I'm looking for a 4 door MBZ. I have a W124 300CE and have a relatively good understanding of the chassis and the M104 engine. Should I look for the latest model W124 like a 1995 300E or look for a new body style W210 1996 E320?

Thanks,

glenmore
1991 300CE
1990
LS400

Well, FWIW, the 1995 E320 and the 1996 E320 share the same engine and transmission.

__________________
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".

Pick the body style you prefer. The rest of the car is essentially the same.
Ed

Many things are the same, but the W210 (1996+) car has completely different suspension and steering. Those two cars handle VERY differently. The rack and pinion in the early W210's is very light and was tuned for a more "Mercedes" feel later in the run. The A-Arm suspension replaced the "old" strut style in the W124, and the car handles much better.

Interiors are not at all the same, and some folks feel the lighter plastics are "cheaper" looking in the W210. Also, early W210's have cracking seat frames, window regulator problems, and cracking dashes.

Drive them both, and decide.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

That's right. W210 chassis cars use rack and pinion instead of recirculating ball.

1996-1997 E320's also use a revised fuel ignition system.

I much prefer the HVAC controls in the 210's over the push-buttons and temp. wheel in the 124's.

The dash material used in the 210's is very cheap looking. The dash in my mother's 1999 E430 is cracking in several places - near the windshield and around the airbag cut-out on the passenger side.

__________________
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 just noticed the thread on the M119 engine. Maybe a 400E ...for me!

Thanks all for your input.

glenmore
1991 300CE
1990 LS400