Slapshot

Hi Gang, this board has already been a blessing in learning about the W210 series inside and out. As a newb, I really feel fortunate to have found it. Thanks.

I am in the process of tracking down a nice black 99 or 2000 E320. Preferably a California car. Due to budget, I had initially relegated the search to 98-99s. However, for not much more buck, seems the 2000 offers the face lift bang (Thx. Jimmy!). Question to the experienced: Does the facelift come with increased electronic gremilins and superflous gadgets which are really unnecessary (just more things to go wrong), or is it truly a step up worth the extra couple of grand? Body wise neither are going to be a W212 modded or not. So, I have no desire to try to keep current. This will also be my first MBZ and I am excited regardless of exact model design.

I know the conventional wisdom is get the latest model year one can afford. Does this apply to the "99 vs. 2000" analysis? Looking for a "solid" car, not so concerned about externalities as I think the 99s look great. But, as I am in no rush to "have" to get something now, if there is compelling reason to go up, I would love to hear opinions on it.

Thanks!

Bossman123

Both years have their pro's and cons
I only know 2000+

2000's have better steering wheel with embedded audio controls
more modern looking front end design IMO
OEM paint over the rocker panels
nicer looking oem rims IMO (yes there is a difference)
better radio
blinker mirrors

all I can think of at the moment

2000 e320
http://www.mbusa.com/overview/2000/E...ewMenu=e-class


1999 e320
http://www.mbusa.com/overview/1999/E...ewMenu=e-class

Slapshot

Thanks Bossman! And great links for comparisons.

BoostTed

for me the steering wheel sold me on the 00+. I like the look and feature of the steering wheel controls, Im not sure if the older ones had the on-board computer that displayed the MPG etc.

What is your price range for the car?

Slapshot

Definitely going to drive both and take stock of both years.

As I am in a no pressure search time wise, I am hoping to find something in the $9-11.5K range depending on mileage, PPI, etc.

jimmydagreek

I've had both pre-facelift and facelift and I must say that the facelift for ME, feels newer and more luxurious. This is what I love in my '01 that my 97 didn't have...

On the MY00-02:
- Nicer steering wheel and airbag with audio controls
- Updated key (not switchblade type)
- Updated shifter with steptronic shifting
- Updated instrument cluster with onboard cpu
- Updated interior including door panels
- Updated front end with one-piece front bumper (2 pc impact strips)
- Lower bodykit all around with color match
- Colormatch door handles
- Updated taillights
- Updated stock wheels
- Sport package is much nicer (E55 style)
- Integrated 3rd brake light into rear deck (much sleeker)
- Updated blinker mirrors (some with power folding option)
- Much better stock head unit
- Minor mechanical enhancements

That's all I can think of right now but definately worth it for me!

Slapshot

Thanks JdG. Interior in the 99 I can easily live with and the electronics don't mean too much at this point. It will be my first MBZ and would just be happy with a nicely maintained example. Right now, my priority is the car's history, PPI, and the look (paint).

It really comes down to the front end. Is it worth paying extra for. Since I will mod with new wheels as the first mod and as I am set on black, it seems I should have no problems with the lower body kit matching on a black '99. I have found a couple of nice '99 cars in the $10K range. Seems a decent 2000 will bump it to at least $12K. Do you (or others) find that the face-lifted front end truly makes for a sleeker car? Definitely appreciate your input! Thanks!

mbnz320

and the 2000+ have a chrome star on the steering wheel, sometimes when the sun shines on it, it can be blinding but i like it.

dcdude

Slapshot: where do you live? I'm in the South Bay LA area. Are you on the 993 board on Rennlist? If not, do it. It's awesome. I have a '96 coupe.

I have an '00 E320 and the best thing about it is the Tiptronic style slap shifter. Better control and allow you to downshift to control downhill speed and / or preserve brakes. If you find a smokin' deal on a '98-'99, I'd do it, and I tend to shy away from any fist year ('97) but again, smokin' deals trump model year preferences (and most color choices) every time.

jimmydagreek

Yes, I love the sleeker more "slanted back" front end. For me it's a big difference because I'm **** and pay attention to the smallest of details. Even the interior feels completely different to me because of the newer steering wheel with controls and the nicer airbag. IMO it's definately worth the extra couple thousand bucks for the facelift model. Just my $0.02...

Slapshot

Thanks JdG, I am somewhat with you on the 00 front end. That said, I will see what is out in the market. I can live with the old style if the right deal comes along.
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dcdude! Thanks for the story. And yes, I absolutely live on Rennlist. Been there since I got my 97 coupe three years ago. It is a great community of enthusiasts. I am in West LA, usually go with everyone on the canyon runs, though not last month since they chose to forgo Malibu.

From a previous thread, I see you paid $17,000 for your '00 but it had super low miles and was practically new. (Nice car BTW!) I am looking in the $9-12K range, for something with around 75k miles.

I have lots of time, so . . . if the right deal comes up, I am ready.
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Thanks again guys.