Dansgt

so I'm new to Mercedes, don't know much about them at all. replacing my old bmw and im looking at a 96 e320, so i've got some questions. car's only had 2 owners and the guy says he's got all the repair documentation.

first, what's the millage you guys are seeing out of these cars? the one i'm looking at has just over 200k, but supposedly mostly freeway miles. i know with the other car's i've dealt with, there's still at least another 100k left in em at this point, is that the case with these?

second, what are common problems that i should look for, whats typical of these cars? i know its got the blower motor problem, but that seams easy enough to fix (i am a mechanic lol)

finally, whats a fair price? he's looking around 2500...

thanks in advance for your help.

ohlord

things to look for in the diy section of the w210 forum on
www.benzworld.org
Then have it inspected by a pro that knows Mercedes.
$2500 you could find lower mile examples

RichardM98

Repair documentation is useful but what about service/maintenance documentation? I would want to know how it has been cared for for the past 15 years. There are a lot of W210's out there so shop around. For the most part they're pretty easy to work on your self but don't forget, while the selling price may be pennies on the dollar compared to new, the maintenance/repair costs have gone up.

Check the "Look Here First" at the top of the forum for list of common problems. As mentioned a PPI is always a good idea but maybe at $2500 you could 'roll the dice'.

illest

I would spend a little more to get a newer one (98-02) with the v6 and lower miles.

CharlyE500

As other said, you better off spending a little more get a lower mileage car and 98 to 2000. I believe the 96 is the first year of W210 so.... never buy the first year of the generation. 200K is a lot even has documentation...... those doc. doesnt really mean anything anymore, 200K car need major work, specially Mercedes is not cheap unless you are really good in DIY.

Brau0318

I'm going to agree with everyone here. I would shell out for something alittle newer. Charly hit it on the head with suggesting 98 and up. It's never a good idea to buy the first year of a new body style. Good luck, and welcome to the forum. Please post back with findings and/or links to potential buys.

zr-1

the first year the w210 was built was 95..only available in europe .96 was the first year available in north america .i just picked up a 98 for 1500 with 170k on it and all it needed was a water pump, the previous owner was told it would cost 700 just for the water pump part .lol lol...i got my pump for 120 and took me 2 hrs to do , taking my time mechanics have a licence to steal sometimes . . but i agree with everyone ... unless its a smoking deal , i would go 98 and newer

Hoosier

I have owned three w210's ... the first was a 96, used with approximately 90K miles, nothing but a pain ... I dumped it after 6 months. My 2nd one ... out shopping and found a E300, hadn't thought about a diesel and diesels aren't for everyone, but I have owned them in the past ...

96 was the first year for the w210, the diesel's were naturally aspirated, no turbo, what a joke ... turbo's appeared in 98 ... and like the E320's Benz must have worked out their problems from the 1st two years ...

Put approx 345k on my first diesel, found a clean low miles 99 to replace it, have 235k on the 99 ... no problems with either, but normal wear and tear at that mileage.

And a year ago put the wife in a 98 E320, she loves it ...

ejrooney

In addition to maintenance records, on a car this old, I would look for a southern car. Even if you can't see rust on the body, the front spring perches are known to rust and break off on these cars turning your car into a low-rider! I've heard that's about a $1500 repair. Other than that, make sure all the electrics work.

Benz Boy#1

I honestly wouldn't buy one w/ more than 100-150k miles, too much maintinence. Find a wholesale supplier to sell you 10 window regulators for each window and keep them on hand.

Brau0318

everyone keeps frakin out about window regs, I have 114k and have never had a problem

raymond g-

i would not let the window regulator issue become a deal breaker. they *will*
go out eventually - nearly always the rears. buy them now for < $100 and
you'll have them when needed. videos and tons of help from forum members
available. I moved slow (lemonade and NPR) and it took me about 2 hrs.

Benz Boy#1

They aren't that hard to replace 1hr job. Its just annoying. All 4 already broke once, this is the fifth time, it was my left rear. I had it opened, it started raining, I tried to rolled it up, bam. They are only about $30 on eBay shipped.