Hi everyone.

Help us choose:

I'm shopping for an e320 wagon for my wife (to replace an aging Eurovan).

We've narrowed it down to an '02 W210 (72 K Mi) or an '04 W211 (84K mi). Both are roughly the same price, give or take $1K. Both 4matics (which we don't really need, living in the South). Both have lots of options.

I have read forum archives (mostly W210 - these are great). I am a DIY'er, and will do service and repairs myself. I am a litttle concerned about whether the W211 woud be reliable (the '03 sedan W211 apparently is not, according to Consumer Reports).

What say you?

Neither one - wait for a RWD.

Newer is better with Mercedes, as it isn't like other companies just fluffing up the same old car with cosmetic changes.

If you care at all about telematics, i.e. navigation and telephone and SAT radio, you'll be frustrated by any E-class older than 2005, as this field is moving very quickly.

I second the notion, too, that if you don't need 4Matic, don't get it. It's reliable and all that, but it's extra weight to carry around, affecting fuel economy. If you need it, it's a worthwhile price to pay, but otherwise ... .

W211 are nicely reliable by 2005.

Keep in mind also, that "emissions-related" equipment is by law warranted for 8-years/80K miles. Always, then, inspect catalytic converters on any used car being considered.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

The early W211's had a lot of problems. The W210 at the end of its model run is about as trouble-free as a Mercedes can get.

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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".

hisport:

Good to see you here.

I would also like to get a newer wagon but will not touch the SBC system even it has been recalled and warranty extended. So 2007 or later (for me) but these wagons are still expensive.

Have you considered an R class?

Aside from rust and plenty of it. Maybe not in LA but stay away from Duluth.

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Roger E.

What about a nice low mileage W124 E320? An immaculate example with less than 75,000 miles can be had for 6-7k. Once the wiring harness, head gasket, evaporator, and throttle controls are replaced, you'll have a great car.

4-matic might as well be re-badged Russian Roulette drive.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

Interesting that the w210 wagon and the w211 wagon are the same price - what you want is security with either one. With the w210, it should be reliable if well-cared for, but you can't get a warranty with it. The w211 you might be able to find one on a dealer lot and get a 100k warranty. If it were me, I'd search out a w211 with the 100k warranty; if money is the issue, then get the w210.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

I went from an '89 W124 wagon to a '01 W-210 wagon. Amazing difference in everything. Mine has 4-Matic and can be used in the mid-atlantic area. Got it from the dealer, has Starmark 100K warranty, but has only had three warranty issues. Car was extremely well cared for with documented maintainence records. I do some of the basic DIY stuff, but if and when something electronic goes I won't be dealing with it. The newer the car the more extreme the technology and therefore requiring well trained techs. Another thing to look at if it's a concern. The roof line on the '04 swoops down more and you loose room. I bought mine for the long haul, and I really enjoy it every time I drive it. Dennis

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....just drive'em!
'89 300TE White w/Blue, 152K SOLD!
'93 300E Blue w/Tan, 154K SOLD!
'01 E-320 4-Matic wagon, 130K
'67 Vette Conv. White w/Blue, 217,421K

One of my neighbors is a team leader of technicians at the local Mercedes dealer (Penske Mercedes).

He tells me that he sometimes apologizes to people on behalf of Mercedes Benz when he hears they have an early model W211. They were just so bad with a lot of problems.

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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".

Mercedes probably has never heard of these problems.

Go with the W210. The W211 is a great but from 03-06 they where known for many issues. 2004 being the worst year for the W211.

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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

Sorry, they were dead reliable beginning 2005.

SBC on ours has zero problems.

With the 210 you get a failed intrument cluster and rust problems.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

My neighbor tells me they turned the corner in 2007. And I'm not sure what you mean by "failed instrument cluster". A small number have burned pixels, but they are easily fixed.

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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 2000 E320 wagon. The car looks reliable, but I think that biggest issue for this model is rust. I have fixed rusted spots on trunk lid and one more came recently under trunk lid window seal (I guess that better solution would be replacing whole trunk lid panel). On last weekend I replaced front springs and found rust spot in spring perch/top mount. It is kind of dangerous location and I'm going to fix it ASAP.
For unknown reason Mercedes zincifying only 75% body and cover it by warranty only for 4 years/50 000 miles.

I would advice before buying S210 very carefully check car's body on rust spots. If you are DIY'er then all other problems will be looks like nothing in comparison with body works.

Most popular rust places are spring perches/top mounts, trunk lid, door window frames (check it under seal) and door's sheet metals under trim.