I know that the w210 has it's share of problems. I have had my 1998 E300TD for almost 2 years and it has 196k miles on it now.

I'm starting to get rust on the bottom sides of the front fenders and I can see some rust bubbling up underneath the paint around the trunk lock. I had the glow plugs replaced last month, including one that got stuck and cracked off. My indie mechanic used Mercedes' tool to extract the rest of the glow plug without having to remove the head. So hopefully the glowplugs will work for a while.

Even with the troubles I still love the car and it's been getting 30mpg lately. Should I keep the car for the long haul or will I continue to have problems that will make it painful to maintain? I haven't had any of my spring perches fail. Will they? Do they have to? Is there any other major problem to watch for? Has anyone on this list kept one for 300k? or 400k miles?

 

I'm at 155K with my E300 now, and plan to keep it until 200-225K. The only reason I plan to get rid of it around that mileage is because I'll have enough cash to be able to upgrade to a E320 CDI by then. I figure I'd have the car for about six years by that time and I'll be bored with it. If you can DIY most of your maintenance bills will be within reason.
Like any high mileage vehicle you will experience maintenance problems like rust etc.

 

POR some sanding and a paint code matched can of paint and clear coat will prolong body life.Fresh oil and filter for the engine on maint. intervals and change the trans fluid and filter and drain torque converter mb fluid only
and keep driving it.It will last 300k if you keep it maintained

 

253K here; no major issues other than maint items. Just the nagging K40 relay, typical fuel leaks, window regulator(s) and blower motor regulator. Hasnt dripped a drop of oil or any other fluid yet.

See no reason why the typical 606 won't go +400K. Overheating is the typical casue of death of most older diesels.

I've had mine for a few years and also plan to change over to an 06 CDI in the next 6 months or so.