I have a '98 E300TD. It's got 184k on the clock, and 10k+ of those are mine. I've done a few minor maintenance items -- all things I could do myself, like an A/C regulator, a brake light switch, an oil change, etc. It runs like a champ, and even being a diesel, it doesn't burn a drop of oil. The biggest job I've done was changing all six glow plugs -- an issue you've heard about. I'd never done that before on any car, and it took me about three hours with a helper. All six were in pretty tight, but they all came out without breaking, the new ones went in, the check engine light went away, etc. I spent a lot more time worrying about the repair than actually making it.

My folks have a '99 E320 that they bought new. Ordinarily they replace cars on a two-year cycle. Mom loves that W210 so much she has ordered Dad not to replace it. It only has about 50k on it now, and looks like the day it was new. In cruise-control highway driving, it will regularly return 32-34mpg, and once or twice has stretched for 35mpg. Not shabby! Heck, that's even a little better than my diesel does when running biofuel.

A guy with a little spare time can do plenty of his own maintenance on these cars, and they're great to drive. Find a good one and go for it!

Cheers, John

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'98 E300TD (W210) | Sold 6/09 with 205k and counting
'04 VW Touareg V10TDI

We've had our W210 wagon for 11 months now, and have put about 20,000kms on it since buying it. It now has 135,000 kms. I'm knocking on wood as I say this, but we haven't had any major problems with it since buying it. I do know from the records that the transfer case was replaced under warranty quite some time ago, and so was the MAS. The only problems we've had are headlights. These cars chew through headlights for some reason.

I would advise you to stick to a 2000 or newer model. Most of the kinks were worked out by the "facelift" that took place that year. But more important are the added safety features that came with the facelift, including side and head curtain airbags as well as a redesign for crash protection that made the passenger area much safer. I've seen the crash footage videos and the difference between a 1996-99 and 2000-02 W210 is pretty big.

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Jonathan

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

Jonathan: I bet your transfer case was leaking a bit so they replaced it. Lucky you because that is a very expensive repair.

Yes, that is exactly what it was. I don't know how bad a leak it was, but the service order indicated a leak. It was around 40,000 kms if I remember right.

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Jonathan

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

if you like W210, by all means go for the facelifted 2001-02 model. numerous upgrades and also all the bugs are worked out. i absolutely LOVE my 2001 E55 AMG, amazingly comfy & fast ride. did i mention FAST?

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Current cars:
2001 MB E55 AMG
2003 Honda S2000
2000 Honda CRV

Gone but not forgotten:
2004 BMW 325i 5sp sport
1999 BMW 540i sport
1997 MB E420
1995 BMW M3 coupe

2000-2002.

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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 have a 98-E320 for over 4 years and put about 35k miles. So far I enjoy it a lot, the problems you mention:

Rust. - Not a problem down in S Florida
Cracked dashboards - Not for me, but it maybe since I've to sacrifice my garage space for children's toys
MAS sensors - Not a problem (yet?)
catalyst replacements. - No problem
leaky steering racks. - No problem
spring perches. - Not a problem in S. Florida
creaky seat frames. - A little but mangageable
leaky diffs. - No problem
broken sway bar links. - Not a problem (yet?)
crank shaft position sensors. - Not a problem (yet?)
m112s that eat oil - Not a problem

But the problems that I had was:
1. Noilsy packing sound from alternator - didn't need to but replace alternator anyway - ouch expensive.
2. Both rear window regulators broke - not too expensive
3. Small oil leak where the engine meets the trans (maybe one the seal) - haven't fix it yet.
3. Vibration in reverse - maybe engine/trans mount - haven't done it yet - may not be very expensive

Other than that it's just regular maintenance and it's been driving beautifully.

Regards,
JeffreyP

"Styling is fresher (the W124 is starting to look dated). Now I had a 91 W124; the 94/95 models probably have a few more years before they look dated."

I agree. But I put euro headlights on both of mine and they look ten years younger.

As a practical matter, I will probably have a 210 one day. I hope it is white. The white ones are gorgeous, especially if the headlight lenses are sparkilng and clear.

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

How about the turbodiesels, you can't get them past 99. I like my 95 W124 but want to give it to my son and replace it with the W210. I know they are very hard to find with low miles but I would like to stay with the diesel. The engine is an updated version of what I already have, which I like. I have been in a few gasers and the quality of the cars seem the same as the w124's if not better.

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Karl B
95 E300 D
2006 Mazdaspeed 6
2001 GMC Yukon XL
1997 Contour SVT
Mazda RX-7 SCCA race car

Racekar -- See post #13, above, where I discuss my W210 diesel.

Cheers, John

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'98 E300TD (W210) | Sold 6/09 with 205k and counting
'04 VW Touareg V10TDI

Everyone has one around here, and most people love them. Remember only unhappy owners take the time to complain.

W210's are simple to fix, parts are cheap, quality is fine, they drive well, etc. I'd have no issue buying one. Just buy a good one, go cheap and buy junk, well thats what you get. Get a 2000-02 E320 with full records, no accidents, low miles, one owner, and it will be just as good as any other car of similer vintage.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200