4matic 98-02 W163 and W210 owners, how has the MB system treated you? I'm looking for an AWD winter car and wanted to know the reliability of the electronics and transfer cases.. I have two rust-free w210s from rust-free states i refuse to drive in the brime and salt in PA.

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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

From what I remember some friends saying, the W163 tended to have electronics issues. I cannot confirm with 100% certainty, but I'm sure other members will jump in. Best of luck!


-Dmitry

I owned a W210 wagon 4matic from new. Don't do it. I had the one differential replaced under the extended warranty, as well as a few smaller repairs to the transmission electronics. You won't have an extended warranty, good luck with that.

I now drive a Subaru Outback in the winter. Never had a problem with it.

Jake,

No problems with my 02 4matic W210 wagon, and I'm at 193,000...

Changed front CV's at 180,000, and 722.6 pilot bushing(circular connector) at 193,000

No problems what so ever... I'm the 2nd owner, and I bought mine at 100,000 from auction. I drive like grandma where I rarely rev to 3k. I do use mine to haul stuff in my wagon. I rebuild transmissions, so mine get loaded with tools and few transmissions. I have hauled a few one yard's of rock, so that can be a 1000lb's to 1500lbs.

I change my tranny oil at every 30k.

The engine oil level sensor goes out on m112 engines-no biggie

The facelift W210(00-03 wagon) is known for getting pixlated display in the instrument cluster. Buy the LCD ribbons on fleabay, or have the one of fleabayers fix the cluster for around $100-That should not turn you away

Note that the M112/M113 like to piss-oil out sooner than any other engine, so at about 120k they all piss oil..

00-03 wagons(or +2000 cars/suv's) do not suffer from the K2 bearing issue with the transmission which can destroy transmission in the 90's 722.6 if it were loaded with what I load my wagon with...

I have had not problems... of any kind..it is my gas-up and go-car...

if you get one, you got to change alot of fluids-transfer box, differential, front differential, rear suspension fluid with accumulators..

Ahhh..193k I still have not changed my conductor plate yet

Mine runs like a top, and get 26mpg on the highway..

Martin

I have 2 w210 4matics and like Martin have had very little problems (and none with the 4matic system). I'm also in PA and the rust is probably what will kill them both.

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