Used Mercedes-Benz E280

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz E280

From 3 forum threads and 1 press test · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• For the W211 generation, the condition of the specific engine, automatic gearbox, electronics and body matters more than fuel type.[4]one sourceW211
• The source lists two 3.0-litre E280 engines: the 140 kW OM642.920 diesel and the 170 kW M272.943 petrol.[4]one sourceW211
• Among 2009 W211 cars, 59% passed inspection first time versus a 57% average for cars of the same year.[4]one sourceW211
• W211 owner reports stress comfort and prior maintenance: a sound car may need few repairs, while a neglected example can demand substantial spending.[3]one sourceW211

Typical faults

• The balance-shaft drive gear in early M272 engines can wear and cause camshaft timing errors.[4]one sourceW211

  M272.943 3.0 petrol

• On the OM642 3.0 V6 diesel, oil-cooler seals harden and leak, leaving oil in the engine V and on the gearbox.[4]one sourceW211

  100 000+ km · OM642.920 3.0 diesel

• SBC-equipped W211 cars can develop pump and pressure-system faults; owner reports also mention mechanical wear inside the unit.[4][3]W211
• Check the front and rear subframes for corrosion, especially the metal around their mounting points.[4]one sourceW211
• One 2007 W211 E280 4Matic owner reported its five-speed automatic repeatedly selecting manual first gear and barely moving; diagnostics found no stored fault.[2]one sourceW211

  2007–2007

• For an M104-powered E280, a forum specialist described crumbling MAF wiring insulation as typical and also noted arcing at spark-plug insulators and boots.[1]one source

  M104

Which engine and version to take

• The OM642.920 3.0 diesel makes 140 kW; choose one only if the engine V and gearbox are oil-free, as seal leaks become relevant from roughly 100,000 km.[4]one sourceW211

What to avoid

• Avoid an early M272.943 3.0 petrol without convincing evidence about the balance-shaft drive, especially if diagnostics show timing errors.[4]one sourceW211

What to check at the inspection

• For an M272, verify the engine version, perform a cold start and scan for camshaft timing errors.[4]one sourceW211
• On an OM642 diesel, look for oil between the cylinder heads and at the rear of the engine on the gearbox.[4]one sourceW211
• On an SBC-equipped car, run a system diagnostic and check for warnings after repeated brake applications.[4][3]W211
• Lift the car and closely inspect the mounting areas of the front and rear subframes.[4]one sourceW211
• During the test drive, check automatic shifts and the mode display; then scan the transmission module and verify fluid level, condition and service records.[4][2]W211
• On an M104, inspect the MAF wiring insulation and sensor signal, and check the spark plugs and boots for arcing.[1]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]forum.injectorservice.com.ua — Mercedes E280 - не развивает оборотов · forum
2. [2]forums.mbclub.bg — МБ W211 Е 280 4 матик 2007 г проблем с АТ · forum
3. [3]forum.mbclub.lv — Apskatīt tematu - Par MB W211 · forum
4. [4]autoradars.lv — Mercedes-Benz E-klase W211 (2002 - 2009) - AutoRadars.lv · press

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