Which is the best year for a w210 diesel? Totaled my 300SDL
 

My wife totaled my almost mint 1986 300sdl, had an accident, ran it off road and went over something that ripped the upper and lower oil pans off the bottom of the engine...... so, I'm looking to replace my baby (the car) LOL!)

Anyway, want opinions on the w210 diesels.

Thanks in advance.

The '98-99 turbodiesel is a nice car, lots more power and torque than the '96-97 non-turbo cars, especially from a standing start. The 5-speed electronic transmission is also supposed to be very nice. Beyond that, I don't think there's a lot to distinguish one from another. The earlier '96 cars were somewhat less electronic than later in the 1996 model year--no DAS, no transponder ring around the ignition switch. 1998 and later have an electronic ignition switch, no more metal key.

Thanks a lot, Jeremy
 

I had a 1997 w210 E320 was the worst Benz I ever owned.... so, I've been leery about the W210 chassis

If you can afford it, skip ahead to a W211.

I have a 98 and I love it.

The 98 and 99 are preferable to the 96 and 97 as the 96 and 97 are non turbo.
96 still has the 722.3 4 speed mechanically controlled transmission. 97 and up got the 722.6 5 speed with computer integration.
The 98 also brought a bunch of minor improvements.

I think you won't go wrong with either. Just be sure to find one with good maintenance and documentation. One thing to watch on the 210s is corrosion. Southern/western states are better for this.

All that said, is your 126 too far gone to fix? If the engine lower end was damaged you should be able to find another 603 quite readily.

Don't write off you current car yet. Have it looked at by a shop that likes cars and can give you a actual estimate rather than an insurance "we what it gone" estimate.

w126,mine's 32 years old same trans,same motor,360,000 miles.Real metal front end parts,not stamped metal like my w140.

Buy the best condition W210 you can find regardless of model years, turbo or non turbo. Watch out for rust. The non turbos are still quicker than the 300SDL.

Make that 722.4 4-speed AT.

I think '99s have rear door side airbags that '98s don't have, if that matters.

Don't skip the opportunity to check the 05-06 211 while you're shopping. IMO the 210 still feels like a Diesel compared with the 211.

Sixto
83 300SD

The 99. I bought one from new, and while it was a very nice car,, there was nothing to predict it's future somewhat chronic problems that are well written about here.

Definitely go with a W211 05 / 06 E320 CDI, if at all possible.
I am glad I made the upgrade out of the 99 e300 almost 3 years ago.

Are you getting any insurance money on the deal? That could give you more options here dealing with the old car.

I had a 99 e330 wagon from new. I agree with much that has been said... It's a generation that you want to skip. While the gas engine isnt the diesel engine, I never had a problem with the engine, other than sensors My biggest problems were chronic rust, always broken electronics, and a/c problems. And these issues cant be unique to the gas cars.

"Chronic," seems to be the word Mxfrank, and myself have experienced. I was disappointed as the list grew on my W210. Fortunately, rust wasn't an issue in inland Texas on my garaged example, since new. However, rust seems to be across the board in the more harsh climates, or, if the car is near the seaboard and high humidity areas.

Yes you're right, it's a .4 transmission in the first 210s.

99 added the following features that a 98 does not have:
- air bags in all 4 doors, 98 just has the front
- Becker 3302 stereo with the D2B fiber bus, 98 has the 1692 that is still analog copper wired to the amp.
- updated dash display and steering wheel controls.

I also agree the 210 was the last of the MBs with the classic heart and soul. I think the 211s were the beginning of the 'corporate' era when Chrysler took hold.

I love my 98....and you can find good examples of a 98/99 in the $4000 range. But I agree with GregMN: if you can pull together $8000 or so, an 05/06 CDI is the way to go.