W124 driver disappointed by W211
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 910
Likes: 0
From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
As one who has owned five W124"s, five W210's and three W211's I feel I should get in my two cents. I still have my 2007 300TD Wagon which is running like new. My 400E was a great driving car but cost me many thousands in repairs. My twenty year old 300TD still looks like new and couldn't be more solid. It probably has many more miles left in it but it is more like a truck than the W210's and W211's.
I have always thought the recirculating ball steerin box in the W124's was more positive in response than the rack and pinion on the W210's and W211's. I found all the W210's steering felt numb and the same for the W211's. I understand that the 2007 W211's have much improved steering but i haven't had the opportunity to drive one. The W211's in the last couple years have become very reliable cars and have many fine features.
My last W211 was a 2006 E350 which was a very nice car but then I found something that for me was much better. It was the C350. After owning all kinds of MB's for many years I have finally found one that makes me smile every tiime I take it out. It has been completely reliable. The 350 engine with the 7 Speed transmission gives it great performance. The best feature is that the steering response is great. The ride is excellent with minimal road noise.
My wagon has been a loyal friend for twenty years but based on my complete satisfaction with my C350 I will finally be willing to let it go when the new C Class (W204's) come out next fall.
Now, if my C350's will be maintainable over the next twenty years is yet to be determined but somehow I can't believe it will cost any more than I have put into my 400E and the 87 wagon.
I have always thought the recirculating ball steerin box in the W124's was more positive in response than the rack and pinion on the W210's and W211's. I found all the W210's steering felt numb and the same for the W211's. I understand that the 2007 W211's have much improved steering but i haven't had the opportunity to drive one. The W211's in the last couple years have become very reliable cars and have many fine features.
My last W211 was a 2006 E350 which was a very nice car but then I found something that for me was much better. It was the C350. After owning all kinds of MB's for many years I have finally found one that makes me smile every tiime I take it out. It has been completely reliable. The 350 engine with the 7 Speed transmission gives it great performance. The best feature is that the steering response is great. The ride is excellent with minimal road noise.
My wagon has been a loyal friend for twenty years but based on my complete satisfaction with my C350 I will finally be willing to let it go when the new C Class (W204's) come out next fall.
Now, if my C350's will be maintainable over the next twenty years is yet to be determined but somehow I can't believe it will cost any more than I have put into my 400E and the 87 wagon.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: HOUSTON, TX
'06 CLS55 P030
sounds like your a dedicated MB customer...if you buy a 211 its got to be the 500 or better..airmatic, lower stance, more power..by the way the c class 203's all have rack and pinions..but a different unit than used in the 210's and 211's
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Glendale, AZ
'95 E420 SE
This is one of the better threads I have ever read on any topic in terms of content and the well thought out way that each of us brings our own opinions and perspectives to the fray. Very cool.
I wind up back over at some of my off-road dirtbiking forums and find myself wishing the people who post there could keep it together like this group here. Kudos for that!
I wonder if there is a connection.....classier brand of car attracks a classier brand of person? I guess that's a bit stereotypical huh? LOL.
I wind up back over at some of my off-road dirtbiking forums and find myself wishing the people who post there could keep it together like this group here. Kudos for that!
I wonder if there is a connection.....classier brand of car attracks a classier brand of person? I guess that's a bit stereotypical huh? LOL.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 2
From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
124 thots
i've been following these threads and getting me all psyched...even got me looking at a 94/95 E420. we have a 95 bmw 525i and it's a decent car for our nanny...but thinking of swapping out for the E.
btw, i had a c280 7sp for rental...and it was NICE...very tight. i can only imagine what the c350 might be like...perhaps don't need the C55 for most applications, plus it probably gets 20+mpg.
i've been driving my e320 wagon for almost 4 yrs now and itching for change, but no matter how hard i look...it's been tough to given up because i still think it's one of the best machines out there.
btw, i had a c280 7sp for rental...and it was NICE...very tight. i can only imagine what the c350 might be like...perhaps don't need the C55 for most applications, plus it probably gets 20+mpg.
i've been driving my e320 wagon for almost 4 yrs now and itching for change, but no matter how hard i look...it's been tough to given up because i still think it's one of the best machines out there.
