W210 -- What's the Best Year?
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Newbie
Joined: May 2005
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From: Utah
Black '98 E320 4Matic
W210 -- What's the Best Year?
From everything you may have read or heard or experienced about the 210, what's the best model year for this car in terms of reliability and quality?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 597
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From: Monterey, CA
'97 E320
it depends on your preferences. I personally believe that 1997 is the best year since it is the last of the inline-6 and first year of the 5-spd auto tranny. But if you don't mind the v6, the later years should be the best (01-02). I just have a thing for inline-6 motors.
Raj
'97 E320
'85 535i
<img src=http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/336000-336999/336996_4_full.jpg>
Raj
'97 E320
'85 535i
<img src=http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/336000-336999/336996_4_full.jpg>
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 406
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From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
I'll say the later models years 2000+,
because of the physical look...its a little bit more appealing than the earlier ones.....taillights, slanted front grill, 3rd brake light don't look cheap, the bumpers and the side skirts...and so on.
because of the physical look...its a little bit more appealing than the earlier ones.....taillights, slanted front grill, 3rd brake light don't look cheap, the bumpers and the side skirts...and so on.
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 597
Likes: 1
From: Monterey, CA
'97 E320
Both the 24v inline-6 and 18v v6 have proven to be very reliable with proper maintenance. The inline's have been known to suffer from leaking head gaskets (no probs with mine in 163k miles), but are otherwise bulletproof. And I am very impressed at how well the v6's have held up, as I did not expect much of them when first released.
But I would take an inline-6 over a v6 any day as it is an inherently smoother & better-sounding motor. Next car will likely be an '05 e320 cdi...the last inline-6 Mercedes passenger car.
Raj
'97 E320 (DOHC inline-6)
'85 535i (SOHC inline-6, soon to be boosted)
<img src=http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/336000-336999/336996_4_full.jpg>
But I would take an inline-6 over a v6 any day as it is an inherently smoother & better-sounding motor. Next car will likely be an '05 e320 cdi...the last inline-6 Mercedes passenger car.
Raj
'97 E320 (DOHC inline-6)
'85 535i (SOHC inline-6, soon to be boosted)
<img src=http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/336000-336999/336996_4_full.jpg>
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
I agree. I think all W210 are good. There're always exceptions, but generally speaking, the W210 is one of the last model where Mercedes build car, then calculate price later. Most of the W210 I know, whether I6 or V6, have held up extremly well.
My next Mercedes will be a W210 E55
My next Mercedes will be a W210 E55
Originally Posted by stickygreen
Both the 24v inline-6 and 18v v6 have proven to be very reliable with proper maintenance. The inline's have been known to suffer from leaking head gaskets (no probs with mine in 163k miles), but are otherwise bulletproof. And I am very impressed at how well the v6's have held up, as I did not expect much of them when first released.
But I would take an inline-6 over a v6 any day as it is an inherently smoother & better-sounding motor. Next car will likely be an '05 e320 cdi...the last inline-6 Mercedes passenger car.
Raj
'97 E320 (DOHC inline-6)
'85 535i (SOHC inline-6, soon to be boosted)
<img src=http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/336000-336999/336996_4_full.jpg>
But I would take an inline-6 over a v6 any day as it is an inherently smoother & better-sounding motor. Next car will likely be an '05 e320 cdi...the last inline-6 Mercedes passenger car.
Raj
'97 E320 (DOHC inline-6)
'85 535i (SOHC inline-6, soon to be boosted)
<img src=http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/336000-336999/336996_4_full.jpg>
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 131
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From: long island
'03 E39 530I
uh, I thoought the 210 was one of the first models to be cost effective and the 124 was the last of the 'tank' breed.
Originally Posted by zam2000
I agree. I think all W210 are good. There're always exceptions, but generally speaking, the W210 is one of the last model where Mercedes build car, then calculate price later. Most of the W210 I know, whether I6 or V6, have held up extremly well.
My next Mercedes will be a W210 E55
My next Mercedes will be a W210 E55
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 597
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From: Monterey, CA
'97 E320
uh, I thoought the 210 was one of the first models to be cost effective and the 124 was the last of the 'tank' breed.
yeah.. i can't belive the way mercedes is now. trying to build things cheaper.... it makes me sick.
Though not quite as "overbuilt", all of the newer MBZ models are still very solidly built (chassis & drivetrain), with the vast majority of problems being with electronics (i.e. airmatic, SBC brakes, etc.) and some cheaper interior parts (especially in the '00-'04 C-class). Mercedes has supposedly changed their electronics supplier as of late as a result of all these issues. Interior quality is definitely improving, starting with the '03 S/CL class, '05 C-class, and all the 211 E's. The new CLS has an absolutely gorgeous & high-quality interior, though I wish they'd get rid of that damn steering wheel.
The only MBZ that I would truly call a POS is the last-generation M-class, especially the earlier ones. That is the epitome of "cost-cutting"
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 608
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From: ky
Mercedes AMG
i dont' know if its just me but i think alot of the new ones just look cheap. i honestly don't like them. they don't have the classic look like they used too. they remind me of a damn lexus or something. and i especially hate the new elass. the *** looks like a damn ford taurus or something...
Junior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 51
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From: Torrance, CA
W211 E55 AMG
i think the best year is .. 1999 and 2000. because.. i don't know if this is correct but they start to use cheaper material to build the cars.. like they use to have the strong material.. u wonder why its so hard to close the doors for the older models and easier with these new mercedes benzes.. the 2002+ models..
tat's why i think 1999 model is the best.. anyone who disagrees, agrees, knows information about it PLEASE PM ME..
tat's why i think 1999 model is the best.. anyone who disagrees, agrees, knows information about it PLEASE PM ME..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Vancouver, B.C.
2002 E55 AMG
I have a 1998 E320 and i'm not even sure if it's built as solidly or affected by the cost cutting. The doors don't sound like the 124 doors but overall I think it's a solid car. GRR, turn signal arm loose!!
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Fremont, CA
'98 W210 'ZAM' projectors, Lorinser grnd effects/exhaust, SLAMMED, Zenetti wheels, staggered Potenza
Chrysler-Influenced?
Ever since Daimler mated its name with Chrysler the E-class workmanship has been suspect... my 2-cents.
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 149
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From: New York City
e320 99
i was looking at those consumer reports and chryslers realibility has increased since the merger, but mercedes' has plummited downwards. That is why if u look at the jd powers you will see that models after 99 dont have great ratings anymore...
however even before the merger i just cannot believe the amounts of rust that this car has!!
however even before the merger i just cannot believe the amounts of rust that this car has!!
Originally Posted by golfxtz
Ever since Daimler mated its name with Chrysler the E-class workmanship has been suspect... my 2-cents.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 84
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I think the w124's were the last of the great E class cars. My E class has rattles and stuff that I would not expect in a Benz. I swear parts keep breaking off right after I get something else fixed. I now know the parts guys names and they know me at Star Motor's.
People say the 98 models up are better quality but after spending time in a 2005 I was unimpressed.
People say the 98 models up are better quality but after spending time in a 2005 I was unimpressed.
