What years of Mercedes wagons to avoid? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

10fords · #1 10-15-2012, 01:41 PM

The search continues! I am now looking at Mercedes wagons in the 87 to early 2000's range. I recall hearing that sometime in the 90's that they became electrical nightmares. Any advice? Thanks- Scott

Graplr · #2 10-15-2012, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10fords

The search continues! I am now looking at Mercedes wagons in the 87 to early 2000's range. I recall hearing that sometime in the 90's that they became electrical nightmares. Any advice? Thanks- Scott

I have no experience of this era but many on here recommend to stay away from the early mid-90s (124 I believe) 4matics. The 4matic seems better in the 210 model. I think the wire harness in the same models were of issue.

I have a 123 and a 210 wagon.

Jim B. · #3 10-15-2012, 03:08 PM

Avoid the ones built from 2000-2009. Even the little w202 ones, the c180's. I guess those were for people with little loas tohaul in their wagons

Quality control and build quality was pretty bad. About 1/2 of them were good, and a few individual units were great, but too many were nightmares. ALL of them were really really safe though...

I think the earlier models, the w123 diesel wagons from 1979-1985 or (the ultimate one being with the rare 3rd seat) or gasser ones from the same (the 280TE 5-speed manuals are the gold prize) era.

The top prize of all is the one-year-only w124 1987 300TD turbo diesel wagon.

Run away from a rusty or repaired collision example. Almost every one of any of these wagons, but even the really good ones probably have over 200,000 miles on them by now, which is not much for them that were driven at 10,000 miles per year, or more, for over 30 years...and they were engineered at a cost on object standard of durablity, longevity, quality control and build standard.

Jim B. · #4 10-15-2012, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graplr

I have no experience of this era but many on here recommend to stay away from the early mid-90s (124 I believe) 4matics. The 4matic seems better in the 210 model. I think the wire harness in the same models were of issue.

I have a 123 and a 210 wagon.

Yes, the 1991 4Matic w124 wagon has established itself as an utter nightmare, but the 1986-1995 "300TE/E320" (depending on year) w124 inline six cylinder gasser wagons are wonderful.

ramonajim · #5 10-15-2012, 04:38 PM

From personal experience, I'd avoid the W210 wagons like the plague.

Partial list from ex-wife's 2001 E320 (no 4matic):

1) Trashed harmonic balancer
2) Constant electronic issues ranging from dead COMAND components to disappearing dash displays
3) Head unit (combo stereo/nav) replaced 4 times under warranty
4) Dead window motors (both rear doors)
5) Dead seat motor (driver's)
6) Dead transmission controller (x2)

Not experienced but known of: failed spring perches (often well hidden by undercoating until catastrophic failure occurs).

engatwork · #6 10-15-2012, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Avoid the ones built from 2000-2009

Yep.

If you do not need it don't get the 4matic in anything

. Just more stuff to maintain.

Delibes · #7 10-15-2012, 06:16 PM

If you are looking for tractor-like durability, go with a W123 (1979-85). This is my personal choice (for overland travel

)

If you are looking for old Mercedes build quality paired with modern world refinement, stick with a W124 (Diesel in 1987, or the ones from 93-95). The E320's have problems with the wire harnesses, so check for that.

If you are looking for a modern car, I have been surprised by the W211. It's still affordable and has a fresh look that may compete with any new Mercedes.

iwrock · #8 10-15-2012, 06:48 PM

Check out 2001-2002 W210 E320/E430 wagons.

The problems that plagues the W210 had, for the most part, been worked out by that point. The M112/113 is bombproof, as is the type-6 behind them. (Think TylerH860 will back me up on this too!)

engatwork · #9 10-15-2012, 07:01 PM

Just make sure it does not have SBS in my opinion.

iwrock · #10 10-15-2012, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork

Just make sure it does not have SBS in my opinion.

SBS or SBC?

SBC was only on the W211, not W210. SBC isn't horrible... Just a bit different.

engatwork · #11 10-15-2012, 08:26 PM

Sorry, I meant SBC. From what I have read the SBC hydraulic control unit is very pricey. In addition I don't think they are diy'er friendly at all. With that said I am under the impression that you can just disconnect the cable at the SBC unit whenever you do any brake work.

suginami · #12 10-15-2012, 08:42 PM

My W210 E430 has been one of the most trouble free cars I have ever owned.

Palangi · #13 10-15-2012, 08:58 PM

I bought a 2004 C240 wagon about a year ago. So far, it has been trouble free.

The main known issue on W203's is the Valeo radiator, which only affects the earlier ones.

Secondary known issue is the weak LCD display, which seems to affect several MB models in the mid-2000's. Relatively cheap DIY fix, which I haven't done yet.

Also, if you watch europeanmotorcars-ltd dot com , MB wagons pop up on there all the time. Just be aware that a lot of cars on that site are collision repairs. Always check carfax.

Benz Fan · #14 10-15-2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10fords

The search continues! I am now looking at Mercedes wagons in the 87 to early 2000's range. I recall hearing that sometime in the 90's that they became electrical nightmares. Any advice? Thanks- Scott

Avoid the 1987 model.

Fulcrum525 · #15 10-15-2012, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benz Fan

Avoid the 1987 model.

......Why?