sojo81007

This is my first post on this forum, and after perusing some of the "common threads" I still have a few questions.

I'm in the market for a 1998-2003 Eclass 320 Wagon. The reasons I want this particular vehicle are many, but the primary ones are that I need a 7 seater car (I despise vans and SUVS) which has AWD, gets decent mileage, is safe, and reliable.

My current family vehicle is a Lincoln Town Car which is still running strong but does not have an optional third row as the e320 does. The Lincoln has spoiled me in that it is comfortable and has a wonderful ride, and has been super dependable, aside from the usual things they are all plagued with.

Here are some things that need to be answered before I ditch the Lincoln for an e320:

1. Which year/years between 1998-2003 are the most reliable?

2. Does the vehicle have an air suspension? - I've read about a system called Airmatic (sounds expensive) and I believe the e320 has a SLS only on the rear, similar to the town car. If this is true, does this system have lots of problems, and how expensive is it to repair and maintain for the DIYer.

3. How dependable are these cars? I depend on my vehicle, and do need to hop in and drive 6 hours without worry. This particular car gets about 12-15k miles per year. I know Mercedes has a higher maintenance cost, but normal items such as starters/alternators don't seem that bad from the research I've done. Can a do it your selfer do much of the maintenance and up keep with relatively low costs or is it ALWAYS outrageous?

Thanks!

RichardM98

Since these models are 10-15 years old now, it's more important that you select one which has been well maintained. IMO, all MB's are reliable if properly maintained. In MY2000 MB did a facelift on W210. Most notable changes were front grill, steering wheel controls, Command display (NAV, radio, etc) and rear seat air bags but not third row seats (air bags that is).





Air suspension is generally only on S class models. All the W210 wagons have SLS. These models are pretty inexpensive to maintain if you can do most of the routine stuff yourself. There are lots of DIY write ups on various sites so you can determine if you want to tackle a job. FYI - MB uses a built in computer to monitor oil quality called FSS. If you choose to use it be sure to use a MB approved 229.3 or 229.5 syn oil like Mobil 1 0W-40 European Car Formula and a fleece (polyester) filter (not a paper one). Oil changes can be as long as 18000 mi if you do all highway driving but most get about 12-14K.





Very dependable and safe (5 star front/ 4 star side) at time of manufacture. Most feel they are fairly easy to do service on. Since the car is older you might look for a independent MB shop/tech since the dealer will be expensive. However, the dealer is good for alignments and required for anit-theft devices like Smart keys.

My suggestion is to find one which has good written service records and pay to have it inspected by a MB tech. Don't worry too much about mileage. 100K-150K is normal and 250K is not unheard of. The model you are looking for is 4MATIC which is AWD. Your gas mileage will be slightly less. 17 city/ 26 highway vs 18 city/28 highway for RWD.

There are a lot of good W210's out there so shop around.

illest

models from 98 forward have imho fewer issues but it really depends on how it was taken care of.

71_340

All W210 models are aging and, as any older vehicle require more maintenance to keep them going. As others have said the key is to find one with a spotless service history backed up by receipts.

Don't get me wrong, I love MBs but like most around here always have older models because they are cheap initially and I can do most maintenance and repairs myself. I would never rely on a 10-15 year old vehicle as my main transportation especially as many miles as you drive. They are more of a hobby to me.

If I were you I would look into a newer, used Subaru Outback.....you'll be happier.

sojo81007

I have a Subaru Legacy as my personal car and love it .I beat that poor thing to death and it keeps going. My first choice would be a Subaru, but the only 7 seater they offer is the Tribeca and it has a less than prestine reputation (and is unusually high in price for what it is.)
I always drive a 10 year old car so depending on them hasn't been a problem. Every car that I've carefully researched has been great, every car where I've ignored the research has been terrible. Go figure!

71_340

Well, here is a 320 Wagon which appears to be pretty decent:

https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...s-angeles.html

mdw benz

Wow, you think 12-15k a year is a lot of miles? I drive 30k a year on my w210 and never think twice about it's "dependability".

Figuero

The reasons I want this particular vehicle are many, but the primary ones are that I need a 7 seater car (I despise vans and SUVS) which has AWD, gets decent mileage, is safe, and reliable.
About the only car that can compete with the W210 Wagon/4Matic on that front is a newer E-Class.

1. Which year/years between 1998-2003 are the most reliable?
Obviously newer is better and there were several upgrades through the life of the model. However, as others have noted, regular proper maintenance trumps age, especially with a W210.

3. How dependable are these cars?
It all depends on the quality of care. These are not cars you can drive and neglect.

Can a do it your selfer do much of the maintenance and up keep with relatively low costs or is it ALWAYS outrageous?
It all depends on you skills and ability to follow the directons this forum can give you. As for me, I just don't enjoy doing it any more and I'm paying the price for it.

One thing to look for in any W210 is rust. Don't under estimate how quickly this car can go from jewel to junk because of it.

sojo81007

I've been reading/hearing a bit about the rust. Maybe a rwd model from Florida would be a better idea than an AWD which likely has seen more salty roads. I really did want AWD, but I do have a Subie that I run hard in the snow and I'm not likely to take a Benz and see how much snow I can push with the grill Thanks for all your input. I'm keeping my eyes open, not in a real hurry to buy, but when the right one comes I'll jump.

997.2

I have a 2001 e320 4matic and it has been nothing but great, I would HIGHLY recommend spending the extra $$ to get the post facelife version (I believe 2001+). It looks really nice. I have drove this car from 75-125K miles with 0 surprises - just normal expected maintenance. This car does go through motor oil at a very rapid rate but that's inexpensive. MPG can be 11 if you have a lead foot, that kickdown pedal is addicting. I love the car and would be happy to answer any questions, feel free to PM me


PS ESPECIALLY if your car is a NORTHERN car, check for RUST. Mine has a little bit coming in and it's an expensive fix.

brooktre

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/4095482340.html

I don't know where you are located, this one is in PA.