Is there any issues with this car?

I read that there are known engine problems, is this true???

Someone recently posted a thread regarding the purchase of a W124 ('87-'95) or W210 ('98-'03) wagon. I have owned both a 1994 and 1999 E320 wagon and posted this reply.

In terms of engine problems, the M112 is almost flawless; however, issues may develop if the owner neglects oil/filter maintenance. Oftentimes, nonsynthetic oil is used on computerized (FSS) maintenance intervals. Conventional oil is inadequate for the FSS recommendations, resulting in engine sludge and driveability problems. Mercedes was involved in class-action lawsuit for this issue and will cover all M112/M113 V6/V8 engines until 150,000 miles if damage occurs using conventional oil per the FSS system. I recommend changing FULL SYNTHETIC oil every 5-7K (primarily city driving) and 6-10K (primarily highway driving).

The 1999 wagon makes the 1994 feel like a Model A in my opinion. The car is significantly easier and more comfortable to drive. The steering as mentioned earlier has a better on-center feel, and the car absorbs bumps like they are not even there. The M112 V6 is probably the most refined V6 engine made to date...at red lights, new passengers in the car inquire if the engine is on!!! While not as involving to drive as the W124, this car certainly is the epitome of a highway cruiser. Additionally, the 4Matic AWD system has been great in the snow...better than my 5,890 lb. SUV. I will list some of the major problems I have had with the car from time of purchase (40K) until today (105K).
1. Front door switch (interfered with central locking and dome lights)
2. MAF (2X)
3. Oil quality sensor (2X)
4. Bellypan
5. Windshield washer reservoir pump
6. Rear axle center piece front seal leak
7. Harmonic balancer
8. CV joint boots
9. Control arm
10. AC compressor (with two days left on Starmark!)
The Starmark on this vehicle expired about four months ago...most of these repairs were covered by the extended warranty...would highly recommend it.

Hope this helps!

Don't forget to check carefully for rust before buying any 210. There are quite a few threads about it. Fortunately, the 4matic spring perches seem to stay attached on all of the cars, unlike the RWD versions. But even if the car stays in one piece, you won't like seeing rust creep from all sorts of places.

Expect to replace at least one rear window regulator during the time you own the car. These are cheap and easy to replace, but a very poor design.

what kindof fuel economy do you see with that car?

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

funny you mention about the rust, because this one I am looking at does have some rust on it, but my 98 diesel is spotless.....I was quite surprised to see rust on a 7 year old benz, and not in the usual places, on some vertical seams, where you would not think of looking.

my wife also said an interesting comment, she has trouble seeing, she says the seat is rather low, when our 98 is basically the identical car and she can drive that one fine......

My seat is quite adjustable in height. Do you mean that the seat doesn't go as high?

Yes, thats what it seems......

If you have a chance, see if the passenger seat raises up higher than the driver seat. There may be a change in or before MY2000, or there may be something wrong with the driver seat. It could even just need synchronization.

what do you mean by synchronization?

According to the owner's manual for my '96, if the power is interrupted the seats (and other things) require synchronization. If they are not synchronized, the system may think the seat is all the way up when it is not, and stop actuating the motor.

Try moving the control to put the seat to the bottom on the front and back, each time holding the control for an additional five seconds after the motor stops turning. Then see if it raises further.

I say "according to the owner's manual" because disconnecting the battery in my car apparently does not cause this synchronization to be lost. Even the memory is retained. But it appears that my car is special. Or it is haunted. I don't know.

thanks matt will give it a try