PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - 1998-99 300 td anybody have problems?

slowmoe · #4 09-04-2003, 10:40 PM

So far I have owned a '83 W123 300D, a '92 W124 and now W210 E300D. The W210 in the short time I have owned it has proven to be the most comfortable, quietest, and all around best performing car of the bunch.

With that said, I must mention that I am disappointed in the handling characteristics, quality of interior materials, and reliability thus far. Please note that I have only owned my 210 for 6K. However, just recently I learned that at only 75K I will be needing new ball joints and a belt tensioner. These are parts that lasted 175K on my 124 before needing to be replaced. This does not bode well with me, especially in the light of the fact that Satan's gift to the automotive industry - our Jeep Grand Cherokee - still has it's origional tensioner and ball joints at 130K. It is difficlut for me to believe that Jeep is now sourcing better parts than MB.

Be that as it may, I would not expect the same problems with the newer 210 as you did with the SD. The issues and expences associated with the SD's with he 3.5 turbo are well documented - rest in the fact that you will not see that same ones with the 210.

Please note that my car (a '96) is different than yours in that it has a the normally aspirated engine (no turbo) and the 4sp non-electronic transmission. My mechanic happens to believe that the electronic transmission (98 on) are only good for about 100 - 150K - even if you service them. I am sure there are several other diferences but these are the major ones to me anyway.

The short of it is: 1) MB quality has declined, 2)your old SD was a money pit off the assembly line 3) the 210 is still an awesome machine that will provide decades of economical service - just with a little less quality