Purchasing advise for E420 wagon '98-2001

[300cd300sdl911]

I must admit to knowing nothing about gas powered MB's as I've only owned diesels.

We have a need for a wagon, similar in size to our current Volvo V70. I'm looking at E420 4-matics. Most likely years are 1998 - 2001 based solely on purchase cost. I've recently read about spring perch issues on the front end. Are there any other significant problems I should be aware of for these vehicles? I would expect they are OK in the snow but I've heard the distribution is 20 front 80% rear........that just doesn't sound like the best power split.

Any help / advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You

[jlomon]

To the best of my knowledge, the only engine option you have for a W210 wagon is the M112 3.2 litre V6. I've never seen/heard of a V8 wagon for the W210. So you're looking for an E320.

Spring perch failure wasn't associated with the 4Matic or diesel models so that is something you don't have to worry about. I don't know what the natural power split bias is for the 4Matic, but I do know that the system will move power back and forth or side to side as needed, so it isn't a fixed 20/80 split (if that is what the default split is).

The Harmonic Balancer (crank pulley) is the only major issue I can think of that you would want to check out first. In the US there is a recall in place on this part. If it fails it can damage portions of your engine block and cause significant damage. The part itself is about $125 if I remember correctly. I erred on the safe side when we bought ours and just replaced it.

Have the car inspected by a qualified MB specialist as part of your purchase agreement.

[tgmiller77]

Having owned a 98 e320 sedan and a 99 e320 wagon I can tell you that they are wonderful cars. My brother had a V70 wagon and it had all kinds of problems. Things to look for and avoid are cars from the "rust belt" they can and will rust. Look under the oil cap for crusty sludge, which probably means too long between oil changes. These cars can also burn oil. Look for smoke at cold start up. Generally look for a well taken care of car and buy it. They also get great gas mileage.

[A. Rosich]

W210s are basically reliable automobiles, just buy the post face lift models (2001 on). Pre-face lift models had a lot of unresolved mechanical issues and much lesser quality materials (inside) than post face lift.

European and worldwide markets had a V8 available (E 430), not sure this model was available in the U.S.

[jlomon]

Originally Posted by A. Rosich

W210s are basically reliable automobiles, just buy the post face lift models (2001 on). Pre-face lift models had a lot of unresolved mechanical issues and much lesser quality materials (inside) than post face lift.

This is an excellent point - the post face lift cars also have better safety equipment (more airbags, steering wheel mounted stereo controls and redesigned front crash protection) as well as other equipment that wasn't available on the pre face lift cars. The face lift was done as of the 2000 model year, though.

[300cd300sdl911]

Thank you all for sharing your expertise and valuable comments. I really appreciate your help.