Originally Posted by skhagen

Over all this is a great car if you are able to do the mechanical repairs yourself. Fortunatly all the problems are well documented and consistant to the model. Ive found alot of posts about the same things. Few by comparison to newer models. Parts are not that exspensive less than toyota more than a chevy

If you know what to look for you can avoid problems. Ive been wrennchin for most of my life and none of this stuff is considered a major fault other than the head gasket that fails around 80K -110K. (earlier post look for one over 120K)
By comparison I see fewer reported with the early W210 than the 1999 and later models. They seem to be overwhelmed with quality and durability issues oil burning, sump ventalation and fuel managment components.

For the money, a 1996-1998 with I6 power plant sells for 8K-12K. You can do some good repairs expect $2K and have a very reliable car that is timeless in style. YET

My car seems to be sound at 144K, 25 MPG highway and about 18 city. very clean interior.

Everything Ive found has been common to most of these W210 cars. light lenseds cloudy I polished mine and it worked well. old No 7 compund and a good plastic wax.
Small oil leak at the head in front 1 drop a day literally, exhaust side. Seems to be the timing cover. The head gasket has been replaced, Im lucky. Pulled the plugs they were burnt, but no soot or oil. Bought a set of NGK $15. claend the MAS and air intake temp sensor with alchohol. This thing doesnt miss abeat.
From my research the hi wear parts are the ball joints and suspension bushings. Ive ordered lower joints and common bushings with the say links for $135. Car has a awsome handeling characteristics, it is probable this causes the stress and is IHO normal wear. Yes, Ive experinced the lighting connector issues right away, they are week and susceptable to corrosion. Ive cured my woes. I cleaned them all and put on a light coat of electrical socket gel. All my problems are gone.
The spring perch issue concerned me. Fortunatly I dont have it yet.
The dealer told me MB will fix a total failure free. Hope your not driving when it fails.
Rust, I live near Lexington and the car has been in the snow but no rust issues with this car.

Ive put 2K miles on it and I was worried at first. reliability hi cost of repair. Hype, Id buy it again without hesitation. The safety and stout feel of this car along with mild performance engine and great comfort make it a steal at under $10K.
you could by a focus taurus or grandam for the same money. Long I know