How many miles will a W210 go?
 

Hi, everyone. I haven't been able to be on the board much lately due to work, but anyway, I've sold my 560SEL. I'm looking for a newer, smaller MB to replace her, but am torn between a 124 or an early 210. I know that this horse has been about beat to death on here, and I did some searching on the subject, but I couldn't find a good answer to the above question.

I've been looking at some '96-'97 vintage E320's with upwards of 170k on them. They are well under 5k, and some of them are in really good cosmetic and running condition (or that's how they appear). Anyway, what I am wondering is, how many miles can you expect to get out of an early 210?

I'm also considering an older diesel, but most of them that I've seen were overpriced (imo), in poor condition, and without AC. So, that's on the backburner for the time being.

Thanks, Dave

Stay with a W124
 

I have two (2) W124 - love them both

is newer better? I'm thinking "Not"!:P

the e320's of that vintage had the m104 motor which has some issues like head gasket and the engine wiring harness..... Make sure you have your local dealer pull a VMI to see what has been replaced.

Weren't the 93-95 W124 6 cylinder models equipped with the M104? It that's right, then if you wanted a M103, you would have to go back to a 1992 model, right? That having been said, which one of the two is the less troublesome engine?

Thanks, Dave

I have a W126 diesel with 160k (working A/C) and a W210 diesel with 223 (working A/C as well). Both checked out 100% when the oil was changed at the dealer. It's all about maintenance. A well maintained high mileage car is better than a poorly maintained low mile car.

Dave- they are both great engines. Replacing a head gasket on an M104 will be more labor intensive due to the double overhead cams vs. the M103 single overhead cam design. M104 makes more power which is good. Both are prone to the head gasket problems.

I believe they started M104 in the '90 300CE coupe, but didn't use the M104 in W124 sedans until around '93...

Wiring harness issues started in late '92 and went I believe until '95 maybe, a few early '96 cars...

-GH

If the W210 has been maintained well, they should see 250,000 miles plus easily.

My tech had one with over 400,000 Kms on it. Mine currently has 156,000 Km and going strong. My MIL's 1997 E320 has over 200,000 Km (M104 engine, but the newer 722.6 tranny).

The M112 and M113 engines have been dissed as being 'cheaper' and 'weaker' as compared to the venerable old M103/104/119 engines but the reality is that they are excellent engines. Better or equal mileage with more power, easier maintenance and IF they have received proper oil changes, should last a long time indeed.

Mileage is similar, with M104 rated at approx. 20/26 and it's essentially the same for the M112. The M113 is rated at 19/26.

Larry Bible made an excellent post about the M112/M113 engines here.

Although the 722.6 transmissions were dubbed 'sealed for life', many opt to change the fluid/filter every 50,000 Km or so. I have done so and will continue to do so. I would definitely consider the completion of this service to be a plus if I was looking at a used W210.

Good luck in your search!