'99 E320 - good cars? Someone wants to swap it to me for my '93 400SEL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ferdman · #1 08-11-2014, 07:58 AM

86560SEL, have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) performed by a MB-trained tech who knows that vintage MB automobile. Have the tech check the performance of the A/C system because the evaporator in our 1998 E320 failed. Replacement cost around $4,000. As mentioned the window regulators in the rear doors are a well known problem. Those were replaced in our 1998 E320. Rusted out front spring perches are a known problem with the 210 automobiles, as is a general rust problem with the doors ... be sure to have the tech inspect carefully for rust. Transmissions in the 210 cars are advertised as not requiring fluid or filter changes for the life of the transmission. Best to change fluid/filter every 50,000 miles. If the transmission in that 1999 E320 has never been serviced I would be skeptical about that particular automobile ... have the tech inspect the transmission carefully.

Overall we are pleased with our 1998 E320 that we purchased new; however, that vintage MB automobile lacks the high quality leather and solid feel of the older vintage E320's (124 models). Those MB automobiles were made more cost-effectively to keep the prices more competitive with American-made automobiles, therefore the quality was not the same as earlier vintage automobiles. For example, the sheet metal is noticeably thinner due to weight considerations.

pawoSD · #2 08-11-2014, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferdman

86560SEL, have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) performed by a MB-trained tech who knows that vintage MB automobile. Have the tech check the performance of the A/C system because the evaporator in our 1998 E320 failed. Replacement cost around $4,000. As mentioned the window regulators in the rear doors are a well known problem. Those were replaced in our 1998 E320. Rusted out front spring perches are a known problem with the 210 automobiles, as is a general rust problem with the doors ... be sure to have the tech inspect carefully for rust. Transmissions in the 210 cars are advertised as not requiring fluid or filter changes for the life of the transmission. Best to change fluid/filter every 50,000 miles. If the transmission in that 1999 E320 has never been serviced I would be skeptical about that particular automobile ... have the tech inspect the transmission carefully.

Overall we are pleased with our 1998 E320 that we purchased new; however, that vintage MB automobile lacks the high quality leather and solid feel of the older vintage E320's (124 models). Those MB automobiles were made more cost-effectively to keep the prices more competitive with American-made automobiles, therefore the quality was not the same as earlier vintage automobiles. For example, the sheet metal is noticeably thinner due to weight considerations.

I don't think they are made of thinner sheet metal, I find the W210 very solid....and their curb weight is about the same as a W124...and higher than most cars of its era/size. As for the interior....at least on the 2000 onward models it seems to hold up very well.