Hello good people. I'm considering retiring my wonderful '87 300SDL in favor of a W210 wagon. I'm attracted to greater safety and more carrying capacity. I'm worried about reliability and greater mechanical/electrical complexity.

Please feel free to challenge any of these assumptions. I've just today started researching, and I know I have a lot to learn.

I'm searching the forums for specifics, but meanwhile will folks tell me: what's your general impression of these cars?

Thanks! Hope to have more educated questions soon.

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2003 E320 wagon, ~80k, "Sputnik"
1987 300 SDL, ~160k, "The Pimp Daddy" (sold April 2010)
1984 300 TD, ~200k, "Das Boot" (Demised March 2008)

Randall, before spending too much time researching the W210 wagons be sure that you are satisfied with the way they drive/handle. With the rack & pinion steering the W210 wagons will feel quite different from your 300SDL. Certain W210 automobiles had rust issues under the door seals so inspect for that. Have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) performed by a MB-trained tech on any automobile that appeals to you.

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Fred Hoelzle

Thanks, Fred. I've read about the steering differences and am looking forward to trying one out. I don't expect I'll ever own another car that drives like the SDL

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2003 E320 wagon, ~80k, "Sputnik"
1987 300 SDL, ~160k, "The Pimp Daddy" (sold April 2010)
1984 300 TD, ~200k, "Das Boot" (Demised March 2008)

What exactly are you talking about in your assessment of; "how a W210 wagon drives/handles?" I don't find that the case of how my W210 "handles/drives" to be problematic whatsoever.

What I find with my W210 is that it drives/handles 'spot-on.' It's the first car (Mercedes-Benz) I've owned that literally does everything well.

As for "rust issues" to a car, any Mercedes-Benz will rust-out if exposed too long to adverse chemical/salts driving conditions.

What I experienced in driving my W126 212K miles, was that they suffered from severe understeer - which in itself is potentially hazardous when driving.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

My 210 sedan drives quite well. The road vibration through the steering wheel is quite acceptable. The rack in the 210 acts as a damper, and it seems to do a pretty good job of it. Try one, you'll probably like it.

My experience as well - sans "road vibration through the steering wheel." My W210 drives very well.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

You may know that every Mercedes model gets a "facelift" about 1/2-2/3 the way through its life. In the case of the W210 you for sure want the later version, which means a 2000-2003 model.

When you get your W210 you simply won't believe how much the 5-speed transmission makes the car so much better than the older 4-speed models. You'll be getting similar fuel mileage, although of course premium gasoline is more expensive than diesel fuel.

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

Not in some areas.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

In terms of "the way it drives" a 210 leaves a 126 for dead. The 210 is a responsive, comfortable almost-a-sport-sedan. A 126 is big and ponderous in comparison.

Yeah, the rack and pinion steering has a different feel than the old recirculating ball boxes, but nonetheless it is very, very good. Steering on a 210 has good feel to tell you how hard the tires are working and is very accurate on center with almost no play.

Fuel economy on a 210 wagon should be about the same as a 126 diesel, maybe a little better on the highway.

I'm thinking the reliability of a 2000+ 210 isn't going to have much trouble matching the reliabilty of an '87 SDL.

One thing to be aware of with wagons is they have a bit more road noise than sedans. It's not bothersome, but is noticeable. Be sure to drive any candidate cars at highway speeds.

It's hard to argue with a 210 wagon; they are a great blend of competent driving, comfort, safety, utility, and even decent economy.

Nice update. Do you have any pictures of your new ride?

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1984 300D, 228k, Light Ivory, Java MB-Tex

Nice update. Glad it's working out well for you.

On reading your assessments of your W210, it occured to me that my W210 drives almost as well as a BMW. That's a spot on compliment too!

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

"The steering is very different: more confident around corners, but seeming to require a little more touch maintaining a straight line."

When I read this I remembered how my 380SEL tracked on a straight line. The car seemed to drive itself. Perfect tracking down the interstate. But I do like my 2001 E320 wagon.

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

Randall, glad to hear that you're thrilled with your 2003 E320 wagon. Your observations are what I would expect from a MB enthusiast who cherished a 1987 300SDL.

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Fred Hoelzle

Biggest change--and you didn't mention it--is the 5-speed transmission in the W210.

It's fabulous compared to the old 4-speeds and it's nice to finally see 2500 rpm on highway vs 3500 rpm. Ever notice all the posts here and on all Mercedes forums from first-time '80s Mercedes owners questioning whether their motor should be running that fast on the highway? This was OK for its time, but in today's context it approaches ridiculous.

The 7-speed, BTW, is compared to the 5-speed not the leap the 5-speed is compared to previous transmissions.

You did well getting a 2003, as the facts about W210s are that newer is definitely better and "facelift" models (2000-on) are certainly preferred.

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