Your transmission needs its adaptations reset. It learns its shift patterns based on your driving style.

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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".

I'm almost 100% certain my transmission has no such intelligence. I have the old-style, vacuum-controlled, 4-speed auto.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

I'm 100% certain that there is no intelligence.

Oh, I'm sorry, you're right. I thought you had a 1997 or newer model.

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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".

I don't think you need to check the fluid much. I THOUGHT there might even be a warning when the fluid is low but I don't know about that. I had them check the level whenever I brought it in for service on the trans but that is about it. It has always been at the right level. That test was just for the hell of it.

The way to check it is with SDS. When the trans temp is right, you insert the special dipstick and check the level. After that, the cap is sealed. Some people use an infra red thermometer to check the temp but I am more anal so I have the tech do it with SDS.

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01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

Personally I would never buy any car with over 100k on it. Thats just me. But for $7,000 there are plenty of E320'S out there for sale that have low miles. Might not be a 2000 but a 1999 or you can get into a C Class that is newer or same year with less miles.

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2015 ML350 4Matic. Wifes DD
2015 GLK350 4Matic. My winter DD
2012 E350 4Matic. Road Trip car
2009 CLK350 Coupe Designo.Kleemann Tune For nice days/DD
2006 CL600. V12.Eurocharged Tune. Enough said
2005 CLK55 AMG Coupe.Kleemann Tune. For the sound and style
2004 CLK320 Cabriolet. 2005+ Interior swap. For the sunny Florida days & beach days

No, go ahead buy it.

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

The 2002 would be the most desirable year, all else being equal. It was the last year and supposedly has the best anti-rust protection, which was an issue with the earlier years. I like my '96 diesel a lot, but I'd trade it for a well-maintained 2002 E320 if it wasn't much more expensive.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

After seeing the photos, it's obvious to me that you need a Chevy pickup. Did it even scratch the bumper?

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$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
No merc at the moment

Looks like it bent the bumper down.

I need a clean rear bumper like that for my truck! Mineis rusting pretty bad on the inside.

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

The used 210 diesels are simply overpriced. They command a huge premium over a 320, but cost the same when new. The diesel engine may outlast the gasser, but it's quite likely that either will outlast the car, so why does it matter? The difference in fuel mileage will not make up for the difference in used price.

Additionally, if you drive a diesel and total the car, the insurance company will not think that it is as valuable as you do. With the gasser, they'll get it right, so you'll be made whole.

I like the 606 and drive one, but at this point I would buy the gasser and get a car that is in better condition for thousands less. In fact, I'd be looking for a 420 or 430. They do not command much of a premium over the 320, even though they cost quite a bit more new.

Or an E55, they can be had cheap. Screw the diesel that V8 is worlds better.

Plus the AMG's have nicer interiors.

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

I bought the E300 because we were traveling long distances every day and the diesel gets better mileage and diesel was cheaper at the time. If I didn't have to drive 180 miles a day, I'd be with the gasser any day of the week.

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01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

I prefer the non-AMG interior. But that is not to be inferred to mean that I wouldn't snap up a good E55 to replace my E300.

The E320 has lots of room between the engine and radiator and it looks easier to work on than the cramped E430 which probably runs hotter too. I've never driven the E430 but I have driven the E320 (a 2000 model). I can't see why anyone would need more power than that, certainly not me.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL