Any known problems for the 210?

[J.HIDALGO]

We know the 124's have "common" problems (depending on the year) with the AC, engine harness, head gasket, front cover seal, radiator neck, etc.
Are there any known problem areas with the 210's? Specifically, from the 98's to the present.
I did a search but, I could not find any specific answers.

[JCE]

J.H.

There is a pretty good overview starting on 96-2000 w210s in the open discussion forum.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=27236

[Benzmac]

The 98 320's are seemingly good so far. I have seen a pattern failure of the 97 420's related to transmission failure.

The 96 and 97 320's have the old style engine which was a workhorse, but they were mated to the new tranny. The mate was not a good one and I have seen transmission problems with them as well.

I would stick to the 98 and later 210 unless you go with a 96 E300d. It has the early style tranny.

I will add that we own a 96 E300d and it is a wonderful car. It has over 240k miles! Original engine and tranny. (Never been apart, but I have NEVER missed a service!)

[Car Nut]

I would watch out for the electrial hardware problem for the W210. My driver's side power seat failed twice when I had it in the first month of ownership. The dealer replaced the power seat motor and switch on the door. I don't have any problem since then.

Also, there are MANY complains about the fuel gauge not register at FULL. It does happen on my 99 E430 SOMETIMES. However, if you top the tank off with another 0.25 gallon, you MIGHT BE able to fool the fuel gauge.

Other than those problems, W210 is a very nice car to drive.

Good Luck
Car Nut
99 E430 Sport

[Southern]

Its strange that you should ask if there are any known problems with the W210.

My battery went dead today on my 98 E320. I believe that the batterys life spent its 9 lives. The car was purchased in Sept. of 1997. Fortunately the battery died in my garage (didn't need a tow).

Other than my sunroof problems and a few burned out light bulbs, this car has been very reliable.

With snow tires on in the Chicago winters, the car handles very well. Without snow tires on in the Chicago winters, the car handles very poorly.

I would recommend synthetic oil and change it more often than the FSS recommends.

[J.HIDALGO]

If you noticed, no particular trends so far. Just individual problems. That is definetely good news.

[jcyuhn]

I've owned a '98 E300 turbodiesel for about 3.5 years nows. Mine seems to be about the most problematic 210 around - which is not to say it's bad.

I've experienced a failure of the transmission electronics; a problem which locks the transmission in limphome mode. The car is not immobilized, but neither is it very useful. I've seen a pattern of this failure in early diesels, but never in gasoline cars.

I've also had several glow plugs fail. Again, this problem is unique to the diesel. I've also seen a pattern of shorter than normal glow plug life in the 606 diesel engine.

What else? The engine mounts have been replaced to cure a vibration/noise problem. The CD changer died.

Other than that, just routine maintenance - A & B services, brake fluid changes, and engine coolant changes. I'm seeing about 25K-30K mile life on the Michelin MXV4 tires, which is a bit short for a modestly performing tire, but no real issues.

Let me finish by saying despite a few niggles here and there it is a truly amazing car. Incredibly smooth & quiet at speed. Beautiful to drive. Great seats. High quality materials. I'd buy another one in a second.

[Southern]

One more problem that I noticed: the radio reception (AM and FM) fades in and out on at times. I am not sure if this is related to the antenna/antenna cable or the head unit. The antenna is located in the rear window on the 98 models and up. The cd and cassette work fine.

FYI, I replace my battery last night and everything is back to normal. I had the original battery tested and it shorted out under load.