I'm going to look at:

97 E420 with 65,500 miles for $11,900
98 E430 with 68,000 miles for $13,900
99 E320 with 81,000 miles for $10,900
00 E320 4matic wagon (the dogs would like that) with 82,000 for $14,900.

Now, I've been reading up a little on all of them and came across a review that pointed out that the V-8 is not necessarily needed and has a greater history of problems than the 6. Reliability is definetely a huge criteria for me as I have to maintain a "fleet" of cars for the family. This would be for me and me only though as I have a company car for most times.

Let me know pros and cons if you will. I'll be on the road this Thursday to look at all of these and hopefully decide by Saturday. Thanks in advance to the MB community.

The '97 has an old design engine, and the newer models are the same new design engine but with different numbers of cylinders.

These models (W210=sedan; S210=wagon) were "facelifted" for the 2000 model year with lots of improvements.

I vote the newer the better and for sure for the wagon due to its fabulous utility and more timeless look.

The 4Matics were problematic only in the previous generation models and NOT in this one.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

I'll second what Kent said. There are transmission issues from 97 to early 99. You'd avoid that possibility with the 2000. I'm also a little biased towards a 2000 E320 4Matic Wagon since I've got one. There isn't any situation I've been in with that car where I've said "I need more power" and wished I had a V8.

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Jonathan

2011 Mazda2
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1994 C280 (retired)

Not true, IMHO. On the contrary, I've found that the M113 to be better than the 112 in terms of reliability.

when you're talking 97-98 models that have been in service for nearly a decade, I'm not really sure the traditional "transmission issues" (with regard to prematurely-failing components) are a factor. If they've survived to this age I'd be more concerned with maintenance, such as the trans fluid/filter changes (if they've had one) and having the adaptation values, etc, checked out on the trans by a dealer or good indie. Either way, it's hard to pass up a later-model at the same price as an older one even if you are talking V6 vs V8. Of course, at either age and mileage, you're going to be looking at suspension bushings and possibly a head gasket in the near future. On all these models, oil change history is very important, as the 1998-up went to the FSS system, and I'd be inclined to choose the 97 if it's oil was changed every 5-7k rather than a 98-up with oil changed done at 13k. Just my bias.

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL

Wagon first choice, "97 second.
Ed

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Ed
1960 220 SE Coupe (Ponton)
1999 E320 Wagon
2007 E350