2002 e430 4matic
 

I am looking at this car to replace my 01 e320 that has 165k. This e430 has 68k miles and is a one owner. It has all records and looks absolutely brand new:D. It is $9k tho...

I have heard terrible stories about early w124 cars equipped with 4matic. What about these w210s? Are they ok? Any thing to look for? I really don't want all wheel drive but this is a rare find for sure... Thx

The 4Matic was completely redesigned for the w210 and is pretty bullet proof.

As you know 160K on a W210 is not a problem and $9K will fix a lot of issues. The M113 plus the 4Matic will result in noticeably poorer gas mileage if that matters.

Yes my e320 in question is strong. But I am starting to notice some slow engagement of the transmission in the mornings. Not sure if that is a sign of things to come. I get about 23 mpg combined with my e320. That is with a fairly heavy foot and 80 mph commutes every morning

Joe,

I have a 2002 E320 4matic wagon, and mine has 165k miles now, and when I got mine in 2009 for $6k at 100k miles. It was a deal. I drive mine hard, and care for it very well.. I do wish I had the the regular wagon for a few things:

A) front sealed bearings have to be pressed-out
B) The coil springs require a rare spring compressor to do any suspension work
c) The transfer case has no user serviceable parts, so when it fails it one is one piece to replace...Remember the dollar shock..
D) Dealing with rare front CV shafts as they are $$$

I'm a diy'er, so those hick-ups do not help me. It is not like servicing a rear-wheel driven benz-I have four other benz-no magical tools, or processes needed.

Do not get me wrong, I love my 4matic wagon, but mine is coming close to needing CV joints because the boots have cracks all along the crease line of the bellows-Normal to expect that on a 160k car-not a easy task with the coil-over shocks...

My 4matic runs and shifts great, but I have a nagging rear engine seal leak on my little M112 engine, so dropping the tranny my self may be challenging? I rebuild my own transmissions on these cars, so I'm familiar with the processes.

Luckily the transfer case un-bolts from the transmission, and not integrated like the new 722.9 transmission equipped cars.. Also, I do major DIY's. I have never seen one of these cars at a self serve junk yards. If you diy, be ready to have a rare to find a car with this drive train..Make sure that transmission and transfer case fluids are changed frequently!!

The rest is easy....I have the one equipped with the navigation package, so mine has the double-DIN radio...

I'm happy it all works well. no leaks except my rear engine seal. Runs like a top.Mileage is 26 to 27 highway.. Great car...

Martin

Thanks Martin. Very helpfull information. Here is a link to the car I am looking at...This is where I got my wifes low mileage w210

Mercedes Benz E430 4-Matic | Mercedes CLK Brokers

I absolutely hate the tread pattern on those tires on it now. But I am hoping to negotiate some Michelin swapping.

Looks good...My wagon is the same color inside and out. The price is good for what it is. I would buy 722.6 transmission equipped car any day over a 722.9 car!! The .9 are having their first tranny failures under 100k, and the fix is big dollars.. All the .6 and .9 will have a conductor failure, but the .6 is about $150 on the street for the part. On the .9 it is closer to $1000 or higher on the street, and requires Mercedes SDS. The .6 one can reset limp mode with a cheap $60 Chinese Carsoft clone...

Like others have said W210 4matics are bullet proof cars, but just understand they are rare. I would imagine you DIY-to a degree because you are here.

I look at the cost of ownership...

On your old E320...I would put a new tranny in it from Sunvalley transmissions-providing you DIY?

Martin

Consider having the transmission error codes scanned on the E320. If you've never serviced the transmission then a drain and filter change is a good idea. Be sure to check the bottom of the pan for debris which is the main reason for replacing the filter.

Man that car looks mint in the pictures, and I can't believe prices have dropped this far.

I don't understand why codes or any other special considerations would need to be paid to the transmission.

By 2000, these transmissions were fully sorted out and considered bullet proof.

These 722.6 transmissions were used in the SLR/McLaren super car as well as all of the AMG cars for at least another 5 years.

They are not a weak part of this car.

My car had tranny service only at 90k and at 160k... I had the conductor plate replaced at 160 mark along with the plug that runs wiring up to the TCM. Fluid had leaked past and wicked up the wires frying my TCM. They changed filter and fluid and said there were no signs of clutch material or shavings. It may just be a little low on fluid. I need to check it. Problem just started this week.

Thx guys.

Paul I love the bourdeaux red cars...i bet yours is lovely!;)

Bordeaux red is a great color. I've only personally seen 2 or 3 others in this color.

There is a member on the forum who has a W124 500E in a similar color - Almandine Red - and that is the prettiest color I've ever seen.

It was my inspiration for finding my car in bourdeaux red.

The 4matic doesn't impact the mileage that much. My 4matic c-class wagon gets about 20-21 around the city and 25-26 highway....its a simple but very effective full time all wheel drive system. If you keep all the fluids changed and good then it will easily do 250k.

A good test for a 4matic model is to do some slow tight turns and feel for any shuddering. Shuddering means transfer case = ?? or might just need a fluid change. Even mine with 132k was not shuddering with original fluid and I had it changed when I bought the car because I wanted it to be good for a while. Everything is smooth and the 722.6 Transmission is amazing.