I think the OP was pretty clear in stating that he was looking for a 2000-01 W210 4Matic, not the W211.

Back on topic, the 4Matic system in the W210 is not troublesome at all. I would never buy a W124 with the 4Matic but if I lived further North I'd be all over a W210 4Matic.

For the budget you state you should be able to find a very nice, facelifted 2000-2001 car.

Well, OP states that his wife just test drove a 2004 E-class in FL and that "she loved it".

This leaves the door open to think that they are also playing with the idea of a W211 (even if their bugdet is a little short for a W211, but who knows...), which is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT beast from a W210. Reply Posters (including myself) were just trying to note to be careful on the faults of W211s, as it was the car that she actually drove and loved.

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A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]

Folks, thank you for all the replies. We're not sure what she's looking for yet, other than something under 20K ( cash on hand) and 4 MATIC IS key.

How are the W210 and W211 "completely different animals?

She'll have to try one. A cherry 2000 w/ < 50K would be prize. ( and not in black, we got one of those!)

She hasnt even driven a 4matic yet.

THNX again! A shopping we will go!

Guys, should I be concerned with E300/320 cars nearing 100K? I know folks dump them when they get close to that "magic number".

100k on a 124 diesel is nothing.

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Jim

Even on a gas car, 100K isn't really much mileage nowadays. I would not be concerned about that, especially if the car has records AND looks as though it is in the posession of a fastidious owner...

I would much rather buy one with 100K with some of the predictables already replaced, than pay a premium for lower mileage. With the lower mileage choice you get to pay for the replacement items.

On my '92 300E bought at 113K now 242K, that would have been total receipts of around $15,000. Headgasket, A/C etc etc. On my '97 S320, bought at 106Know 116K, that would be close to $6,500 according to the receipts. That does not include normal maintenance services.

Steve

Any 2000 and newer W210 with a 4-matic would be a very desirable car.

2003-2004 are early model W211 chassis cars, and I would avoid these years like the plague.

I would not want to be stuck with the crazy computer controlled braking system (whatever moniker they gave it).

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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".

Senormatic - yes, I;ve been duly warned about that.

Thank you again gents!

We'll be looking at a 98 E320 4matic with less than 50K on the odometer.

So the obvious question is whether you can tamper with the odo. I'm having my buddy over at the MBz dealership run the VIN for me.

As far as I know, these odometers cannot be tampered with.

Dealers can install replacement instrument panels, and can set the mileage to the actual mileage.

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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".

Anothetr trip to Philly is set! THNX GUYS!