Hello all. I just picked up a new to me 1997 E420 (125K), my first 210 body. I know all the ins and outs of the 124, so this is all new to me.

Here are my questions and concerns so far:

1. Intermittant tick in the engine. It seems to come and go. Although since I have changed the oil yesterday, it hasnt really been doing it lately. More on that to come. Could it be the infamous broken oil tube that the M119 is known for. If it was, wouldnt it be doing it ALL THE TIME, not just intermittant? When it does it, it is very loud and sounds like such a POS.

2. Shifter will only go to drive. Cant flick it over to 4, 3, 2, 1, etc. I might try and take it apart later and disect it. Perhaps something is jammed.

3. Pass ball joint is completely shot, and well as the drivers side outer tie rod. Are these both DIY jobs? I hear the ball joints are easy on the 210's, loosen bolts and wack with a hammer. How about the outer tie rod? All of the sway bar bushings/links are also getting replaced. It sounds like the front wheels are going to fall off when going over a bump.

4. previous owner ran 87 octane in it . Could tell by the pinging when I got on the gas. Ran some techron thru it and some good 93 octane. No more knocks and it actually has some power back. Im used to the M119 from my 92 400E, and when I first got it, my 400 was soo much quicker. But this new engine seems to be getter better everyday. Anything I should do more?

5. between 50 and 60 mph, front end shimmys pretty bad. Inspected control arm bushings and these seems to be ok. Nothing excessive anyways.

More to come, as I drive this car more often. So comfortable, I love it.

Thanks for all your help with these 210 newb.

andy

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93 300D 2.5 Turbo, Black/Palomino 273K
09 E350 Black/Black 41K