W210 (E320) As Daily Driver-Reliability?
 

Hello:

I'm already an owner of two Benzes--an '84 300D Turbodiesel and a '95 E320, and looking to replace my daily driver 2002 Honda Accord whose transmission may be about to go.
I've had my eye on a W210 model E320 and wanted to ask all of you your opinions on this car--I'm looking to make this a daily driver and need a car with no drama to serve me in rain, snow and sunshine, and for driving on occasional long road trips.
I know that rust is an issue on W210s so I'm looking for low mileage, rust-free cars. As an owner of two older MBs, I've heard that newer MBs aren't as well made or reliable.
So how are these W210s as daily drivers? Are they fairly easy to work on? I have done a fair amount of work on my current MBs so I'm not afraid to turn a wrench.
Are there any years in this model range that are better than others?
I'd appreciate any opinions and advice.

My daily driver is a 98 E300 with 222k miles on it and I don't have anything negative to say about it. I've got a customers whose wife drives a one (98 E300) that is coming up on 360,000 miles.

I think they make good daily drivers. I'm not that familiar with the gasoline but think it is a fairly robust unit if properly maintained.

Out of all the gas engines that we work on, the m112 v-6 has had the least amount of issues by far. I've had a few of the ML320s in my shop go well over 300k with no major issues aside from the normal replacement items. starter, waterpump, alternator, etc. IMO, they're close to bulletproof. And, if you do have major issues, a used one is almost free compared to the cost of a major repair. Being on the West coast, I've yet to see any rust issue on a 210 in the last 20 years. If I could find a 1997 210 with the M104 and low miles, I would own those all day long.

be sure to check model specific issues, especially published Technical Service Bulletins

a couple of other anecdotal and cumulative data references
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Mercedes-Benz/E320/
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/how-many-miles-on-your-w210.1210910/page-31

there is no printed service manual for this model from MB. only online, EPC, WIS stuff
so if you are inclined towards DIY, there can be a steeper learning curve than other cars.

some owners spend to get a cloned STAR diagnostic multiplexor for their own use vs paying
$100/hr to the dealer. but there is no easy step-by-step on its use so that is another learning
curve to track....and lots of reading through various online MB forums for tips on STAR-SDS use.

A 2001 or later E320 is indestructible, I've had one for four years and nothing has ever gone wrong mechanically beyond A/C Compressor, suspension repairs (horrible roads) and a center driveshaft bearing. All I've done on the engine is spark plugs once....and oil changes. We've had three in my family in the past 6 years....combined driven miles of nearly 230k on them....none have ever broken down. M112+722.6 is among the best powertrains ever produced by MB in my opinion.

Agree 100% with what has already been said above.

Being a die-hard w123 and w124 fan, I was at first very skeptical of the w210 cars... but I've been "converted" to a large extent. In addition to my w124's, I've got both a w210 gas sedan and a 4-matic wagon, plus a '98 E300 turbodiesel. (I particularly *LOVE* that wagon, even though I describe it as looking like a Hearse.)

The w210's are pretty easy to diagnose and work on, although after you first get things dialed in, you won't be needing to do that very often. Please know that they do drive very differently than the w124's, and the w210's do have a few common idiosyncrasies. Once those items are addressed, they really are very, very reliable. The M112 engine internals are bulletproof. A local well-known MBZ mechanic once said he has never ever had the heads off of an M112. The valve cover breathers eventually leak but are an easy fix. Spark plugs are good for 100,000 miles. The 606 engines in the diesels are legendary for their robustness and reliability. The 722.6 transmissions did have a revision during the production run to address an internal bushing that sometimes caused problems, but if fluid changes have been done on a regular basis, then the only thing to go wrong is the electrical connector/bushing ($15?) or the conductor plate. I'd go with a facelift version w210 for the upgraded trans, but there are other perks with the facelift versions too.

For the gassers, in addition to the usual 'new' old car prep of a new belt, hoses, and fluids, I'd suggest replacing the crank position sensor as a cheap preventative measure. Expect the window regulators to fail at some point if they haven't already been replaced. I drive long distances, so I went into overkill by doing the trans conductor plates and electrical plugs while I was already changing the fluid. I also bought a MAF sensor that I take with me on road trips along with a K40 relay... just in case. Oh, almost forgot to mention keeping the front wheel bearings packed, as I've read they seem to be a little more prone to failure compared to earlier chassis's.

Mine was very reliable, but there are two common issues: 1. Crankshaft position sensor. Tends to fail when warm, stranding you in the middle of the road, but works again when cold. Easy replacement. 2. CAN bus issues cause electrical gremlins that can drain the battery. Frequently turns out to be the right rear door module (window motor).
A few other things: transmission connector, oil leaks, but nothing that is likely to strand you. If you review the forums, you can DIY it all and save $.

If you're gonna drive a 210 in the snow make sure you get a 4 Matic…….no kidding ;)

I owned a 99 4matic wagon from new. A disappointing car in so many ways. Finicky, expensive, rusty. And my Subaru could turn circles around it in the snow. I wasn’t sad to see it go.

I have heard the older 4 speed trans are a pain,throttle body wiring is crap too,so bank money for repair

There's an 05 E320 available here, locally. 163K on the clock. Black on black. From the pictures looks to be in pretty nice condition. No "visible" rust. Interior looks really good. Seller states has a transmission problem and car needs to be towed. Probably can snag it for around $800.
Would anyone like to venture a guess on the transmission issues? Probability of a simple fix?
Also a '99 E320 with 144K miles. No issues, very good condition. Asking $5K obo. Wondering what a "good" buy would be for one of these?

Thanks to everyone who replied with helpful information and advice on the W210.

I went ahead and bought the '98 E320 with 104K miles that I was looking at. It had two previous owners, both elderly people, who took great care of it. It was garage kept for most of its time and has been regularly dealer serviced, including replacement of the crank position sensor, transmission pilot bushing, transmission fluid changes and many other part replacements so looks like it has been well cared for. No signs of rust, so I think if I get it rustproofed it should be O.K.

I agree with RunningTooHot's comment on driveability--compared to my 300D and W124, this car is very different to drive--it's smoother on the road and has somewhat more of a "big car" feel to it.

So, I'm looking forward to owning it thanks again to all of you and this forum for the extremely valuable repair advice I've gotten for these cars.

On the 05, worse case would be a complete tranny rebuild. We do the 722.6 for about $3500 out the door. So, If you could get it for a grand, $4500 wouldn't be too bad of a deal if the car's in great shape. The 99, with that milage, you can buy those for about $2500- $3500 out here on the West coast all day long.

Thanks Paul. Appreciate the info. If the 99's are going for what you stated, I'd think one from the "rust belt" wouldn't be worth as much as left coast examples. I'll hafta contact the seller and see "where they're at" as far as wiggle room is concerned. I get the feeling, at least in my area, a lot of sellers of these late 90's, early 2000's Mercedes think their cars are worth more than the current market will bear. We'll see....

I paid $1600 for a 65k mile middle Georgia 02 E320 not too long ago. Got the a/c going and turned it over to step daughter where she would have a 4 door, safe car with the new grand baby:).

Probably the best car I've ever bought for $1600:).

Georgia? Probably not a speck of rust on it if it spent it's life there. Nothin on the bottom of that car but a little red, Georgia clay! Yeah, you hit the jackpot with that deal!

One thing I like about the w210 is that the wheel wells can handle really wide tires with little to no work. On my e300 I had 255 fronts and 265 rears. Really stuck to the road

Eric, we bought a 1998 E320 new. Periodically there are electrical issues: windows will not operate, seats will not move. If you experience either of these problems simply pull the No. 16 fuse (in the main fuse box in front of the brake booster) for a minute, or so, with the engine running and reinstall the fuse. That resets things and seats/windows operate properly. Our local MB dealer's Service Department was unable to pinpoint the root cause of the problem so I perform that "remedy" every so often … sometimes it's every other week or so, sometimes less often … no rhyme or reason to frequency.

Ferdman:
Thanks for the electrical tip! I'll save it in case I ever experience this problem.

Ferdman - That sounds like a door control module acting up. I had the same issue and tracked it to the RR DCM (which is integrated into the window motor). I think I found some info on BenzWorld on tracking the issue using the CAN BUS connectors in the wiring tray under the passenger side door sill.

Sounds like you found a good one Eric!

We have owned our 98 E320 for about 18 years. Bought it when it was about 3 years old and had done about 45k km. Now at 245+km. No drive train problems!

My wife drives this car. We were just talking about it today - It's such a nice handling and comfortable car. I said that if I could find a low mileage one in mint condition, I might be tempted to buy it for myself. Of course we would then have way too many cars! (One of them is a 2019 Subaru, and really that is not in the same class (Although a great value). It gets parked most of time - just used for long trips.)

Please ask if you have any issues. Over 18 years, you get to know a lot about a car :)

my 99 e320 has 227k on it and i drive it 110 miles a day to work and back.....does have the canbus issues abut it's more of an occasional pain than anything serious......d/c the battery for 10 minutes and everything resets