Yes, that is exactly what it was. I don't know how bad a leak it was, but the service order indicated a leak. It was around 40,000 kms if I remember right.

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Jonathan

2011 Mazda2
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1994 C280 (retired)

if you like W210, by all means go for the facelifted 2001-02 model. numerous upgrades and also all the bugs are worked out. i absolutely LOVE my 2001 E55 AMG, amazingly comfy & fast ride. did i mention FAST?

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Current cars:
2001 MB E55 AMG
2003 Honda S2000
2000 Honda CRV

Gone but not forgotten:
2004 BMW 325i 5sp sport
1999 BMW 540i sport
1997 MB E420
1995 BMW M3 coupe

I have a 98-E320 for over 4 years and put about 35k miles. So far I enjoy it a lot, the problems you mention:

Rust. - Not a problem down in S Florida
Cracked dashboards - Not for me, but it maybe since I've to sacrifice my garage space for children's toys
MAS sensors - Not a problem (yet?)
catalyst replacements. - No problem
leaky steering racks. - No problem
spring perches. - Not a problem in S. Florida
creaky seat frames. - A little but mangageable
leaky diffs. - No problem
broken sway bar links. - Not a problem (yet?)
crank shaft position sensors. - Not a problem (yet?)
m112s that eat oil - Not a problem

But the problems that I had was:
1. Noilsy packing sound from alternator - didn't need to but replace alternator anyway - ouch expensive.
2. Both rear window regulators broke - not too expensive
3. Small oil leak where the engine meets the trans (maybe one the seal) - haven't fix it yet.
3. Vibration in reverse - maybe engine/trans mount - haven't done it yet - may not be very expensive

Other than that it's just regular maintenance and it's been driving beautifully.

Regards,
JeffreyP

2000-2002.

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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".

"Styling is fresher (the W124 is starting to look dated). Now I had a 91 W124; the 94/95 models probably have a few more years before they look dated."

I agree. But I put euro headlights on both of mine and they look ten years younger.

As a practical matter, I will probably have a 210 one day. I hope it is white. The white ones are gorgeous, especially if the headlight lenses are sparkilng and clear.

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

How about the turbodiesels, you can't get them past 99. I like my 95 W124 but want to give it to my son and replace it with the W210. I know they are very hard to find with low miles but I would like to stay with the diesel. The engine is an updated version of what I already have, which I like. I have been in a few gasers and the quality of the cars seem the same as the w124's if not better.

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Karl B
95 E300 D
2006 Mazdaspeed 6
2001 GMC Yukon XL
1997 Contour SVT
Mazda RX-7 SCCA race car

Racekar -- See post #13, above, where I discuss my W210 diesel.

Cheers, John

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'98 E300TD (W210) | Sold 6/09 with 205k and counting
'04 VW Touareg V10TDI

Everyone has one around here, and most people love them. Remember only unhappy owners take the time to complain.

W210's are simple to fix, parts are cheap, quality is fine, they drive well, etc. I'd have no issue buying one. Just buy a good one, go cheap and buy junk, well thats what you get. Get a 2000-02 E320 with full records, no accidents, low miles, one owner, and it will be just as good as any other car of similer vintage.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I have a 96 with the M104 motor.
Current mileage is at 207K miles.
Never had a W124 so I can't do a comparison but for the most part this car is reliable.
Parts and labor is expensive compared to Toyotas/Lexus.
Have done some of the minor maintenance items but some of the majors are pricey.

No problems with the following:
rust, dash, head gasket, spring perches, wire harness, transmission.

Problems with the following:
Window regulators, AC Compressor (just went out at 206K miles)

If you can find a 96-97 and don't mind the having less bells and whistles, go for it. It will last a long time.
They are also reasonably priced now.

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2010 W212 E350 Sport
1996 W210 E320 (220K miles)

IMHO, I would strongly reccomend (again) the 1996 E320!!!! The M104 engine mated to the simple 4-speed transmission deliver reliable and economical power! My 1996 E320's have been trouble free other than routine maintenance (MAF/ O2 sensors replaced). The car rides like a sherman tank and is very sturdy. I throw a set of snow tires on the cars every November and they glide through the snow. I DO admit i have some rust issues that i have been fixing each time one pops up, and it is annoying.... BUT these used Benz's are better than anything else on the road according to me!

REMEMEBER, NO MATTER HOW BAD YOUR MERCEDES IS, IT's STILL NOT A VOLVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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My Work:
Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, Inc.
Business Development
536 West 41st Street
New York, NY 10036

-My Garage-
1996 E320: White 118,000 miles ~Dad's Driver~
1996 E320: Green 109,000 miles ~Mom's Driver~
~My Babies~
2000 SL500: Desert Sand 96,000 miles
-Previoulsy Judge Judy's-
2008 E350 4MATIC Sport
-Flint Grey/ Ash/ Black Birds Eye Maple-

Thanks for the replies.

I think I will give one a try, but will wait a year or two. I would like to hit 300K in the SE.

Also, I figure it's better to wait until the w212 comes out, which should lower the values of 210s a few thousand. By then most should have had the spring perches replaced, too.

If I get one and it takes a dump, I always have my trusty ol' 123 car as a back-up.

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

Forgot to mention-

It does seem like 2000+ is the only way to go:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Vp2N0gce0-k

Look at that dashboard crack!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-E-Class-E320-2000-Mercedes-E320-AMG-1-TX-Owner-No-Reserve_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6335QQihZ013QQitemZ230172914757QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

I know the owner of a used car dealership who is a MB nut as well, his dealership sells mostly European cars. Lots of MB's. He prefers to get 2000-02 E320's at the auctions. Says they almost never have issues or complaints from customers about them.

I remember when I asked him about them, he said buy a 2000-02.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Too bad, I actually prefer the '96-'99 look.

Apparently to replace a headlight on the updated cars the bumper must be dropped?

Also, what is the deal with the missing pixels on the displays? Does a repair (permanent) exist?

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

Anyone know about these two issues?

Also, the catalytic converters- they seem to fail with m112/3 motors only?

Too bad the diesels are 30-40% more $$$.

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E