found a 97 e420 that i might be able to pick up pretty cheap.whats the main issues with these.i had it running today,as for when it last ran i don't know but it had what sounded like one lifter hanging up(couldn't get hood open because of a broken handle so couldn't tell where noise was coming from).it showed 175,000 miles.

spring perches?

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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
'08 Chevy Tahoe
'93 Ducati 900 SS
'79 Kawasaki KZ 650
'86 Kawasaki KX 250
'88 Kawasaki KDX200
'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

Rust, complex electric and computer problems?

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

i knew about the spring perches.

Not sure I would agree with the complex electrical and computer problems, but guess it is relative to what you are comparing it to.

From a chassis standpoint, W210's have been known to develop bad:
evaporators
LCA bushings
sway bar links and bushings
blower motor regulators
window regulators
seat back hinge's
K relays (replaced the old OP)
and spring perches

Cant speak to the engine as I dont follow gassers.

As with any car, a long prior maint history is more meaningful than mileage.

*edit* 97's also had some issues with the TCU's getting wet from trans fluid too.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

thanks for the info.it was dark when i first looked at it and started it.i went back in the daylight and i tell you what,i dug thru the glovebox as there was a bunch of papers in there.there were i believe 4-5 from the dealership in town all for accident repair.1 for left front at $1600,right rear for $1686,another one for front bumper and i don't remember the last one.anyway i swear to god this car was painted by a monkey,the rear 1/4 looked and sounded like it had 10 lbs of putty in it so i popped the trunk and pulled the liner on the inside.and the 1/4 panel had had a patch panel welded in and it wasn't perty.so i'll pass on this one.