Hey guys, I've run a search to no avail. My wife thinks she wants a latemodel (2000+) E320,and it needs to be a 4 matic. In fact, we're in Fla on "holiday" and she drove one today, a 2004, and loved it. More than the BMW 330 she drove earlier,which is too much of a "drivers" car for her.

Anyway, I'm usually in teh diesel forum getting tips on redoing my "new" '95 w124 E300 D. So far, that car rocks. (and sips fuel through a swizzlestick!) WhileI'm getting a bit too "intimate" with the mechanicals of that car, I'm no pro mechanic, and wouldn't feel too comfortable wrenching on a computer -aided car.

She is looking to spend short dollars, 12-18K, if possible.

What years should we focus on? Any advice or tips are greatly appreciated!THNX!

Be careful on those 4matic vehicle, search around on which model to avoid. They are not Mercedes best product.

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93 Toyota Corolla 177K
95 S 500 coupe 82K
92 400E 180K (SOLD)
94 E 420 150, blown gaskets (SOLD)
http://www.kanio.net/mercedes_signature.jpg

The 4matic on the W210 chassis E class cars has not been problematic at all.

The old version 4 matic that was on the previous W124 chassis cars was a disaster.

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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".

You would want to be very cautious about buying one of these electronically loaded cars without a warranty. Lots and lots of info on the net about MB quality problems and in particular the Sensotronic brake by wire system that has now been deep sixed.

Steve

All cars with Sensotronic now have special 10 year warranty on that system.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

In your price range, you'll be looking at 2000-2001 models (W210).

Be sure to avoid earlier, pre-facelift W210 as the facelift changes are too good to miss.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

427, I'll generally agree with what's been posted here. I'd be concerned about buying any hi-line car without a warranty. We bought an '02 wagon with about 6 wks warranty remaining. I am very thankful it was there - - we would have spent about $5k without it.

You should be able to find a very nice car in the high $$teens. Problem is, virtually all will be beyond the 4yr warranty. I think there were W210 wagons sold as 2003MY cars.

Try to review the warranty claims history from MBz before you say "I do". I would never look at one of these cars without it (unless purchasing from an acquaintance).


Good luck, they're fantastic cars when you get a good one. We've done ~40k miles in 1.5 yrs on ours.

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1998 W210 diesel (wiped out by a texter)
Baum spring compressor "for rent"

Thanks gentlemen. Hate to rely on the "luck of the draw", but hate big monthly payments as well.

Stay far away from the Sensotronic brake system cars.

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Jim

Ditto! Stay AWAY from W211s up until the recently revised and facelifted 2007 model, which finally had the Sensotronic brake system reverted to regular brakes. This system is worse than the 4matic system on W124s and even worse: very unsafe!!!

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

Guys, which of the E class model years have this? ( give me years as I havent memorized the W series yet, except for the GLORIOUS W124 I own).

OK, here goes:

124: 1986-1995 model year (in U.S.)
210: 1996 - 2002 model year for sedans; 1998 - 2003 model year for wagons
211: 2003 - present for sedans; 2004 - present for wagons

The SBC electro-magic brakes were introduced with the 211 chassis, so 2003 or 2004 depending on whether you're looking at a sedan or a wagon. SBC continued through the 2006 model year, then was removed for the 2007 model year.

- JimY

If you are interested in a very clean low mileage 1998 E430 with 61000 miles, drop me an email. Car is stored during winters, body and paint in great conditrion as is the the rest of the car. It is available as I just recently bought a 2002 S500 and I have one car to many in my 3 car garage.

Norm

iowalion@msn.com

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Norm

The W211 E-Class is a wonderful car but was hands down MB's least reliable model through 2006. My friend SJB's '03 E500 Sport is great to drive, fast and comfortable, more economical than my C320 but has spent way too much time tied up with warranty repairs.

The only way to buy one is with a warranty. As long as possible.

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Roger E.

avoid 'em. no need to elaborate.