I'm considering getting an E320 wagon up to the 2003 model year. I do not like the later ones, and I want to avoid anything older than about 1999. I am biased toward a 4MATIC, but interested in opinions about whether it is worth it or not.

I have heard that the early E320 wagons had problems, particularly with the transmissions. In my mind I have pretty much decided to focus on 2002 and 2003 models, with a bias toward 2003. Any opinions?

While we're at it, I'm interested in thoughts on the Bose sound system--I do appreciate a good audio system, so I'm wondering if I should put this on my "must have" list when I actually start shopping seriously.

Thanks.

Subtract 4 from 1999 and that gets you to 1995, which was a really great year for E320 wagons--arguably the best.

I was shopping for one for my wife a few months ago, and all my research said get the 2003 first, then the 2002. There's more '02s out there though. My other suggestion would be to pay for the Starmark for up 100k miles.

If you're going for an older model, then Zeitgeist is right - 1995 was a really good year. Price on an '02 will be $23-$27k with much depreciation to quickly follow. A good '95 will be $5-7k with much less depreciation and (since I drive a '95 I can tell you this for certain), the 1995 cars easily feel like they were built in 2000. All the comforts and ride you'd expect from a much newer car. If you go the 1995 route, get the best damn one you can find. It'll be worth it.

In the end, my wife chose an LX470. Oh well, I ended up buying a wagon anyway.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

I'm getting ready to buy one this November, so I'm doing my research now. In Canada it looks like the W210 wagon was only available 1999-2001 and they're all 4matic here. The biggest difference I can see in the model years is that 1999 didn't have the full surround airbag setup, so if safety is a major consideration then avoid the 1999. Aside from that, I haven't encountered any specific issues to look for on the wagon. The good news is the spring perch issue that seems to pop up in W210s doesn't seem to be as much of a problem with the wagons. By 1999 the transmission issues were addressed, and I believe the harmonic balancer issue was also addressed but you can always verify the correct part number in a pre-purchase inspection.

The best advice I've received and offered is this: a cheap Mercedes can be very expensive. Buy the best one you can afford. Saving a few grand on sticker price could open up a whole world of hurt.

If you want a W210 wagon buy the newest one you can. 2002 was the last year in the states, by then they were well sorted. If you want a W211 wagon buy one with a warranty or a later one. I'd avoid an 03, maybe 05 after two years they probably sorted them out.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I believe the 2003 U.S. model E320 wagon is a W210.

2003 is the last year of the w210 and they came loaded with options.

__________________
- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

Really? Didn't know that.

Edit: Just searched Autotrader.com and every 2003 E320 seems to be a W211. Except for a handfull of dealers using a stock photo of the same gold W210.

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Interestingly, the W211 E500 sedan is a 2003 model year, but the 2003 E320 Wagon is a W210.

Same with the CLK switchover....the 2003 CLK430 cabrio is a 208! While the CLK500 from 2003 is a 209!

I'm leaning toward a 2003 anyway. Regarding the "last year" for the USA, 2002 was the last year for the E320 (W210) sedan, but 2003 the last year for the E320 (W210) wagon before the model change. The change in the wagon came a year after the sedan.

Please let me know what you find as we are in the hunt in the coming months for this vehicle as well.

FWIW, Here's a couple E320 wagons for sale. Seem kind of spendy to me...

http://europeanmotorcars-ltd.com/showroom.html

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Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



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