PUZZ1

I'm in the market for my first Mercedes Benz and may go the used route. Has anyone compared say an '02 E430 to the current model E320 or E500 and gone with the W210?? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Adobe

I've considered this same question. I think there's no question that the W211 is nicer both inside and out. The new W211 is almost in a class by itself when it comes to styling and interior design.

However, the W210 has some things going for it. One of the more important things I like about it is that it has a normal braking system rather than the SBC system.

Another is price. You can get a V8 w/o having to pay a really stiff price for the E500 which includes a $1,000 gas guzzler tax.

The big problem I've had is finding a nice low mileage 2002 E430 or a very late 2001. Every one I've looked at had a problem when I checked the CarFax. They were a lease vehicle or a program vehicle or a repo or been in an accident or had multiple owners, etc. I don't want a car that's had multiple drivers or has been leased by someone who knows he's going to dump the car at the end of the lease and so he hasn't worried about breaking it in correctly or hasn't worried about abusing it.

Frankly, I'd buy a new E320 right now. I think you can get one for a few hundred over Invoice and you won't have to worry about getting a car that's been abused or has half the warranty gone or is simply not as good as the W211.

kicker

I think the W210's style looks more classier than the w211. W211 looks too sporty looking in the front. But I have to agree W211 interior looks much better though..

Bruin2

I bought a 2002e430 over a 2003e320. I think the body style of the w210 is more sophisticated and frankly, I thought the w211 felt really cheap inside. I wish I had the w211 leather and sound system, but as far as the rest of the car, I'm happy with my choice.

cobac

I know this is going to sound stupid... but.... I have to chime in.

I really love the "central console" located window switches of my W210. And also considering it's one of the last newer mercedes that offers this.

I like the W220..but c'mon, from a safety standpoint who designed putting the window switches on the floor of the drivers door?

The W210 seems very "Mercedes" to me with the classic interior and gauges and button layout (Including the "classic" mercedes switches on dash and windows)...while as the new E is great, its just getting more cookie cutter to me.... (Granted I would love keyless wo)

Whitey

zam2000 must have the most detailed comparison so far:

Comments from a recent owner

Dema

Good link and review I could agree very honest.

clco

Although the 211 is good, it looks too much like a chrysler in a lot of its body style. The dual wipers, the lean body. Especially at some rear angles, the body looks chrysler like.
The 210 body can age well, like a fine wine, and for an owner that keeps it shined up and well groomed, it can continue to garner a sense of elitism, above the crowd. The new cars are looking too much alike...chrysler, mercedes, jaguar X-type and even the S type look like a ford taurus now.
You know what I mean. Corporate mergers and need for companies to forever increase the bottom line has caused the fall of the tradional Luxury car, in order to bring it to the masses. The flip side is, your chrysler appears to be more elite and fancy.
Maybach and Rolls Royce are now the last bastion of true opulence...you won't see ads for them yet like: no money down, lease for only 399/month, auto mall sale special, etc...

Dema

I do not think Chrysler's engineers so involved in new car design. Simple MB got criticism about being to conservative maker. From other side 211 get some price cutting upgrades. Overall 211 is definitely step forward.

DslBnz

The W211 is cramped in the rear, the interior is reminiscent of an old Lexus LS400(notice, no more traditional grabber armrests for closing the doors), and the rearend looks like a Toyota Camry.

There is no denying them facts.

Pluses; it is more sculpted, sportier, faster(E500), newer, and the trunk is cavernous.

There's no denying them facts, either.

moa4r

I went through the same decision; W210 e430 or W211 320 and went with the new one; i had found a really nice 210; a fully loaded (EVERY single option except sport), low mileage basically brand-new designo silver e430 and fell in love with it and went back to the dealer the same night to pick it up and it was gone
anyway, the next day I realized I could afford a w211 and dove in head first because I love the new e-class and overall I"m happy w/my decision, I really have no complaints about the 320, IMO the new e-class is just better overall because it feels so much lighter and more sporty and has better steering and brakes IMO; I think it drives smoother and you have the chance to get cooler options that weren't available on the 210 like pano roof, keytless go, dvd nav, etc... also, the h/k system is awsome;

in a nutshell you can't go wrong w/either car, but the w211 is more modern;
have you considered 210 e55?? maybe one in good shape is going to run a little more than a 2003 e320, but you may get be able to find a good deal somewhere; GL

Neicey59

Steve can pretty much install all of these features in the W210 as well. I've seen people get heated seats, COMAND/nav satellite, dvd, folding european blink side mirrors; etc.

s_krabbenborg@hotmail.com