I agree with the above post.

The only thing to look for with this engine is the headgasket. This engine (M104.992) came out in 1993 in the W124 chassis. The early headgaskets were prone to fail, causing oil leaks. One would think the head gasket would've been fixed by 1997, but I guess you never know. My opinion and those of the mechanics in Southern California that I've talked to is that the M104 is a fantastic engine; smooth, durable, reliable, and very long-lived. The only hurdle to get over is the head gasket repair, if it is a bad one. If it is bad, it is simply an external oil leak, that you can just let go, as long as the leak doesn't get too bad.

I would also like to add that while 1997 is the last year the inline 6 engine was used in this chassis, it was continued to be used in the W140 S class chassis until 1999 as the S320.

Other than that, 1997 is the first year that the w210 chassis got the 5 speed automatic transmission, and there were many updates in subsequent years.

On the whole, $10,000 seems like an incredibly good buy for such a car.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".