Ok guys, I am looking at new wagons to replace my aging 88 TE. Over the last two days I have driven various models including a 2002 w210. Saab 9-5, Volvo V70 and of course my TE. The wife loves the look of the W210 but I have to tell you my initial impression of the 2002 W210 compared to the volvo and my TE was not what I expected. While the v6 is smoother (& quiet) than my 103 the handling was no better, if not worse (seemed to roll more than the TE). The volvo & Saab handled much better than both MBs.

The interior of the w210 was marginally better than the TE but looked basically the same. Very surprising for a vehicle 14 years newer. The A/C did not cool the interior as fast as the volvo or the Saab (90+ degree day) and was barely better than the TE. The fan actually did not move as much air as the TE on high and the additional rear vents barely had any flow.

I will be driving another w210 this weekend to make sure the issues were not specific to that vehicle.

For now I need to hear some good reasons to stick with the MB and for spending the extra $ on the w210. For the same $ I can buy a newer v70.
Thanks

Ed