Purpose: Benchmarking, a method for quality assurance has not been very commonly used in higher education with regard to e-learning. Today, e-learning is an integral part of higher education, and so should also be an integral part of quality assurance systems. However, quality indicators, benchmarks and critical success factors on e-learning have not been taken seriously into consideration, nor incorporated in ordinary national or international quality assurance systems. The purpose of this paper is to describe how The European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU) initiated and developed E-xcellence+, a quality benchmarking assessment method and tool. Design/methodology/approach: This paper, which is part of a larger research project on European benchmarking, focuses on experiences from universities taking part in the E-xcellence+ valorization process. Findings: The results showed that benchmarking is a powerful tool to support improved governance and management in higher education, in alignment with national and international quality agencies. The tool can serve for quality improvements in teaching and learning. Additionally, the results showed critical success issues for e-learning. Originality/value: This original paper reports on a Europe-wide study examining benchmarking of e-learning and presents suggestions for tackling quality issues. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)