My dream W210 would have been a 4-matic turbodiesel wagon. Our 98 E300 sedan was wonderful to drive, but a complete lemon.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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

Don't I know it!

Mine is definitely a lemon........and I've got the receipts and the lemon to prove it.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

Both of my E430's have been close to flawless. My mother also had a 1999 E430, and the only thing it needed in 100,000 miles were three transmission seals that leaked.

My W124 300E (3.2) "E320" was a beautifully, well-cared for example that I put a bloody fortune in: head gasket, throttle actuator, multiple O2 sensors, both fuel pumps, and a long list of ancillary stuff. It came close to being a lemon if there ever was one, but I still loved owning and driving the car.

In fact, one day I just might buy me a 300CE coupe or a 300TE wagon.

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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".

Electronic parts that will only be affected if you use a stupidly oversized cup in the cupholder, and only if you don't clean the gearbox ECU or selector unit out with alcohol.

Worry not. Use european size cups and there won't be an issue. Use super-gulp 7/11 cups full of coke, and there might.

Well, i'm very happy about my w210. It has done 320.000km, no rust, perfect running engine and transmission. So But you have to take more care of it then you did with the older models. I've had a C124 nice car, but nothing like the W210...

This thread has been an interesting read. It has made me reconsider my wanting a S600 and probably will look for an E430 instead. I will of course keep my 300SD for all eternity. I'd get a cdi, but, there weren't any in 2001, and thats all I'll be able to afford/be willing to pay for.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

[quote=waybomb;1625072]I've had my 2001 E430 Sport for about 10,000 miles now. Very happy with this car.

I changed both lower ball joints - one side was loose. WAY easier than any ball joint I've changed in the past. Why didn't they make ball joints like this 30 years ago? So easy.

Dealer tells me that I will need to replace ball joints. I passed at the time because of immediate expense. I am thinking of doing work myself. How do I diagnose what joints to replace? Are any special tools needed? Thanks.......Highwater

I cant say much bad about the car, 1996 E320 built 12/1995 160K miles on it. I paid 7500 for it and put 2000 in it. It is quiet, clean and has good performance. Most everything works as new. It does have some MFG design flaws as posted. Had I bought it new and maintaned it maticulasly I would feel differently Im sure.

It regularly posts advertised mileage and has no oil use between 8 K changes. No rust yet, the head lights are a bit cloudy. Im changing the lenses this week 95 dollars a side. It does have a small oil leak at the passenger side timing cover and rear head gasket. two spots dime sized daily.

Ive put 20K on it in a year. It needed tires, ball joints, brakes when I got it. I did the work myself and found parts werent that exspensive. Ive repalced a couple instrument bulbs and this week a rear window regulator.

The MB dealer printed the service record for me. Dealer maintained car to 105K miles, fluids changed by the schedule. The head gasket was changed at 87K, complete replacement of AC system was done at 127K, a year before I bought it.

For me its been a great bargain at $10,000.

Its tough to beat these cars if you compare them to whats on the market for the same money. My 2005 GMC truck has had several major repairs with only 40K miles on it. I paid 39000 for it.

Suginami,
I own a '93 300CE with 157k and love it. I don't think you'll be a bit dissapointed with one if you choose it. Fun and fast car to drive. Had it over 110 mph.

What does it run to have the spring perches redone?

I have heard $1500 and I have read a few hundred.

Anyone with a '98-'99 have a high mileage motor? Oil consumption?

300SE has a leak at rear - head gasket...Gonna take her to 300K and go from there.

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

Bought a 210 in December and so far have dealt with the rust, a leaking electrical connection on the tranny, and front and rear sway bar bushings and links. Other than that, the car has been great, and a real pleasure to drive with the 722 tranny and the 112 engine. Love it so far.

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95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K

Had my 96, E-320 since last spring. Cost me $6K, w/130kmiles. Now it has 145k. I now understand I slightly overspent. Still a good bargin since the car was quite costly new.
I had some front end rattles which had me on a wild goose chase, so in the process I replaced 1/2 of the front end parts that you all talk about. All the work cost me less that $1000, including $150 in labor for control arm bushings I didn't feel comfortable tackling. Front end is now like new and good for those hi speed runs, I enjoy so much.
Now I notice one side of a spring perch where the caulk has cracked, and I'll go after it before it becomes an issue. No rust staining at the perches.
Minimal rust, and since the car is black, the patchwork is not noticeable.

No other issues, except general maintenance and interior lights have died.

A bulletproof car, and I would overspend again if put in the same position.

I see no pending issues of concern, but we know how that goes.

Overall I like the look better than the 2000+ models. It looks much richer. At todays prices a good example can now be picked up for around $4k. The previous owner did a drop on the suspension of 1 1/2" Now it is time for a black out look on the rims, grill and windows.
Gonna be a fun summer playin w/ my baby. Lots of cosmetics and makeup for my girl.
Beats the heck out of my 91 190E, but I keep her around for a romp as well.

Aardvark

I did the H & R springs and the Monoblocks, so it is close to what I was l was looking for.

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95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K

97 E420 with 160kmi. Added Eibach and Bilstein HD about 4 years ago, it handles very well! A friend with a bmw 550 and new Porsche 911 recently borrowed it and was commenting on its handling, he was really surprised. The car has been reliable. The v8s are great and the m119 v8 is really strong (only made in 97). I bought the car return from lease 8 years ago with 25kmi. I probably will keep the car even if I buy another one, it is reliable and cheap at this point (might as well keep it).

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)

We bought our W210 '01 E-320 4-Matic Black Opal wagon from the MB dealer Oct. '07 with 52K miles. Car was extremely well cared for by orig. owner, all records, garage kept and spotless. I LOVE it! As with previous MB's I always get the MB warranty and it has proven to be well worth it given the tech level of these cars. MB has replaced both lower ball joints, both front strut cartridges, LF fog light connection, shifter bushings, CD changer, gauge cluster, rear main seal, and one catalytic converter, A/C blower motor, brake light switch, oil cooler seal and one head rest motor.
I still LOVE it and I would still get another dispite these issues which I consider too be mostly aberitions.
The ride, both comfort and handling is excellent, the style is great compared to the newer wagon body, but not as classic as the W124 I had. I am very anal about this car and we plan on keep it for a very long time. So in the future any of you guys who will be looking for a near perfect '01 W210 I'll let you know. Dennis

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....just drive'em!
'89 300TE White w/Blue, 152K SOLD!
'93 300E Blue w/Tan, 154K SOLD!
'01 E-320 4-Matic wagon, 130K
'67 Vette Conv. White w/Blue, 217,421K