Need Information.

[ferdinand31388]

Hi there, my name's Timothy, i'm 18 & i'm from Malaysia. My dad just bought a 2nd hand 1997 E280 (Elegance) a few days ago to replace a really old W124 200E that he used since 1998 (breaks down once in 3 months since 2001 and repair bills were around 500-1000 US Dollars.....). Anyway, i need information about the E280 and also what kind of problems to look out for (e.g rust spots, engine, computer...)

Thank you and btw this site is really great.

[Rob Ankers]

Hi Tim!
I just bought an E300TD, THE place to look for rust is in the front spring perches (the upper mount for the front suspension springs) My car is in immaculate condition and the perches appeared to be ok until I stripped back some of the joint sealing compound from around the seams, there was quite a bit of corrosion there which I have treated and hopefully will now be ok. It is vital that you check this area carefully as it appears to be a common fault with the W210 and the results from the perch failing could be fatal! Check through the forum for other reports and photo's and you will see what I mean. another common place for rust is under the door seals along the top of the window frames, again, check carefully by peeling back the rubber. The area around the trunk lock also seems to suffer. My car also had some corrosion under the rear seat cushion, possibly from a battery acid leak in the past.

[ferdinand31388]

Thanks alot. Anyways, u bought an E300TD right? What are the advantages of a turbodiesel engine, besides fuel economy. My dad wanted a diesel W210, but it seems that in Malaysia, they charge pretty hefty road taxes & turbodiesel mercs are extremely rare here.

[one.bofh]

Suspension is another problematic area of the W210 - my advise is to check the suspension really well including the links, ball joints, springs....