Tofi

I'm in the process of getting my first MB (getting it tomorrow). Got the Starmark and all. Just wanted to find out what suggestions you guys had that I should be aware of.
Boy, can't wait to get it under my u-know-what.

E-Klasse

Are you looking to add a body kit, new wheels, blinker mirrors, or do you just want to know about anomalies that other owners have had with the W210?

Welcome to the E-Class owners circle.

Tofi

EKlasse, right now I don't even have the car yet so its going to take a little time for me to get the modding state.
Right now, I'm just looking to get some info on some do's and don'ts for the car. This is my first MB (have had tons of other cars before, including my current Honday SUV) and its supposed to be in class of its own. As I said I do have the 1-yr Starmark warranty. I don't know if I need to get any more years on the warranty (the guy at the dealership keeps claiming that I can't get more warranty once I've taken delivery of the car). Considering I have never needed to use it on previous cars I didn't think I should.
Anyways, so if anyone has any input please feel free.

E-Klasse

Things to ask about are the common problems:

The rear window regulators have a habit of breaking and most of the time leaving the window all of the way down just as a rain storm is about to hit. Another common problem is the MAF or MAS (Mass Air Flow Sensor). In the event that the check engine light comes on you will be told that this sensor is bad. The one common problem is, the same fault code or symptom that points to this sensor can be set by simply driving with the gas cap not tight. So beware of that. Another common fault with the E-Class W210 is the Lower Control Arm Bushings. If you hear any pops or creaks while turning or even when you push down on the hood and let the spring bounce it back up, the lower bushings are shot. But most of all, check to make sure the upgrade has been done to the Harmonic Balancer. Check your balancers part number, if it is # 112 035 0000 then it needs to be updated. The new and improved part is # 112 035 0800. Ask if the warrenty will cover parts, labor, towing and a loaner car.

Tofi

Thanks EKlasse, I sounded semi-intelligent when I picked up the car. And I was so nervous driving it the first 5 mnts (going thru Queens). But after that there was no stopping me. Just came back from a 30 mile drive. I just can't get enough. I actually wiped down the car (something I haven't done since my first motorbike about 16 yrs ago or so). I'm a proud owner. Thanks again.

raymond g-

Funny....but I kinda have an idea how you feel. I have a 4wd which I've been driving since '83. After I picked up my 99 E320, though the drive home after work is 3 miles, I would take the scenic, 20+ mile detour just to feel the smooth ride and listen to the tunes.....all the while feeling like I was some mack daddy or something. I take it out only about once every couple of weeks and it contines to evoke a "....this is niiiiiiice...." response as I drive around town. :-)

But lately, I've been a little disenchanted with my 3 month old acquistion. I'm noticing other Benzes, such as SLKs, CLKs, and their longer, sloping hoods and V8s.

To paraphrase Will Smith, "I *gots* to get me one of these!" Time for another Lotto ticket this weekend, eh?

Tofi

Raymond, its funny the way our wants change. As somebody once said, "I used to think that I know everything but the more I learn the more I realize that I know nothing".
Once you have something you start comparing it to classes/models higher than it. I guess that's the competetiveness that's built into us as humans. The marketing that these guys do doesn't help much either.
For now I'm a happy camper, tomorrow who knows...

E-Klasse

I think you mean the SL and CL models with their v8s and V12s. The SLK and CLK are smaller than the E-Class and the SLK doesn't even offer a V8.

raymond g-

Thanks for the whack. Problem is that at this age, I can't pull out the reading glasses fast enough when these cars whiz by....so I'm left trying to make out the blur of the numbering and half guessing while trying to match the profile on the MBUSA page. :-)

raymond g-

Saw that CLK again in AMG trim. Yeah, it does have the V8. Stopped the driver and asked if I could sit inside and make vrooom noises. :-)