# Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211)

The Mercedes-Benz W211 is the third generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class made from 2001 to 2009 in sedan/saloon and station wagon/estate configurations – replacing the W210 E-Class models and superseded by the Mercedes-Benz W212 in 2009.
The C219, marketed as the CLS, was introduced as a niche model in 2005, based on W211 mechanicals.
Launched in 2002 for the 2003 model year, the W211 E-Class was another evolution of the previous model. Before North American sales began, the car was shown in the 2002 movie Men in Black II. The W211 development program began in 1997, followed by design work. The final designs were chosen in 1999, and German patents were filed on December 18, 2000 utilizing an E 500 prototype. Development ended in 2001 after 48 months, at a total cost of €2 billion. Pilot production went into testing in the summer of 2001, and the W211 E-Class debuted at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2002.
The W211 Platform was also the base foundation for which the newly reintroduced Chrysler LX cars were engineered from (Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum).

## 2003–2005

The W211 E-Class was unveiled at the January 2002 European Motor Show Brussels featuring twin-headlights, angled slightly rearward. The 2003 E-Class was larger than its predecessors while offering less interior space, particularly in the estate version, than the W210 it replaced. It offered petrol or diesel engines with a choice of rear or four-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz claimed to have reduced the fuel consumption of the new E-Class by up to 0.9 litres per 100 km compared with the outgoing model. The redesigned 2003 model featured electrohydraulic braking system marketed as Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC), which was standard equipment in the E-Class. Options included multicontour front seats and dual control air suspension system marketed as Airmatic DC.
Air suspension was standard equipment in the top-of-the-range E 500 V8 model and was available as an option on all other E-Class models. The W211 is a more complex car than its predecessor, with a programmable serial bus and many automated systems.
The 2003 E-Class was offered in sedan and 5-door station wagon configurations in three trim lines, marketed as Classic, Elegance, and Avantgarde. The W211 was the first E-Class since 1985 equipped with two windshield wipers.
The transmission options were 5 or 7-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. V6, V8, inline-4, and supercharged inline-4 engines were offered. Engine outputs of E 240 and E 270 models from the previous W210 E-Class were given a 5 kW increase to 130 kW, while the E 500 uses the 225 kW 5.0-litre V8 from the W220 S-Class to supersede the W210 E 430. The E 320 remained unchanged, producing 165 kW of power.

### E 320 CDI

The E 320 CDI used the 3,222 cc (3.222 L; 196.6 cu in) in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine, OM648, that made 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) at 4,200 rpm and 500 N⋅m (369 lb⋅ft) at 1,800–2,600 rpm.
Engines were updated as part of the facelift, and the new 320 CDI was powered by a 2987 cc OM642 V6 engine delivering 224 hp at 3,800 rpm and 540 N⋅m (398 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–2,800 rpm.

### E 400 CDI

The E 400 CDI used Mercedes-Benz's OM628 3,996 cc (3.996 L; 243.9 cu in) V8 diesel engine, that made 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) at 4,000 rpm and 560 N⋅m (413 lb⋅ft) at 1,700–2,600 rpm.

### E 55 AMG (2003–2006)

The second generation E 55 AMG debuted in September 2002 at the Paris Motor Show. It debuted as the fastest production sedan in the world. The E 55 AMG was also offered in an estate version for later model years.

#### E 55 Powertrain

The E 55 AMG is powered by the M113K engine, a 5.4 L V8 with a Lysholm type supercharger manufactured by IHI. The E 55's engine won International Performance Engine of the Year for 2003. The E 55's engine, although the same as the one in the SL55 AMG, had less horsepower, at 476 PS (350 kW; 469 hp) and 516 lb⋅ft (700 N⋅m) of torque. The difference in power is due to a smaller-diameter, longer-length exhaust system in the E 55.
The supercharged 5.4 L V8 engine was mated to the Speedshift 5-speed automatic transmission, which has a torque capacity of 796 lb⋅ft (1,079 N⋅m), as the newer 7G-Tronic introduced in 2003 is limited to 542 lb⋅ft (735 N⋅m), not enough to handle the torque from the supercharged V8.

#### E 55 suspension, brakes, wheels & tires

E 55 came with an AMG tuned Airmatic suspension with 3 different driving modes as well as the ability to significantly raise the car. The E 55 features 14.2 in (360 mm) cross drilled disc brakes at the front with 8 piston calipers. The rear brakes consist of 13-inch (330 mm) discs and 4 piston calipers. The E 55 came with 245/40/18 tires up front and 265/35/18 in the rear with performance tires on the standard AMG 18" split spoke wheels.

#### E 55 Performance

Car and Driver reported in their testing that the E 55 AMG was faster than the SL55 AMG. The E 55 AMG was the fastest four door car in Mercedes-Benz's lineup at the time. While the E 55 could accelerate from 0-100 mph (161 km/h) in 9.8 seconds, it took the Audi RS6 11 seconds. The E 55 was the fastest production sedan available until Mercedes-Benz released the S65 AMG. However, Car and Driver criticized the brakes on the E 55, chastising them for being difficult to modulate, and said that the car as a whole felt 'aloof'.
Car and Driver also tested an E 55 AMG Wagon, which weighs 256 lb (116 kg) more than the sedan. They found that it accelerated from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.1 seconds and 0–100 mph (0–161 km/h) in 9.7 seconds.
The E 55 was a sales success, being the best selling AMG until the release of the C 63 AMG.

## 2006–2009 (mid-generational refresh)

The W211 was updated in 2006 for the 2007 model year. There was new standard and optional equipment, which enabled the W211 to hold its own against its competitors. Sensotronic was dropped due to customer complaints about its software, while Pre-Safe (w/o autonomous braking) was made standard. The announced vehicle was unveiled at the 2006 New York International Auto Show. In total, 29 model variants were available, with 16 Saloons and 13 Estates. New standard equipment included PRE-SAFE active protection, NECK-PRO head restraints, flashing brake lights, tyre pressure monitor. The optional Intelligent Light System included bi-xenon headlamps and 5 different lighting functions. The bodies were restyled including the front grill, rear view mirror, side mirrors, redesigned headlamps, front spoiler, rear lights, gear knob and steering wheel.
Coinciding with the minor model update, the largest factory built engine in the E-class range, the E 500 (badged E 550 in some countries), had its engine size increased from 5 litres to 5.5 litres in 2006.

### E 63 AMG (2007–2009)

The E 63 AMG was the refreshed high-performance model of the W211, replacing the E 55 AMG. Besides the Saloon, it was also offered in the Estate body style similarly to the E 55 AMG estate model to compete with the new wagon versions of the BMW M5 (E61) and Audi RS 6 (C6), though those two high-performance wagons were never sold in North America.
This engine had a high-pressure die-cast alloy cylinder block with twin-wire arc spray coated running surfaces. Compression ratio is 11.3:1. According to many auto journalists, the E 63 AMG was one of the quickest production sports sedans in the world. Both the sedan (saloon) and wagon had a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 4.3 seconds. Compared to the previous E 55 AMG, the E 63 AMG had more horsepower but less torque, enabling it to be mated to the newer 7G-Tronic automatic transmission.
While the E 500 and E 550 had the standard Mercedes Airmatic DC suspension with adaptive damping, the E 63 AMG had the AMG-tuned Airmatic suspension which with the stability control turned off gave it far better driving dynamics than its non-AMG predecessors.
The AMG Performance package P030 added electronic speed limiter deletion, limited-slip rear differential, Alcantara sports steering wheel, stiffer valving Airmatic suspension over the standard AMG tuned Airmatic, AMG 18-inch (460 mm), 5-spoke multi-piece wheels, and optional AMG carbon fibre trim.

### E-Guard (2006–2008)

The E-Guard was an armoured version with category B4 protection level, introduced in July 2006. Engine choices included E 320 CDI, E 350, and E 500. The vehicles were reinforced with steel and aramid. Other safety equipment included Michelin MOExtended run-flat tyres with pressure loss warning system. All three models had an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph).

### E 300 BlueTEC (2007–2009)

Common rail Direct Injection with a 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, launched in the US as the E 320 BlueTEC in 2007 and in Europe as the E 300 BlueTEC in 2008. The W211 never had a urea injection system throughout its production. The Bluetec name was only adopted to have consistency between the petrol and diesel nomenclature.

## Mechanical
### Engines

There was a wider range of engines available in Europe than North America and other markets.
| Model (model years) | Type | Power at rpm | Torque at rpm | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) (seconds) | Drive |
| Petrol engines ||||||
| E 200 KOMPRESSOR (2003–2006) | 1.8 L (1,796 cc; 109.6 cu in) M271 KE18ML Supercharged I4 | 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) | 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) | 10.7 | RWD |
| E 200 KOMPRESSOR (2006–2009) | 1.8 L (1,796 cc; 109.6 cu in) M271 KE18ML Supercharged I4 | 184 PS (135 kW; 181 hp) | 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) | 9.1 – 9.4 | RWD |
| E 230 (2007-2009) | 2.5 L (2,496 cc; 152.3 cu in) M272 E25 V6 | 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) at 6,100 | 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft) at 2,900–5,500 | 8.9 – 9.1 | RWD |
| E 240 (2003-2005) | 2.6 L (2,598 cc; 158.5 cu in) M112 E26 V6 | 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) at 6,200 | 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft) at 2,900 | 8.9 – 10.6 | RWD & 4WD |
| E 280 (2006-2009) | 3.0 L (2,996 cc; 182.8 cu in) M272 E30 V6 | 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp) at 6,000 | 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 2,700–5,000 | 7.3 – 7.8 | RWD & 4WD |
| E 320 (2003-2005) | 3.2 L (3,199 cc; 195.2 cu in) M112 E32 V6 | 221 PS (163 kW; 218 hp) at 5,600 | 315 N⋅m (232 lb⋅ft) at 3,000–4,800 | 7.7 –8.4 | RWD & 4WD |
| E 350 (2005-2009) | 3.5 L (3,498 cc; 213.5 cu in) M272 E35 V6 | 272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp) at 6,000 | 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 2,400–5,000 | 6.9 – 7.1 | RWD & 4WD |
| E 350 CGI (2007-2009) | 3.5 L (3,498 cc; 213.5 cu in) M272 E35 V6 | 292 PS (215 kW; 288 hp) at 6,400 | 365 N⋅m (269 lb⋅ft) at 3,000–5,100 | 6.8 | RWD |
| E 500 (2003-2006) | 5.0 L (4,966 cc; 303.0 cu in) M113 E50 V8 | 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) at 5,600 | 460 N⋅m (339 lb⋅ft) at 2,700 | 6.0 – 6.3 | RWD & 4WD |
| E 500 (E 550 in US/Canada) (2006-2009) | 5.5 L (5,461 cc; 333.3 cu in) M273 E55 V8 | 387 PS (285 kW; 382 hp) at 6,000 | 530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 | 4.8 – 5.3 | RWD & 4WD |
| E 55 AMG (2003-2006) | 5.4 L (5,439 cc; 331.9 cu in) M113 E55 Supercharged V8 | 476 PS (350 kW; 469 hp) at 6,100 | 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) at 2,650 | 4.3 | RWD |
| E 63 AMG (2006-2009) | 6.2 L (6,208 cc; 378.8 cu in) M156 V8 | 514 PS (378 kW; 507 hp) at 6,800 | 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) at 5,200 | 4.5 (4.6 for Estate version) | RWD |
| Petrol/CNG engines ||||||
| E 200 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY | 1.8 L (1,796 cc; 109.6 cu in) M271 KE18ML Supercharged I4 | 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) | 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) | 10.7 | RWD |
| Diesel engines ||||||
| E 200 CDI (2003–2005) | 2.1 L (2,148 cc; 131.1 cu in) OM646 DE22 LA R I4 | 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) at 4,200 | 270 N⋅m (199 lb⋅ft) | 12.1 | RWD |
| E 200 CDI (2006–2009) | 2.1 L (2,148 cc; 131.1 cu in) OM646 DE22 LA EVO R I4 | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 3,800 | 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft) | 9.9 | RWD |
| E 220 CDI (2003–2005) | 2.1 L (2,148 cc; 131.1 cu in) OM646 DE22 LA I4 | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 3,800 - 4,200 | 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft) | 10.6 | RWD |
| E 220 CDI (2006–2009) | 2.1 L (2,148 cc; 131.1 cu in) OM646 DE22 LA EVO I4 | 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 3,800 | 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) | 9.1 | RWD |
| E 270 CDI (2003–2005) | 2.7 L (2,685 cc; 163.8 cu in) OM647 DE27 I5 | 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) at 4,200 | 400–425 N⋅m (295–313 lb⋅ft) | 9.3 | RWD |
| E 280 CDI (2004–2005) | 3.2 L (3,222 cc; 196.6 cu in) OM648 DE32 LA I6 | 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) at 4,200 | 425 N⋅m (313 lb⋅ft) | 7,6 – 8,6 | RWD |
| E 280 CDI (2005–2009) | 3.0 L (2,987 cc; 182.3 cu in) OM642 DE30 V6 | 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) at 4,000 | 440 N⋅m (325 lb⋅ft) | 7.0 – 7.4 | RWD & 4WD |
| E 300 BlueTEC (2007–2008) | 3.0 L (2,987 cc; 182.3 cu in) OM642 DE30 V6 | 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) at 3,400 | 540 N⋅m (398 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–2,400 | 7.2 | RWD |
| E 320 BlueTEC (2006-2009) | 3.0 L (2,987 cc; 182.3 cu in) OM642 DE30 V6 | 208 PS (153 kW; 205 hp) at 3,800 | 540 N⋅m (398 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–2,400 | 7.2 | RWD |
| E 320 CDI (2003–2005) | 3.2 L (3,222 cc; 196.6 cu in) OM648 DE32 LA I6 | 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) at 4,200 | 500 N⋅m (369 lb⋅ft) at 1,800–2,600 | 7.7 | RWD |
| E 320 CDI (2006-2009) | 3.0 L (2,987 cc; 182.3 cu in) OM642 DE30 V6 | 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp) at 3,800 | 510–540 N⋅m (376–398 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–2,800 | 6.8 – 7.4 | RWD & 4WD |
| E 400 CDI (2003-2005) | 4.0 L (3,996 cc; 243.9 cu in) OM628 DE40 V8 | 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) at 4,000 | 560 N⋅m (413 lb⋅ft) at 1,700-2,600 | 6.9 | RWD |
| E 420 CDI (2006-2009) | 4.0 L (3,996 cc; 243.9 cu in) OM629 DE40 V8 | 314 PS (231 kW; 310 hp) at 3,600 | 730 N⋅m (538 lb⋅ft) at 2,200 | 5.2 | RWD |
* 2006-2009 E 500 are known as the E 550 in US, Canada.
* E 500 was sold with 5.0L in US, Canada for 2003–2006, and as the E 550 with 5.5L after 2007.
* E 300 BlueTEC was sold as E 320 BlueTEC in US, Canada.
* E 280 4MATIC was sold as E 300 4MATIC in Canada.
* E 240 was sold as E 260 in Indonesia
* Note that some models (i.e.: E 280, E 350, E 280 CDI) are introduced with the M272 and OM642 engines in pre-facelift form

### Transmissions

Optional equipment: 5-Speed Automatic – code 42/3 in the data-card; 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) – code
2/7 in the data-card; Up to approx. 07/2005:
| Model | Standard | Optional |
| E 200 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 220 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 270 CDI | 6-speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 280 CDI | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 320 CDI | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 400 CDI | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 200 KOMPRESSOR | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 240 | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 240 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 320 | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 350 | 7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 350 4MATIC | 5-speed Automatic | - |
| E 500 | 7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 500 4MATIC | 5-speed Automatic | - |
| E 55 AMG | 5-speed Automatic | - |
From 07/2005:
| Model | Standard | Optional |
| E 200 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 220 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 280 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) |
| E 280 CDI 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | |
| E 320 CDI | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 320 CDI 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 200 KOMPRESSOR | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 280 | 6-Speed Manual | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) |
| E 280 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 350 | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 350 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 500 | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 500 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 55 AMG | 5-speed Automatic | - |
From 09/2005:
| Model | Standard | Optional |
| E 200 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 220 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 280 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) |
| E 280 CDI 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 320 CDI | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 320 CDI 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 420 CDI | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 200 KOMPRESSOR | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 280 | 6-Speed Manual | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) |
| E 280 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 350 | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 350 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 500 | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 500 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 55 AMG | 5-speed Automatic | - |
From 01/2006:
| Model | Standard | Optional |
| E 200 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 220 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 280 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) |
| E 280 CDI 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 320 CDI | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 320 CDI 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 420 CDI | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 200 KOMPRESSOR | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 280 | 6-Speed Manual | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) |
| E 280 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 350 | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 350 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 500 | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 500 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 63 AMG | 7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
From 09/2007:
| Model | Standard | Optional |
| E 200 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 220 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 280 CDI | 6-Speed Manual | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) |
| E 280 CDI 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 300 BlueTEC (from 12/2007) | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 320 CDI | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 320 CDI 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 420 CDI | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 200 KOMPRESSOR | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic |
| E 200 NGT | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 230 | 6-Speed Manual (up to 09/2007 with 7G-TRONIC) | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC, from 09/2007) |
| E 280 | 6-Speed Manual | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) |
| E 280 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 350 | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 350 CGI (from 12/2007) | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 350 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 550 | 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
| E 550 4MATIC | 5-Speed Automatic | - |
| E 63 AMG | 7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) | - |
From 04/2008: The same, except:
| Model | Standard | Optional |
| E 200 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY | 5-Speed Automatic | - |

### Safety

| Euro NCAP adult occupant: | |
| Euro NCAP pedestrian: | |
| IIHS overall frontal offset score: | Good |
| IIHS overall side crash test score: | Acceptable |
NHTSA crash test ratings (2007): :
* Frontal Driver:
* Frontal Passenger:
* Side Driver:
* Side Rear Passenger:
* Rollover:

## Sales

On 19 December 2008, Mercedes-Benz announced it had delivered 1.5 million units of W211 E-Class vehicles, with 1,270,000 sedans and 230,000 wagons.
US and Germany sales
| US Calendar Year | Sales |
| 2003 | 55,683 |
| 2004 | 58,954 |
| 2005 | 50,383 |
| 2006 | 50,195 |
| 2007 | 48,950 |
| 2008 | 38,576 |