JCC1

I'm sure this has been done to death but I as I'm again considering an old 210 wagon I wanted to see what people thought about the differences between pre and post face-lift. I'm looking for specific pros and cons between the NA E230 wagon only. The 1999 has a steering wheel more like that of a W124 but I dont know what else. Thanks
JC

ohlord

pros upgraded transmission bearings,steering wheel controls,trip computer,body aerodynamics.
cons cheaper pixels likely to fail window regulator parts.
I have both,like both,like the 1994 w124 wagon too
buy the facelift safer in a crash,more features.
Just make sure you don't jump on the first one you see,don't over pay,and as always...... Inspect,inspect,inspect.
You are in the meca of nice cheap used Mercedes use due diligence and you will find a nice one.
You missed a beautiful 2001 wagon in white low miles fully maintained for a great price just sold last month or so
where you at in Socal?

JCC1

Thank you for writing. I appreciate the advice. I'm looking at 2 locally serviced wagons. A midnight blue 01 with 4matic at 134k miles and maintained by Fletcher Jones. The other a silver and gray rwd with 108k and Calstar and Beverly Hills maintained. The blue 4matic was originally sold and serviced in Maryland for 3 years. Both cars are at used dealerships where they mostly likely picked them us at the Santa Ana auctions. Both are asking US$6800. For cash I might get it down to $5500. Hopefully checking the silver one tonight as its only 12 miles away whereas the blue wagon is 44 miles away from us.
I'm in Los Angeles and there are slim pickings for the car I want. Asking prices are high but for cash they all drop quickly. Checked a desert silver 2001 with 100k and the asking was $8000. I offered cash and price went immediately to 5500. I mentioned some niggles and price went lower. When they offered to take my 1999 Volvo xc70 w/ blown head gasket I walked. Seemed like the price was too good to be true and I found over spray between quarter panel and drivers door. Also rear windows would not go up. And I dont like the wagon in that particular color. Do you think I can get these two prospective cars down past 5500 even if they are clean and everything works? I need to get in a car quickly. Thanks for the insight. I'm going for the facelift model.
Regards,
JC

JCC1

By the way, there are few W124 1994-95 Wagons around these days. They are either questionable higher miles cars or salvage cars or just funky condition. Saw a 1987 with diesel recently online. Those are super rare these days. Am I correct in thinking the W124 wagon with diesel was only sold in the US that 1 year? I forget. I used to have a great 300CE in Midnight blue. Favorite all time car. I wrecked it in the rain on Sunset blvd in Beverly Hills back in 2007. I also had a 300E sedan but the transmission was due for a second rebuild and so I let it go. The coupe was much nicer. I've had Swedish cars and German cars and not much else. The XC I have I bought for 1500 2 1/2 years ago at 170k. It needs too much now to bother with the head gasket. As a kid we had lots of German, English and even a couple French cars. My favorite from childhood was a diesel MBZ sedan in midnight blue. Thanks again,
JC

ohlord

an auction car or a dealer car. Find a private party car.
Look in places like Glendale,huntington beach,san diego,newport beach. Don't buy a car that spent 3 years on the east coast.
Shop around,I see tons of them down there.
Inspect,inspect,inspect.

JCC1

Problem with the private party ones from Newport to San Diego is that they asking prices are much higher and people do not come down easily. A MBZ that's been maintained at the largest dealership outside of the factory is not a bad deal. Complete records and inspection helps. Dealer records are available. I've narrowed down to 2 cars as described above. Same car from PP w/ more miles and an asking price 4k higher is not worth my time. The 2 in question are most likely trade-ins. The dealerships take them and send them straight to auction. Auction does not mean there's anything wrong with the cars. I hope to get lucky. I just need a driver for carting around my 3 sons to tennis, soccer, roller hockey, basketball and lacrosse. Not to mention scouts, church youth group, camping, the beach, trips to mammoth etc. I just need the car for a year or two. The one I like has brand new contis on clean stock rims. And low miles. Cars maintained at Beverly Hills, Newport and Glendale for a good price at used lots are probably a better bet than over paying with private party. Anyway that's just my current take on the used ca car market around here.

ohlord

market and bought cars down there.
The dealer cars are hoopdies and the pp cars come down in price real quick if you know how to deal. I wish you well on the thought process but fear the worst as I have seen it go all to wrong for other forum members in the same mind set. At least be sure to take the dealer car to an independent inspection,don't take their word for anything.I.E. the maryland car most likely has hidden rust issues.
Stay away from the 4matic unless you need it for snow,great car just lower mpg and more issues to take care of or repair when broked

Dark Blue metallic
2002
2002 Mercedes Benz E320 wagon - $8900 (Newport Beach)
heated leather
17 inch rims
maintained
Want to bet it could be purchased after a full proper inspection for $7K
or less