I am contemplating selling our 94 E320 sedan with 81K and buy an E320 wagon to replace it. I love the sedan but a wagon would be more functional for us. I need something for the trips to home depot and such. I have an 88 Ranger but for what I can sell it for plus the $70 a month insurance on the truck I can roll that savings into a nice wagon.

I looked at a used Lincoln Aviator this evening....nice vehicle but the wife wants another MB.

Any issues on newer MB wagons to watch out for? I'll probably end up with a 2001 or older to fit my price range of $25k or less.

Any suggestions?

ML?

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

I am not a big fan of the ML's. They are nice but I'd really like to find a E320 wagon

Wagon issues are pretty much the same as the corresponding sedan issues. I can think of two additional, small things.

The wagons all have self leveling rear suspension. At about 10 years of age the accumulators - the nitrogen cells - need to be replaced. The ride will get hard and bouncy when it's time. Accumulators are about $90 each from sites like this, and are a reasonably straightforward DIY.

At about the same age the tailgate struts will get weak. At first the tailgate won't want to stay open on cold days, then warmer days, etc. Again, replacement is not too bad, cost is perhaps $90 bucks for the pair.

Everything else is about the same as the corresponding 124 or 210 chassis sedan.

I drove a 2001 wagon a few weeks ago and it was a darn nice car. Very impressively solid, quiet, smooth, and comfortable. I was almost tempted to sell my 124 wagon and trade up.

- JimY

Your wife is one smart lady choosing a MB Wagon over the "truck" aka SUV alternatives. She's got STYLE and CLASS. Gimme a break macho man, a truck vs an MB Tourer...

I've always had a wagon in my family and preferred them for a few reasons: Handle like a sports sedan. Look a 'ell of a lot better. More cargo capacity *94 e320 specs* (40" by 40" with rear seas up, 72" long with seat backs down, 78" with rear seat cushions removed; Low bed height. NB Only a Taurus/Sable has the same available length for cargo.

The practicalities are at 122k the liftgate struts and self-leveling still work, an aging 95 lb. dog can easily jump into a wagon, but balks at an SUV. You can bring home that bed or dining room set you found at the flea market and carry all your daughters stuff home from college. Ok, slight exaggeration on the daughter stuff.

Bob

P.S. Reality sets in when the num-nut in front of you puts you into accident avoidance mode. The SUV will be laying on its side, while either of my teenage daughters in our MB Tourer will have driven around the it. They learned a simple lesson. Look & drive where you want to go and this car will take you there.

Mark Cummins has a W210 E320 wagon.

Try PM'ing him and see if he can add his experience to this thread.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".