newbie - couple questions
02-26-2003, 01:15 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
newbie - couple questions
Hello everyone - been doing some research on E-class sedans and lurking here for a while, and have a couple quick questions. I'm looking at getting a used 320 or 430 from ~2-4 years ago and was trying to find a place that listed the running changes to the body/options/colors/etc throughout the model years. Couldn't find that anywhere. Also, if the same thing exists for the CLK model...
I'm kind of in the same boat as PW100 is here - and was hoping to hear some thoughts on which models (if any) to avoid, pros/cons of the 430 vs. the 320, etc. What to look out for buying used? Are there any problems with the 4matic system? I was looking at the A6 quattro too - would really be nice to have awd here in the Northeast.
Many thanks in advance...
- Erik
I'm kind of in the same boat as PW100 is here - and was hoping to hear some thoughts on which models (if any) to avoid, pros/cons of the 430 vs. the 320, etc. What to look out for buying used? Are there any problems with the 4matic system? I was looking at the A6 quattro too - would really be nice to have awd here in the Northeast.
Many thanks in advance...
- Erik
02-26-2003, 02:29 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
this is what I posted for PW100:
"If possible get the 2000 model. That is the first year of the Mid Model (face-lift) updates with many changes like:
Blinkers on outside mirrors
Tele-Aid
Navigation option
Voice Activation Option
Body colored lower panels
Body colored door handles
Shiftable Auto Transmission
Free Schedule Maintanance
Lower front end
Updated tail lights"
1998 is the first year for the current modular engines with twin plug/3 valve per cylinder for E320 (V6 221HP) & E430 (V8 275HP). The 1996-97 E320 (L6 217HP) & 1997 E420 (V8 275HP) had the carrover engines from the older W124 chassis. These newer modular engines benefits from:
better gas mileage
100k mile tune ups
10k - 15k oil changes (must use Synthetic Oil)
The V6 holds a little more value (percentage wise) than the V8 because there is less demand for V8. The V8 is harder to move.
There was a sport package option (non 4-Matic) with AMG body pieces making the car look like an E55 on:
1997 E420 (only one with AMG wheels standard)
1998-2002 E430
2001-2002 E320
The W210 E-Class Sport Package (SP) does not get a different suspension. Dumb salesman will try sale car saying the 'SP' has a Sport Tuned Suspension - It does not.
Other notes:
Cars with Xenon headlights have the headlight washers. (Highly Recommends even though Xenon bulbs retail @ $300)
The Electronic/Infrared Smart Key debuted on 1998 models.
The face lift for the CLK was in 2000 also. Mainly the changes benefitted the looks of the 2000 CLK320. The 1999 CLK430 and 2000+ CLK430 are almost indentical except for the roof GPS antenna and blinking side mirrors. All CLK430's from 1999-2002 came with the AMG aero body package standard and staggered wheels with wider rear wheels and tire. On a staggered setup you can not rotate the tires.
"If possible get the 2000 model. That is the first year of the Mid Model (face-lift) updates with many changes like:
Blinkers on outside mirrors
Tele-Aid
Navigation option
Voice Activation Option
Body colored lower panels
Body colored door handles
Shiftable Auto Transmission
Free Schedule Maintanance
Lower front end
Updated tail lights"
1998 is the first year for the current modular engines with twin plug/3 valve per cylinder for E320 (V6 221HP) & E430 (V8 275HP). The 1996-97 E320 (L6 217HP) & 1997 E420 (V8 275HP) had the carrover engines from the older W124 chassis. These newer modular engines benefits from:
better gas mileage
100k mile tune ups
10k - 15k oil changes (must use Synthetic Oil)
The V6 holds a little more value (percentage wise) than the V8 because there is less demand for V8. The V8 is harder to move.
There was a sport package option (non 4-Matic) with AMG body pieces making the car look like an E55 on:
1997 E420 (only one with AMG wheels standard)
1998-2002 E430
2001-2002 E320
The W210 E-Class Sport Package (SP) does not get a different suspension. Dumb salesman will try sale car saying the 'SP' has a Sport Tuned Suspension - It does not.
Other notes:
Cars with Xenon headlights have the headlight washers. (Highly Recommends even though Xenon bulbs retail @ $300)
The Electronic/Infrared Smart Key debuted on 1998 models.
The face lift for the CLK was in 2000 also. Mainly the changes benefitted the looks of the 2000 CLK320. The 1999 CLK430 and 2000+ CLK430 are almost indentical except for the roof GPS antenna and blinking side mirrors. All CLK430's from 1999-2002 came with the AMG aero body package standard and staggered wheels with wider rear wheels and tire. On a staggered setup you can not rotate the tires.
Last edited by E55 KEV; 02-26-2003 at 02:38 PM.
02-27-2003, 07:49 AM
#3
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: NH
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2011 GL540
MB 8-yr history site
Mercedes maintains a site with their 8-year model history -- useful for these kind of comparisons:
http://mmg.mbusa.com/brand/container...verview&menu=7
I got my (new to me) 2000 E430 4Matic just over a year ago -- incredibly solid and fun to drive. No problems.
Good luck!
Martin in NH
http://mmg.mbusa.com/brand/container...verview&menu=7
I got my (new to me) 2000 E430 4Matic just over a year ago -- incredibly solid and fun to drive. No problems.
Good luck!
Martin in NH
02-27-2003, 04:05 PM
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2006 E500 4matic Wagon
Welcome!
E55 KEV's post is a great guide. Let me speak from hands-on experience.
Until last month, I drove a 2000 E430 4matic with every option on it except the nav. I put 70k miles on the car. I loved it, but I gave it up so I could buy a Benz with my own money and assert my independence...
I bought a 1998 E320 4matic with 52k miles, starmarked from a dealer in the Hudson Valley. The price was more than right, and I have already put 3k miles on the car.
Personally, I am thrilled with the 1998! I have to say that I enjoy the more conservative styling. My 2000 had a host of computer-generated problems, and I had to have the driver-adaptive transmission rebuilt (under warranty, of course).
While I will admit that I miss the extra power of the V-8, this 320 hauls a$$! Truthfully, I think the 40-60 range might be a snap faster in the 1998, at least that's what I can feel. And, I love the way it looks! If you drive it right, few people will have the ***** to pass you on the highway. My E320 is an unbadged 4matic (which most early 1998s were), which I think is cool too, so there is not too much letter-clutter in the trunk.
I can tell you that the E320 of course gets better gas mileage, and I think that the larger profile rim/tire package actually performs better in the snow.
btw, E430 4matic was only introduced in 2000, which was the first US-build that mated the V-8 to the 4matic package.
Let us know what you decide!
--BenzE
E55 KEV's post is a great guide. Let me speak from hands-on experience.
Until last month, I drove a 2000 E430 4matic with every option on it except the nav. I put 70k miles on the car. I loved it, but I gave it up so I could buy a Benz with my own money and assert my independence...
I bought a 1998 E320 4matic with 52k miles, starmarked from a dealer in the Hudson Valley. The price was more than right, and I have already put 3k miles on the car.
Personally, I am thrilled with the 1998! I have to say that I enjoy the more conservative styling. My 2000 had a host of computer-generated problems, and I had to have the driver-adaptive transmission rebuilt (under warranty, of course).
While I will admit that I miss the extra power of the V-8, this 320 hauls a$$! Truthfully, I think the 40-60 range might be a snap faster in the 1998, at least that's what I can feel. And, I love the way it looks! If you drive it right, few people will have the ***** to pass you on the highway. My E320 is an unbadged 4matic (which most early 1998s were), which I think is cool too, so there is not too much letter-clutter in the trunk.
I can tell you that the E320 of course gets better gas mileage, and I think that the larger profile rim/tire package actually performs better in the snow.
btw, E430 4matic was only introduced in 2000, which was the first US-build that mated the V-8 to the 4matic package.
Let us know what you decide!
--BenzE
Trending Topics
02-27-2003, 04:58 PM
#8
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks BenzE - it's so helpful to hear firsthand info like that. Coming from a VW Passat with a tiptronic trans, I was hoping to get a model with the touchshift - in a perfect world I'd get a manual, but the commute to NYC would be painful. What part of Jersey are you from? I'm in Cranford...
Anyway, can't wait to test drive these guys - this forum has been a big help.
Anyway, can't wait to test drive these guys - this forum has been a big help.
02-27-2003, 07:12 PM
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2006 E500 4matic Wagon
ErikSorensen:
I'm in Lebanon, NJ, in Hunterdon County. And, I am convinced I am probably the only Benz owner without a garage in NJ, since everyone else seems to have these sparkling cars and mine is a driving mess of salt and sludge!
Where are you thinking of buying? I would definitely go with a starmarked vehicle, if you can afford to. If Starmark isn't a priority, someone in Whitehouse is selling his 1999 E3204matic (white, grey interior) for I think $25k. It's been for sale for a while, so I bet he would come down in price. I could check it out if you want; it's in the grocery store parking lot.
Another word on the tiptronic: in the mechanical transmission 1998, really, if you can deal with the "gates", you can shift with pretty decent ease.
I am an extremely agressive driver in terms of pedal-usage, and again I have to say that sometimes the 2000's driver-adaptive transmission just seemed to hold me back.
Cheers!
--BenzE
I'm in Lebanon, NJ, in Hunterdon County. And, I am convinced I am probably the only Benz owner without a garage in NJ, since everyone else seems to have these sparkling cars and mine is a driving mess of salt and sludge!
Where are you thinking of buying? I would definitely go with a starmarked vehicle, if you can afford to. If Starmark isn't a priority, someone in Whitehouse is selling his 1999 E3204matic (white, grey interior) for I think $25k. It's been for sale for a while, so I bet he would come down in price. I could check it out if you want; it's in the grocery store parking lot.
Another word on the tiptronic: in the mechanical transmission 1998, really, if you can deal with the "gates", you can shift with pretty decent ease.
I am an extremely agressive driver in terms of pedal-usage, and again I have to say that sometimes the 2000's driver-adaptive transmission just seemed to hold me back.
Cheers!
--BenzE
Last edited by BenzE; 02-27-2003 at 07:33 PM.
02-28-2003, 12:11 AM
#10
Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: South Florida
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2007 C230 Sport
1998 E430 Love It!!!
Just purchased a '98' E430 36,000 miles $20k two months ago. Very satisfied. I did months of research before I bought it. So, far nothing passes me but Benz's and troopers. I really like the 8-cyl it flies on demand. As mentioned above not much of a price difference between 320's & 430's, so why not go for the extra juice a 430 can produce!
Good Luck
Good Luck
02-28-2003, 09:57 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2006 E500 4matic Wagon
MB_E430:
Did you buy from a dealer? It sounds like you got a pretty good price....
I was really surprised to find that sometimes E320s were in fact more expensive than E430s, depending on mileage, options, etc. For me, in my price range, the V-8 was out of consideration since I had to have a 4matic.
If I lived in Florida, dollars to donuts I would have bought the 1994 E500 I looked at for $32k!
Did you buy from a dealer? It sounds like you got a pretty good price....
I was really surprised to find that sometimes E320s were in fact more expensive than E430s, depending on mileage, options, etc. For me, in my price range, the V-8 was out of consideration since I had to have a 4matic.
If I lived in Florida, dollars to donuts I would have bought the 1994 E500 I looked at for $32k!
02-28-2003, 08:41 PM
#12
Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: South Florida
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2007 C230 Sport
E430
BenzE
Yeah I bought from a Lincoln/Mercury dealership. They had the car for about a month and dropped the price twice. So, late one night I went with flashlight in hand and did a full inspection and found just minor problems. Came back the next mouning before they opened and checked it out in the sun still looked good. I met the sales person and since I was a former mechanic I made a through inspection and beat the hell out of the car and made a counteroffer they took it and now I live happily ever after... well not quite got a rock in the winshield, service light came on and now brake lining light is on so I have some work to do. But that's typical maintenance items the cars Great!
Yeah I bought from a Lincoln/Mercury dealership. They had the car for about a month and dropped the price twice. So, late one night I went with flashlight in hand and did a full inspection and found just minor problems. Came back the next mouning before they opened and checked it out in the sun still looked good. I met the sales person and since I was a former mechanic I made a through inspection and beat the hell out of the car and made a counteroffer they took it and now I live happily ever after... well not quite got a rock in the winshield, service light came on and now brake lining light is on so I have some work to do. But that's typical maintenance items the cars Great!
03-01-2003, 02:30 PM
#13
Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
www.consumerguide.com list the yearly model changes pretty well.
I bought a 97 E420 with 90,000 miles for $20,000 about 6 month ago and so far I had to change the battery, front brake rotors and pads, fog light wiring and my check engine is still on for unknown reason. But I guess are all of them are regular maintance items and minor problems. I really enjoy the V8 power and the way it handles on the road.
Some minor things that you might want to look into when shopping for a used W210 is to check if the upper dash is cracked and if the front seats railing makes rattling noise by rocking the seats back and forth.
Personally I think the 98-99 E430 with xenon is probably the best value as you can just add the 2001 signal mirror and talights later yourself.
Best wishes on your purchase
Ed
I bought a 97 E420 with 90,000 miles for $20,000 about 6 month ago and so far I had to change the battery, front brake rotors and pads, fog light wiring and my check engine is still on for unknown reason. But I guess are all of them are regular maintance items and minor problems. I really enjoy the V8 power and the way it handles on the road.
Some minor things that you might want to look into when shopping for a used W210 is to check if the upper dash is cracked and if the front seats railing makes rattling noise by rocking the seats back and forth.
Personally I think the 98-99 E430 with xenon is probably the best value as you can just add the 2001 signal mirror and talights later yourself.
Best wishes on your purchase
Ed
