Are all 4matics problematic?
 

I mean, did MB ever get that system straightened out? Or to put it another way, is there a year beyond which it is safe to purchase one without significant fear of failure? Thanks!

I only owned one, from new to ~119,000miles, and it was trouble. Part of the trouble was the M103 engine, part of it was the transfer-case seals, part was the heater blower and a couple of other accessories that wore out such as the orthopedic-seat controls which took out the $400 seat & locking pump.

People have told me that the transfer case will eventually leak internally, mine leaked externally, but still a "young" car when I sold it at 6years old.

I think that other than the transfer case seals, it is no more or less dependable than any other 300TE/300E M103 car, things wear out. The good news is that IMO the 4matic system is quite durable if fluids and all are kept in good condition, it doesn't seem to be vulnerable to spirited driving. Styre-Puch did a fairly industrial job of building the on-demand 4WD system.

The later W210-based 4matic systems are IMO more of a Japanese AWD variant and is reactive like the first system, but uses viscous-couplings and traction control to arrest wheelspin. Not my preference, took me back to permenently-engaged AWD of the quattros, Land Rovers, and Hummer H1 (excluding the TT quattro system).

MB has had several different versions of 4 wheel drive that they called 4-matic.

The earliest version was from 1990-93 here in the USA. definitely the most complicated & problematic!

4Matic combined with W124 is problematic, although they can be rebuilt to be better than original.

4Matic from 1996 on is fine.

I know there were several different variations, I have read about them from time to time, and I know that the early ones are generally considered to be problematic. I guess I am wondering if they ever got it right; whether the later 2000+ systems are reliable? I am looking to buy a wagon and I live in Colorado. I certainly don't need AWD all the time, but there are times when my 300D just doesn't cut it. I'd rather not have to deal with the complications of an AWD system, but I don't know if a w210 with traction control and winter mode will suffice, or whether I need to look at a FWD Volvo (Audi and Subaru are not options).

The second generation version of 4Matic (found on W210 and onward) is completely reliable. It is not a reactive system in that you have AWD all the time but it does have the ability to shift power around from wheel to wheel in order to suit conditions. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the vehicle, providing you have it inspected by a tech who specializes in MB before purchase. That isn't because of the 4Matic, its because it is an MB.

I'm knocking on wood as I say this, but the only problem we've had on our W210 wagon in 2.5 years and 60,000 kms is the accumulators wearing out in the rear hydraulic suspension.

The W210 system is reactive in its arresting wheelspin as I stated above, as it has to detect wheelspin to change anything.

that's good to know. i thought i remembered reading several things to the effect of "4matics are just plain problematic". I have certainly heard that said of Vovlo's AWD system, which is why i would only consider a FWD volvo.

Aren't most volvo's....(at least the older ones) rwd?

Well, the front axle boots on almost ALL FWD or AWD seem to fail. MB isn't any different.

The ML transfer case has had quite a few problems.

And the 2002 to 2005 cars have a service campaign for the transfer case.

And the latest design transfer case is built into the transmission & not repairable.

Guess they are getting closer? to right

The W463 has about the best system...failure wise.

from '97 on you can't even buy a RWD volvo.... to the lament of some

so does that mean that one would want to buy a 2001 w210?

From 99 on you can't buy a RWD Volvo, which happens to coincide with the purchase by Ford, but was in the works well before that.

We have a '98 Volvo V70 AWD. First year for the AWD, I believe. Never had a problem with the AWD, although plenty of problems with the rest of the car. Remarkable traction in snow.

good to hear that you've never had any issues with the awd. personally, i would love to have a V70R with a 6speed, but from what i hear, the bottom end of the differentials is badly flawed and there is no solution other than to keep replacing them to the tune of $3000 a pop. i drove a V70R the other day and it was RIDICULOUS. so much fun, but even my wife had difficulty driving it slowly.

what other issues have you had, jon? from what i have heard, 1998 is supposed to be one of the best years for the V70s.