Used Mercedes-Benz E220

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz E220

From 4 forum threads and 1 press test · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• Across 67 owner reviews, the E220 scores 4.7 out of 5 overall; handling, reliability and comfort each score 4.8.[5]one source
• The review summary highlights cabin space, materials, exterior design, build quality and sound insulation.[5]one source
• A 2005 W211 owner reported that the automatic worked like new after torque-converter repair and an oil change.[1]one source

Typical faults

• A 2005 W211 E220 CDI intermittently cranked without starting; retrying after removing the key sometimes worked. The exact cause was not confirmed.[1]one source

  2005–2005 · E220 CDI

• A 2005 W211 automatic showed vibration, shuddering, firmer shifts and fluctuating revs; the owner confirmed a faulty torque converter.[1]one source

  2005–2005 · E220 CDI

• E220 CDI owners report power loss above 3,000 rpm that clears after restarting; one case was cured by replacing the EGR, while similar symptoms elsewhere came from vacuum hoses.[2]one source

  E220 CDI

• A 2005 E220 CDI at 350,000 km whistled under load; replacing the belt tensioner did not help. Suggested checks included the exhaust manifold, intake flaps and boost hose.[3]one source

  350 000–350 000 km · 2005–2005 · E220 CDI

• A 2004 E220 CDI had SRS and intermittent ESP warnings plus failed horn and washer. Replacing the steering-wheel clock spring resolved ESP, but the SRS module communication fault remained.[4]one source

  2004–2004 · E220 CDI

Which engine and version to take

• Choose an E220 CDI only if it starts reliably on repeated attempts, pulls cleanly beyond 3,000 rpm and passes Star diagnostics; these checks target owner-reported faults.[1][2]

What to avoid

• Avoid 2004–2005 E220 CDI examples with unresolved starting failure, power loss, transmission vibration or SRS/ESP warnings until the cause is properly diagnosed.[1][2][4]

What to check at the inspection

• Perform several cold and warm starts; the starter must not crank indefinitely. Check faults with Mercedes Star diagnostics instead of replacing parts by guesswork.[1]one source
• Test the automatic uphill at partial throttle and at steady speed, watching for vibration, shudder, firm shifts and fluctuating revs. Inspect oil condition and level plus the 13-pin connector.[1]one source
• Accelerate beyond 3,000 rpm and check for loss of power. If restarting clears the symptom, diagnose the EGR, turbo vacuum hoses and turbo control.[2]one source
• Listen for whistling under load. With the covers removed, inspect exhaust-manifold bolts and soot traces, intake-flap play and contamination, and the boost hose for holes.[3]one source
• At ignition-on, check the SRS and ESP lamps, horn and washer. If warnings or failures appear, read the faults and inspect the clock spring, fuses and SRS-module communication.[4]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]bmwslo.com — Težave z Mercedes e220 cdi letnik 2005 - model W211 · forum
2. [2]clubmercedes.ro — E220 cdi- cateva probleme va rog sa ma ajuta-ti cu sfaturi · forum
3. [3]mersuforum.net — Mercedes Benz e 220 CDI, 2005 vikinä - · forum
4. [4]clubmercedes.ro — probleme e220 cdi din 2004 - Forums - Mercedes Benz Forum · forum
5. [5]auto.ria.com — Відгуки про автомобілі від власників · press

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