Mechanics of a W210 vs. W208? From Former 210 owner...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: Newcastle, WA
2001 E430 Sport; 2000 E320 (RIP 9/9/09); 1991 300SE
Mechanics of a W210 vs. W208? From Former 210 owner...
I had a 00 E320 and it unfortunately was involved in a wreck last month and totaled, so I've been starting to look at a W208 - particularly an 01 CLK430 w/ 38k miles (for $16k).
I'm curious if there are really any major differences from the coupe to the sedan (aside from body, weight, etc.) as far as mechanics, engine, and maintenance are concerned.
I've searched the forums and it looks like they share a lot of the same common maintenance issues that I dealt with on my 210 and wouldn't mind DIY'ing on a CLK if it's all relatively the same - anyone aware of big differences I should be know of?
Thanks for the input and hope to be posting here regularly soon.
-K
I'm curious if there are really any major differences from the coupe to the sedan (aside from body, weight, etc.) as far as mechanics, engine, and maintenance are concerned.
I've searched the forums and it looks like they share a lot of the same common maintenance issues that I dealt with on my 210 and wouldn't mind DIY'ing on a CLK if it's all relatively the same - anyone aware of big differences I should be know of?
Thanks for the input and hope to be posting here regularly soon.
-K
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Any maintenance you can do on a W210, you can do on a W208. Except for changing rear window regulators, that is. 
In 2001, ME was upgraded from 2.0 to 2.8, there was a transmission upgrade, a chrome exhaust tip was added, they got one touch sunroof, the windows drop about a half-inch when the doors are opened, the wheels were redesigned, Tele-Aid functions were enhanced (remote unlocking, diagnostics and alarm notification), and the smart key was redesigned.
In 2001, ME was upgraded from 2.0 to 2.8, there was a transmission upgrade, a chrome exhaust tip was added, they got one touch sunroof, the windows drop about a half-inch when the doors are opened, the wheels were redesigned, Tele-Aid functions were enhanced (remote unlocking, diagnostics and alarm notification), and the smart key was redesigned.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: Newcastle, WA
2001 E430 Sport; 2000 E320 (RIP 9/9/09); 1991 300SE
thanks all
much appreciated on the feedback...the upgrades mentioned sound good..especially since I locked my key in my sedan one day...while visiting portland...with no spare with me...thank God for MB roadside and one helluva nice tech.
Alright well with this, I'll be taking a look this weekend at some 02's - if anyone has any leads in the pacific northwest, feel free to shoot me a note!
thanks again
-K
Alright well with this, I'll be taking a look this weekend at some 02's - if anyone has any leads in the pacific northwest, feel free to shoot me a note!
thanks again
-K
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2003 CLK430 Cabrio, 2009 BMW 535 iX Wagon
I have both a W210 wagon and a W208 convertible. Agreed on the rear window regulators (for the coupe), but with the 208, the front ones seem to be more finicky. Or is it just the convertible? Not like the actual regulators break, but those rivets work themselves loose, and the window would shake. Replaced the rivets with screws and works much better now, even though getting the nuts in place was _a bit_ of a challenge.
Also, I came across quite a few CLK430s that had rattles in the catalytic converters. Seems to be a common (and expensive) issue with the W208 and a non-issue in the 210.
Other than that, there are many components that can be swapped between the two, and the reliability (or lack thereof) is comparable. I average 1 mpg better on the E320 than on the CLK430, which is a price I am happy to pay for the added fun. Expect to pay a dollar more or two for the tires, though.
Also, I came across quite a few CLK430s that had rattles in the catalytic converters. Seems to be a common (and expensive) issue with the W208 and a non-issue in the 210.
Other than that, there are many components that can be swapped between the two, and the reliability (or lack thereof) is comparable. I average 1 mpg better on the E320 than on the CLK430, which is a price I am happy to pay for the added fun. Expect to pay a dollar more or two for the tires, though.
