Buying a second-hand Mercedes-Benz is worth more than buying some of the new standard cars. You get more features, luxury, safety, and excellent performance. But some older Mercedes models are better than others.
The 2008 W211 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the best old Mercedes model to buy. Not only is this car reliable, but it also comes with lots of high-end features that will make your ride comfortable and memorable. It’s among the few Mercedes models that rank above average in reliability ratings.
In addition to the 2008 W211 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, there are some notable mentions like the 2004 CLS-Class, 2010 W212 E-Class, 1994 500E, Mercedes SLS AMG, S-Class W140, and Mercedes G-Class. These cars are not only reliable, but very iconic as well.
Even though Mercedes-Benz has a reputation for unreliable cars, not all of its models are unreliable. For instance, The Mercedes E-Class is among the most reliable cars on the market. Despite most vintage Mercedes cars being unreliable, the Mercedes W211 to W213 E-Class have always been reliable.
So, even if you decide to buy an old W211 Mercedes E-Class model, it doesn’t mean that you’re getting low quality or unreliable car. The W211 E-Class model was discontinued in 2009, but this model still reigns on the road.
Features of the 2008 W211 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Appearance
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class had sedan and wagon body styles. Both of them are beautifully designed and very appealing to the eye. The cars come with a classic and elegant Mercedes-Benz grille and roundish headlamps. They also have AMG versions for people who want high-performance models.
When it comes to the interior, the 2008 W211 E-Class is spacious with ample legroom and headroom. The material and finish are top-notch, exhibiting luxury and opulence. The user interface is also well organized with a high-end infotainment system. It has a seating capacity of 5 and is also very comfortable.
Performance
Performance-wise, the 2008 E-Class was among the most powerful sedans on the market when it was released. Even though this model had a lot of engine options, the W211 was fitted with a powerful engine that delivered up to 469-hp in its E55 AMG version. At the time, this was the world’s fastest production sedan.
Users had other engine options to pick from, including the 3.5-liter V6 engine, 5.5-liter V8 engine, and 6.2-liter V8 engine. The 3.5-liter engine had an all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive system, while the other two had only a rear-wheel-drive system.
This 4-door sedan also has a 7-speed shiftable automatic transmission with a combined mpg of 19. The V6 engine that the W211 was fitted with was smooth, quiet, and very powerful, making it an exceptional car.
Safety
In terms of safety, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class followed its predecessors. The car was fitted with some of the best safety features at that time. Regardless of its age, the car is still safe, even to date. It boasts of several safety features such as a post-collision safety system, stability control, traction control, pre-collision safety system, and much more.
Price
A new 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan cost just north of $51,000, while an old or used model goes for around $15,000. If you intend to buy a used model, it’s best if you get a certified pre-owned vehicle. Also, have it inspected and make sure it was be well-maintained.
FAQ
Which old Mercedes-Benz is most reliable?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the most reliable Mercedes on the market. And the most reliable Mercedes-Benz E-Class ever built is the 2008 W211 Mercedes E-Class. On top of that, this car is powerful, spacious, luxurious, and comfortable to drive.
Is it worth buying a 10-year-old Mercedes-Benz?
It depends on how the Mercedes has been maintained. If the car is well-maintained and in good condition, the age or miles covered isn’t an issue. The car can last for several years if you continue maintaining it as needed. However, the model also matters, as some models are more reliable than others.
Which car is cheaper to maintain – Mercedes or BMW?
Luxury cars are more expensive to maintain than regular cars because they have many moving parts. Both Mercedes and BMW are some of the most expensive luxury cars to maintain. However, Mercedes is slightly cheaper to maintain, as it doesn’t have as many issues as BMW.
On average, it will cost you about $900 to maintain a Mercedes-Benz annually, while it will cost you $60 extra to maintain a BMW annually. Audi is worse, but it has improved over the years. One of the things that make BMWs expensive to maintain is a battery change, which costs around $400.
What is the best Mercedes ever?
The title of the best Mercedes-Benz ever made goes to the 1963 300SL Gullwing. This is an iconic car that made many people fall in love with Mercedes. Featuring the gullwing doors, this model left jaws dropping as it was a magnificent piece of design and class.
Powered by a 3.0-liter straight-6, the 300SL gullwing was among the most powerful sports car of that time. The car had coupe and roadster options. It was once used as a race car and was very popular after WWII. Today, the 300SL Gullwing fetches millions of dollars in the resale market.
Is Mercedes reliable after 100k miles?
It depends on how you maintain the car. If you service it as recommended, the car shouldn’t have a lot of problems. But if you don’t, then you will likely have lots of issues. With that said, it also depends on the model. Some models develop problems as early as after 70,000 miles, while others take longer to have issues.
Research the Mercedes model that you intend to buy and find out if it develops problems faster or if it’s reliable. All-in-all, most Mercedes models are reliable and will last over 100,000 miles. If properly maintained, some will even do over 200k or 300k miles, such as the 1994 Mercedes 500E.
Final thoughts
The best older Mercedes-Benz model to buy is the 2008 W211 Mercedes E-Class. This car is not only reliable, durable and safe to drive, but it’s among the fastest sedans ever built. It’s also comfortable and spacious, making it ideal for a family.