Quote:
Originally Posted by shertex
As the owner of two W210 diesels, I've noted with interest the polarized impressions people seem to have of them. Unlike other MB diesels, where impressions seem to be consistent (e.g. a 90-93 300D or an 05-06 CDI), impressions of the W210 seem to run from "Best car I've ever owned" to "Worst car I've ever owned."
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It could be that the negative impressions may have more to do with the W210 chassis than it's power plant whether it be one of the diesel variants or the V-6 gas engine.
No doubt that bad spring perch design and other rust prone components gave the W210 a bad rap. But I have never heard anything bad about the power plants. We have the V-6 gas engine and at 220k km, it is rock solid.
The main problems we have had, have been failed A/C evaporator and condenser (evap very expensive to fix and not done) and a failed ABS pump (also very expensive, but solved with a low cost used unit). Most of our rust repairs were done under warranty and since then, just a couple of touch ups which any car of this age would need in our climate.
We were offered $2500 on trade in for our 98 E320 and market price is not much better with non working A/C. Crazy really considering what a good car it is. (Our car is otherwise pristine)
Nevertheless, any buyer should know enough to do most repairs themselves so as to keep out of repair shops. Carsoft, EPC and WIS are a big help! And to give credit where due, so is the BW W210 forum. Unfortunately (depending on how you look at it), this keeps prices down