To get the same fuel economy with a six cylinder W202 as your E320 you need a '98-99-00 with the M112 V-6 and 5-speed transmission.

I have a 1995 C280 with the M104 and a 2000 C280 with the M112. The '00 gets 2-3 mpg better economy.

But finding a really nice one at $5K will be work. There are a lot of W202's at low prices, but they are pretty used up.

for a customer with a similar issue.

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Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
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Technical Quality Auditor.
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1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

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I like my 210 and when that's used up I am going to get another rust free 210 and do whatever work is required to keep it going. The 210 is a wonderful example of style and power and decent fuel economy to boot. I drove a c class a few times on loan from the dealer and wouldn't like to own one. Too small for me and not the elegant ride of the 210.

Another thought: the 210 is really a good balance between the c class and s class and isn't too hard to work on.

__________________
DS
2010 CL550 - Heaven help me but it's beautiful
87 300D a labor of love
11 GLK 350 So far, so good
08 E350 4matic, Love it.
99 E320 too rusted, sold
87 260E Donated to Newgate School
www.Newgateschool.org - check it out.
12 Ford Escape, sold, forgotten
87 300D, sold, what a mistake
06 Passat 2.0T, PITA, sold

Las Vegas NV