Sleeper Benz

Going to look at a 2003 E320 4-Matic wagon tomorrow for a crazy low price. The seller stipulates the transmission needs replaced, haha. Says it won't drive. I only have my iCarsoft MB 2 reader so I don't think I'll be able to pull any tranny codes on this W210 series even if it's a 2003 and if there is an OBD-2 port.

Figured I'd bring my MB tranny dip stick and see if there is any fluid in it and if it's contaminated with coolant. Would this wagon have the same 5 speed auto tranny as my 2004 E500 4-Matic? If so, then maybe the same problems could cured with a few hundred bucks in parts? Yeah, I'm probably dreaming unless it's totally grenaded inside.

Basically I'm looking for a project car that my 14 year old son and I can work on together and he can then drive in a few years. I guess I could get a used tranny if this one is toast. Any other things to look out for?? Thanks.

Sleeper Benz

Forgot to mention that I do the work on my other MB vehicle and the 2003 E320 4-Matic wagon I'm going to look at has 130K miles on it. Also wondering since it's the last year production for the w210 chassis if MB worked out most of the bugs by then?

kajtek1

Yes, the transmission will be the same. 4M have different housing, but the same interiors. . When such transaction will bring some risk that would take a book to cover, I can share the story about me buying SL500.
The car had some side scratched, shoot seats and lot of dirt, but was advertised for sale for $1800 becouse transmission was in limp.
I drove to see it and beside transmission code, the engine had misfire on 1 cylinder.
So I negotiated the price down to $1300 and following day picked up the car, driving it 20 miles home on 2nd gear.
Kept it well below redline at 60 mph.
Since it was 6th car I bought with this transmission, I already had spare pilot bushing and ATF.
So couple hr later I had to call a friend to clear the code with his C4 and the transmission come back to life.
Few bucks for ignition coil from JY, found seat skins from W210 on JY as well, bought missing door panel on ebay for about $30, another $45 for can of paint, serious cleaning, some paint spraying and the car runs perfect.
Later on I had to replace few orings on soft-top, but heck, I have decently looking, perfectly running 340HP roadster for about $1500 (+ some work that I like to do anyway).
GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

Sleeper Benz

Great story & thanks for the reply. I just happen to have a new pilot bushing 203 540-02-53 in my hand along with some new gear shift lever linkage bushings. These were for my E500 but that's good news that the 5 speed transmission between 2003 & 2004 wagons are the same. Control module contamination could also be an issue if someone spilled a soda down there if they're like the W211. I would assume if the transmission is contaminated with coolant from an internal radiator cross contamination issue maybe I'd see oily coolant and/ or milky transmission fluid. Likewise if the head gasket is gone the oil filler cap would be milky, but the seller says the motor is fine.

If the body is really really straight and rust free along with a clean, undamaged interior, I may pick it up. There are half a dozen of these wagons/estates in my area for under a grand. After working on the W211 with some success I don't feel as if they are the money pit some describe. Plus there are lots of used parts on the market due to the life cycle of the chassis...I'll let you know how it goes.

kajtek1

I think it was about 2006 when MB put 7-sp in E class.
Why Mercedes cars drop value like crazy is well covered in thousands of topics, so that is another story, but 320 engine with 5-sp proves to be probably the best combo since 300dt in W123 body.
Early W211 do have bad wrap thanks to SBC, but W210 with the same drivetrain are real workhorse. Still not holding much value with gasoline engine, but diesel seems to raise in prices lately.
W211 do have booths over shifter module.

Strigoi

2007 was the first year of the 7spd. At least in the AMG E Class cars.

Sleeper Benz

The good: Body was straight. Paint ok for age. little to no rust. Engine ran silky smooth. No contaminents in coolant, tranny fluid or engine oil. Tires & wheels great.

The unknown: transmission was pulled & new parts installed in it. New/ used transmission controller installed and programed at MB dealer to match VIN. Tranny checked OK on Star but still wouldn't propell the car. MB dealer said wiring issue exists.

The bad: interior was in a state of disassembly due to mechanic trying to trace down possible wire harness issue for transmission controller. ABS BAS ESP lights on. Tranny issue could be interrelated to these issues. Then the mechanic left never to be seen again. Radio is missing. No battery installed. Mileage claimed at 130K was actually 168K.

I'm going to offer $350. Other than that he can scrap it for $100 that they'll give him at the scrap yard haha.

May be best to just walk away from this one...

kajtek1

Unless you need car for parts, it might be long way to do reverse repairs that mechanic butchered.

Strigoi

Do that.

Sleeper Benz

Poor 2003 Estate keeps going down in price Too bad my iCarsoft MBII diagnostic tool won't work on these. I'd have a much higher confidence level of getting her back on the road if it did. Just have to hold out for another 2004 -2005 that's all

fabbrisd1

Transmission was "pulled" - and "new controller was installed" - so... somebody who didn't know about MB transmissions did this excessive work paid by whom ?

TCM - transmission control module - is 99%+ receoverable from fluid incursion by cleaning ... tranny adapter plug and fresh conductor plate can be done from underneath - so what was "replaced" ?

Sleeper Benz

Supposed repair attempt was paid by the current owner, Just said he saw the tranny being worked on in the repair shop with no confirmation of what was done "inside" the transmission itself. I did see what appeared to be a used transmission controller "card" that was inserted into the plastic "box" next to the right fender/wing. Not saying I won't buy a used W210, I'm just now learning more about them. He'd probably let it go for $500, but it would have to be trailered away. I was also somewhat soured that they left the car unlocked and the NAV radio got stolen. Just a bad vibe with this one, but it looks good on the outside and the engine starts & runs very smoothly. The interior really just needed re-assembled and cleaned. And remember, one of the most expensive cars to maintain is a cheap Mercedes... haha.

Either someone bought it or it got scrapped. It's not on C-list anymore.