Would it be fair to include the 2003 wagon as well? They are also w210 cars, but I know nothing of their quality relative to 2000-2002.

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1968 220D, w115, /8, OM615, Automatic transmission.
My 1987 300TD wagon was sold and my 2003 W210 E320 wagon was totaled (sheds tear).

As long as you understand that you can expect to spend money on a 10-year old or older MB, you're good. Regardless the records. They will and DO cost at times substantial dollars to keep them on the road. They are not inexpensive to keep as contrasted with some other car brands.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

My vote goes for the 2000-2002 W210. I would avoid an early W211 car as they had problems for the few years of production, such as the glitchy brake by wire system. The 2000-2002 W210s were refreshed with all the updates and should be a reliable car if you buy a well sorted example that has been take care of.

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1989 300CE

Thank you for again reinforcing that the 2000 to 2002 E class are good cars and for the guidance on the 722.6 transmission. According to what you stated, I should be safe if I stick with an E320. Today I saw a 2002 E320 wagon with 90K miles with no apparent rust on the body for $6,000. But AC and sunroof are not working. But what can I expect for $6000 I will have my mechanic take a look at it. Hopefully he can go see it before it sells and that the AC is only a matter of being charged (which might mean a leak). Thanks to all for the feedback. Hopefully I will buy the car and my saga is over.

Yes, all 2000-2002 E class cars have the 722.6 transmission.

E320's are great, but so are E430's. Expect a few mpg penalty for the V8.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

You will be fine with a 2000 to 2002 W210. The only other issue is a rust issue on the front coil springs perch of the suspension-They are know to break for central and East Coast cars due to rust. This only applies to 2 wheel drive cars...

Lastly, The M112 V6 engine and m113 V8 are oil leakers from the rear engine seal. In my opinion they leak more than any other engine for the same mileage. This is not a deal breaker, but nuisance as you will be leaking from the bottom of the transmission bell housing. To remedy it the transmission must be removed to get to the rear engine seal. Sadly, I have to do this to my 2002 W210 4-Matic wagon with 170k miles. Mine started to leak 50k to 60k miles ago...

Here is chart to help with the years of the transmission...

mercedes transmissions

I love my wagon as I am hauling all kinds of things in it.. i repair Mercedes transmissions and I like the SLS hydraulic shocks as i can load up the back end and it will not drop down..

Prior to getting yours. Get a professional inspection(it may cost you a few hundred dollars, but it will be the best money spent for piece of mind-especially for someone that does not work on cars). When you get your car. Change all the fluids-Transmission(filter too), Engine, Brake, Differential, coolant, SLS,and power steering. Change the thermostat to improve mileage and car reliability.Change the overflow tank cap too. Only flush out the cooling system with distilled water, and refill with distilled water ZerexG05 coolant or Mercedes coolant.. Change your fuel filter and replace the hard fuel line leader hose going to it.. Sounds like a a lot, but every used car purchase should go through this first maintenance before driving the car for daily life. All of this will set the standard for reliability, and fuel economy.. Some will say change the spark plugs, and you may, but this car has 12 of them...Ohh inspect or replace your air filter too...

I do this to all my used car purchases-It is giant peace of mind.....


All the best to you..

Martin

One last one,

If you get this 90k W210 wagon, and you change out the transmission fluid and filter. it will be wise to change out the transmission circular connector since the transmission oil pan will be empty..

Most of these cars came with leather. Oil the seats twice a year as the wagon has A LOT of leather....The last thing you want is cracked leather....For you i would do it at spring and fall.. Use the Leatherique rejuvenator in a spray bottle, and use gloves to spread it around. Work it in with a small brush. Apply a thin painters drop cloth on all the seats to keep the rejuvenator on the seats...The arm rests are leather, and the steering wheel is leather?.

Let the stuff soak in for three or so days. i just drive with a towel over the plastic, and i wipe it down with Pestine Clean..

DIY LEATHERIQUE !! - Mercedes-Benz Forum

Leathereque:

Home Page | Leatherique Restoration Products

I use 303 Aerospace protectant in a Spray for the dash, plastic and all the vinyl...You can get this at Napa Auto parts


Hope it helps

Martin

Well, for "$6,000," I would expect a sunroof and AC that worked for those kind of large dollars. But that's just me. Good luck.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

This is the first I've every heard of or read on this forum of M112 and M113 engines suffering from chronic rear engine seal leaks. My neighbor is a team leader at our local Mercedes dealer, and he's never mentioned it once.

I do agree with your advice of getting a PPI (pre-purchase inspection). It's the best money you'll ever spend.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Martin - Thank you soooo much for the detailed instructions. I will DEFINITELY ask my mechanic what he plans on doing to the car (he is actually going to see the car today if it is still for sale) if I do purchase it. This is great info for any used car I will buy going forward and I will advise my daughters to do the same. I love cleaning the interior of cars so I will be following your instructions.
Thanks to all. Hopefully you won't hear from me again, but don't bet on it Information is power and I have been feeling powerless when it comes to cars but that's about to change at least slightly

I have a 1990 W126- that's 22 yo. My friend Joe has a 1979 S-Class- the W116! n It's starting to show rust and need some suspension and motor mount work after 280,000 miles.

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Strelnik
Invest in America: Buy a Congressman!

1950 170SD
1951 Citroen 11BN
1953 Citroen 11BNF limo
1953 220a project
1959 180D
1960 190D
1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr
1983 240D daily driver
1983 380SL
1990 350SDL daily driver alt
3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5
3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6