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Is the build quality of later Mercedes E Class models inferior?

I am thinking of buying a secondhand Mercedes estate and am looking at the E280 or 320 diesel. Having owned an E270 CDI for nearly ten years which clocked up 240,000 miles from new without any problems, I think the model that followed that one would suit our needs.

However I have heard that the build quality has suffered on the later E280s and 320s and I'd like your thoughts on that.

Asked on 17 November 2012 by IC, Marciac, France

Answered by Honest John
The W211 E Class improved enormously after the Autumn 2006 facelift, to the extent that they came out as the most reliable car in Warranty Direct's own warranty claims statistics. I'm getting reports that the E Class models built in South Africa were not as well-treated against rust as those built in Europe.

More here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-benz/e-clas.../
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