Hey all, I'm new to the site and getting prepped for my step up into the Benz world. I've been through many cars, from turbocharged Mustangs to various sport compacts and whatnot. My last Mustang was stolen, so I've been driving an older VW GTI for the last three and a half months. I'm a modification addict, it's truely a disease in my case. I can't leave anything alone, and so far I've bought all kinds of crap for this damn VW to make it faster and more fun.

Anyway, I chose an E class as my next car. I am confident that I won't mod it, just some wheels/stereo/suspension and thats all. I'm stuck between an E320 or an E430. I've checked out the fuel mileage and they're comparable, insurance rates are very similar but I'm not sure about the mechanical and upkeep.

I am a mechanic by trade, I work at a local wheel and tire shop so I've got access to wheels and tires not to mention that I do all my own work. I've been browsing the site and recently registered, but I have yet to find an E class FAQ!!

What sort of things, besides the obvious things I'd notice, should I be looking for? At which mileage intervals do certain components need replacements? What are common problems? Common solutions? Suggestions etc????

I'm looking for White on Tan leather, but I havent even seen one for sale here in Canada! They're all silver on black, black on black, and the odd blue or grey exterior. I refuse to buy silver, so I might settle for black or charcoal.
In any case, please point me in the right direction, I will be buying between now and March '08 and am not in a hurry. I'm waiting to find something I like and a good deal. Thanks ahead of time!

 

place,on the merits of both cars,E320 more then ample power mid 20's mpg,430 gobs of power low 20's mpg.Both great cars,98-02 models had common problems some cured on recalls some by better designs.Look to see that the harmonic balancer was replaced on a 98-99,rust issues on front spring perches,check and inspect...window regulators can be an issue and various electrical issues,all simple repairs if you can use tools,sounds like you can!Don't know about the rules of taking a car from the states up to canada,check them and then look on crazedlist.org for your car.It lets you search all of craigslist at one time.White with grey,white with tan,turn up in areas like california,so if you are willing to drive.
Advice...buy private,inspect above issues,pass on a few till you find the real cherry,and don't buy a mercedes used unless either ,you have deep pockets,see my post about ,Scary,.... or you like to do your own maint and repairs,frankly I'm getting tired of the amount of people that buy these things used and then expect they will somehow never have a problem,and then whine about what the dealer is charging them to do simple repair and maintenance issues.After all it is the dealers job to screw you,and your job to not be the screwee!They are great cars,no more prone to problems then any other make,just more expensive , if you can't DIY.
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"
happy shopping!!!!!!!!!!! and we applaud you for checking here first before buying,you are a wise man,dude!!!!
Also for a sort of Faq on the w210 go to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W210
history of the design,heritage,and specs i.e. wheels and offsets etc. pros and cons and info on all the variants...engines,trans etc.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm still gathering info and pricing, but I've found a couple of good deals which, unfortunately, were on silver coloured cars. Importing a car will be difficult as I'm financing the purchase. Also, I'd like to fully investigate the cars service history so that I dont wind up getting shafted on all the MB services at the same time! I know there's some stuff that just has to be done at the dealer!
Thanks for the kind words, I'm trying to be as prepared as possible and want the best car for my money. I'm definitely not willing to settle, which means no silver exterior and lots of hunting for white! Thanks again, and I'll keep on researching.

 

items that must be done at the dealer,sure if an engine went south or something but don't plan on that if it is properly maintained.We call the dealer the stealership down here.If something needs to be done that is above your experience or comfort level,you find a good benz indie,and have them do the work.
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"

 

I dont think there would be anything mechanical that would be above my comfort level, we just dont have all the tools and computer equipment that may be Benz specific. I'm unsure what the dealer maintenance "levels" include, but any of the mechanical stuff I'm sure I could handle either myself or one of the more experienced Polish mechanics (20+ years of experience, and they love German cars) at work would be able to handle.
I'd have to try to do some research to find out exactly what's included in the various types of MB service, so that I can do a rundown on the cars I'm interested in and find out what's been done and what hasn't. No matter which way you look at it, parts aren't going to be cheap so an up to date vehicle will be lighter on the pocketbook in the long run. Thanks for all your help, and any suggestions or tips you can offer are greatly appreciated.

 

obd2 with can are avail for 40 bucks,read codes,i/m readiness etc.,all the shadetree mechanic needs for most jobs,tools are regular and at 100k when you change the plugs you use a offfset 17 mm to pop the boots off.Parts are not that exp. if you shop online at autohausaz.com and germanstar.net and others recommended on this site and over on benzworld.org. keep looking
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"

 

Awesome! Thanks again, I appreciate your help dude.