w210 dilema - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Sorin · #1 01-23-2006, 10:43 AM

I have a dilema and i need ideas/advices/experience anything is welcome!!

so the more i think the more i want to swap my jetta for a W210
i'm just in the beginig of this so still i have a lot to read/think

The jetta has 150.000 Km and still has a pretty good value in qc canada.
The positive points for keeping the jetta is that so far is been very reliable, good fuel economy fun to drive,manual and fast.
The negativ points for it, is NOT an MB

so the confort is not as quiet what i would expect, the rear seats suck.
no eletric seats, i rarely find a confortable position

For the w210 diesel I want something around 150-200k km leather seats, i really love their look, have to drive one to really see how it feels, my price range is around 20k canadian peanuts

now the questions the w210 have been produced from 1995-1999, is there a "better" year do they have the same engine for the diesel version ?
i seen an 134hp output and sometime an 177hp output do they have 2 engines fo the diesel ver ?

are they reliable ?
what's their fuel economy with the jetta i always get 7l/100km zipping at 140km/h and traffic
7.5 l-8 in the summer with the bigger tires and roof rack

if i buy it in the states is it hard to get it over to canada since is not 15 years old ? (don't mind paying the taxes)

aklim · #2 01-23-2006, 11:07 AM

98 - 99 they were turbocharged and intercooled. Before that, they were NA. They have Glow Plug problems because they tend to snap off in the head and Spring Perch problems. With my 99 E300 I am getting 30 mpg cruising with a little city in it. 288 7431

Matt L · #3 01-23-2006, 06:34 PM

I'm surprised that you don't do better than that with the turbocharger. I consistently get over 30mpg with my '96. Usually about 31.5 in my normal driving, which is almost all highway.

I assume that the two HP ratings are for NA and turbocharged. I can tell you that while the NA version is a bit slow, it's quite drivable.

I would advise against looking for one with leather seats, unless you are also looking for the orthapaedic seat option. The base seats are MB Tex, which is a rather tough vinyl, and much better than the vinyl you find in other brands. MB Tex actually holds up much better than leather.

Sorin · #4 01-23-2006, 06:51 PM

the more i look at them the more i want one

the fuel consuption is nice only +- 1l/100km more.
Never seen MBtex but heard that is good so i'll look for it
(ortophedic seats means that it has lumbar support?)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

I'm surprised that you don't do better than that with the turbocharger. I consistently get over 30mpg with my '96. Usually about 31.5 in my normal driving, which is almost all highway.

I assume that the two HP ratings are for NA and turbocharged. I can tell you that while the NA version is a bit slow, it's quite drivable.

I would advise against looking for one with leather seats, unless you are also looking for the orthapaedic seat option. The base seats are MB Tex, which is a rather tough vinyl, and much better than the vinyl you find in other brands. MB Tex actually holds up much better than leather.

klaus kallas · #5 01-25-2006, 11:16 AM

I have a '97 E300D with 161,xxx miles. It is a decent car quality wise, but does not even come close to the older (80's) diesels.

My likes:

It's beautiful (in my opinion)
Well laid out interior
Averages about 29.5 mpg (mostly commuter traffic)
Suprisingly easy maintainence

My dislikes:

Lots of electronics
The "lifetime" tranny fluid (lasted 120K until new tranny, man I wish they sold manual diesels here)
EGR set up (easily by-passed, though)
Rack and Pinion "am I driving a Taurus?" steering

Overall a good machine but it does not inspire the confidence of my older cars. Also, you mentioned leather. Personally, I'd go for MB tex. It looks and feels about 90% like the real thing and lasts about 2,000 times longer. I think most owners would back me up on that.

Good luck in your search!

Sorin · #6 01-25-2006, 11:44 AM

Thanks for the reply

I found a 1997, I have to call the guy ask the mileage/maintenace, asking price 13K canadian, almost the same price that i could sell my Jetta.

the 1997 is the one with 134HP ? is more then my pimp-out Ghetta.
I will take for a test drive to see the handling/performance

i have an 82 300SD but is rusting/rusted to hell... the engine will outlast the frame, i made the decision NOT to invest anymore in a rusting car, my gf likes the 1995 MB gaz, or the audi's form 1996-1998, I'm trying to talk her into a Volvo gaz (doesn't rust, look cool event after 10-15 years, lots of power !! and I have an honest volvo/mb mechanics/car dealer 5 min from my house..)

the jetta feels and handles very well, change the brakes to Brembo, suspension from a 1.8 GTI, but i like the looks og the W210 better and the handling/confort will be better... i can barerly find a confortable position in the Jetta, that's why i want leather seats with the orthopedic option

so i guess i'm at the cross roads with those 2 cars!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by klaus kallas

I have a '97 E300D with 161,xxx miles. It is a decent car quality wise, but does not even come close to the older (80's) diesels.

My likes:

It's beautiful (in my opinion)
Well laid out interior
Averages about 29.5 mpg (mostly commuter traffic)
Suprisingly easy maintainence

My dislikes:

Lots of electronics
The "lifetime" tranny fluid (lasted 120K until new tranny, man I wish they sold manual diesels here)
EGR set up (easily by-passed, though)
Rack and Pinion "am I driving a Taurus?" steering

Overall a good machine but it does not inspire the confidence of my older cars. Also, you mentioned leather. Personally, I'd go for MB tex. It looks and feels about 90% like the real thing and lasts about 2,000 times longer. I think most owners would back me up on that.

Good luck in your search!

Sorin · #7 01-25-2006, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorin

Thanks for the reply

I found a 1997, I have to call the guy ask the mileage/maintenace, asking price 13K canadian, almost the same price that i could sell my Jetta.

the 1997 is the one with 134HP ? is more then my pimp-out Ghetta.
I will take for a test drive to see the handling/performance

i have an 82 300SD but is rusting/rusted to hell... the engine will outlast the frame, i made the decision NOT to invest anymore in a rusting car, my gf likes the 1995 MB gaz, or the audi's form 1996-1998, I'm trying to talk her into a Volvo gaz (doesn't rust, look cool event after 10-15 years, lots of power !! and I have an honest volvo/mb mechanics/car dealer 5 min from my house..)

the jetta feels and handles very well, change the brakes to Brembo, suspension from a 1.8 GTI, but i like the looks og the W210 better and the handling/confort will be better... i can barerly find a confortable position in the Jetta, that's why i want leather seats with the orthopedic option

so i guess i'm at the cross roads with those 2 cars!!

Talk to the seller it has 286.000 Km and he says he's done all the maintenace at the dealership, it gave me the serial number, aperently i can call MB and get confirmation of the maintenace record.

will go for a test drive today.
I'm a bit hesitant to switch for an older car depeneds how it feels and I'll go from there.

Fuzzball · #8 01-25-2006, 07:02 PM

Just wait till you see the difference in leg room between that E300d and your SD. It's like getting out of your SD and into the Jetta...

Love the car...just need to be able to get about 5 more inches of leg room.

aklim · #9 01-25-2006, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

I'm surprised that you don't do better than that with the turbocharger. I consistently get over 30mpg with my '96. Usually about 31.5 in my normal driving, which is almost all highway.

I assume that the two HP ratings are for NA and turbocharged. I can tell you that while the NA version is a bit slow, it's quite drivable.

I would advise against looking for one with leather seats, unless you are also looking for the orthapaedic seat option. The base seats are MB Tex, which is a rather tough vinyl, and much better than the vinyl you find in other brands. MB Tex actually holds up much better than leather.

As I see it, the turbo lets me get the performance out of it without the penalty of gas mileage. One of these days I will have to take it for an extended cruise only and see what I can get. I have a heavy foot and enjoy romping on it every now and then.

That depends on who is telling the story. My wife feels that the 99 C280 was kinda poochy and even the turbo 210 was considered even worse. It was barely acceptable after I chipped it.

MB Tex is cheaper and you probably won't notice much of a difference. I of course don't care for leather and prefer cloth seats.

I don't mind the electronics. Makes driving more comfortable, IMO. As to the tranny, it is a 722.6 and they said it is a lifetime fill because it is a sealed unit. I of course don't go for that since I tend to abuse the car. So, at 65K, I had a tech drop the pan and change the fluid and filter. also drained the Torque Converter. The fluid wasn't bad and was certainly good but it looked used.

DieselAddict · #10 01-25-2006, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzball

Just wait till you see the difference in leg room between that E300d and your SD. It's like getting out of your SD and into the Jetta...

Love the car...just need to be able to get about 5 more inches of leg room.

What are you talking about? The SWB W126 and W210 have about the same interior room.

Sorin · #11 01-25-2006, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

What are you talking about? The SWB W126 and W210 have about the same interior room.

okay i went for a test drive

good points

loved the interior really looks neat
no rust/paintchips the car looked new
the engine looked dirty (good is an old car..) no leaks of oil or liquids
confort is amazing and the car has a heavy/impresive/don't f00k with me attitude/look
completly loved the seating and how you see the road and the seating position... very very impressive

dislikes

too slow (maybe i should've try accelerating in the 3rd)
don't know what it was but when i punched it it hesitated (like getting "drowned" didn't liked the sound... a bit noise when i was pushing it
the steering feels like a boat (or as a taurus as someone said)
the guy doesn't know the difference between leather and MBTex and is trying to sell it as leather....

one question it had an W and S button near the transmission.. what is that for ? it was on the S

and another not working button for the headreast?? or so it was the little drawing on the button

also it had "defective lamp" sign on the dash

so in conclusion it is a fine automobile but I would get the turbo version as the accelaration was the no go point for me (it would make a perfect car for the wife if she wants..)

thanks to everyone for the replys !!!

aklim · #12 01-25-2006, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorin

dislikes

too slow (maybe i should've try accelerating in the 3rd)
don't know what it was but when i punched it it hesitated (like getting "drowned" didn't liked the sound... a bit noise when i was pushing it

the steering feels like a boat (or as a taurus as someone said)

the guy doesn't know the difference between leather and MBTex and is trying to sell it as leather....

one question it had an W and S button near the transmission.. what is that for ? it was on the S

and another not working button for the headreast?? or so it was the little drawing on the button

also it had "defective lamp" sign on the dash

so in conclusion it is a fine automobile but I would get the turbo version as the accelaration was the no go point for me (it would make a perfect car for the wife if she wants..)

thanks to everyone for the replys !!!

I haven't seen a stock diesel that was quick or peppy yet as compared to a gas model so if that is what you are looking for, think gas.

Wierd thing about the steering but it does feel tighter than my truck or other cars. Same with the wife's C280.

Maybe he knows but hopes you don't. Which costs more? Leather or MB Tex? With that, you have your answer.

"W" is for George Bush.

Winter or Summer. If you are in Winter mode, it starts out in Gear 2. Summer starts in Gear 1.

Not sure.

Either defective or some bad contact. I kept having the fog lamp as defective. It would come on after I rapped it a little. One day I got fed up and took it out and cleaned the contacts and added a little dielectric grease. Problem solved.

greasybenz · #13 01-26-2006, 01:56 AM

why dont you look for a TDI passat. your in canada so i know you guys have alot more diesel options then the US does. We have a 05 passat and its faster and more "peppy" then the 1.8T gas passat we had. and its been averaging 50mpg's which we are amazed by because usually PD tdi's dont get the best mileage compared to non PD tdi's. Take a look at a newer TDI trust me you might like them.

Rick Miley · #14 01-26-2006, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorin

and another not working button for the headreast?? or so it was the little drawing on the button

If you're talking about the button on the dash board, that is to lower the rear seat headrests. They are raised manually, but lowered via the button. First time rear seat passengers almost always play with the headrests and then ask me how to lower them because they protrude too far forward.

DieselAddict · #15 01-26-2006, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greasybenz

We have a 05 passat and its faster and more "peppy" then the 1.8T gas passat we had.

The same is true for the E320 CDI when compared to a gas E320 from what I've read. Of course the CDI has a turbo and the gasser doesn't, but the advantage of putting a turbo on a diesel is that it has a minimal if any effect on the fuel economy, unlike with a gasser. But I like non-turbos as well... fewer parts that can fail, less potential for oil leaks and smoke on acceleration, and less stress on the engine, though they are definitely slower.