zheka

I was looking for a 2003 E500, people said this car a lot of problems, then I started to look for a 2000 S500, people said this car has many problems as well, as both models, are the first generation. I want to buy a 2001 E430. Does this car has many problems? Will I regret buying it?

hassmakki

I own a 2000 e430 and love it over my wifes 2004 e320.

ohlord

A w210 over a w211 and never choose an S class over anything.

Inspect,inspect,inspect.

dcrooke

The wife's 2010 E430 sport is amazing with 120k on the dial.

dcrooke

Make that 2002 ....

fosmith

I've had mine for nearly 2 years - bought it with 104K miles - and still look forward to driving it every day. It's been pretty trouble free as well after nearly 30K miles. Make sure you get one that's been well taken care of, preferably from a private party that can document the service history and get a PPI (pre purchase inspection) at the MB dealer.

Fred

zheka

I'm looking on a 01 E430 4MATIC, with 80K Miles, for $11K, I hope thats a good deal. I have a question about 4MATIC. Do they have more problems than regular sedans? From my understanding they are 4 wheel drive, do they still traction control switch? and if yes, and the traction control of, do all 4 wheels still produce power? or only the rear?

ohlord

high priced,way high priced. $9K would be more like it.
You are not buying it from a dealer are you?
Inspect,inspect,inspect.
4 matic is full time
even with traction control switched off it is still active over a very low mph setting.

zheka

yes its from a private seller. I just have to check carfax for "anything" suspicious. (i know carfax doesn't tell 100% everything about the car). Also another quick question about 4MATIC. Is there a switch to turn of 4WD, when you don't need it? (just like traction control).

ohlord

You want a real inspection.
Carfax means squat.
There are so many ways around non reporting you do not want to use it as a determinate in deciding whether to buy that 2001 or not.
Get a professional inspection.
And don't pay 11K

armaniE55

2000 S500

I'll keep it short.. Absolutely not! Coming from a S500 myself that car will cost you 3x the amount that you paid for within one year just for repairs. As soon as my warranty ran out I slapped her on Fleaby

Go with the W210 You won't regret it.. (as long as she's in good shape) like Ohlord said Inspect

GL

Armani

zheka

The 2001 or 2002 E430, are they rare? I found 4 from private sellers, within 500 miles. Tried craigslist, almost none. This is the one I found on autotrader, http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false I'm almost ready to buy that car

ohlord

like a curbstoner.
Pass on that car
You are in Florida you do not need 4 matic
Look up curbstoner

No it is not rare.
Any reason you need a V8?

zheka

what made you say its a curbstoner?..... reason I want V8, is because of the power. My dad has an E320 '97, and I previously had a 97 E420, and the power difference is pretty noticeable.

alpinestar_k

I second the 210 430. I ended up moving to an 01 E430 Sport from my 00 E320 and have absolutely loved it. The gas mileage is not that horrific, but it's not really that shabby for the baby V8 it's got crammed in there, either. But the looks and performance alone was enough of a seller for me. So if you've got a pretty one found that's been kept up, I say go for it.

And, here was a BIG buying point for me to stay with a 210: the WEALTH of info you can find on boards like ours for the W210. Whether it's DIY's or just getting your facts straight about issues when needing repairs, it pretty much pales in comparison to when I try and find out information for any friends with a 211, etc.

ejsheltra

Any reason you need a V8?[/QUOTE]

Most likely for the same reason you put an E55 motor in your wagon!!
The difference is very noticeable power wise and the gas mileage is not that terribly different if you are being moderate and on the highway a lot like you would be in Florida. The only car I found better than the W210 was the prior model W124 between 92-95. They were built to a standard of excellence and not a price point like the W210 was. There is a reason why the W210 averaged 6 grand less than the W124 model it replaced. On the W210 the sheetmetal is thinner and the electronics are not as high quality. The W124s are bullet proof tanks and you are still in a very classy and classic machine and for less money than the W210. Just another weigh in. A 95 E420 is a tough act to beat properly equipped.

ejsheltra

The W124 E320 convertibles of 92-95' are still commanding twenty grand price tags. And the W124 E500 is an awesome machine with plenty of power at 349 HP.

zheka

I like the newer body style, dont like older style... Are years 1996 to 2000 E 420 or 430... Are they reliable?

ejsheltra

Go with the post face lifted cars from 6/99 on. More than 1500 changes (read improvements) were made to the W210 in the face lifted models. The earlier versions were the E420. Electronics have been the biggest issue in the W210s. Buy a model with the lowest mileage you can afford that has proper documentation by the owner that it has been maintained. Check the little things like underhood cleanliness and the trunk, carpets, check the current oil for mileage and color, look at the air filter. These are all easy access and quick and will give a basic clue as to how the car has lived its life. If it passes these inspections then do as Oh lord suggests and get a thorough inspection by either a MB dealer or a certified Independent seller. They will do this because the money is in the service and that is what they want till its time for you to trade up. Don't be shy in asking. Look at autotrader.com on a nationwide search and just compare what is out there. Then start to narrow your selection based on what you want in a car. best of luck and keep asking questions.

zheka

So I should start looking from year 1999? Cause I was looking from 2001, and only found 4 within 500 miles radius

ejsheltra

The build date is 6/99 but the model year is 2000-2002 for the sedan and 2000-2003 for the wagon. Then the change to the W211. Start searching for model year 2000 forward and look nationwide to get a feel for what is out there. Also try cars.com. Before buying anything get it inspected thoroughly and ask alot of questions. Best wishes.

zheka

hey, thanks a lot MB friend

ohlord

about the v8 since it opens up a ton of good v6 e320 for the op to gander at.


And "The W124 E320 convertibles of 92-95' are still commanding twenty grand price tags"
where?
You can find good examples all over the country for well under 8K
I even located a 500E last year for under 8k and it was nice.

OP be prepared to travel and the reason I said it was a curbstoner was their wording of the ad and pointing out KBB. The guy is a dealer in sheep's clothing

puloandmybenz

I live in NY long island and a friend of my has a car dealer and he offered to sells a car to me for a very lower price is a E430 with 84K my concern is that the car has some rust is one owner only and will cost me 4k only now the car s showing a abs llight and the nreake sensor (very common) one rear windows doesn't go down and rear door doesn't luck... car look beautiful and sounds great inside is lile new all black interior amd silver metallic out... any suggestion ?...

FlatlineEF9

-_- this thread is over 4 years old