A Mercedes-Benz with a diesel engine. That once guaranteed a million trouble-free kilometers, but that time is behind us. This is partly due to the complexity of modern technology and the enormous power that the current engines deliver. At the time of the W123 (a distant ancestor of this E and the most produced Mercedes ever), the 220 D had a 2.2 engine with no more than 60 hp. The latest E220 d has a two-liter with 197 hp (mild hybrid), which is also many times cleaner and more economical than that old beast from the 1970s. “My father used to drive Mercedes, which made a big impression on me,” says Peter Maas . “That was the W124, of which I have owned a few myself. A really fantastic, super comfortable car. The five-cylinder diesel is delicious. Not fast, but indestructible. I would have preferred to still drive W124, but I must admit that such an old diesel is not a good option for daily use. My previous car was a 2012 E-class, so much younger than my current car. Before then I briefly drove a C-class, but once you’re used to an E, you don’t want smaller anymore. And then this E220 CDI from a good acquaintance came my way, then with four tons on the clock.”

Maintenance perfect, so no doubts

That good acquaintance is Henk Catsburg, who traveled from his hometown of Goes to Soesterberg especially for this occasion, of course in an E-class. “I drove the E220 CDI for four years. When the car was purchased, it had 200,000 kilometers on the clock and all maintenance was carried out from day one by the same mechanic, Marcel Bekkers. He first worked at the dealer in Den Bosch and later continued as an independent in Veghel under the obvious name MB Service. The engine is still original, just like the timing chain and the automatic gearbox. Original parts are always used, and if necessary, items are replaced preventively. The second maintenance booklet is also almost full.” We are slowly starting to understand why Peter has no doubts whatsoever about the condition of his car. “Normally you don’t buy a car with four tons on the clock. But I know how carefully Henk handles his cars. I also find this model E-class very beautiful. I tend more towards the older models, I admit. I’ve driven 100,000 miles in just over two years, and only regular maintenance has been done in that time. At the last time, the shock absorbers were replaced all around and the seat of the chair was renewed. The cheeks had already been done.”

Soot filter saturated

The stately sedan is not factory new, but the Mercedes looks very good for its age and mileage. “The front and mirror caps were repainted not long ago. In this way, all stone chips are nicely removed. Unfortunately, the sunroof no longer works. One of the steel cables is frayed. In consultation with the garage, the entire system is now switched off and I leave it that way. I rarely drove with the roof down and the repair is quite expensive.” Peter can spend that money on a new soot filter in the foreseeable future. Judge Tim de Leeuw notes a malfunction in the system, even though it is not noticeable while driving. A measurement shows that the emission standard is still being met. Tim: “The soot filter is almost full, which is not surprising given this odometer reading. There is no reason to panic at the moment, but a new one has to be installed. Then I strongly advise you to opt for the original.” Peter had already made that choice. “Buying another car is not an option, then you don’t know what you have, now you do. For the last six years, only Shell V-Power has been put in the tank, which means that the engine runs the best and most economically. Fortunately, Tim has discovered where the rattle comes from, it turns out to be a trifle. And now on to the next hundred thousand kilometers. Who knows, I might hit the million one day, then I’ll report back.”

Owner Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI

Name: Peter Maas
Year of construction: 1978
Place of residence: Bussum
Occupation: Recruiting manager
First car: Volkswagen Golf II 1.6 D
Previous car: 2012 Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI
What would you like to change about your car?: “Nothing, it’s perfect like this.”
What is your longest journey with this car?: “To Switzerland.”

What’s wrong with the Mercedes?

Fault present on the particulate filter (excessive filling level)
Particle measurement is high, but still good for the MOT (487,000 out of 1,000,000)
Open roof and its cover no longer work, also the mood lighting does not work
Color difference in the center console cover
Large star in the front window
Rattle audible in the car, seems to come from a broken exhaust bracket
Xenon lamps seem to give little light
Doors open and close heavily, especially at the back
Engine sweats minimal oil at the top
Rear differential rubber is starting to tear minimally
Metal bushings in the rear trailing arm rubbers are beginning to corrode
Various tires are somewhat cupped and show vertical stroke
Front wheel bearings must be adjusted due to play

The opinion of Carrec Technocenter

“A vehicle in very good condition, both externally and technically. Driving is in no way noticeable that it is a car with high mileage. Tackling the small dots neatly, then you can drive it for years to come, I expect.”