That's the internal version code MB gave this particular chassis. In effect, it's the E Class MB made from 1996 thru 2003, the ones with the oval headlights like yours. Other cars made in this time period were for example the 202 chassis, which was the C Class, the 129, which was the SL, the 140 which was the big S Class. The W is normally found on the sedans as a prefix, may or may not be used in "light" MB techno-convo. Lot's of lingo to pick up on when you delve into this stuff, don't b afraid to ask if you don't understand.
You may be able to use the search option and find a list of these model numbers.
Gilly