I'm in the market for a replacement for my 1993 300E and was told by my mechanic that the 1998 through 2000 E320 is a very good choice that is also very reasonably priced. I'm currently driving one of his loaner C230 Kompressors and like it. I'm wondering what would be a better choice from a dependability and economy standpoint. What are some of the issues I should be aware of in each model? Thanks in advance for the help!

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1993 300E 2.8 185k miles
2006 Mustang Convertible 4.0 Eaton Supercharged

I don't know why your mechanic would recommend only the 1998-2000 E320.

1998 was the first year of the V6 in the E320, and 1998 through mid-year 2000 had faulty crankshaft balancers. They were replaced under recall, though.

I would recommend 2000-2002 E320's. The E320 was updated / facelifted in 2000, and they recommend unchanged until the end of the model run in 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".

I have a 97 C280 Sport and a 2001 E430 Sport.

The C280 is more nimble, but the 210 is bigger and has much nicer, well, everything. Get a 2000-2002 210 car.

If something happened to the 202 car, I'd probably replace it with another 210, but maybe an E55.

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Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

You'll average 30 mpg or a little better with a C230K, freeway, 80mph, A/C on.

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

I get 25-27 on the highway with the 430.

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Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

I take it the C230 is a W202? If so the W210 is by far a better car. I have both and driving the W202 is ok if you have to go run to the store for a moment. But if you drive a lot. Get the W210. Its much nicer, rides better, better MPG, Better performance and you wont have a back ake while driving.

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2015 ML350 4Matic. Wifes DD
2015 GLK350 4Matic. My winter DD
2012 E350 4Matic. Road Trip car
2009 CLK350 Coupe Designo.Kleemann Tune For nice days/DD
2006 CL600. V12.Eurocharged Tune. Enough said
2005 CLK55 AMG Coupe.Kleemann Tune. For the sound and style
2004 CLK320 Cabriolet. 2005+ Interior swap. For the sunny Florida days & beach days

So the consensus is the E320 but later model than 2000?
Thanks for the quick responses.

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1993 300E 2.8 185k miles
2006 Mustang Convertible 4.0 Eaton Supercharged

I don't believe this statement is correct. With the 4 cyl you can get over 30 MPG easy. I don't think the E320 will do that.

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

Yes, but do not exclude a model year 2000 car. All 2000-2002 E320's are the same.

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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".

I dunno - I get 25-27 with a 4.3 8cyl. The 3.2 will do better than that. For 1 or 2 mpg, I'd go for the ride of a 210. At 12,000 miles per year, 400 gallons, that's at max an extra 30 gallons of fuel a year for a much better ride and much better comfort.

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Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

Thanks all. Let the shopping begin!

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1993 300E 2.8 185k miles
2006 Mustang Convertible 4.0 Eaton Supercharged