Next Mercedes Advice (W124/W210/W211)
 

Hello!

I've been scrolling around on this forum ever since before I got my first car, a few years ago, but only recently got around to making an account and posting a question (if this doesn't scream 'newb alert' I have no idea what does).

Anyways, back when I was 16 my first car was a 1999 CLK320 Cabriolet. My dad bought it as a project car when I was still 13. We touched it up a little here and there, had the transmission replaced at a local mercedes specialist shop, and slapped on a new set of AMG-style wheels. After everything was said and done, it drove beautifully. Best first car I ever could've asked for. Zero problems... aside from the passenger window not functioning.

Anyways, I am now in college and have sold my first car, and I'm looking for my second. I figured since I enjoyed owning the CLK so much, why not look for an E-Class this time around? :)

My family is pretty familiar with Mercedes, having had a W124 300D, W221 S550, and W208 CLK320 in the household before. I understand that they aren't the cheapest cars to maintain, but I had such a wonderful experience that I decided to give it another go. Now that I am working, I am looking at similar but more practical options - particularly the W124 E320, W210 E320, and W211 E350, with a budget of $6,500

As far as build quality, power, MPG, and overall experience, what do you guys think? I am looking for something that is generally solid and with decent mpg. Which should I go for (or should I look at different models)? I'm a working student who will regularly be commuting highway miles in the near future.

By the way I'm also considering the W201 190e 2.6, but I can never find any good condition ones here in the northern California area.

Cheers!

My first cut would be the newest with the least money---then its ba bla!

Thanks man :) that's always a pretty good mantra to live by. The W211 is very pretty, and constantly crosses my mind. Though I hear a lot about pre-facelift W211 problems. Post facelift W211 is usually what I look at, if I do ever end up going down that road.

If mpg is your priority, I am really amazed with my E250 Bluetec abilities to make 60 mpg @ 60 mph, or 40+ mpg on our fast interstate cruising.
W212 models seem to iron lot of glitches W211 comes with and they have lot of new technology, so if you can afford one, that would be the first recommendation.
Or if you want "cheap MB" W210 prove themselves as real workhorses and can be bought for pennies.
Than now with extended warranty on SBC, the 2005-2006 E320 cdi are having lot of enthusiasts.

Thanks for the advice man, that mpg is insane :) W212 would have been my number 1 priority but it's unfortunately just above my budget. It's a pretty recent model and it's my favorite looking E-Class by far. If I can work a little longer and stretch my budget out a tad then maybe I can snag one at a nice price. They look fantastic. The W210 is my most likely choice at my current budget, probably an E320.

E420 is a tempting choice but the mpg seems to be on the lower side.

Hey,

I have a 2002 W430 E210. It has good power and gets decent mileage - around 25 MPG on the highway if I stay under 70. If I were in the market for an E class for under $6500 I would look to buy a W211 E350. Almost as much HP as the E430, better mileage, more modern.Stick with RWD instead of 4 Matic. Less maintenance, less weight, more MPG

Good luck,
Barry

Thanks for the reply, Barry. I'm actually in the minority that prefers the looks of the W210 compared to the W211. Though the W211 is more modern and might be less of a headache. The more I look at the 211 though, the more tempted I am...

The E430 looks like a pretty awesome choice, especially with that mpg... in a V8 o.o a pleasant surprise. I might be leaning that way. Are there any problems or quirks your 210 has that I should consider before buying one?

I currently own a 2001 E320 wagon, a 2007 E63 AMG and previously had a 2001 E55. I 100% would take a W210 over a W211 car. The balance shaft issue on the earlier W211 V6 cars was a big issue and you have the Airmatic to worry about with some of them. The W210 is old and simple. Parts are cheap for them too. Depending on where you live, rust can be a serious issue with them though. Here in California it's nothing to worry about.

Really, drive both and see which one you like best. The W211 definitely feels more modern inside, but the W210 just has that classic look. You also don't see a lot of nice ones out there anymore either. My wagon gets a lot more looks than my AMG does.

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Hey I really appreciate the reply ^-^ that wagon is definitely more my taste than the 211, though both your cars look fantastic. I think I'll be heading for a 210. Lots of listings and as you said, rust isn't an issue. If I get the chance I'll test drive both just to really see; how is the power on your E320? The CLK320 I used to own had just enough power and I enjoyed it a lot, I'm thinking it's probably a really similar experience to the E320.

Comparing W210 with classic monoblocks v/s pimped W211 with beaten front is not fair.
When I had monoblocks on W211 wagon- fellow members did not recognize me on the street, becouse his eyes were on the wheels.
I just put 25 yo monoblocks on W212. With different offset, the wheels stick out more than originals and when I was worry about a bit, that thing looks HOT.
Waiting to take the car for longer spin and take nice pictures.
Anyway, with MB there is not much you can go wrong. Now with SBC extended warranty - the only thing to really avoid are 350 with weak balance shafts.

Hey man,

monoblocks on a W212 is something I never really considered. If you could upload a pic when you get the chance, I'd love to see it!

The 211 is still very much on my list. I'm just waiting for a chance to get on a test drive - I'm out of state as of right now but I am gonna need to decide quickly as soon as I get back. The facelift W211's are very nice looking. Fairly common and lots of listings. It honestly might come down to just whichever is the best deal when I get back to California. Not particularly picky, just trying to narrow the list as much as possible before I get back ;)

Thanks so much for the replies, guys! Really means a lot :)

While my sights are still set on a W210/W211 E-Class (thanks to the lovely people who replied, I've narrowed down to those two chassis codes), a friend told me to look at the W201 190E 2.6 too. Thoughts? I think it might be a tad small, and I generally always liked E-Classes, but it does look quite nice. It is aging quite a bit, though.

My W211 is far from "pimped". It's lowered a bit and has a front lip, all stock appearance wise other than that. How's the front beaten on it? It's mostly free of rock chips and the small ding that was in the lower grill has been fixed since that pic.

Those pictures deserved separate topic, so here is the link https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post7706632
Strigoi, I was just teasing you ;)

:y

Hey,
Regarding maintenance of the W210, I am not a good person to ask.

The E430 is my (really my son's) first Mercedes. In all honesty it has been a maintenance headache. I bought the car with low miles (77K) but many parts have needed to be replaced. Before I accepted the car the owner changed all brakes pads and rotors, so that was good. I needed to replace:

Front shocks and springs (lower spring perch broken)
Drive axles (boot on one torn, the other axle had a bad CV joint)
transfer case
front differential
rear window regulator

I found out after I bought the car that it had been in an accident. The lower oil pan had a small crack that was sealed with JB Weld. That failed and it leaked a lot of oil Sourcing a replacement lower oil pan was difficult and the repair expensive. I can't blame the cracked oil pan on MB and I should have done my diligence in my inspection of the vehicle.

I have the standard complaints of bulb failure warnings (I have changed the tail light and brake light bulb sockets), brake light switch, etc,

The car now has 90K miles on it. I must admit that I love the way the car rides, handles, brakes, accelerates, etc. The clearcoat on the roof and hood has failed and so those panels look terrible. I would spend a few grand on a new paintjob if I thought the car would be more reliable but I have my doubts.

My son will be heading off to college in the fall and I will probably sell this car as I don't feel confident in him having it away from home.

Good luck,
Barry
.

mind if I swing by to take a look? ;)

Just joking - still got about 2 months until I can actually go buy myself a car. Anyways, loving the advice so far guys, thank you so much! I've been snooping around on craigslist for E classes of all kinds, and I've stumbled upon these:

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/ct...816460486.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd...826392088.html

and I know no one's really brought up the W124 but this one always catches my eye when I type "Mercedes":
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/ct...827026693.html

These might be long gone before I go car hunting for real, but I thought I'd just kinda test the waters. What do you guys think of these? I purposefully looked at 210's in general, and the newer 211's.

That silver E320 makes me miss my CLK so much...

"...such a lovely face..."

*eagles intensifies*

They all look overpriced. Check the 2007 serial number for balance shaft issue and beware that on salvage car the SBC warranty is canceled.

ooh, I see. Thank you! I'll be digging deeper :)