Bought my '96 E300 in '07 with 249,000 miles and a complete set of service records so I knew what had been done by the three POs. Not knowing makes the car a crap shoot.
If the engine mounts have not been replaced they will need it. Easy DIY. Ditto the shocks. Check the dual aux fans. One has a motor, the other is belt-driven from the first. If the belt slips or breaks it won't spin when the other does. Almost impossible to see the belt.
Michelin tires are great in spite of the nay-sayers. Dirt can accumulate on top of the spring perches, collect water, encourage rust. Clean them off as a preventative.
Thought all USA-sold W210s had leather seats. Sure it's MB-Tex?
The glow plugs are the big question mark. If you have to pull the head and have several plugs extracted and the holes machined you will regret paying $4000 for the car. It's not a trivial job like the engine mounts.
The W210 is far more electronic than the W124. You'll want a code-reader / resetter. The w210 electrics are also less repairable.
Plus side, the cabin air filter is easy to replace. If the charcoal filter is the original, keep it! The aftermarket replacements are poor (too little charcoal) and don't work. Your nose will thank you.
Jeremy
Quote:
Originally Posted by DieselJim
175000 Miles on the odometer
The good. I didn't get the wheels off but it looked extremely clean and rust free. Very good for a w210.
Engine ran smoothly.
The bad:
Glow plug light was blinking when supposedly the plugs were changed last fall. My guess is the relay needs to be replaced / prefire chamber was not properly reamed or both. DIY cost 200-300 depending on nature of repair.
Tires need replacing. ~600 for new Michelins.
car needs aligning. 100 or more depending on where I get it aligned
Guy is asking 4400 for it thinking about offering him $4000 maybe $3900
The Ok - The Tex could be in better shape but its not bad
I need a deal and if I could have a very driveable and reliable car for $5000 it would be a good price
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"Buster" in the '95
Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .343,000 miles
Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 148,000 miles
My car
Santa Rosa population 177,300 (2026 projected)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 668,300
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970