I've been a die-hard bimmer guy for years now. . .this is my first MB experience. It's my wife's wagon but I get maintenance duty. So far, I've fixed the standard stuff that it looks like everyone goes through: SRS passenger sensor, instrument pixels, etc.
It seems that the MB is much more DIY friendly than a bimmer I hate to say.
Estate great for hauling around people and dogs...
Yes, go later model year if possible...
As I recall the 1999 model year had a crankshaft pulley problem... it should have been changed by now to the updated part... if not, it will fly apart and cause major engine damage!!! Do a search on the forum here for crankshaft pulley...
Oh, the other problem was the Catalytic converter had a high failure rate... likewise, it should have been replaced by now, but if you get a low mileage Estate car, it should be checked out for the "Rattling CATs" !!!
Otherwise, it's a great car for hauling around people and dogs...
Thanks for all the input. We are going to try to buy between a 2000-02. Decided against the 99 altogether. What does an estate car mean? I'm new to MB.
Find the latest model you can afford. You will not regret it. The car is bulletproof.
In 2004 we purchased a 2002 wagon. A friend owns a MB dealership, and put us in touch with his sales manager. We purchased a lease end wagon with a Starmark warranty and have been extremely happy with this wagon. This is my wife's car and she uses it for all manor of tasks, from cargo hauling to child errands to transporting her elderly parents. She has averaged ~20k miles per year since we purchased it, and drives it mostly around town. Currently it has ~115k miles and gets ~20mpg around the city.
Only issue is that it burns a little oil- no leaks though. We have followed the recommended maintenance schedule and have used a combination of the MB dealer and a good independent for service.
Prior to this we had a W124 wagon, which I regretted getting rid of, but it was time.
You'll notice that the common term is wagon in the US and estate elsewhere.
If you see romanse320 white wgon pictured it has a much nicer looking front end than what I drive ('98) It's probably a '00-'03 Some people have updated the lights and wheels on '98-'99 wagons to get a more current look. This forum has stick links to "common issues with the W210" window regulators, spring perch, weak AM radio, etc. Happy shopping, find a good one and the MPG alone will be a pleasant suprise for a car with this performance and size.
I've been a die-hard bimmer guy for years now. . .this is my first MB experience. It's my wife's wagon but I get maintenance duty. So far, I've fixed the standard stuff that it looks like everyone goes through: SRS passenger sensor, instrument pixels, etc.
It seems that the MB is much more DIY friendly than a bimmer I hate to say.
those wheels look great. what are they?
__________________
1988 300TE, 251,000 miles
1989 300SE, 89,000 miles
2000 E320 4matic wagon, 115k miles
Bought an '02 E320 4-Matic Wagon to replace my '04 Cadillac SRX V8 AWD that I'd had almost since new. The Caddy was a cheaply built, expensive to maintain product with nice styling and comfort, but also a gas pig. The MB has the same interior cargo space, pulls my trailer nicely, and the ergonomics are superior. Everything is well-thought out. Check the underside and around the areas where the bumper facias touch the body sheet metal for rust issues before you buy and spray some POR-15 on vulnerable areas underneath.
__________________ Don French
Trustee, Western Reserve Section MBCA Northeast Ohio
1959 190 Sedan - Restoring It
1961 190B Sedan - Show Winner
1961 190B Sedan - Nice Driver
1964 230SL - 339,000 Miles
1975 350SL - Euro 4 Speed
1985 380SL - Prettiest One
1989 560SL - Last of an Era
1991 560SEC - Nice Money Pit
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet - Keeps Wife Happy!
2002 E320 Wagon - Work Truck
Buy the waggon. Can some one explain the meaning of spring perch ? I have a 2001 with 89K. Original owner. I have previous problem of rear leveling valve leak. But what is spring perch. How it act up in warm weather ? I live in DFW temp goes to 109 F now.
Estate great for hauling around people and dogs... 
: MBZ 280E, 260E, 300SD 
MBZ 190E, E320W, CLK350 
Don French
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