I'm looking for a 4 door MBZ. I have a W124 300CE and have a relatively good understanding of the chassis and the M104 engine. Should I look for the latest model W124 like a 1995 300E or look for a new body style W210 1996 E320?

Thanks,

glenmore
1991 300CE
1990
LS400

Well, FWIW, the 1995 E320 and the 1996 E320 share the same engine and transmission.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Pick the body style you prefer. The rest of the car is essentially the same.
Ed

Many things are the same, but the W210 (1996+) car has completely different suspension and steering. Those two cars handle VERY differently. The rack and pinion in the early W210's is very light and was tuned for a more "Mercedes" feel later in the run. The A-Arm suspension replaced the "old" strut style in the W124, and the car handles much better.

Interiors are not at all the same, and some folks feel the lighter plastics are "cheaper" looking in the W210. Also, early W210's have cracking seat frames, window regulator problems, and cracking dashes.

Drive them both, and decide.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

That's right. W210 chassis cars use rack and pinion instead of recirculating ball.

1996-1997 E320's also use a revised fuel ignition system.

I much prefer the HVAC controls in the 210's over the push-buttons and temp. wheel in the 124's.

The dash material used in the 210's is very cheap looking. The dash in my mother's 1999 E430 is cracking in several places - near the windshield and around the airbag cut-out on the passenger side.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

I just noticed the thread on the M119 engine. Maybe a 400E ...for me!

Thanks all for your input.

glenmore
1991 300CE
1990 LS400

Yep, me too.

Please note that 1992-1993 400E's have the same 4.2 liter engine as 1994-1995 E420's.

Also, the M119 engine is used in the W210 chassis for only one year: 1997 E420.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

I prefer the 210 over the 124. The 97 E420 is one of my favorite MB's. Overall the 210 an easier car to work on.

Gilly

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"Overall the 210 an easier car to work on". Funny you should say that Gilly, but I have found the same thing. Despite all the criticism by some folks, I prefer the 210 by a large margin (I've owned both). It just plain drives a lot better, especially with the right tires.

I like the way the 210 drives also. It's a different feel than the 124, I can see where some might prefer the 124 though, not me.
You can disassemble the interior for example on the 210 much faster than a 124. Call it "cheapening" of the brand if you want, but I think everything fits together well and looks good, yet easier to service. A few gripes about a few of the plastic pieces discoloring, like the handle for the glovebox on the tan colored interior for example. I prefer the look and feel of the dash on the 210, i know someone said they dislike the 210 dash.
Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)