I am considering replacing my trusty 300SD, due to many age related issues. Browsing Craigslist I have my eye on a E 220 imported from Germany, 1997, 2.2L engine 128,000 km. And then there is the 1999 E 300, 189,000 km.

I am seeking opinions and advice. Obviously parts may be an issue for the E220. Also I am used to the size of the 300SD so I may also be more comfortable and feel safer in the larger E 300. PLease weigh in with your opinions. For what it's worth both cars are priced around 9K CAN asking.

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Studio B Fine Art Prints

The E300 and E220 should be the same size, right? They're both W210s.

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"Senior Luna, your sense of humor is still loco... but we love it, anyway." -rickymay ____ "Your sense of humor is still loco... " -MBeige ____ "Señor Luna, your sense of humor is quite järjetön" -Delibes

1982 300SD -- 211k, Texas car, tranny issues ____ 1979 240D 4-speed 234k -- turbo and tuned IP, third world taxi hot rod

2 Samuel 12:13: "David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die."

You'll definitely have an easier time for parts with the NA version E300D.

$8000 US for a 98 with 118k US miles not to far out of line down here if the car is well maintained, with full records, and all the inevitable suspension maintenance has already been done (front ball joints, tie rod ends, rear suspension links, differential and subframe bushings, LCA bushings, etc). Remember these parts are rubber and wear out on mileage as well as years, the car is 16 years old now. If the suspension rubber bits are cracked and old I would drop a couple thousand on the offer.

Just watch out for the spring perches and body rust. This is the only thing that can really trip you up on one of these models. There are several online buyers guides online for the W210 so I would read up on those. Good luck!

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

I never had trouble getting parts for my 84 euro.....most things. A few very minor things might give trouble. Using the part number to order always worked.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Not familiar with the E220, but believe it is AKA US NA e300. If thats the case, I didnt notice any size difference between the two. I would say the 210 is big on the inside.

My recent exp with these resulted in a strong pref. for the turbo version, 98-99. Rust, service history and spring perches were my concerns. It took me about a month of looking to find the one I have. I would say be patient if there a decent selection of cars to consider in your area. IMO 8K USD is the high common starting price for these....sellers do think they are made of gold

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Treetops
06 E320 CDI 127K Miles
87 300TD 231K Miles

99 E300 269K Miles-Sold

Both cars should be the same size. After some research, the E220 should have the OM604 engine, 94 HP. Probably adequate for city driving but my provide some challenges at higher speeds. MPG should be stellar, if it was a manual, I'd totally drive it. OM604 also has the rotary pump rather than the inline pump, the rotary being known for seal issues but a kit is available for repair.

The OM604, 5, 6 should have compatible parts like water pumps, accessories, etc...

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

I daily drive a 200TD 75HP W124. Not the same car, but lighter than a 210 so performance probably isn't too far off an E220. You have to adjust your driving style, there is no aggressive driving with 94hp, if someone cuts you off, they have to win that day, you're not getting them back.

I have been looking for an E220 or a C220 diesel, to replace my 200TD ultimately.

Personally I enjoy driving a super slow car as a daily, I have plenty of weekend toys.

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68 280SL - 70 280SL - 70 300SEL 3.5 - 72 350SL - 72 280SEL 4.5 - 72 220 - 72 220D - 73 450SL - 84 230GE - 87 200TD - 90 190E 2.0 - 03 G500

Nissan GTR - Nissan Skyline GTS25T - Toyota GTFour - Rover Mini - Toyota Land Cruiser HJ60 - Cadillac Eldorado - BMW E30 - BMW 135i