Hello, Mbworld! This is my first post here, and judging from the title, you can see I'm new to Mercedes. I'm far from a newb on cars and general, but have a few questions still about Mercedes, namely a 1998 (W210) E320 sedan (2WD).

I've been looking at this particular vintage E320 for a while and drove a pretty nice 1998 just this week. The car was tight, quiet, shifted fairly smoothly, and appeared to be dry underneath and in at least apparently good mechanical condition. However, there were a few things that drew some question marks for me - there was some interesting stuff I found around the oil filler cap and rim of the opening that looked like a light color creamy peanut butter (odd, I realize, but that's the best description I can give). Does Mercedes typically use some sort of oil additive at regular changes, or is this something interesting someone else has thrown in there? There was about enough clinging to the bottom of the cap and just around the opening to amount to what I would call a handful, had the same consistency as peanut butter, and similar appearance. I didn't smell it, and it didn't appear to be affecting the way the car ran whatsoever. Any knowledge of what that might be?

Secondly, the car had 137K miles on it. The serpentine belt at the front of the engine appeared to be in good shape, however, is there a timing belt on these cars that requires replacement? If so, how often? Are there are regular items I should be checking it over for replacement of that typically require it around this mileage (take or leave)?

One issue that was recurring with the car was the the right rear tire was considerably larger than the others (a 215/70-16 to be exact - YES, 70!) and I believe was causing the BAS/ASR light to come on. It seemed to be when making sharp, low speed turns (typically when braking) which I figured due to it's larger rotational diameter was tripping up the system. Is this likely the case, or is it likely the car has some other nature of failure? This light would go off when the car was turned off and would not come on AGAIN until restarted and driven a ways in simliar situations as described above.

Finally, from the experience of owners and drivers here, are there any quirks or real pluses/minuses of the '98 E320s that I should know about? I have heard some transmission issues were prevalent with these, and I admit, the transmission did downshift a little rough (in comparison to my Volvos), but the upshifts were VERY smooth. This car has the V6 that I understand the W210's prior to '98 did not have, and it had a really nice, smooth throttle response.

As I said, I'm completely new to Mercedes but do have a lot of experience with cars. I've owned several Volvos and have noted several similarities in technology between the two, but still do honestly not know a whole lot of Mercedes due simply to lack of experience and exposure to them. I'm not the least bit afraid to turn a wrench and have maintained my family's Volvos for quite some time and my personal car quite meticulously. I've done several performance upgrades (it's a turbo, so the fun never ends there ), but am looking to step into something a bit more comfortable and also that fits me a tad better. I'd definitely appreciate any input from you all about it's problems or even just your experiences with W210's.

Thanks so much in advance,
Stephen

 

May be able to help you a little. The substance you found around the oil filler is oil with water. Its most likely from condensation caused by short trips and low speed driving. One long trip where the engine gets completely up to temp and it should go away. No addatives are suggested for MB oil. The engine does not have a timing belt but uses a chain which typically lasts till engine overhaul.
The large tire could be tripping the lights and should be replaced with the correct tire for numerous reasons. If the car is a 4 Matic this is quite important and if not should be done ASAP anyway. A dealer can interrogate the computer and tell if the tire is actually tripping the lights or if it is some other item such as a sensor.
Remember you are buying a 10 yr old car with lots of miles thus your maint expense will be higher than if it was newer or had less miles. As for the trans, I can't helpyou but perhaps someone from the forum will chime in.

 

Wonderful info about the oil issue there. In all my years of changing oil myself in our Volvos, Saabs, and a few domestics (sigh ), I've never seen anything like that. I checked the dipstick and the oil was clean there. However, after driving a bit further distance in the car, I never looked under the cap again. It was probably gone, judging from your description. The car isn't a 4 Matic, so the tire didn't bother me too much, and I figured it was the source of the BAS/ASR issues so I somewhat dismissed it.

One a side note, I just read down the "Is the W210 the best MB ever?" thread and am now quite apprehensive about buying the car! Granted, a 10 year old car can come with it's share of issues, but wow, there was hardly an overall positive review in there! Maybe I should really be considering passing on this W210 E320...

 

had cars sit for months with no moisture in the oil.If it is thick and like peanut butter and a handful of the crud run from that car it has a failed head gasket.Run a compression test to be sure,I would not give it a glance.
Timing chain not belt,but if you walk from this one that is no concern anyway.In a properly maintained one they last for a long long time.
Trans shift not smooth,the owners or owner that let it get into it's current state of condition most likely never changed the trans fluid and filter with the proper mb fluid,and the trans is going to fail.
How much do they want?private party?paying cash?where are you located?
A lot of 99-00 and some low mile 98's on the market so look around ,ask here before buying and as always inspect,inspect,inspect.

 

I get the peanut butter style condensation on my car. I drive it to the train station and back everyday, which is only 4 miles each way.

Reason being is the oil filler cap is so far from the valve cover (and is plastic), so it doesn't see the full engine heat on short trips. After a 45 minute drive it should be gone.

Common situation, with no problems whatsoever.

this is not indicative of a blown head gasket in any way.

 

Interesting. I posted the issue on my Volvo forum and got a response of possibly some condesnation, and also possible head gasket failure. I've never had a head gasket fail on me, but was aware of the coolant in the crankcase situations should one bite the dust. However, I wasn't aware of the interesting "goop" that can result from it. Thank you for the heads up! As far as the transmission, I'm not sure if it's just me and comparing them relative to the Volvos downshifts, but it definitely felt a bit rough in comparison to ANY car I've been in (European or otherwise) - not REAL rough, but it was noticeable.

 

not necessarily an HG (and if the dipstick had clean oil, 99% likely that you're fine.)

 

Good point...

As far as the transmission issues, were the fairly common throughout the lives of these cars (e.g. even into higher mileage), or were they something that was generally cured the first time around (recall or something)? Another thing I just thought of, it definitely did have random minute patches of rust on it (which I found to be totally bizarre and figured it HAD to have been repainted - clearly not the case), but the dash did not have a single crack in it. The interior was a creamy, buttery color.

 

Stephen, search the site, I am been here for already 2 months, and have never heard anything like that. and yes, ROFL@volvo expert.

 

Do not be discouraged by some of the stuff you see on this forum re W210's. All vehicles have some sort of issues and the W210 is no exception, however the problems are few and far between. The oil gook issue is common but as I said its most likely condensation. Head gaskets are NOT a common problem with this engine as they were in the straight 6. Keep in mind that people that post on any forum usually post to complain about their problem and not to praise. The last W210 I had was an 01 E320 4M and it was excellent. I keep my drivers no more than 4 years so I can't give you any long term personal experience except I keep buying MB's (6 since 1998) and they have been very good to me.

 

of peanut butter looking frothed up oil is surely an indicator of a head gasket leaking.It is among a few other indicators a clue to check out,which is why a good inspection with a compression test is indicated if that much moisture is in the oil.
Don't steer away from the make because of a list of the things gone wrong,they are compiled from scores of owners and a properly maintained,cared for example will require few repairs and regular maint will keep it running fine for years.
They are wonderful cars if you look for a prime example,go into with a clear head of what to look for and buy right.
This one looks to be poorly maintained and uncared for so pass and find a good one.
ohlord

 

I really appreciate your concise responses, ohlord, and all of the input from the rest of you. The Mercedes world is still uncharted territory for me, but you all have certainly shed some light on the situation. Knowing that such a helpful resource (MBWorld.org) exists should I find my desired W210 in the future, I will most certainly refer to this site for reference, and if possible, donate to it as well. Hopefully I can remain active here until I finally acquire my MB

 

are you located?There are a few members moving up to newer models that have cars for sale,in nice maintained condition,here and on benzworld.org w210 section.

low mile examples under 100k miles, are out there private party for 8-10k in the model years 98-00,sorted out ,maintained properly and ready to keep on running happily for a long long time.

 

Sigh...

Listen man, you are obviously knowledgeable, but on this one, you are just wrong. These cars get the peanut butter on the oil filler cap. The rest of the oil is clean.

I know, because I have it.

The car burns no oil, no coolant, the dipstick is clean, no white smoke, no overheating, no sweet smelling exhaust, no bubbles in the degas tank, nothing.

 

Man,so would you suggest that with a handful of the Peanut butter stuff,that he just takes your word?Does not do further due diligence and check the possibility of a head gasket failure,lays down good money and finds out a car that is already suspect of being poorly maintained(wrong size tire on one corner) really does have a hg failure and not the typical little bit of oil sludge around the cap?
Thinking like yours is the reason so many used cars buyers are unhappy with their purchases,they blow off the possibilities and shove aside the inspection because they either are to giddy to really look at what they are buying or they listen to peeps that say oh it is nothing to be concerned about.
What is the harm in a proper inspection?(At the very least a very simple combustion gas in the coolant test)How much does it cost for peace of mind?
If more people did it ,before buying,we would have to reply to far fewer problems the likes of,"I bought this E320 and when I bought it this or that was wrong,but I figured I would fix it.Now it wont run!How do I fix it!"signed NOOB

 

I didn't say he shouldn't get a compression test. In fact, I think its a good idea, but given that these cars don't seem to have much in the way of engine trouble, I don't consider it essential if the engine runs well, doesn't miss, doesn't smoke etc.

I get massive quantities of peanut butter on the cap. I'll take a pic for you later in the week. Its literally enough to spread onto some wonderbread (LOL).

It went away in the summer, and its back again in the cooler weather.

 

thought we were on different pages,same page different angle
Now if we can convince him to take the naysayers with a grain of salt,and if he finds the right car,jump on it.They are great cars.
14000 miles in 8 months on this one and into it for
127 maf insert
40 plugs
60 oil filter ,oil ,air filter
37 evap sensor
own labor priceless

 

I mite be a newb but let me just say that I've seen 2 volvos in my family.
There is no reason to shy away from an Mb w210 trust me coming from the 740 intercoolers, and then the s90 this is not a car that will disapoint it runs just as good as a volvo and their arent any BIG issues and my MB w210 is a family hand me down from 96. So don't be slighted due to w210 issues you have read, there are plenty of good things to this car and just like any car there are bad things (tho very little )

 

I see - interesting input. It is no surprise that the W210 impresses you coming from an S90 (no offense, I just never thought they were very good in the reliability OR comfort aspects).

In recent developments, I've zero'd in on a '98 E430 with sport package. It seems like a nice car. Any input with the V8's as far as mechanical issues go? Any worse or better than the I6 or V6's?

Thanks for the all the encouragement guys

 

I would highly recommend the W210.

We own two of them the 99 E320 Matic has close to 128k and we got it with around 50 K and if these cars are solid if maintained well. My 01 E430 has also been good other than rattles and steering squeak issues. In my opinion the W210 is a far better bet than the BMW 5 series. The 8 cylinder W210 has a much better pick up but the 6 cylinder is not slow by any means. I don’t know much about Volvo’s but you will like the W210, just have a detailed pre-purchase inspection done like ohlord has suggested.

Best of luck

 

plugs! same engine platform the m113 is an extension of the m112 so they are both the most praised and awarded engines in mercedes history,few problems,pretty bullet proof if you do the maint with the right supplies and keep your 39 buck scanner handy so you never have to be at the mercy of the stealership if a cel comes on.....
realize that the 430 is going to be quicker 0-60 but the 320 is no slouch and knocks down better mpg.
how much are they asking?where are you located?Great 99-00 of both 430 and 320's are on the market low miles for in the 9-11k range private party so really shop around,to find the cream.and as always ,inspect inspect inspect.98 spring perchs,harmonic balancer recall same up to late 00.
have fun

 

east coast and would entertain a nice amg c class one of the forum members has a nice one for sale on ebay a 1998 c43amg for $7500.

that is a deal on a real hand built performance classic.

 

I would strongly disagree.

 

you would say that a 5series is better then a w210?
The only reason bmw still offers maint with the car when you buy it is because no owner would buy another one after their shop time with the last one.Friends in germany even say they love to drive them jokingly when they are not at the dealer up on the lift

 

they both have their issues, but the e39 5 series is a very stout car. The 530i my parents had was driven for 55k miles without a single issue.

The 210 has issues with the maf, cat, window regulators, spring perch, steering rack, etc. Its not exactly trouble free either.