I have narrowed my search for a sedan to these 2 models.
I currently have one of each ready to be purchased.
One is black, the other white.
Which one should I buy?
Seriously, I wish it was that easy.
They both have excellent service histories.
Both are fully optioned, clean and drive flawlessly.
Both are '99 models and prices are only $2k difference.
Is there anything I should know about either model beyond the obvious (430 will eat more gas)?
I plan to do as much of my own work as I have tools for.

Thanks in advance for your input.

__________________
1999 E320 (gave to daughter) 250K
1994 F150 (may be the end of its road) 240K
1989 560 SL (Reassembly after paint job) 160K
1986 560 SL (deceased., gave it's life protecting my wife)
1988 300 TE (departed)
1994 945T (still running strong with an upgraded cam) 349K
1986 242Ti (deceased)
1968 GT500KR (under restoration)

I'd say E55 or E500. If you decided for V8 take the larger engine 500 not the stupid 430! Otherwise go for 320 that sucks.

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Master Computer Engineer, A+, Network+, MCP/MCSA/MCSE 4/2k/2k3 - Messaging, MCTS, MCITP, MCT, Brainbench, ICDL and starting Ph.D

380SE 1984 <------- Totaled by flipping accident
300SE 1988 <------- Sold
Volvo S70 2000 <---- 4 family
Opel Omega 2002 <-- 4 family
560SEC 1989 <------ Sold
560SEL 1990 <------ Sold
560SEL 1991 <------ 4 my mother
560SEL 1989 <------ Sold
600SEL 1992 <------ Current

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZkhazenzcc

That wasn't the question. Those are two perfectly good engines, overpowered for most drivers. They are of the same family of engines and have many of the same strengths and weaknesses. The 430 has more power, a little more maintenance cost and a little less gas mileage. I don't think you really need us - it's not a big deal either way. If it was me I'd just go on the condition of the car. If equal and you can't personally justify the additional expenditure there's no reason to make it.

If you turn your own wrench an inline 6 is allot easier to work on than a shoehorned V8.

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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes

#1 criteria should be miles and condition
I would get the best condition lowest miles I could find
You'll learn to like the color after that.
Of course getting the color you want + low miles and great condition is the best of all worlds.
Are you sure you like Black & White?
I wouldn't get either of those colors .

Could be true but a 99 E320 is a V6.

From experience a white car is much easier to keep clean. If that happens to be the E320 I'd opt for it. The E320 has plenty of power and will get better gas mileage than the E430. Per our local indie it will be less expensive to maintain also.

__________________
Fred Hoelzle

I stand corrected, I thought the V6 came some time in the 2000s.

__________________
1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes

" STUPID 430 or SUCKY 320 ..."

Good Technical info to know .

Thanks, PHD.

The first year of the V6 in the W210 and W202 was 1998.

The W140 s class cars kept the M104 straight 6 until they ended in 1999.

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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".

but MB did start dropping those into W210's in 1998 for US consumption.

Well, this went off topic, sort of.

But thanks for the input (especially the E55/E500 comment, I lost sleep over that one).

I opted for the E320 in black livery based on fuel efficiency and cost of maint.

Mileage was comparable as was condition.

Happy so far...gotta change my sig.

__________________
1999 E320 (gave to daughter) 250K
1994 F150 (may be the end of its road) 240K
1989 560 SL (Reassembly after paint job) 160K
1986 560 SL (deceased., gave it's life protecting my wife)
1988 300 TE (departed)
1994 945T (still running strong with an upgraded cam) 349K
1986 242Ti (deceased)
1968 GT500KR (under restoration)

I would look for a 2000 model year or newer, there were some nice changes like taillights and other visual things that make 2000+ look nicer

__________________
1994 C280
2009 VW Tiguan
1993 Toyota X-tra Cab SE-5


1973 220D ... Gone, but not forgotten
1991 Alfa Romeo 164L Gone, wife MADE me forget it

2006 Hyundai Tucson... just straight out FORGOTTEN!