***List of Common W210 Problems***
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 46
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From: Manchester, UK
W210 E300DT Saloon
You have to remember that we all love cars, and will fix absolutely everything that goes wrong on them 
Most people just ignore the minor problems, or take it to a dealer - thats not us though.
Most people just ignore the minor problems, or take it to a dealer - thats not us though.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Here're problems that I found common among the W210 with M112/113 engine (V6/V8)
- Window regulator, of course
- Harmonic balancer
- Steering column cover getting loose
- Tricky alignment
- Soft brake pad, cause wheel to dirty quickly
- Dull headlight cover
- Fog lamp wire melt/burn.
- Brake light switch causes BAS/SRS/whatever warning go crazy
- Howling differential at some speed, found that nothing could be done to fix it, eventually, get used to it
- Radio volume sometime change too abruptely
- A/C take a while to cool the car in hot summer (the Japanese/American really know how to build A/C)
- Transmission sometime shift too rough when car first start, cold weather only.
- Window regulator
- Window regulator
- And of course, window regulator
Most of these problem (except the harmonic balancer) are minor & easy to resolved. The A/C and differential are flaw by design, I don't think we can do much to resolve it, not big deal anyway. The only potential catastrophic problem is the hamonic balaner, which is know covered by recall.
Car is ultra-reliable. Sound hard to belive, but for the 4 years and 100K mile that I put on it, it's more reliable than my previous Lexus GS.
The same can't be said about my W211, sadly. Have to vistit dealer very few months for recall issues.
Best of all, it still outhandle & out perform lot of new car that I've tested & driven, even my W211. The suspension and engine mod help with that, but also mean the body architecture held up well over time. Some have met me locally and tried out my W211 know what I mean.
- Window regulator, of course
- Harmonic balancer
- Steering column cover getting loose
- Tricky alignment
- Soft brake pad, cause wheel to dirty quickly
- Dull headlight cover
- Fog lamp wire melt/burn.
- Brake light switch causes BAS/SRS/whatever warning go crazy
- Howling differential at some speed, found that nothing could be done to fix it, eventually, get used to it
- Radio volume sometime change too abruptely
- A/C take a while to cool the car in hot summer (the Japanese/American really know how to build A/C)
- Transmission sometime shift too rough when car first start, cold weather only.
- Window regulator
- Window regulator
- And of course, window regulator
Most of these problem (except the harmonic balancer) are minor & easy to resolved. The A/C and differential are flaw by design, I don't think we can do much to resolve it, not big deal anyway. The only potential catastrophic problem is the hamonic balaner, which is know covered by recall.
Car is ultra-reliable. Sound hard to belive, but for the 4 years and 100K mile that I put on it, it's more reliable than my previous Lexus GS.
The same can't be said about my W211, sadly. Have to vistit dealer very few months for recall issues.
Best of all, it still outhandle & out perform lot of new car that I've tested & driven, even my W211. The suspension and engine mod help with that, but also mean the body architecture held up well over time. Some have met me locally and tried out my W211 know what I mean.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
inst.cluster,cat converter,window regulator
Our 2000 E-320 wagon has 108000 miles. We recently replaced the right cat convertor $900.00. I replaced the right rear window regulator. The cable broke. This job was fairly easy and I bought the part from the Dealer. Now the instrument cluster time and shift lever display are not readable so you have to guess what gear you are in. I ordered the 2 hook tools for $20.00 which I have read will remove the cluster.Can someone give me some advice on the proper way to do this? I am a "newbie " to this forum but very mechanical. I would be very appreciative. I have owned numerous other vehicles , however I would not trade this one for anything.{except another one} Thank you 
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 531
Likes: 17
'08 CL600 with 152k km; '01 E430 4Matic with 433k km; '17 Porsche Cayenne with 130k km
On eBay, there's a guy that does the instrument cluster repair for a relatively decent price.
Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/Mercedes-C-E-Cla...QQcmdZViewItem
Congratulations on your Mercedes purchase! Good luck on your ownership!
Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/Mercedes-C-E-Cla...QQcmdZViewItem
Congratulations on your Mercedes purchase! Good luck on your ownership!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 9
From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
Update: my car is about to hit 195K, the car is back to the shop now, due to whining noise from under the engine, near the torque converter. Probably will have to open up the trans and replace the torque converter or trans oil pump.
Within the last 12 months, once the car pass 150K mile, I have the following major repairs, I consider them major because they affect the drivebility of the car, not just the cost
- Trans rebuild: $1600
- Both cat converter: $1800
- CPS sensor: $240
- Fan clutch & themostat: $220
- Front & rear engines seal & gasket: $320
- And the upcoming torque converter (and oil pump & coolant ??), $1000+ ???
Of course, then there's the typical tire, brake, service, maintenance, around another $1500
I drive the car for 4 years, with all the stupid minor problem & glitch like windows regulators, steering column cover, cup holder, radio knob, not a single trans & engine problem. After that, no minor glitch, just major ones w/ trans & engine.
I know the mechanic, so I pay much less in labor compared to bringing the car to dealer or indy shop (and no b.s repair...). Also, I buy most part from fastlane, at least 30% off to dealer price. Had I took my car to dealer for these repair, it could easily cost me $10K or more.
After this, if there's major repair again, I'll probably head to dealer and get a new Lexus GS350. Both the $$ cost and time bringing car to shop are getting to discomforting level.
Everyone at my firm drive nice car, my brother drives nice car, it's about time I look beyond my love for the W210 and get myself a reliable car.
What annoy me the most is that I still enjoy driving the damn car !!!!
Within the last 12 months, once the car pass 150K mile, I have the following major repairs, I consider them major because they affect the drivebility of the car, not just the cost
- Trans rebuild: $1600
- Both cat converter: $1800
- CPS sensor: $240
- Fan clutch & themostat: $220
- Front & rear engines seal & gasket: $320
- And the upcoming torque converter (and oil pump & coolant ??), $1000+ ???
Of course, then there's the typical tire, brake, service, maintenance, around another $1500
I drive the car for 4 years, with all the stupid minor problem & glitch like windows regulators, steering column cover, cup holder, radio knob, not a single trans & engine problem. After that, no minor glitch, just major ones w/ trans & engine.
I know the mechanic, so I pay much less in labor compared to bringing the car to dealer or indy shop (and no b.s repair...). Also, I buy most part from fastlane, at least 30% off to dealer price. Had I took my car to dealer for these repair, it could easily cost me $10K or more.
After this, if there's major repair again, I'll probably head to dealer and get a new Lexus GS350. Both the $$ cost and time bringing car to shop are getting to discomforting level.
Everyone at my firm drive nice car, my brother drives nice car, it's about time I look beyond my love for the W210 and get myself a reliable car.
What annoy me the most is that I still enjoy driving the damn car !!!!
Last edited by zam2000; Jul 7, 2007 at 12:22 PM.
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
02 E 430 Sport
I have a 02 E430. I have the rubber on rubber noise from the steering wheel column, and the screwed up dash - gear indicator and outside temperature indicator pixels missing. I absolutely hate the dash problem. This is supposed to be quality? It also looks like my paint is starting to bubble near the sunroof. Great.
How do you know when the harmonic balancer goes? Sounds like a common issue.
How do you know when the harmonic balancer goes? Sounds like a common issue.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
'99 E320 4matic wagon, owned from new. Here's my list:
1) Rust. Rear gate around handle, around door weatherstripping, lower corners of fender, all suspension components, battery compartment floor.
2) Exhaust. Right cat, cat back mufflers. Now left cat needs to be done.
3) Alternator.
4) Starter.
6) Seat control computer
7) Left and right sideview mirrors literally burned, due to shorted motors.
8) Rattling sunroof
9) Sunroof only opens half way
10) Rapid tire wear
11) AC leaks
12) Defective bulb warning all the time.
13) Outside air temp reads 50 degrees below actual temperature
14) Air mass sensor
That's a lot of trouble for 63K miles.
Question: I need a new left side cat. It's still under the Federal warranty (8 yr/80K miles). Will the dealer give me any problem with doing this under the warranty. I notice some of you are paying for cats.
1) Rust. Rear gate around handle, around door weatherstripping, lower corners of fender, all suspension components, battery compartment floor.
2) Exhaust. Right cat, cat back mufflers. Now left cat needs to be done.
3) Alternator.
4) Starter.
6) Seat control computer
7) Left and right sideview mirrors literally burned, due to shorted motors.
8) Rattling sunroof
9) Sunroof only opens half way
10) Rapid tire wear
11) AC leaks
12) Defective bulb warning all the time.
13) Outside air temp reads 50 degrees below actual temperature
14) Air mass sensor
That's a lot of trouble for 63K miles.
Question: I need a new left side cat. It's still under the Federal warranty (8 yr/80K miles). Will the dealer give me any problem with doing this under the warranty. I notice some of you are paying for cats.
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
2002 E320 4MATIC
I have been looking in other forums and they seem to have common shakes, rattles, and often replaced parts and thought, "Why shouldn't W210 owners have the same privilege?" So, without further adeiu, here I go...
Found in my car (2001 E430 4Matic):
-Rattle in the sunroof/moonroof panel (very common fix)
-Squeak/rubber-on-rubber sound from steering wheel at low speeds
-highly sensitive front end (more-than-often alignments)
-squeaks/clunks form front end (elaborate..can't get too into depth. Not on mine yet!)
-rusting door frames (there's an actual recall for this? Had mine done...)
-transmission not quite shifting smooth (flush is imminent)
-bad rear differential...'howling' sound at 15-20MPH (replaced under Starmark warranty..woohoo!)
-bad u-joints? mounts? can anyone elaborate on this?
-stuck rear sunshade (needs to be cleaned and re-greased)
That is all I can think of right now...I love these cars, but man, Mercedes needs to 'man up' and get some quality issues taken care of. Anyone else have further details, please post. Let us have a comprehensive list so that fellow W210 drivers/future buyers can have thorough reference. Thanks!
Found in my car (2001 E430 4Matic):
-Rattle in the sunroof/moonroof panel (very common fix)
-Squeak/rubber-on-rubber sound from steering wheel at low speeds
-highly sensitive front end (more-than-often alignments)
-squeaks/clunks form front end (elaborate..can't get too into depth. Not on mine yet!)
-rusting door frames (there's an actual recall for this? Had mine done...)
-transmission not quite shifting smooth (flush is imminent)
-bad rear differential...'howling' sound at 15-20MPH (replaced under Starmark warranty..woohoo!)
-bad u-joints? mounts? can anyone elaborate on this?
-stuck rear sunshade (needs to be cleaned and re-greased)
That is all I can think of right now...I love these cars, but man, Mercedes needs to 'man up' and get some quality issues taken care of. Anyone else have further details, please post. Let us have a comprehensive list so that fellow W210 drivers/future buyers can have thorough reference. Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn NY
'00 S-500, E-430S, '88 Mustang
headlight lenses
Hey heres the link to a place that has lenses---http://germanstar.net/210bod.htm
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn NY
'00 S-500, E-430S, '88 Mustang
Our 2000 E-320 wagon has 108000 miles. We recently replaced the right cat convertor $900.00. I replaced the right rear window regulator. The cable broke. This job was fairly easy and I bought the part from the Dealer. Now the instrument cluster time and shift lever display are not readable so you have to guess what gear you are in. I ordered the 2 hook tools for $20.00 which I have read will remove the cluster.Can someone give me some advice on the proper way to do this? I am a "newbie " to this forum but very mechanical. I would be very appreciative. I have owned numerous other vehicles , however I would not trade this one for anything.{except another one} Thank you
I just bought my 99 E430 Sport, and 4 weeks later had to replace the pass side cat---If it wasnt for OHLORD here on this forum I would have paid over 1500 $.
Instead i paid $366.95, for the cat, and $80 bucks to install..total 446.95. I can only imagin how pissed id be if i paid 1500 first.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 327
Likes: 2
I like the little squeak the steering wheel makes at low speed always the center for a good joke or two. My 97 320 car whines in 1st gear but so does my gramps 560sel and my other 1986 300e so im not worried. I like the cars, quirks and all, then again i dont drive 24/7 in the 320, mostly in the 300.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Cancún, México
E430 1998 and C320 2002
I love mi E430
Hi, I live in Mexico, and I have an 1998 E430 AMG, gorgeous, problems, not much, but here in Mexico are a big deal:
-Rusty doors frames.
-Te alignment is a Royal Pain, already replace the joints, but still getting to the right!!
-Fuel thirsty
-Exhaust rusty and hard to find replacement, sometimes it sounds like a 1958 Ford.
-Once a month light bulbs replaced, the last one was a Xenon bulb, just imagine the price here in Mexico... no comments.
Otherwise: I'll be buried with him, I love the car
If anyone knows where to find replacement for the parking sensor little screens covers (mine cracked with the heat, I live in Cancún), please let me know
-Rusty doors frames.
-Te alignment is a Royal Pain, already replace the joints, but still getting to the right!!
-Fuel thirsty
-Exhaust rusty and hard to find replacement, sometimes it sounds like a 1958 Ford.
-Once a month light bulbs replaced, the last one was a Xenon bulb, just imagine the price here in Mexico... no comments.
Otherwise: I'll be buried with him, I love the car
If anyone knows where to find replacement for the parking sensor little screens covers (mine cracked with the heat, I live in Cancún), please let me know
Last edited by guyonjr; Feb 9, 2009 at 10:01 AM. Reason: can´t get my image uploaded from my PC
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
1996 E320
Hi,
I deem myself lucky with my 1996 E320 sofar. I bought it 13 months ago with 130K for under $7K and since then the only major issue was a leaking water pump, which cost me $500 to replace it.
On the maintenance side I have replaced all fluids, spark plugs, ignition coils and cables, thermostat, air filter (3x, too often I think), oil change every 5K with full-synthetic oil.
At the moment I have no problems except
- a line of blind dots on instrument cluster display
- 2 blind segments on AC temperature display
- wire harnesses inside headlight housings look not so good, insulations get britle, I guess due to the heat, amateur-wise fixed by wrapping eletrical tape around.
The car still runs great despite its mileage, as of today 145500. Hope it stays that way for a while.
I deem myself lucky with my 1996 E320 sofar. I bought it 13 months ago with 130K for under $7K and since then the only major issue was a leaking water pump, which cost me $500 to replace it.
On the maintenance side I have replaced all fluids, spark plugs, ignition coils and cables, thermostat, air filter (3x, too often I think
), oil change every 5K with full-synthetic oil.At the moment I have no problems except
- a line of blind dots on instrument cluster display
- 2 blind segments on AC temperature display
- wire harnesses inside headlight housings look not so good, insulations get britle, I guess due to the heat, amateur-wise fixed by wrapping eletrical tape around.
The car still runs great despite its mileage, as of today 145500. Hope it stays that way for a while.
Last edited by texholdem; Feb 13, 2009 at 12:10 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Cancún, México
E430 1998 and C320 2002
bind dots in cluster
Hi: I also had blind spots in the AC display and the cluster, both were very, very easy to repair by my MB repair wizard, he only replace tw light bulbs the size of a led in both panels, it cost me only 10 dollars!!!! You just need to get a mechanic away from the MB agency. Believe me, if I, living in cancún have a specialized handyman, I am sure you can get plenty in the US. Trust me it is very simple.
Good luck!!
Good luck!!
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
E430 Sport
Holy Crap...
Man, I am almost ready to kill myself seeing all of the issues on the 210 bodys... I have a 98 E430 Sport and have had 138K of great driving fun. the only thing I have an issue with is the rear sun shade is up and won't go down (two days ago) and one of the buttons on my seat controls (that make the backrest sides adjust) quit working...
Anyone have the rear shade issue???
I had a local guy do my headlight lenses on my car almost three years ago and they still look like new... he did some cleaning on them then put some coating over them that he says protects them. He stands behind them for two years... he will fix them again for free. I paid $100.00 for the service.
thanks for any help on the rear sunshade...
Laner
Anyone have the rear shade issue???
I had a local guy do my headlight lenses on my car almost three years ago and they still look like new... he did some cleaning on them then put some coating over them that he says protects them. He stands behind them for two years... he will fix them again for free. I paid $100.00 for the service.
thanks for any help on the rear sunshade...
Laner
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Cancún, México
E430 1998 and C320 2002
sunshade problem
I also had the sunshade problem on both my E430 and my C320, in both of them it was a small connection problem in the plug for the engine located in the rear of the back seat, in both cases, only a bit of WD40 spray was enough to fix it, also spray a bit in the sliding part of the sunshade itself because it can also be jammed. Before you take it to any expensive mechanic, take it to some wizard electrician, good luck. Usually the issue with the buttons is fixed with dielectric spray. Man: having a E430 specially in Mexico is like having a stupid son studying in Harvard... expensive, a lot, and anyone tries to get you spend.
Excuse my english!!!
Excuse my english!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 5
From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
So far at 70K miles my big issues were drivers door mirror for $324 (thank you OhLord saved me $333.00) and transmission shifter $150 (thank you Oh Lord and Mark Cummins saved me $501.00). Minor issues have been left rear bulb out (turned out to be $2 socket) frequently, plastic console heater gate replaced. outside of that basic R & R like tires, tune ups and so forth. Love the wagon. Have had wagons growing up all my life with Dad's cars. Just really handy and not overbearing like big SUVs. I do wonder about future issues with the cats though and wonder whether I should wait til they break or try to get them replaced before 8/80k?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 531
Likes: 17
'08 CL600 with 152k km; '01 E430 4Matic with 433k km; '17 Porsche Cayenne with 130k km
Try to see if you can get them replaced...I just had mine replaced last Nov. It was plain embarrasing, and besides, I knew that I wouldn't pass inspection to get my car registered this month (03/09).
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Orange County
Stock for now E420
Hey guys, Im new to the site and so far its been a big help in knowing the common problems. I have a 97 E420 181k, New transmission but...
As of right now I need
4 o2 sensors
Mass air flow sensore
and I have a knocking what I belive is the main or rod bearing
Anyone have an idea how much this will run me?
If I have anyone do it, it will be HMS.
thanks!
As of right now I need
4 o2 sensors
Mass air flow sensore
and I have a knocking what I belive is the main or rod bearing
Anyone have an idea how much this will run me?
If I have anyone do it, it will be HMS.
thanks!
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Cancún, México
E430 1998 and C320 2002
Car swinging in highway
Hi:
Mi E430 also swings like a windy day, simple, it will be fixed this week, it is the A-arm bearing, the set will cost you around 79 US, plus installation, but to make it fixed nicelly you will need to repolace at least two of them (four in total), think of a 300 US budget. Also, allignment is important to be done in a shop where they also have good real wheel allingment (I am mexican , so excuse the spelling). You may also have problems in the ball joint, I already replace it, it cost me 50 US each, plus installation (40 US), but here man labor is cheaper than in the U.S.
Good luck!!!
Mi E430 also swings like a windy day, simple, it will be fixed this week, it is the A-arm bearing, the set will cost you around 79 US, plus installation, but to make it fixed nicelly you will need to repolace at least two of them (four in total), think of a 300 US budget. Also, allignment is important to be done in a shop where they also have good real wheel allingment (I am mexican , so excuse the spelling). You may also have problems in the ball joint, I already replace it, it cost me 50 US each, plus installation (40 US), but here man labor is cheaper than in the U.S.
Good luck!!!
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Cancún, México
E430 1998 and C320 2002
Hi:
Mi E430 also swings like a windy day, simple, it will be fixed this week, it is the A-arm bearing, the set will cost you around 79 US, plus installation, but to make it fixed nicelly you will need to repolace at least two of them (four in total), think of a 300 US budget. Also, allignment is important to be done in a shop where they also have good real wheel allingment (I am mexican , so excuse the spelling). You may also have problems in the ball joint, I already replace it, it cost me 50 US each, plus installation (40 US), but here man labor is cheaper than in the U.S.
Good luck!!!<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message -->
Mi E430 also swings like a windy day, simple, it will be fixed this week, it is the A-arm bearing, the set will cost you around 79 US, plus installation, but to make it fixed nicelly you will need to repolace at least two of them (four in total), think of a 300 US budget. Also, allignment is important to be done in a shop where they also have good real wheel allingment (I am mexican , so excuse the spelling). You may also have problems in the ball joint, I already replace it, it cost me 50 US each, plus installation (40 US), but here man labor is cheaper than in the U.S.
Good luck!!!<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message -->
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 584
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
