I've owned several 210 and several 211 cars. In my opinion, the problems with the 211 are greatly overstated. Many of the early teething probems in the 211 were attributable to software. Well, guess what? The software has been updated and those early cars are fixed, and newer models were good straight from the factory.

In general a newere 211 is going to be more reliable than an older, higher miles 210. No rocket science there. The upside to a 211 is that it feels like a nicer car than a 210. The interior materials in particular are more attractive and higher quality.

There are some downsides to a 211. It is without question a more complex and complicated car than a 210. For example, it has 2 batteries - the customary big (group 49) Mercedes battery in the trunk, and a smaller motorcycle battery under the hood. The 2003-2006 model 211 cars have SBC brake-by-wire electromagical brakes. Benz has warranted the SBC unitl for 10 years, but after that an SBC fault results in an expensive repair.

My $0.02? In your price range I'd go for a 2005 E320. That is the last year before the new engine/transmission was introduced. The drivetrain is as solid as can be. Oh, and don't buy one with airmatic suspension, though it's quite rare on E320 models.