Okay, I am not sure if this is the proper forum, so please excuse me if I'm wrong.

I really enjoy our 1998 W210 E300TD with 178k miles and in like-new condition.

It gets great mileage (34-36mpg on the road if I keep it under 70mph and 30-32mpg if I go 75-80mph). Very little if no smoke out the tailpipe, as well.

So, I've seen W211's with the straight-six CDI engine and they seem to get better mileage and have better performance.

Are the W211s better cars than the W210s or is the older model with fewer electronics a better car?

People seem to praise the W210 diesel more than the CDI in the 05-06 W211 models, but I am not sure why.

Anyone have experience with both models?

I'd like to stick with the W210 as it is a simple car and it is very reliable. But, if the W211s are a better all-around car, I might consider one.

Thoughts? Opinions? Experiences?

Nick

Many thanks!!

I'm familiar with both the W210 chassis and the W211 but can only speak for the CDI in the W211. I went back and forth between the E300 and E320 when I bought my E320 but am glad I did. Rust on the W210 chassis was major concern for me as I'd like to keep the car for several years. The downside to the W211 chassis is the SBC system but that wasn't a deal breaker for me.

Extremely happy with my CDI, I consider it the best vehicle that I've owned. From 65k-175k it has cost me less than $2k including oil, filters, tires and brakes. I'm giving a bit back to it now with modifications/upgrades though.

MPG is between 30 and 32 running 80mph down the interstate. A bit more if I slow down.

I use mine for pulling around my boats and small trailers as well. Pulling the enclosed from Iowa to northern MN resulted in around 20mpg at 75mph.

What trailer hitch are you using? Is it a 2 inch receiver? And how much weight is have you towed? I haven't driven the e300 diesel but the e320 is very nice. And the prices are pretty low

I did own all (almost) MB diesels available in US in last 30 years.
Each newer engine is clear step-up in technology. Much better performance matted with better mpg.
When 2.2l in W123 had about 66HP and was hog to drive, new 2.1l Bluetec with 195 HP will burn good tires on dry asphalt, while capable of delivering 60 mpg.
Still W210, even slow comparing to newer models are probably the easiest and cheapest to maintain and upkeep, so if you are happy with it - keep it till you decide to buy E250 BT as replacement.
MB sedans in Europe pull 2-tons trailers just fine, but in US you can't buy hitches with those ratings and legal issues are playing role as well.

BTW 300TD means "Touristic, diesel" aka N/A wagon.
Your model is 300DT.

I had installed one of these from U-Haul. I never have any problems pulling my motorcycle.
**If the link does not take you directly to the trailer hitch, you will have to put your vehicle information in.
Mike T.

https://www.uhaul.com/Trailer-Hitches/