Goofaroo

I have a 94 E320 wagon and now I am looking for a later model 210 for my wife. I thought I would be able to find a 97 model with the inline 6 but si far they have been hard to find. There are lots of 98 and newer models with the V6. Any thoughts on the V6? I know nothing about them. Are they pretty reliable and capable of going strong for many miles?

ohlord

are quite capable of a healthy long life.
Get much better MPG 27 hway at speed.
Easy to work on.
Easy to diagnose.
Smooth.
Nice looking.
Where are you located?

Shadow5501

In the USA we did not get any '96 or '97 wagons, so that would tend to limit your options in those years We started receiving wagons in '98, and of course they come with the V6. It's a fine engine, certainly as reliable and long lasting as the M104 inline 6. If buying a late 90s car the two main concerns would be 1) service records to insure that synthetic oil was used during the longer service intervals, and 2) rust - the 210 chassis does not resist rust as well as the 124.

Goofaroo

I'm in Oklahoma City. It's good to hear that the V6 is pretty solid because I don't think I'll have much luck finding an inline.

Unfortunately, my wife is refusing to get a wagon so I am looking for a sedan. Personally, I would MUCH rather have another wagon.

ohlord

wagon has nicer lines than the sedan.
Try to change her mind,she will love it once she tries one

Goofaroo

I've bought her several wagons over the years and now she is demanding a sedan. I don't care for them at all but it looks like I'm going to loose this battle.

homepukes

I've had mine since new and never once had an engine problem. It is a great engine and now have all of 78,000 miles.

RichardM98

If you read a little of the thread "How many miles do you have on your E Class?" in this forum, you'll find that many owners have over 200K on the V6 with only regular maintenance and repairs.

Goofaroo

I found a wagon here locally that she liked and I was lucky enough for her to decide on her own that she wanted the wagon. I bought a 1999 with 128K that has been very nicely cared for. It was even my color- white with tan interior. All fluids were like new including the brake fluid. In fact, when I first looked at it the brake reservoir looked empty because the fluid was so clean. It has the third seat (never used) and the Bose system with 6 disc changer. Also a very recent set of Michelins. Paint shines like new, interior is nearly mint, and the engine compartment is as clean as if it were one my cars. I ended up paying $6,200 for it which was about half of what I had budgeted so I was very pleased about that. It leaves me some cash to throw into my 94 E320 wagon (white) which is in need of some suspension work. Anyway, I'll be poking around this thread now looking for maintenance and repair tips.

ohlord

the transmission fluid and filter.
DIY on www.benzworld.org w210 forum
Inspect spring perches (hope you did that already)
Lube the sunroof
Change rear diff fluid
If you tint the windows don't use metallic use ceramic
it won't affect the radio reception like metallic tint does.
Enjoy

Goofaroo

I am planning to change the tranny and diff fluid. It's the only fluid that I can't see so I'm just going to change it for peace of mind. As for the spring perches, I'm not sure what you are referring to. Are you talking about where the coil springs ride on the control arms? What would be wrong with them?

The suspension is going to get some attention this fall but right now it drives pretty damned good and it is too hot here in Oklahoma for me to get motivated to start working on it. It drives nice and straight and handles like it should but there is just a bit of suspension noise over sharp bumps.

RichardM98

The perch is actually at the top of the springs. Originally they were coated with rust prevention coating (mastic) and water could get underneath causing corrosion and failure of the welds. Inspect by peeling back the mastic and look for rust. New spring perches can be installed.

If you are going to do the transmission service yourself and it's pretty easy but be sure to read the various DIYs so that you understand whats needed such as a dipstick tool and special fluid. Early 1999's had a drain plug on the torque converter which means you'll be able to get about 95% of the old fluid out if you have one. Otherwise about 50% from the pan only.

ejsheltra

Welcome to the forum and congrats on buying the wagon. Mine is the same combo of colors. I have had wagons most of my life and would not be without one. They are better in lines than the sedan I think for this model and are easy to maintain. Regarding the spring perches I would go to a dealer and have them assess before you go breaking the seal on the mastic. The perches have failed on bad cases but it is not that common. Just get them checked to be safe. Again welcome and I hope you have many enjoyable miles together.

RichardM98

The only way to tell if corrosion has taken place is to remove the mastic. That's exactly what the dealer will do as well. There is no downside to doing it yourself.

Shadow5501

Corrosion problems on the perches would be very unlikely if the car has been in Oklahoma since new. The problem is quite uncommon and mostly a rust-belt phonomenon.

Goofaroo

It has been in Oklahoma all of it's life and the undercarriage looks solid as a rock. We don't have a rust problem here like some of you northerners have to deal with. This fall I am going to replace the lower ball joints and control arm bushings so I'll take a close look at the perches while I have the springs out.