AlanS

It's time to pack in my 1989 300te (278,000miles). I need to replace it with a wagon. I will have about $12,000 to spend. Kinda scared to look for used cars, but it will be a necessary evil.
Any quick thoughts on what wagon years might suit that bill? Where can I get some info on the changes in the model years?
I was told to be weary of the 4matic early years...which years would that be?

anabase

Look for a late W210, 01-03 for a wagon (01-02 for a sedan). The 4matic system in the W210 is simple and strong, with none of the problems of the earlier incarnation. Your budget should get you a nice 4matic sedan--a wagon might cost a little more. And you may have to travel to find the right car. Also take a look at benzworld.org.

RichardM98

Out of date chassis list is here -

http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/o...09_3.htm#e320g

Your budget will allow you to get a very low mileage W210 or a higher mileage W211. For starters the newer models (>W124) will have significantly more electronics. To some this is a convenience and to some a headache. But you'll have to get used to analyzing problems via the electronics vs. the strictly mechanical approach. Also consider setting aside some of your budget for after-sale issues.

As for the 4Matic I think the redesign was in 1997 so it's not really an issue in W210's.

There is a post in this forum called "Common Problems". Do a search and read it over. It will identify for you the kinds of issues some owners experience. Most owners have none of those problems so don't get too worried. But it will give you an idea of some things to look for while inspecting candidates.

I suggest looking for samples that have good or complete documentation of the service history. Try to find a car where you can talk to the person who has owned/driven it for at least the last two years. It's often their off-hand comments that are a clue to how the car has been cared for.

MB often makes cosmetic changes (called face lifts) during model runs. For the W210 it was 2001 when the front bumper was restyled, plus changes to cluster and steering wheel and side airbags.

Good luck and feel free to post about your search.

MARK CUMMINS

Mercedes made the Model Update for the W210 starting with the 2000 model year

RichardM98

Thanks for the correction. BTW, weren't some of the 2000's Pre-face lift and some Post face lift models. Say around Jan 2000 production?

MARK CUMMINS

The change was made on ALL 2000 Model year 210s mine was built 10/09
2000 model year 210

RichardM98

Maybe different in UK. See post by TheHoodedClaw in this thread:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/gener...ning-them.html

Lancelot

In europe we always get the change of model year around July, so the 2000 facelift came available from mid-1999 and onwards.

My car is from July 1997 but it's model year 1998 so I have the smartkey, four airbags, ASR, and so on...

There's an official code for it on my options card:
808 "change of year of model, last figure shows new year"