Newbie here.

Been trying to find a good website with a good description of the differences between the E420 and E430.

All I've been able to decipher is that one is a 4.2L and the other is 4.3L. Is this even correct?

I believe the rated HP is both 275hp.

I'd be considering a 97 or 98.

Thanks!

 

Welcome digitaldave! You'll enjoy hours of fun and a wealth of knowledge here. You're correct about the engine capcity but I seem to remember one replaced the other as well, so the models also mean different years of prodcution.

 

Well, I've figured out that E420s ended in 97 and E430s started in 98, but I just can't figure out what changed, aside from engine capacity. HP is the same... more torque?

 

Here, hope that helps:

E420:

Engine Twin-DOHC 32-valve. V-8 with alloy block.

Displacement 256.1 cu in/4,196 cc

Net power 275 hp/205 kw @ 5,700 rpm

Net torque 295 lb-ft/400 N.m @ 3,900 rpm



E430:
Engine 4,266-cc SOHC 24-valve V-8, high-pressure die-cast alloy cylinder block, alloy heads.

Net power 275 hp @ 5,750 rpm

Net torque 295 lb-ft @ 3,000-4,400 rpm

 

Well I used to own a 99 E430, so I'll see if I can help you a little bit:
1)Interior center console is different; radio, esp, a/c controls.
2)Keys are different as well as their functions.
3)The outside looks more or less the same with the exception that the 97 and 98 have infrared receivers visible all over the car. the most obvious to the left of the trunk key hole. 1998 saw a handful of updates compared to the 97, besides t he engine change. Also I believe 16's came standard on the 430 in 98 vs. 97. Xenon's were first offered in 98 and on. 1999 had a few changes on the interior compared to the 98, but not much difference. 98 was also the first sport model years available. 2000 saw the biggest update for the 430, with outside changes in bumpers, skirts, headlights, tailights, steering wheel with controls, transmission with + or - shifting. yet still a five speed.

If you go on Ebay, you can look at the interior shots of the 97, 98, 99, and you will see what I mean about he center console updates. If you have a question on switch locations in each car as to what they are, I am sure we can help you out if you are not familiar.

I hope this helps.

 

Okay, even smaller things in addition to the above listed items: the side mirror tint is blue instead of yellow, the rear third break light is an LED strip as opposed to the regular bulb with a square housing, and I've noticed the auto dimming interior rear-view mirror is different, and there is no exterior antenna mast. I own a '99 E430 and I don't know if all of those changes were as of '98 or '99. But certainly those changes were maded between the '97 and '99 models. Welcome to the site digitaldave. Let us know if you get one.

 

Beside the engine, the 97 and earlier does not have CAN bus. From 98 on has CAN bus.

The wiring diagram is completely different, due to this massive eletrical-design change.

 

Ok, I give... CAN bus?

I've been looking at E420/30s from $US16k and up. Certainly a lot of car for the price.

 

Welcome digitaldave!

There is not very much of a change in the engine and nothing major on the body nor the interior. There are just minor changes here and there on the interior.

My opinion is....Find a car in your price range with low miles that you think will make you happy and buy it. Search around for an awesome deal! Dont buy the first thing you see. I notice your price range was around 16k. You can find alot of cars in your price range with decent miles for that price.

Whatever you pick, I wish you the best of luck and hope to see you lurking around the forum.

 

Don't buy the 1997? I can not believe that no one has really answer the key difference between the 97 E420 & 98 E430.

Have to disagree with Benz. The difference in the 97 & 98 is huge? I waited a year and a half to get the E430 when I needed a car in 1996/1997. I waited for the new engine. The E430's did not reach US dealers until Feb 1998 while the 98 E320 hit dealers in Oct 1997.

The 4.3 is a far better & current engine. It is the current type modular engines used in all 2004 V6 & V8 models. It has dual spark plugs and 3 valves per cylinder with much better gas mileage. It requires tune ups every 100k miles and the 4.2 needs tuning every 30k. The 4.3 also debuted the current FSS systems that monitor everything in the engine and the car has oil changes from 10K to 12k miles. The 4.2 needs new oil every 3-5k miles. The 4.3 must use synthetic oil.

The 1998 also has the current Infared Smart Key. This system can not be defeated. The car has to be towed away or gun in your face carjacking. Look for Xenon HID headlights if possible.

 

MBUSA list performance as:

1997 E420 0-60 - 6.7 seconds

1998 E430 0-60 - 6.4 seconds

E430 Gas Mileage - 19/26

 

Like I said....No major changes.

 

If a new engine (3 valve, twin plug), a new engine management system (FSS), 100k mile tuneups, 12k mile oil changes and a new innovative security ignition system (SmartKey) are not major changes I suggest digitaldave buy a 1997 E420 or even a 1994 W124 E420 with the same engine and features.

Better gas mileage is a major change and 3/10ths of a second quicker would win every drag race if one is inclined to do so.

digitaldave is looking for quantifiable facts rather than moot opinions. Why yes, I am a knowitall! j/k

 

I like the M119 engine better, though I wish its torque peak would come sooner. The M113 engine is nice though.

 

I've had a few to drink, leave me alone

 

The E420 will go 300 - 500K miles no problem, and have 4 valves per cylinder and only 8 sparkplugs to deal with. Also ESP and Xenon headlamps were available for the '97. 16" wheels were standard for all W210 '96 and up. 17" wheels were optional and included in Sport package trim.

I don't know where you guys get all that hooplah about the M113 only needing to be serviced at 100K miles. I do know that somebody wrecked his M112 by following the FSS system procedures. These engines need to be MAINTAINED. DO NOT wait 20K miles before swapping out the oil! THAT IS JUST STUPID.

I really dislike the fact that MB sealed the 722.6x electronic transmissions, too. That's what they recommend servicing after 100K. Sorry, it is.


Differences between '97 - '00 210 E-Class

'97 4 airbags, ASR, heated seats, ESP(opt), Xenon headlamps(opt), 5 sp transmission, full spare wheel. (crappy infrared transmitter box with external key for ignition)

'98 4 airbags, ASR, heated seats, ESP(opt), Xenon headlamps(opt), FSS system, 5 sp transmission, full spare wheel.(Smart Key)

'99 6 airbags, ASR, heated seats, ESP(opt), Xenon headlamps(opt), FSS system, different radio design, temporary steel spare wheel.

'00 8 airbags, redesigned crumple zones(and shorter nose), differerent wheel, different gauge cluster, different display panel, ASR, heated seats, ESP(opt), FSS system, 17" wheels I believe were now standard(could be wrong), temporary steel wheel.


Those should be the only major differences. As far as the engine, I have heard the M113 is a great one. However the M119 has proven its worth already. '97 represents the last and most improved year for the M119. That's why I own one.

Oh, and I think the M119 sounds more muscular too. :p

Just had to start a fight!

Remember, the E50 AMG has almost as much horsepower as the E55, and has less displacement. The E50 was an earlier model, and was worked from the 500E M119. You can't beat 4 valves per cylinder and DOHC.

 

How do you know that the the E420 will go 500K mile? Sounds like you are the one with too much "hoopla" defending your engine. Who in the hell posted a 20K mile oil change for the FSS? Please don't exaggerate, it does not help the person seeking real information.

 

I have a fully loaded (minus the sunroof for headroom) '97 E420 with heated/multi-contour seats, factory xenons, rear-sunshade, had factory 16" wheels and now at 141k miles. The car purrrrs just as the day it came off the lot. I only run synthetic oil in it and the engine is as tight as ever. I can't find anything wrong nor can I complain about anything on the car. If you are looking at an E420, don't hesitate, it's a beautiful tight running car with lots of power.

I cannot comment too much on the E430 except from what I have read in this forum. The only thing that would've been cool to have would be the smart key but I really don't care. They are both great cars from what I have read and from my experience, I would never hesitate to buy an E420 over a 430.

Good luck and PM me if you need any more specific info.

 

I didn't mean to start a riot.

From my automotive experience I'd guess that sometimes it's better to get the last of a model (be it engine or whatever) than the first version.

I really appreciate that input. I knew there had to be a significant change between the two engines, it's just that I was having difficulty finding good info on the web after extensive Googling.

As there is a good $4k difference between 97 and 98s currently in my market it's hard not to look at the 97s.

 

97 all the way

 

Mercedes-Benz redesigned its midrange E-Class sedan for 1996. New styling was highlighted by four oval headlamps, giving the sedan a fresh face. Wheelbase grew by 1.3 inches, and overall length by 2.2 inches, helping to make the rear seat markedly roomier. Dual front and side airbags were installed, as were antilock braking and traction control. Two models went on sale at first: the E320 with a 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder gas engine that made 217 horsepower, and an E300D, with a 134-horsepower diesel engine. Both models used a 4-speed automatic transmission. An E420 sedan with a 4.2-liter V8 engine arrived in spring 1996 as a '97 model, with a new 5-speed automatic transmission.

Year-to-Year Changes

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Introduced on the E420 with its V8 engine, the 5-speed automatic transmission went into all 1997 models.
1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Mercedes' midrange series earned a number of changes for 1998, led by the addition of a station wagon body style and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). This year's lineup included the diesel 6-cylinder E300D, which added a turbocharger and intercooler to deliver 30 percent more horsepower and 57 percent more torque than the previous nonturbo model; a gas-powered E320, which switched from a 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder to a new Mercedes 3.2-liter V6; and an E420 sedan with 4.2-liter V8. The new E320 wagon seated seven, using a 2-place third seat. All-wheel drive was a new option for the E320. All E-Class models now had Mercedes' "BabySmart" child-seat recognition system, "Brake Assist" feature, and electronic "Smart Key" ignition/locking system.

1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: A new side-impact head protection system for front and rear passengers went into 1999 models. A new limited-edition, high-performance E55 sedan joined the lineup, with a 5.4-liter V8.

2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Mercedes dropped its E300 diesel model, but added an all-wheel-drive E430 V8 sedan and standard rear side airbags. All models got minor styling revisions and new wheels. Automatic transmissions added Touch Shift, with a separate gate for manual shifting. E320 sedans and wagons, and the E430 sedan, were available with 4Matic all-wheel drive. All models now had the antiskid Electronic Stability Program. New options included a voice-activated phone, in-dash navigation system, and audible parking-warning system.

2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: A Sport Package was newly optional for 2001 E320s and E430s. It included firmer suspension, special upsized wheels and tires, and "aero" lower-body styling.

2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: The E320 Special Edition sedan was introduced this year with new 17-inch alloy wheels, black bird's-eye maple interior trim, and other amenities. To this, the new E430 Special Edition added xenon headlamps and headlamp washers.

 

I purposely avoided the E430 in my search. I have heard that most of the engine changes were made were to decrease production costs. Furthermore I'd be willing to bet there are a lot more high mileage M119 engines out there versus M113. Horsepower and torque numbers are the same and both cars drive great. Gas mileage is at best a mile per gallon better on the E430. Oil change interval is 7500 miles on the M119. With synthetic oil I'm sure you can go longer.

The only things I wish I had that are in the 430 is the homelink garage remote that works with rolling codes and the new infrared key system that E55KEV referred to. The E430 newer key system got rid of the stupid remote receivers that are prone to rust on the trunk.

Bottom line, two great cars, slight improvements on the E430, engine better??...who knows. Like others, I just have a personal preference for the single plug, 4 valve. Tuning is cheap and easy.

 

OH how fun.. someone who is ignorant of MB. And has a high post count as well.

Excuse me sir, but I happen to know this as a fact. If you do not care to believe then fine. It says right in the owner's manual that Mercedes allows services up to 20K miles inbetween. Look it up. Engines should be safe from oil related failures up until 150K miles thanks to a certain lawsuit involving the failure of the V6 engine. If you are a Mercedes Tech, you should know that by now.

Yes, there are M119's rolling around with over 300K on them going strong. 300-500K miles reference is based on what I've heard from the Mercedes Tech's over at mercedesshop.com.

There's nothing wrong with the M113, and I never said there was. So why do you give me a headache by blaspheming across your retaliatory post?

Initially the FSS is set a 10K miles per interval, indeed though.

Oh, and BTW...You'll never get far in life with a hot temper. Cool off a bit, my friend. I did not personally attack you in any way.

 

You just did! "You'll never get far in life with a hot temper"

 

Hmmmm! Mercedes Tech - Never considered that career. Don't think my Armani Suits and Ferragamo Shoes would hold up well doing that job. I would also spend a fortune on manicures after getting my nails dirty every day.

I don't attack - I just 'type' my mind. Don't worry I don't hold anything against anyone or hold grudges. I try to help everyone.