f-rod

I purchased my '02 430 in April '02. Almost 4 years, not driven a lot initially with only 32k miles on it, but getting a beating now.

My only complaints are really no big deal:

CD Changer is trunk mounted.
No lumbar support.
Original Conti tires only lasted for 24k miles.
Driver's seat should have the auto-back feature that even the C-class has.

Other than that (and I may be forgeting some even less significant items), the car is great!

The car feels solid, I check it for rust everywhere I can think of. I don't see any signs of aging. The car is 4 years old and looks better than most new cars out there.

For the first time ever I'm not thinking of buying a new car after only two years of ownership.

So, reading all these posts from dissatisfied owners, I have to wonder; when should I be expecting the car to begin falling apart?

Many people have problems with other car makers, but that doesn't mean that ALL their cars are poor quality. These are machines, and as such will tend to have unpredictable problems.

Not so? Then about when should I expect my windows to fall off?

Rafael Grullón

Anytime.
I did my research. It happens to BMW´s and to Jaguars as well.

phatstyles

Just keep the car maintained. Usually when something goes out its very minor and once replaced doesn't need replacement again. Just because you see problems on the forums for car problems don't be discouraged. Plus some people don't take care of their cars and blame it on the manufacture for the defects. If you want something really reliable why don't you check out some options with honda or toyota or even lexus =).

IMO - 1996-2002 e-class is one of the nicest luxury cars around at a good price. Very nice to drive and is appreciated everywhere. Not sure if your into modding but just a nice set of wheels and youll be set.

Problems -

rear cd change contact steve (mbenznl) for a audio 10 or audio 30 for a indash cd player unit oem mercedes. Also he has available command unit which I will be getting on his next trip.

windows will not fall out lolz - usually the rear window regulators go out. Very simple to replace and order the unit.

f-rod

It was more of a tongue-in-cheek comment, directed more to those who feel they need to bash MB for their troubles.

I don't have any expectations of a trouble-free car for long term. Of course, no one WANTS to have problems, but you should know problems will arise from time to time.

However, if current conditions are any indication, then I would think I have quite a few more years to go before there are any serious problems.

Bottom line, I'm very satisfied with the car and MB ownership experience in general.

dnewman007

It is good to here that you have not had any major problems. I have an 01 320 4Matic with 90,000 miles on it. It has been very reliable so far. The only thing I have had to do to it since the normal factory warrant ran out (that is not normal maint.) is replace a rear window regulator. I just had to that about a week ago. I will say that it took me a few different brake combinations (rotors and pads) to have quiet non-dusting stops. Like you I am happy with my E Class and I'm not looking to trade for a long time. This is the first car in my life that I am content with so far. I've owned many other automobiles including other hi-end brands and I feel this is the best car by far.

JKA

What combination rotors/pads did you get?

I'm looking to do the same and can't decide: slotted? drilled? Stainless Steel? Axxis? Hawk?

JKA

OK, I know this is a year old, but is Steve (mbenzl) still around? Where can I get the OEM in-dash player?

MARK CUMMINS

Yes Steve is still Modding contact him at www.mbenznl.com

JKA

Currently out of stock

Thanks.

Air Marshall Eldritch

One of mine fell off at 90k...well, fell in would be more accurate. But we have a thread here somewhere with most excellent pictures and procedures to DIY.

Huachipato

Aside from the windows falling - the only other nit picky problem I have seen with my car (that has about 97K miles on it now) is the visor mirror cover - the little tabs seem to be too flimsy and break easily. Kind of wish it was more of a sliding action instead.

Penn

Windows failing seems very common mine failed at 109000km.

Most common problem on W210's in Australia is cracked dashboards. Just about every car seems to have a cracked dash unless it has had a airbag deployment and been replaced. Most dashboard repair businesses do not deal with airbag dashboards.

JKA

OK, I'm tired of searching all over the internets. Can't find the in-dash CD player for the 2002 W210.

Any real solution? Something that will retain the steering wheel controls and not look out-of-place?