0
2005–09: 71.70NaN0
Height:2003–06 Sedan: 570NaN0
2007–09 Sedan: 58.40NaN0
2007–09 Wagon: 59.30NaN0
2004–09 Wagon: 58.90NaN0
AMG: 57.20NaN0
Designer:Hartmut Sinkwitz (1999)

__FORCETOC__The Mercedes-Benz W211 is the third generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class made from 2001 to 2009 in sedan/saloon and station wagon/estate configurations – replacing the W210 E-Class models and superseded by the Mercedes-Benz W212 in 2009.

The C219, marketed as the CLS, was introduced as a niche model in 2005, based on W211 mechanicals.

Launched in 2002 for the 2003 model year, the W211 E-Class was another evolution of the previous model. Before North American sales began, the car was shown in the 2002 movie Men in Black II.[1] [2] [3] The W211 development program began in 1997, followed by design work. The final designs were chosen in 1999, and German patents were filed on December 18, 2000 utilizing an E 500 prototype. Development ended in 2001 after 48 months, at a total cost of €2 billion. Pilot production went into testing in the summer of 2001, and the W211 E-Class debuted at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2002.

The W211 Platform was also the base foundation for which the newly reintroduced Chrysler LX cars were engineered from (Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum).[4] [5] [6]

2003–2005

The W211 E-Class was unveiled at the 2002 European Motor Show Brussels featuring twin-headlights, angled slightly rearward.[7] The 2003 E-Class was larger than its predecessors while offering less interior space, particularly in the estate version, than the W210 it replaced. It offered gasoline or diesel engines with a choice of rear or 4-wheel drive.[8]

Mercedes-Benz claimed to have reduced the fuel consumption of the new E-Class by up to 0.9 litres per 100 km compared with the outgoing model.[7] The redesigned 2003 model featured electrohydraulic braking system marketed as Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC), which was standard equipment in the E-Class. Options included multicontour front seats and dual control air suspension system marketed as Airmatic DC.

Air suspension was standard equipment in the top-of-the-range E 500 V8 model and was available as an option on all other E-Class models.[7] The W211 is a more complex car than its predecessor, with a programmable serial bus and many automated systems.

The 2003 E-Class was offered in sedan and 5-door station wagon configurations in three trim lines, marketed as Classic, Elegance, and Avantgarde.[7] The W211 was the first E-Class since 1985 equipped with two windshield wipers.[8]

The transmission options were 5 or 7-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. V6, V8, inline-4, and supercharged inline-4 engines were offered.[8] Engine outputs of E 240 and E 270 models from the previous W210 E-Class were given a 5 kW increase to 130 kW, while the E 500 uses the 225 kW 5.0-litre V8 from the W220 S-Class to supersede the W210 E 430. The E 320 remained unchanged, producing 165 kW of power.[7]

E 320 CDI

The E 320 CDI used the 3222NaN in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine, OM648, that made 204NaN at 4,200 rpm and 5000NaN0 at 1,800–2,600 rpm.

Engines were updated in as a part of the facelift and the new 320 CDI was powered by a 2987 cc OM642 V6 engine delivering 224 hp at 3,800 rpm and 5400NaN0 at 1,600–2,800 rpm.

E 400 CDI

The E 400 CDI used Mercedes-Benz's OM628 3996NaN V8 diesel engine, that made 2600NaN0 at 4,000 rpm and 5600NaN0 at 1,700–2,600 rpm.

E 55 AMG (2003–2006)

The second generation E 55 AMG debuted in September 2002 at the Paris Motor Show.[9] It debuted as the fastest production sedan in the world.[10] The E 55 AMG was also offered in an estate version for later model years.

E 55 Powertrain

The E 55 AMG is powered by the M113K engine, a 5.4 L V8 with a Lysholm type supercharger manufactured by IHI. The E 55's engine won International Performance Engine of the Year for 2003. The E 55's engine, although the same as the one in the SL55 AMG, had less horsepower, at 476NaN and 516NaN of torque. The difference in power is due to a smaller-diameter, longer-length exhaust system in the E 55.[11] The supercharged 5.4 L V8 engine was mated to the Speedshift 5-speed automatic transmission, which has a torque capacity of 796NaN, as the newer 7G-Tronic introduced in 2003 is limited to 542NaN, not enough to handle the torque from the supercharged V8.[12] [13]

E 55 suspension, brakes, wheels & tires

E 55 came with an AMG tuned Airmatic suspension with 3 different driving modes as well as the ability to significantly raise the car. The E 55 features 14.2-1NaN-1 cross drilled disc brakes at the front with 8 piston calipers. The rear brakes consist of 13-1NaN-1 discs and 4 piston calipers. The E 55 came with 245/40/18 tires up front and 265/35/18 in the rear with performance tires on the standard AMG 18" split spoke wheels.

E 55 Performance

Car and Driver reported in their testing that the E 55 AMG was faster than the SL55 AMG.[14] The E 55 AMG was the fastest four door car in Mercedes-Benz's lineup at the time. While the E 55 could accelerate from 0-1000NaN0 in 9.8 seconds, it took the Audi RS6 11 seconds.[15] The E 55 was the fastest production sedan available until Mercedes-Benz released the S65 AMG. However, Car and Driver criticized the brakes on the E 55, chastising them for being difficult to modulate, and said that the car as a whole felt 'aloof'.[16]

Car and Driver also tested an E 55 AMG Wagon, which weighs 256NaN more than the sedan. They found that it accelerated from NaN0NaN0 in 4.1 seconds and NaN0NaN0 in 9.7 seconds.[17]

The E 55 was a sales success, being the best selling AMG until the release of the C 63 AMG.

2006–2009 (mid-generational refresh)

The W211 was updated in 2006 for the 2007 model year.[18] There was new standard and optional equipment, which enabled the W211 to hold its own against its competitors. Sensotronic was dropped due to customer complaints about its software, while Pre-Safe (w/o autonomous braking) was made standard. The announced vehicle was unveiled at the 2006 New York International Auto Show.[19] In total, 29 model variants were available, with 16 Saloons and 13 Estates. New standard equipment included PRE-SAFE active protection, NECK-PRO head restraints, flashing brake lights, tyre pressure monitor. The optional Intelligent Light System included bi-xenon headlamps and 5 different lighting functions. The bodies were restyled including the front grill, rear view mirror, side mirrors, redesigned headlamps, front spoiler, rear lights, gear knob and steering wheel.

Coinciding with the minor model update, the largest factory built engine in the E-class range, the E 500 (badged E 550 in some countries), had its engine size increased from 5 litres to 5.5 litres in 2006.

E 63 AMG (2007–2009)

The E 63 AMG was the refreshed high-performance model of the W211, replacing the E 55 AMG. Besides the Saloon, it was also offered in the Estate body style similarly to the E 55 AMG estate model to compete with the new wagon versions of the BMW M5 (E61) and Audi RS 6 (C6), though those two high-performance wagons were never sold in North America.

This engine had a high-pressure die-cast alloy cylinder block with twin-wire arc spray coated running surfaces. Compression ratio is 11.3:1. According to many auto journalists, the E 63 AMG was one of the quickest production sports sedans in the world. Both the sedan (saloon) and wagon had a 0–600NaN0 acceleration time of 4.3 seconds. Compared to the previous E 55 AMG, the E 63 AMG had more horsepower but less torque, enabling it to be mated to the newer 7G-Tronic automatic transmission.

While the E 500 and E 550 had the standard Mercedes Airmatic DC suspension with adaptive damping, the E 63 AMG had the AMG-tuned Airmatic suspension which with the stability control turned off gave it far better driving dynamics than its non-AMG predecessors.[20]

The AMG Performance package P030 added electronic speed limiter deletion, limited-slip rear differential, Alcantara sports steering wheel, stiffer valving Airmatic suspension over the standard AMG tuned Airmatic, AMG 18inches, 5-spoke multi-piece wheels, and optional AMG carbon fibre trim.[21]

E-Guard (2006–2008)

The E-Guard was an armoured version with category B4 protection level, introduced in July 2006. Engine choices included E 320 CDI, E 350, and E 500. The vehicles were reinforced with steel and aramid. Other safety equipment included Michelin MOExtended run-flat tyres with pressure loss warning system. All three models had an electronically limited top speed of 2400NaN0.[22]

E 300 BlueTEC (2007–2009)

Common rail Direct Injection with a 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, launched in the US as the E 320 BlueTEC in 2007 and in Europe as the E 300 BlueTEC in 2008. The W211 never had a urea injection system throughout its production. The Bluetec name was only adopted to have consistency between the petrol and diesel nomenclature.

Mechanical

Engines

There was a wider range of engines available in Europe than North America and other markets.[23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28]

Model(model years)TypePower at rpmTorque at rpmNaN0NaN0 (seconds)Drive
Petrol engines
E 200 KOMPRESSOR(2003–2006) M271 KE18ML Supercharged I4163NaN2400NaN010.7RWD
E 200 KOMPRESSOR(2006–2009)184NaN2500NaN09.1 – 9.4
E 230(2007-2009) M272 E25 V6204NaN at 6,100245NaN at 2,900–5,5008.9 – 9.1
E 240(2003-2005) M112 E26 V6177NaN at 6,200245NaN at 2,9008.9 – 10.6RWD & 4WD
E 280(2006-2009) M272 E30 V6 at 6,0003000NaN0 at 2,700–5,0007.3 – 7.8
E 320(2003-2005) M112 E32 V6 at 5,600315NaN at 3,000–4,8007.7 –8.4
E 350(2005-2009) M272 E35 V6 at 6,0003500NaN0 at 2,400–5,0006.9 – 7.1
E 350 CGI(2007-2009) at 6,400365NaN at 3,000–5,1006.8RWD
E 500(2003-2006) M113 E50 V8306NaN at 5,6004600NaN0 at 2,7006.0 – 6.3RWD & 4WD
E 500 (E 550 in US/Canada)(2006-2009) M273 E55 V83870NaN0 at 6,0005300NaN0 at 2,8004.8 – 5.3
E 55 AMG(2003-2006) M113 E55 Supercharged V8476NaN at 6,1007000NaN0 at 2,6504.3RWD
E 63 AMG(2006-2009) M156 V8514NaN at 6,8006300NaN0 at 5,2004.5 (4.6 for Estate version)
Petrol/CNG engines
E 200 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY M271 KE18ML Supercharged I4163NaN2400NaN010.7RWD
Diesel engines
E 200 CDI(2003–2005) OM646 DE22 LA R I4122NaN at 4,2002700NaN012.1RWD
E 200 CDI (2006–2009) OM646 DE22 LA EVO R I4136NaN at 3,8003400NaN09.9
E 220 CDI (2003–2005) OM646 DE22 LA I41500NaN0 at 3,800 - 4,2003400NaN010.6
E 220 CDI (2006–2009) OM646 DE22 LA EVO I4 at 3,8004000NaN09.1
E 270 CDI (2003–2005) OM647 DE27 I5177NaN at 4,200NaN0NaN09.3
E 280 CDI(2004–2005) OM648 DE32 LA I64250NaN07,6 – 8,6
E 280 CDI (2005–2009) OM642 DE30 V61900NaN0 at 4,0004400NaN07.0 – 7.4RWD & 4WD
E 300 BlueTEC(2007–2008)211NaN at 3,4005400NaN0 at 1,600–2,4007.2RWD
E 320 BlueTEC(2006-2009)208NaN at 3,8005400NaN0 at 1,600–2,4007.2
E 320 CDI (2003–2005) OM648 DE32 LA I6204NaN at 4,2005000NaN0 at 1,800–2,6007.7
E 320 CDI(2006-2009) OM642 DE30 V6224NaN at 3,800NaN0NaN0 at 1,600–2,8006.8 – 7.4RWD & 4WD
E 400 CDI(2003-2005) OM628 DE40 V82600NaN0 at 4,0005600NaN0 at 1,700-2,6006.9RWD
E 420 CDI(2006-2009) OM629 DE40 V8314NaN at 3,6007300NaN0 at 2,2005.2

Transmissions

Optional equipment:5-Speed Automatic – code 42/3 in the data-card;7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) – code

2/7 in the data-card;Up to approx. 07/2005:

ModelStandard Optional
E 200 CDI6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 220 CDI6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 270 CDI6-speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 280 CDI5-Speed Automatic-
E 320 CDI5-Speed Automatic-
E 400 CDI5-Speed Automatic-
E 200 KOMPRESSOR6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 2406-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 240 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 3205-Speed Automatic-
E 3507-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 350 4MATIC5-speed Automatic-
E 5007-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 500 4MATIC5-speed Automatic-
E 55 AMG5-speed Automatic-

From 07/2005:

ModelStandard Optional
E 200 CDI6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 220 CDI6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 280 CDI6-Speed Manual7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
E 280 CDI 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic
E 320 CDI7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 320 CDI 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 200 KOMPRESSOR6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 2806-Speed Manual7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
E 280 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 3507-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 350 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 5007-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 500 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 55 AMG5-speed Automatic-

From 09/2005:

ModelStandard Optional
E 200 CDI6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 220 CDI6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 280 CDI6-Speed Manual7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
E 280 CDI 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 320 CDI7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 320 CDI 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 420 CDI7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 200 KOMPRESSOR6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 2806-Speed Manual7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
E 280 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 3507-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 350 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 5007-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 500 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 55 AMG5-speed Automatic-

From 01/2006:

ModelStandard Optional
E 200 CDI6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 220 CDI6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 280 CDI6-Speed Manual7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
E 280 CDI 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 320 CDI7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 320 CDI 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 420 CDI7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 200 KOMPRESSOR6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 2806-Speed Manual7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
E 280 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 3507-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 350 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 5007-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 500 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 63 AMG7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-

From 09/2007:

ModelStandard Optional
E 200 CDI6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 220 CDI6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 280 CDI6-Speed Manual7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
E 280 CDI 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 300 BlueTEC (from 12/2007)7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 320 CDI7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 320 CDI 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 420 CDI7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 200 KOMPRESSOR6-Speed Manual5-Speed Automatic
E 200 NGT5-Speed Automatic-
E 2306-Speed Manual (up to 09/2007 with 7G-TRONIC)7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC, from 09/2007)
E 2806-Speed Manual7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
E 280 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 3507-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 350 CGI (from 12/2007)7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 350 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 5507-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-
E 550 4MATIC5-Speed Automatic-
E 63 AMG7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)-

From 04/2008:The same, except:

Safety

Euro NCAP adult occupant:[29]
Euro NCAP pedestrian:
IIHS overall frontal offset score:[30] Good
IIHS overall side crash test score:[31] Acceptable
NHTSA crash test ratings (2007):[32]
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Rear Passenger:
Rollover:

Sales

On 19 December 2008, Mercedes-Benz announced it had delivered 1.5 million units of W211 E-Class vehicles, with 1,270,000 sedans and 230,000 wagons.[33]

US and Germany sales

US Calendar YearSales
2003[34] 55,683
200458,954
2005[35] 50,383
200650,195
2007[36] 48,950
200838,576

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: E-Klasse Men in Black 2 PROMO . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/QzfxVoC0_KI . 2021-12-13 . live. YouTube . 2007-01-03 . 2012-01-06.
  2. Web site: E-Class in 'Men in Black II' . Worldcarfans.com . 2012-01-06 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120615192908/http://www.worldcarfans.com/104030211726/e-class-in-men-in-black-ii . 2012-06-15 .
  3. Web site: "Men in Black II, 2002": cars, bikes, trucks and other vehicles . IMCDb.org . 2012-01-06.
  4. Web site: 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. World Car Fans. 2012-09-29. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130731092131/http://www.worldcarfans.com/104021011859/2003-mercedes-benz-e-class. 2013-07-31.
  5. Web site: GoAuto - Future Models. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080824003942/http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/86B7EAFC6BDA7944CA2572100028B825. 2008-08-24.
  6. Web site: DPMAregister – Designs – Registerauskunft zum Design.
  7. Web site: Future Models - Mercedes-Benz - E-class - Range. GoAutoMedia - Justin. Lacy. goauto.com.au. 14 April 2018.
  8. Web site: Mercedes-Benz W211 is First Produced. World History Project.
  9. Web site: Kiino. Ron. Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. Car and Driver. 7 November 2012. October 26, 2016.
  10. Web site: Robinson. Peter. Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. Car and Driver. October 26, 2016.
  11. News: Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. Car and Driver. 2018-09-27. en.
  12. Web site: Mercedes-Benz AMG 6.3-liter V8 . Insideline.com . 2005-07-19 . 2010-07-28.
  13. Web site: Behind the Scenes: Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG . December 2002 . 2010-07-28.
  14. Web site: Tony . Swan . 2003 Audi RS 6 vs. BMW M5, Jaguar S-type R, M-B E55 AMG Comparison Tests – Page 3 . Car and Driver . May 2003 . 2012-08-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121121005831/http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2003-mercedes-benz-e55-amg-page-3 . 2012-11-21.
  15. Web site: Hong. Patrick. Power Trip - 2003 Audi RS 6 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. 7 November 2012. October 26, 2016.
  16. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15135684/mercedes-benz-e55-amg-road-test/ Tested: 2003 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Makes Effortless Speed
  17. Web site: Kiino. Ron. Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Wagon. September 2005. October 26, 2016.
  18. Web site: Beautiful, But Horrible: 2003–2005 Mercedes-Benz W211 E-Class. CLUNKERTURE.
  19. Web site: Mercedes-Benz presents the new generation E-Class at the New York International Auto Show 2006 . PRESSPORTAL . 2006-04-12.
  20. Web site: February 2007 . Tony . Swan . 2007 Audi S6 vs. BMW M5, M-B E63 AMG Comparison Tests – Page 4 . Car and Driver . 2012-08-30 . dead . https://archive.today/20151222223634/http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/lots-of-power-lots-of-go-page-4 . 2015-12-22 .
  21. Web site: Mercedes releases performance pack for the E 63 AMG. Autoblog.com.
  22. Web site: The new-generation E-Class: E-Guard with "high protection" ex factory . https://web.archive.org/web/20151208141759/http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-614253-1-823628-1-0-0-0-0-1-11701-854934-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html . 2015-12-08 . 2006-07-04 . Daimler AG .
  23. Web site: Mercedes-Benz UK . Mercedes-benz.co.uk . 2012-01-06.
  24. Web site: Mercedes-Benz Germany . Mercedes-benz.de . 2012-01-06.
  25. Web site: Mercedes-Benz USA . Mbusa.com . 2012-01-06.
  26. Web site: Auto-Data.net . 2016-03-08.
  27. Web site: Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211 Facelift. car.info. 2020-03-14.
  28. Web site: Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211. car.info. 2020-03-14.
  29. Web site: For safer cars Mercedes Benz E Class . Euro NCAP . 2009-12-05.
  30. Web site: IIHS-HLDI: Mercedes E class . Iihs.org . 2008-11-25 . 2009-12-05.
  31. Web site: IIHS-HLDI: Mercedes E class . Iihs.org . 2009-11-03 . 2009-12-05.
  32. Web site: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety and Crash Tests . Autos.msn.com . 2012-01-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070914065153/http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/safety.aspx?year=2007&make=Mercedes-Benz&model=E-Class . 2007-09-14 . dead .
  33. http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-614253-1-1162924-1-0-0-0-0-1-11701-854934-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html?TS=1250890551349 Mercedes-Benz Delivers 1.5 Million units of the E-Class
  34. Web site: 2004 Highest Year on Record for Mercedes-Benz USA . Theautochannel.com . 2010-03-21.
  35. Web site: Mercedes-Benz Rings in the New Year with Record 2006 Sales . Theautochannel.com . 2010-03-21.
  36. Web site: Mercedes-Benz USA's Sales Drop 32.1 Percent In December 2008 eMercedesBenz – The Unofficial Mercedes-Benz Weblog . eMercedesBenz . 2009-01-05 . 2010-03-21 . https://archive.today/20120729125348/http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan09/05_001548_Mercedes_Benz_USA_Sales_Drop_32_Percent_In_December_2008.html . 2012-07-29 . dead .