210 diesel purchase concerns
 

I've been thinking lately that it may be time to, as my wife says, to get a "real" car. She so lacks appreciation for the character of my 123. Anyway, been considering the 98-99 E300D because of all of its creature comforts and safety features. I thought I'd just have to save my pennies to get a good one in acceptable condition. But then I came across a 99 with all service records, very well maintained, but with high miles--275k to be exact. The price is right -- 6,500. I thought I'd be spending at least 8,500 for a decent one, with mileage in the range of 175k. So, are the lower miles worth paying an additional 2k? Or is the mileage not that big a deal? If it is in A1 shape, has all the service records and everything works on it, should I even be concerned with the higher miles? I think KBB has it priced at 8k private party, even with the miles. Thanks for the input.

I think the 606 has proved to be very reliable since it came out in Europe in 93.

As with any high mile vehicle maint will be key.

I'm guessing you like your 210? Does regular maint. now require the dealer to inspect spring perches? Does the 606 require a valve job and/or timing chain around 250k? Or does the manual just suggest "inspection?" So if maintenance has been very good, do you think 6,500 is fair? Cheap? Thanks.

If its lived in a salty envrionment def look at the perches. Prob is the metal is hidden from view by undercoating to protect it and looking damages it.

GP's are the primary problem. You've prob read about nagging fuel line leaks. Not a big issue, just a maint item.

Valves are hydraulic.

I've yet to hear of anyone having chain problems. Is supposedly not under the same tension as were 617 chains and therefore subject to less stretch. It is a double row chain like the older models.

With the miles $6,500 would seem fair; I'd expect that is the range I'd get for mine. At a quarter million miles it gets hard to say they are in showroom condition.....

ps: I wouldnt hesitate to jump in mine and drive coast to coast tomorrow. Mines yet to drip a drop of any type of fluid (other than D2 at an oring).

The W210 diesels are good machines. Service that transmission !!

Amen. Mine bought the farm at 192k or so. I had it completely refurbished and repaired, and have driven about 8k on it so far. I would service every 50k or so.

Glow plugs are not fun. In fact, I changed all of mine yesterday -- the second time I've done that. With a great partner working with me, it was still a few-hour job. That EGR collar ring is pure evil.

Oh, the engines are also very biofuel friendly -- I run mine completely on B100 and WVO.

Motor on --
Cheers, John

I've put 40K on mine in the last 18 mo. No problems that haven't already been mentioned. One thing others did forget... 0-60 in 8.5 sec.!!!:D

Yeah, as a car nut, it's great to be able to balance my love of diesels and my love of quick cars. What a great engine... idles like a Cummins and revs like an Alfa. Best car I've ever owned.

Yeah, while I have sort of been trying to sell mine I have decided to pull it off the market again because I just can't replace it with anything as nice, reliable and safe for what I could get for it.

The car has been as trouble-free as any new car over the past 2-3 years and now, with 173K on it I really feel it has a few more good years left so I will put off buying a W211 for a while (again).

Almost a year, and I've not found the right car. Let a few get away. Quick question. I'm looking at one advertised online, and I'm not sure what a few of the switches are on the dash. In a fully equipped 210, what are each of the switches in the wood grain just above the ACC? Thanks.

Left to right on mine:
Left seat heater
Rear seat headrest release
Four-way emergency flasher
Door lock/unlock switch
Anti-towing sensor release
Right seat heater

Thanks, Joe, that helps alot. Got two in the crosshairs right now--98 129k, heated seats and cd changer, asking 9500; and a 98 230k no heated seats, w/aftermarket cd radio, wants 6250 firm. What do you (or anyone out there) think of these two prospects? Thanks.

Not knowing where you reside, or are shopping; I wouldn't buy a Mercedes-Benz used, located anywhere above the Mason-Dixon line.

These are not immune to rusting - and boy do the ones up north rust and corrode as they age. Mine has been garaged it's entire life in Dallas, Texas since I bought it new - it is in almost perfect untouched-up condition - interior perfect - exterior - not one door nick - front seats covered with canvas fitted covers since day one - a true southern creampuff - and if I were to sell it, I would ask $10K firm for mine if someone wanted to buy it. Which is somewhat above KBB.com (Kelley Blue Book) that's how I see mine anyway.

They are fantastic cars but I would try to find one with lower miles. 265k is a lot for any car and its going to need some work.

Try to find one with around 100k on it.

Located in the south.......

They are both in NC, one has 129k and the other 230k. Both say no rust or corrosion anywhere on the car. Or going a little farther south, there's a 99 with 180k in SC for 8,400. Also, when people describe the interior of these cars, some say MB Tx and some say leather. Which is it? Thanks.

Mine came with leather seating surfaces, with MB Tex trim on the sides of the seats- at least that's what the window sticker build sheet says.

I'm not that up on them to know whether they came with just MB Tex - which to me, wouldn't be a deal breaker.

Mine didn't come with the CD changer - I've never bought a CD in my life, so I don't miss one. I'm not that music-crazed as many are.

Mine came with a Group II upgrade - or somesuch grouping that included; leather, moonroof, AM/FM radio with 8-speakers - wired for cell phone ready, Metallic Desert Silver exterior. Of course; heated seats, cruise tilt-telescopic, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way electric front seats........

Our '96 E300D came to us in late 2007 with a complete set of service records at 248,000 miles. I had to do a few things but not much, because the three POs had kept up with the maintenance. That's the key to keeping any car trouble-free. Too many people either skimp on routine service or don't fix things when they break. Our car now has 268,000 miles (original timing chain) and just returned from another trouble-free trip to snow country: 30 MPG at 75 MPH. Make sure to get a pre-purchase inspection.

I've enjoyed my car very much. If you need a PPI in my area, I will help you out. I pretty much know the car inside and out now.

The prices quoted seem a bit high to me, KBB excellent condition @175K is a shade over 7k.

I've got an 98 E300D with 175K that has been in my family since it was new, I have all maintenance records since day one. It's in great mechanical condition but I'd say only average cosmetic condition however it has always been garaged and it doesn't have any rust.

My wife wants to go back to a gasser - I'd sell it for 6K, PM me if you want some pictures.

Tim