The Mercedes E270 CDI is the mid-size luxury sedan first introduced with the 1999 W210. The E270 CDI is also available with the W211 model. Both of these were extremely popular in Europe when they came out, but are still fairly popular on the 2nd hand market, especially the W211.
Both of these are considered substantially reliable, but you do need to maintain them to as best of your abilities. The most common E270 CDI issues are associated with the engine, oil leaks, overheating issues, a noisy engine, and electronics.
Many of these can destroy a car which means that proper maintenance should be a must. Diesel engines do come with their share of issues and drawbacks, but no one can deny that they are champions when it comes to efficiency, especially if you often cruise at highway speeds.
Either way, the E270 CDI can still be a fairly enjoyable cruiser, even though it is a relatively old car by modern-day standards. Be that as it may, some people are already fed up with comprehensive overly designed cars and just want something simple that works every time, and that’s the E270 CDI in a nutshell.
Mercedes E270 CDI engine issues
The E270 CDI engine is a 2.7L inline 5-cylinder engine with more than 170hp. This engine is continuously praised for its dependability and the ability to overcome a bunch of issues before it finally reaches a few hundred thousand miles. The most common issues with this engine are related to the gasket as it is known to often come loose.
The glow plugs are sometimes known to pop out which can cause engine misfiring. All in all, the engine can sometimes be hesitant and it is not the most responsive engine in the game. Either way, if you do all the scheduled maintenance as intended, the engine is likely going to hold up for decades.
Mercedes E270 CDI oil leaks
The first E270 CDI was first introduced in the late 1990s which means that it is now more than 30 years old. These E270 models are known to go through oil like it’s crazy. The W211 E270 CDI is very much the same as it is also heavy on oil consumption. The reason why this happens is that the car is old, or because the car leaks oil.
If you are looking to buy a used E270 CDI, be sure to go through all of the seals to make sure that oil is not leaking anywhere. If it is, do a pressure test and locate all the leak spots. Chances are that some of the seals have been worn out and need replacing. Flush the entire system and top the car up with brand new oil.
Mercedes E270 CDI overheating issues
One of the most serious issues with the E270 CDI is engine overheating. The reason why this happens is that the engine cooling system is not often able to cool the car down if there is anything wrong with it. Many owners have reported the car going well over the safe threshold, especially if they are heavy on the throttle.
They also state that bleeding the cooling system is not going to help, but if you bleed it and re-pressurize it, you should be good. You should also clean out the radiator fins which tend to get blocked with dirt and debris over time.
Mercedes E270 CDI noisy engine issues
Mercedes is known for making dependable and powerful diesel engines that can last a lifetime, but Mercedes is also a brand that prides itself on being sophisticated and luxurious. Inherently, a diesel engine is never going to be sophisticated, but some brands like VW and Jaguar do know how to make a diesel engine sound refined.
Mercedes joined that gang a few years ago which means that prior Mercedes diesel engines sometimes sound like tractors. The 2.7L inline 5-cylinder found in the E270 CDI is one of those engines because it sounds rattly, especially on idle. Sadly, there is nothing you can do about this.
Mercedes E270 CDI electrical issues
Old Mercedes models struggle with maintaining continuous electrical system functionality. That’s nothing out of the ordinary for almost all car brands, especially because Mercedes always tries to offer you all the features they can. The most common electrical issues with the E270 CDI are associated with exterior lighting, power trunk lid, power windows, and interior cluster screen issues.
The 270 CDI can sometimes suffer from issues associated with the alternator and the battery as well.
Other problems
- Engine misfire or rough running
- Poor fuel economy
- O2 sensor failure
- Turbocharger failure
- Excessive smoke from the exhaust
- Oil leaks
- Loss of power or acceleration
- Poor idle quality
- Brake pads wearing out prematurely
- Electrical system problems
Mercedes E270 CDI models
there are different models of the Mercedes E270 CDI. The most common is the E270 CDI Avantgarde, which has a 2.7 liter V6 turbo diesel engine and is available in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. There is also the E270 CDI Classic, which has a slightly lower power output and is only available in rear-wheel drive.
Other models:
- E270 CDI Elegance
- E270 CDI Sport
- E270 CDI AMG
- E270 CDI Estate
- E270 CDI Long
- E270 CDI 4Matic
- E270 CDI Avantgarde SE
- E270 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
- E270 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Business Edition
- E270 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport Edition
FAQ Section
Which Mercedes E270 CDI should I buy?
The best Mercedes E270 CDI model is undoubtedly the W211, but the later models as they are much more dependable and also newer. Mercedes is one of those brands that continuously makes various adjustments to a car during its production period which makes it more reliable and longer-lasting.
That is why later W211 E270 CDI models are best. Furthermore, the W211 is a lot newer than the W210 because these two do not share many parts with each other. The W210 is now a bit too old to be driven on a daily basis and there are many more interesting old Mercedes models you can buy for the price of the W210.
Why do people like diesel engines?
Diesel fuel is denser with energy than gasoline which means that you get a more efficient experience overall, especially if you often cruise on the highway. Diesel engines are certified haulers which means that most people that use cars for working purposes will opt for a diesel. That is also why most US heavy-duty trucks are diesel.
Some estimates say that diesel cars enjoy a 20%-40% better fuel efficiency when compared to a gasoline-equivalent. Diesel is more reliable, less flammable, and is still very easy to come by.
Does it make sense to buy a used Mercedes luxury sedan?
A used Mercedes luxury sedan is not a car bought by reason, but rather by heart. The reason why is simple, these cars are not the cheapest to maintain while also being expensive for what they are. Some cars like the W211 still hold decent value and you can buy a car that is 10 years newer for the same amount of money.
Is 270 CDI a good engine?
The Mercedes E270 CDI has generally proven to be a reliable engine, with most owners reporting few problems with the engine over the course of its lifetime. It has a good power-to-weight ratio and is capable of reaching high speeds relatively quickly. In terms of fuel economy, the E270 CDI is quite efficient, which makes it a good option for those looking for a reliable, economical engine.
