I am considering purchasing a 210 wagon and I am wondering if there are any real differences between the 2000, 2001 and 2002 models. I have found a low mileage (~50k) private party one-owner 2000 4matic and another low mileage (~60k) RWD 2002 from a dealer for around the same price. I get a better feeling about the 2000, as it was always dealer serviced and it sounds like records would be available, but I am wondering if there were any significant improvements made b/w 2000 and 2002 that would warrant me purchasing the 2002.

About to get flamed from 4 matic fans here.
IMHO
Stick away from 4 matics.
There was a major update in 2001 for W210
The later the W210 the better.

Thanks for the response. Even though I live in Colorado, I think I can get by w/o the 4matic, since the RWDs have traction control. I get a much better feel from the owners of the 2000, and I am slightly suspicious of the 2002 dealer selling several thousand below book. What did the the 2001 update address? If the 2000 has been dealer serviced, any chance of critical updates being taken care of?

The 4-Matic system used in W210 chassis cars (1996-2002) is trouble free.

The 4-Matic system in the W124 chassis cars (1986-1995) was a nightmare. They are different systems entirely.

2000 -2003 E320 wagons are the same. The update came in 2000, not 2001.

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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".

Post 2000 has a slightly different dash display. There are other differences also. I know that the 01 has head curtain air bags and the 99 does not. I don't know about the 00.

I've had no problems w/ my 01 4matic.
My 91 4matic has been somewhat troublesome, but is still operational, original, and excellent at 207,000 miles.

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07 E350 4Matic wagon, 06 S430 4Matic, 99 SLK 230
retired W210 (x3), W124, W126

Buy on condition - that's it.

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- Brian


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

I feel like I'm living on another planet than you guys.

Were wagons updated in different years than sedans?

If not, then the updates occurred in 2000, not 2001.

2000 and up sedans and wagons have head curtain airbags.

2000-2003 (yes W210 wagons were sold through '03) have the same instrument cluster. In 2001, one extra screen was added in one sub-menu: a digital speedometer. That is the only change.

__________________
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".

Thanks for clarifying the dash difference. I test drove a 2000 and noticed the menus were different than my 2001, but I couldn't remember why.

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07 E350 4Matic wagon, 06 S430 4Matic, 99 SLK 230
retired W210 (x3), W124, W126

Thanks for all the info. So from what I can tell, there is no reason to go for a 2002 over a 2000, all else being equal. I hope the 2000 works out. I kinda jumped the gun and expressed serious interest in a car that's a little out of our price range. I backpedaled and offered what we can really afford. We'll see whether the seller meets me. Anyway, I never thought I'd be this interested in trading away our trusty 300d for a gasser, but we need a wagon these days, and the 320e really is a nice car.

Oh yeah, does anyone know if staggered stock wheels (16x7.5, 16x8) from a clk fit on a 2000 e320 wagon?