I am not familiar with these at all, but someone wants to trade me a nice 1999 Mercedes E320 for my 1993 400SEL (that I have actually not had an easy time selling). I am seriously considering it, but not sure if the E320 is a troublesome car and wonder if this is why the seller wants to trade it for mine?

Anyone here have late 90s E320 that can comment on it?

Thanks so much.

a w210 is going to be much better than a w140 in my opinion. The e320 has a m112 engine which is a pretty solid engine, don't see many failures, however they do fill up with carbon in the cylinder heads is high octane isnt used on a higher mileage motor, just gonna throw a ce light. crank position sensor at about 150k is a good thing to replace. the 7222.6 is a good transmission, just has leaks at the trans connector which is easily repaired. rear window regulators break at about 10 years. I would trade a w140 for a w210 any day.

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

No. The car you have is a better car. I owned a W210 from new - 14-years.

+1.

I went from a S420L to a W210.
Even my elderly mother commented on the downgrade.

As long as your W140 is well sorted out, I would keep it.

The W140 is more complex and is known for more issues than the W210 overall....if the W210 is nice I'd say go for it unless you like your W140 more. They are different beasts.

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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)

86560SEL, have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) performed by a MB-trained tech who knows that vintage MB automobile. Have the tech check the performance of the A/C system because the evaporator in our 1998 E320 failed. Replacement cost around $4,000. As mentioned the window regulators in the rear doors are a well known problem. Those were replaced in our 1998 E320. Rusted out front spring perches are a known problem with the 210 automobiles, as is a general rust problem with the doors ... be sure to have the tech inspect carefully for rust. Transmissions in the 210 cars are advertised as not requiring fluid or filter changes for the life of the transmission. Best to change fluid/filter every 50,000 miles. If the transmission in that 1999 E320 has never been serviced I would be skeptical about that particular automobile ... have the tech inspect the transmission carefully.

Overall we are pleased with our 1998 E320 that we purchased new; however, that vintage MB automobile lacks the high quality leather and solid feel of the older vintage E320's (124 models). Those MB automobiles were made more cost-effectively to keep the prices more competitive with American-made automobiles, therefore the quality was not the same as earlier vintage automobiles. For example, the sheet metal is noticeably thinner due to weight considerations.

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Fred Hoelzle

It is an apple to oranges comparison. Sounds to me nothing more than owners with high expectations of reliability and instead should buy a Toyota.

The W210 is an excellent car overall, with quirks just like any other vehicle you buy.

The W140 is an excellent car overall, with quirks just like any other vehicle you will buy in a lifetime. Both are so different the comparison isn't possible.

The W210 was a more affordable mid-line model so how could it be the equivalent to an S-Class?

Shoulda bought that S-Class then.

I don't think they are made of thinner sheet metal, I find the W210 very solid....and their curb weight is about the same as a W124...and higher than most cars of its era/size. As for the interior....at least on the 2000 onward models it seems to hold up very well.

__________________
-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)

If it were me, I'd stick with the 140 but that is only because I dont care for how the 210 looks. Never liked the headlight design. I'm sure mechanically it is a good car though.

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Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out.
Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability!

(4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!)


82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k

w140 all the way

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran

I own both, but the driving experience is with the W140, but I understand you do not DIY much, so the W210 is a "Gas-up and go car" Personally, in your circumstances, i would do the trade on a 2000 to 2002 as it has the updated transmission, and more airbags.

If you are a big wide guy,the W210 will feel a little cramped

97 to 99 you have to worry about the Transmission K2 bearing failure(the whine sound), and the rust on the front spring perch for the front....Get a non 4matic if you can..

W140 S500 versus W210 E320... looking for advice - Mercedes-Benz Forum

MArtin

I had a 97 E420 for 10 years and have a 02 E55 now. Both very reliable, much more so then any earlier MB.

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With best regards

Al

Check for rust on the window frames under the rubber seal. Pry it out if you have to. W140 is great if you're a Russian mobster in mid 90s Moscow. Otherwise... meh

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CENSORED due to not family friendly words

I'm exactly the opposite. I've never cared for the looks of the 140, but I like the 210. I got to drive a 210 gasser once after I did some minor repair work on it I was somewhat surprised to find I liked it. It felt a lot like my 123.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

The W140 looks like the W124 received growth steroids. I would own one....but only a 600 so I could go all out in torturing myself with ongoing maintenance.


My brother has put close to 25k on his 2002 E320 with no repairs other than the brake light switch above the pedal and a marker light bulb.

My dad has put about 9k on his with no repairs at all other than recharging the A/C. (which has worked great in the 3+ months since doing so)

In my opinion W210 = very reliable.

As is the W203....my wife's wagon. We've had it almost 6 months with 0 issues at all. Can't say the same for the BRAND NEW TDI wagon we had....it went to the dealer 7 times in the year we had it. Never again!

__________________
-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)