i usually hang out on the w126 and w124 forums, but need your input. my parents were in a pretty bad accident about 2 weeks ago that totaled their '01 toyota camry (taxi ran a red light and t-boned them) and now they're looking for a replacement car.
i posted this in the CLK forum too, but wanted your input on the E430 as well, because they're eying an '01 CLK430 and an '01 E430 that a local dealership is selling. i used to have a 400E that my dad drove a few times and fell in love with, and i think they want a V8 benz now...
i'm familiar with the w124, having owned a 400E and an E320 in the past; how is the w210 E430 from a reliability and overall ownership perspective? i know corrosion was a problem on the w210, at least in the early years -- would a 2001 model have that issue? also, how maintenance-intensive is the V8 in this car? any weak spots i should know about? would this be a reasonable choice for my parents (in their late 50s/early 60s), even though they're not the DIY type?
Hey, Janos. I've not heard of any specific corrosion problems on the newer 210s other than the door seals one.
The 210 does have it's weaknesses (most of which translate to the 208/209 as well). I started a thread a while back discussing some of these: (Relatively) Common Issues for the W210
You're an MB guy so you may be able to help them with a thorough review of any car they come across, otherwise I am a fan of the prepurchase inspection.
Maintenance records are quite important, be sure the regular stuff has been done plus fluid changeouts (AT!), etc.
While I love the CLK styling, the added room of the 210 is more to my liking. Particularly if you're working under the hood. Hopefully your parents are ready for significantly higher maintenance bills, too.
Vehicle: 2001 E430 Sport in Desert Silver and 2002 C320 Sport Wagon in Arctic White
Location: Germantown, Maryland
Posts: 1,508
Lets start by saying that if I were not the father of two, I would be driving a CLK430. You will get a good list of hot spots for both cars since you posted this question in the W208 and W210 forum. But if both cars are in equal shape with all records etc. I think it comes down to space. The W208 is based on the C class and is a smaller car all the way around. I have driven a CLK 430 for month and had a blast. It feels sporty. The E430 is a great comfortable cruiser that will move when you ask it with no questions. The engines are prone to the same issues in both cars. Your parents need to drive both. I will say that it took me a few days to find a comfortable driving position in the CLK. I'm 6'1 230 lbs, so your Dad should try the seat out first.
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E430 Sport
2001 E430 in Desert Silver with Sport Package, COMAND, Xenon Lights, Rear Sunshade, Heated Seats. Added K40 Stealth Radar, 30% Tint, XM Radio! www.premierbasement.com
Last edited by acarter53 : 05-08-2008 at 03:41 PM.
buy from a dealer,they will pay several thousand more than what the car is worth.
bay area private party sale
2001 Mercedes-Benz E430 V8 is Black/Java Leather interior in excellent condition including all books and service records, low miles 51K and an extended warranty good to 1/09! Mileage is 18 city and 25 Highway. Includes the E2 Pkg.: Glass Sunroof and Rain Sensor. This Mercedes-Benz is a GREAT value offered at $16,500.00 or best offer.
offer $13,000 cash that's all it's worth in a cash market.
If they are financing and go the dealer route they will be upside down on the deal the minute they drive off the lot,and since you say they are not diy types,dealer financing on an overpriced 01 e430 is not the ticket to a good experience with mercedes benz.
deal cash,inspect the car with a pro inspection and they will love the car.
ohlord
Vehicle: 90 300SE (84k Miles) 08 Lexus ES350 Ultra (5k Miles) 07 GMC Sierra SLE (6k Miles) Sold list -->
Location: FL
Posts: 1,768
They seem to be off to a good start. 01 was just about the best model year for the W210. I hope they do realize that either 430 is a V8 that requires premium fuel. They were used to a V4 or V6 that could run on regular! Gas prices are out of control and this car isn't going to be cheap to operate. Maintence should be average, but exceed the Toyota in overall costs. They should be looking at a Southern, Western or West coast used cars, to avoid road salt damage (assuming they live where it snows?).
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89 560SL sold at 45k miles
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05 Mini Cooper S sold at 50k miles
01 Audi S8 sold at 65k miles
00 Audi A4 sold at 75k miles
06 Chevy Silverado LT3/Z sold at 60k miles
99 Chevy Silverado LT sold at 85k miles
Originally Posted by E430SportMB
Start the car early in the morning. Be the first customer. See if it starts one click.
I'm curious... if it doesn't start one-click, then what could be the root cause/causes?
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Could be the ever famous cps ( camshaft sensor ) or hopefully, just a weak battery.
Hopefully your parents are ready for significantly higher maintenance bills, too. 
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