What to look for on a gas W210 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

VW1300 · #1 03-11-2011, 01:48 PM

I am considering selling my beloved '85 300D and moving on to a W210 wagon. Reasons:
1. I don't drive far to work so the hit in fuel economy will be minimal
2. I want the wagon utility
3. I want some modern safety features when driving my kids around in Houston traffic

Wagons pop up from time to time in Houston. I know about the rust issues, but don't expect to see a lot of rust unless the car came from up north. Other than usual used car items (starts and drives well, no undue noises, smells, or leaks) what should I look for?

Also - any years better/worse than others? Some say the facelifted models are more desirable, but I'm not sure why. Many wagons have anywhere from 90K to 140K miles - would this give me a reasonable life expectancy if I drive it for 4-5 years? Am I crazy to give up a good diesel W123?

Any opinions/info is welcome. I searched for W210 issues and found some info, but am trying to learn everything I can.

mbdoc · #2 03-11-2011, 03:22 PM

The 2001-02 wagons are very nice cars.

JohnM. · #3 03-11-2011, 08:16 PM

I know I am a bit biased, but have you considered the W124 wagon? A 1995 E320 wagon with the harness/ head gasket done, with under 120K would be a great car. I think the build quality difference from a W123 to W210 might be too shocking for you? They are both great cars though.

Graham · #4 03-11-2011, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VW1300

I am considering selling my beloved '85 300D and moving on to a W210 wagon. Reasons:
1. I don't drive far to work so the hit in fuel economy will be minimal
2. I want the wagon utility
3. I want some modern safety features when driving my kids around in Houston traffic

Wagons pop up from time to time in Houston. I know about the rust issues, but don't expect to see a lot of rust unless the car came from up north. Other than usual used car items (starts and drives well, no undue noises, smells, or leaks) what should I look for?

Also - any years better/worse than others? Some say the facelifted models are more desirable, but I'm not sure why. Many wagons have anywhere from 90K to 140K miles - would this give me a reasonable life expectancy if I drive it for 4-5 years? Am I crazy to give up a good diesel W123?

Any opinions/info is welcome. I searched for W210 issues and found some info, but am trying to learn everything I can.

I have a '98 E320 sedan as well as an 85 300D. Funny thing, is that the 300D is probably worth more on the used market. The W210s don't fetch very good prices, but except for a few issues are exceptionally good cars. The best W210 forum is on Benzworld - I am sure there is a sticky there that lists issues to check into. Other than some minor rust, I have only had normal maintenance on my '98. One thing that could be expensive, is a leak in the A/C evaporator. the A/C on these cars seems to be trouble free for 10/11 years but after that may need attention. In my case, the condenser developed a small leak - at least easy to get at and replace. My car has about 110k miles and it runs perfectly. Find one that has been well maintained with full records. Check if the transmission has been serviced and that synthetic oil and MB filters have always been used. Plugs should have been changed (not that easy a job on these cars!). Mass Air Flowmeter has probably been changed on most cars (check engine light). Catalysts break lose and rattle after a while - I had to replace both sides - Cost me about $1500 at dealer!

Nuisance type repairs I had to do were a rear window mechanism failed and the sunroof cables came out of their slots and the roof would not open. Both DIY jobs.

Good Luck

VW1300 · #5 03-11-2011, 11:17 PM

Thanks to all who replied. JohnM, I test drove a really nice '91 300TE last year and it was a wonderful, well maintained car, but the W124 body sits very low to the ground and feels small to me. A coworker of mine drives a '95 E300D and I feel like that one sits too low too. I like the higher, larger W210 body. In Houston traffic, I like to have sheetmetal around me, and the W123 body provides that. Of course, I drove my '66 VW to work today and it's kind of the opposite of that.

I did find the W210 forum at benzworld later on and there is a lot of good info there. Basically, those guys say the 2000 and up cars are a little better than the earlier ones, but as always, buy one with maintenance records etc.

I went to look at a W210 wagon today at Star Motor Cars in Houston. A 2001 with 81,000 miles (I think) and very very clean, with navigation, heated/cooled seats, and built in phone. They want $15,000 for it but that's more than anybody else is asking for nice wagons. Loved it.

RichardM98 · #6 03-12-2011, 09:06 AM

I think you can find a better deal. Especially from a private party.

I've owned a '98 wagon for 3 1/2 years and have (maybe luckily) only had to perform routine maintenance and repairs. I check my fuel mileage at each tankful and get 17-19 around town, 21-22 mixed and 29-30 highway.

When new the W210 received 5 star safety tests on side impact and 4 star on front. The 'face-lift' models had rear passenger side airbags which might be important to you. Most of the other changes to the 2000-2003 wagons were cosmetic or features like new lower skirt, radio buttons on steering wheel and NAV display.

I think the big change you may notice is the electronics especially coming from an older MB. The W210 uses a computer network to manage the car. This offers somewhat more intelligent features but also 'electronic gremlins' which can be frustrating.

I really enjoy the car and am happy I bought it. Good luck finding the right one.

POS · #7 03-12-2011, 09:31 AM

Star's cars are usually very good, low-mileage, one-owner cars. I wouldn't have a problem buying a car from them. I owned a 1998 w210 wagon a few years ago and absolutely LOVED it, but right after I bought it the AC crapped out and the rear main seal started to leak. Both of those cost me nearly $3000 to get right, and I was pissed at myself and sold it on.

The best years are the 2001-2003 (old body style); the 2003s are special b/c they're usually loaded with every option in the book. Rust isn't our issue down here but make sure the car was always a Texas car; check AC; check for service records on the tranny; and probably get it inspected by an indy garage. My indy Hans is down the road from Star at 2020 Antoine and he'll give it a good going over for you - probably for free.

Star will play hardball on the negotiations, but they'll come down. Although I had problems with mine, and I don't think my AC issues were "normal" and I'd buy another w210 wagon in a heartbeat.

jcyuhn · #8 03-12-2011, 02:25 PM

210 wagons are very good cars, but they seem to be stupid expensive at the moment. $15K for nice 02/03 with less than 100K miles is the normal asking price these days. Older so-so cars are asking over $10K. Anything south of $10K is pretty much a beater.

BTW, '03 is a 210 wagon, though the sedan was 211 that year. Go figure.

There's an '03 4matic wagon, black over tan mb-tex, and ~70K miles at the Infiniti dealer on I-45 N. Might be worth checking out.

VW1300 · #9 03-12-2011, 05:14 PM

UPdate:

I have no intention of paying $15000 for the Star wagon, that's way too rich for me. Great car though and I would not be afraid to buy it if I had more money.

Went to look at another W210 wagon. A '99 with 126K miles. I think I can get it for $5000 or so. Of note:

Started well (engine was already warm though, temp needle stayed at 90C). A wrench appeared on the little screen in front of the driver - some kind of service is due? SRS light was on. Engine didn't hesitate when I stomped on the gas, seemed like plenty of power. Trans shifted smooth. No weird noises from the suspension, steering seemed pretty tight and straight on. Brakes didn't shimmy or anything. All the power accessories worked save for the driver's seat switch. I was able to get the seat the way I wanted it anyway by using the memory buttons - someone my size set the "2" button.

Exterior was good (hood ornament was missing, found it in glove box), no hint of rust anywhere, interior was good (leather seems to have been cared for, still somewhat soft) except it needs a new headliner - was falling down in back. Didn't seem to be water damaged. A/C blew cold out of both sides. When I turned on the lights I got a bad bulb message.

Engine compartment was cleaned up and everything looked nice. I don't think this car was abused. They didn't have any service info on it. I figure I could spend a few thousand $ if I have to in the first year and still come out OK. The salesman wanted to sell the car as-is - he saw me roll up in my '85 300D and told me that guys like myself usually have their own trusted MB mechanic whom they prefer to fix everything. He was correct.

I'd really rather not get a 4matic - useless in TX and will hurt fuel economy, and it's something else to break. If it's a good deal on a nice car I wouldn't rule it out though, will look into the one at the infiniti dealer - thanks for the tip.

Question - car is at a dealer's lot. How does one arrange for an independent inspection? Do dealers let you do that?

POS · #10 03-14-2011, 10:21 AM

Tell the dealer you want your mechanic to look at it, and he should say "Sure, no problem." Any other answer than that and you'll want to pass on the car. Then take it to an indy and ask for a going over and offer to pay him for it. Usually, they won't accept it - at least the good indys won't.

As for the car, the ASR is always a problem - an expensive one at that. I'd pass on an ASR car in Texas. Bulbs also are always going out on the w210s. Keep searching; you'll find a w210 wagon in Texas for a good price from a reputable source. I wouldn't buy one from one of the schister dealers either - find a private party seller. Dealers hide WAY too much before you even get to see the car.

jcyuhn · #11 03-14-2011, 10:32 AM

I'd avoid ASR on the 124 cars. Not that there's much chance of stumbling across a nice 124 wagon these days.

All the V6 210 cars have ASR - traction control and stability control were standard as of at least 1998, and possibly earlier. I don't believe it has proved to be problematic at all on the 210 cars, unlike the 124.

ramonajim · #12 03-14-2011, 10:44 AM

Limited but very personal experience with a 2001 E320 wagon (the ex-wife's car).

Front spring perch rust through, harmonic balancer disintegration, and chronic electrical issues (dying dash LED segments, fried window motors, cranky seat motors, multiple climate control fan board failures, intermittent issues with everything on the CAN bus (navigation, CD, phone, etc).

Ask for proof that the harmonic balancer has been replaced. Search a bit more on 'W210 spring perch' to find the (far more expert than I) consensus on how to check/inspect for that issue. Try every knob, switch, and button - several times if possible.

* On the harmonic balancer failure. There was a recall, but it did NOT include 2001's. Even so, had two dealer's confirm the "good" part in my 2001 was the exact same failure. Had to replace the dang thing twice after "updated replacement" part also failed. Thread here: click for linky, post includes link to original monster HB thread.

lkchris · #13 03-14-2011, 12:01 PM

Think you'll be pleasantly surprised regarding your expected "hit" on fuel economy.

The V6 in W210s is pretty economical, and given the current price disparity between premium gasoline and diesel fuel ... .