I just found a 99 E320 4Matic for sale that sparked my interest and I'd consider selling my 92 300D if this was to work out, but legalities are always involved first. This one looks promising, and I would have my first 4Matic which is a great winter driver. Now for questions..

#1. I've fixed 4Matic W124s quite a few times in the past. They are great for putting your savings account on a diet. Was the 4Matic improved in the later years such as the W220, W210?

#2. How's fuel economy? I have a diesel for excellent fuel economy. Although, it's nice to get at least 25MPG mixed and hopefully a little all highway. but I might be shooting for the stars as 4Matic drags economy down just a tad due to extra weight.

Either at this point it's this or an S430 4Matic. I've always like those since I worked on a customers who's become a personal friend.

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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

With the W210 the 4Matic was completely redesigned. However, I'm not sure exactly which year. By MY1998 for sure.

Fuel economy is lower as you might guess. Not only added weight but also driveline friction and lower final drive ratio vs RWD. With a gas model figure 2-3mpg lower than RWD. Most RWD W210 (3.2l V6) get around 17-19mpg city / 27-29mpg highway.

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Good luck.






1998 E320 Wagon

Thanks for the reply, Richard.

I talked to my MB tech friend from the dealer. Me and him are going to put it on the lift on his lunch break at the dealer. It's got extensive records. I've requested the vin along with extra pictures. I have ran a vehicle master inquiry. As I always run one on every car I'm speculating buying or own.

Option list:
1) Rain Sensor
2) Parktronic
3) Heated Seats
4) Rear sunshade
5) Xenons and headlight washers

I put down a small deposit to show I've got high interest so it's still there Monday. He had a few offers. If it's good on the lift and rides nice, I really hit the jackpot like my 1999 E300. I'm beyond excited with this car. Hopefully the last one I buy.

__________________
Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

W210 4MATICs are quite reliable. Totally different from the system in the W124. Xfer cases don't leak--sometimes you'll have one that shudders on tight lock turns but that is often fixable by a fluid drain and refill with the latest oil and a bit of limited slip additive.

Fuel mileage difference really is negligible, so don't be too hung up over that.

Lastly, 4MATICS don't seem to be affected by spring perch rot, although they still merit inspection.

Good luck!

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Regards,
Aaron

i owned a w124 4matic that was a great car - i was able to keep the original 4matic opeartional for 250,000 miles with some effort, but not much cost. That car was sold.

I now own 2 w210 4matics. I'm very happy with both (mileage about 120k and 150k). The 4matics on these works flawlessly without any issues. My gas mileage averages about 5 mpg more than the w124 (I get about 23-25 with mixed city/highway driving).

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

Jake,

I bought my for $6k at 100kmiles with no service records,and it has turned out to be flawless... Mine does not have heated seats, nor the parktronic system. I average 26 to 27mpg with the tires inflated to 38lbs. Mine spends 1/3 of the time off road, 1/3 of the time hauling car parts, and 1/3 time in long distance drive. I drive mine hard. Im constantly shampooing the carpets two to three times a month, so it does not look i haul car parts...

The worry for you is not how many service records you have, and when it was serviced, but when the K2 bearing will fail on you.. And when it does fails on you. You will cry like no tomorrow since that transmission is not a normal transmission. The back end is different as the tail end of it mates upto a transfer case, yet very rare to find a replacement to make a swap...Consider getting a 2000+ to avoid the K2 bearing issue.

Remember, This model does not have conventional bearings in the front, and they need to be pressed out with a 20 ton press, not a cheap 10 ton. The process is royal pain for these sealed bearings, and the special spring compressor that is just big dollars... one last thing? The $700 to $1000 front CV joints...

I mention this: I'm in need of CV joints, and front bearing. I'm in need of a rear engine seal too... I do wish I had a conventional wagon...as this would be easy to DIY..

Consider your decision carefully...I would get a 2000+. Mine has been flawless, but do change out all your drive train fluids as the transfer case by Mercedes standards does not have any "User serviceable parts"...

Best of luck,

Martin