The 210 wagons were sold from the 1998 through 2003 model years in the U.S. (No typo, in 2003 the sedan was a 211 and wagon was a 210.) To the best of my knowledge the 210 wagon was available with and without 4matic in all years.

The 211 wagon is model years 2004 to the present. At some point the geniuses at MBUSA decided to sell it only with 4matic in the U.S. I think this silliness began with the 2006 model year. Prior to that it could be had in RWD, at least as an E320.

I have a 2001 E320 RWD wagon. Like you, I specifically sought out the RWD version. Window sticker economy numbers are 21/27 on this car. I typically average 22-23MPG in my mix of suburban commuting and urban highway use. Road trips have netted 26-30MPG, the latter with a good tailwind.

Problems are the same as the 210 sedan - window regulators, pixels in the dash displays, etc. Suggest you use the search feature to read up on typical 210 chassis problems.

I too had a 124 wagon prior to the 210. Overall I liked it a bit better than the 210. Two things about the 124 wagon struck me as superior. First, the wedge shape of the body made for a wider, higher opening hatch. It was easier to load and carry bulky objects in the 124 than the 210, though the overall carrying capacity is about the same. Second, the 124 was quieter than the 210 - less road and wind noise.

I've not owned a 211, so no real opinion there. I've largely decided to skip owning a 211 wagon. I like the utility of the E-class wagon, but MBUSA is not selling models with high enough fuel economy for me. The current E350 4matic wagon is rated at something like 16/24 - I'm not interested in owning something that inefficient.

- JimY