1997 e420 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

knarf · #1 05-04-2008, 07:48 PM

Greetings Fellow Fourm Members,

I'm currently in the market for a newer semi beater Mercedes to replace my recently deceased 90 E300.
The 97 E420 interest me. I'd like to try a V8. I've been researching threads on this site.
Some of my questions might seem redundant.
I've been made aware of the spring perch and rust issues with the W210 but so much talk about the transmissions has me concerened, i.e. it's reliability and to change or not to change the trans fluid and filter.
The car is being offered by an independent non mercedes dealer, limited history and receipts.
The Carfax looked but I am aware of the limitations of these reports.
The price seems right.
What is the difference between the 722.625 and later 722.623 trans used in the E430? Is the latter a "better" trany?
Any advice and information would be appreciated.

TMAllison · #2 05-04-2008, 08:17 PM

Somewhere about half way through 97 production the 722.6 valve body was updated. The solenoid/electronic seals were updated a few times too in an attempt to stop fluid from wicking up the wiring and ruining the ECU.

Current recommendation for "filled for life" 722.6's is fluid and filter replacement every 39k miles.

Must use MB fluid for 722.6 or 722.9 only; the expensive stuff.

knarf · #3 05-04-2008, 09:45 PM

TAllison,

Thanks for the reply.
The production delivery date according to a VIN search on the Russian Benz site is September 2007.
I've read about the frequent electrical issues with blown bulbs in the 210's. Was that for any particular years?
Can the clouded plastic headlight lenses be polished back to clarity?
Why was the 722.625 trany only used in the 1997 E420?
I noticed a couple of minor rust areas . One bubble under the left headlight lens and a area of rust on the hood under the grill . Multiple stone nicks are evident upon close observation around the front of the grill.
It looks like normal body wear and tear for a not garaged 11 year old New England car.

knarf · #4 05-04-2008, 09:46 PM

TMAllison,

Thanks for the reply.
The production delivery date according to a VIN search on the Russian Benz site is September 2007.
I've read about the frequent electrical issues with blown bulbs in the 210's. Was that for any particular years?
Can the clouded plastic headlight lenses be polished back to clarity?
Why was the 722.625 trany only used in the 1997 E420?
I noticed a couple of minor rust areas . One bubble under the left headlight lens and a area of rust on the hood under the grill . Multiple stone nicks are evident upon close observation around the front of the grill.
It looks like normal body wear and tear for a not garaged 11 year old New England car.

TMAllison · #5 05-05-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knarf

TMAllison,

Thanks for the reply.
The production delivery date according to a VIN search on the Russian Benz site is September 2007.
I've read about the frequent electrical issues with blown bulbs in the 210's. Was that for any particular years?
Can the clouded plastic headlight lenses be polished back to clarity?
Why was the 722.625 trany only used in the 1997 E420?
I noticed a couple of minor rust areas . One bubble under the left headlight lens and a area of rust on the hood under the grill . Multiple stone nicks are evident upon close observation around the front of the grill.
It looks like normal body wear and tear for a not garaged 11 year old New England car.

I believe all W210's had/have bulb problems.

The E420 had a larger torque converter; may hold upwards of 11L rather than 8'ish?

Check detailing forum for dressing up lens covers. Some folks apply an acrylic coating over the top of the existing and others polish them.