I wanna Buy an E class
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Joined: Feb 2004
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I wanna Buy an E class
Im looking to buy a 1996 1997 E class if anyone has one for sale im interested, I really would like a white one. E-mail me at Nycsilverstones2000@yahoo.com
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E280 V6 1999 Advantgarde 18in AMG's
Hi dont bother with a 1996/97...as the models changed in 1998...better everything 5 speed Auto box... better ESP...rear brake light...folding mirrors...rear central headrest...the list goes on and on...get one with more miles if ist the cost say a 1999/98...1999 just looks right...you will see guys on here that have upgraded their cars to look like a 1999...why just buy a 99...there isnt much in the price either.. 
Betty
Betty
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 571
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From: Kansas City. U.S.A.
2000 E320 Sedan
Originally Posted by Joeyc220
Im looking to buy a 1996 1997 E class if anyone has one for sale im interested, I really would like a white one. E-mail me at Nycsilverstones2000@yahoo.com
just visit: http://www.cargalleryinc.com/inventory/
Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 232
Likes: 3
From: Seattle
2005 E320 CDI
I've been thinking of getting a 1996 E320 too, but I have been tempted to go with a 2000 model. Why are you suggesting a 98/99, 2001 model? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
What I'm looking for is mainly RELIABILITY. As long as the car runs well and the AC works, I don't care about anything else (ie. all of those little "electronic goodies and gadgets"). If I could get one without power windows and no sunroof, I'd get it. I know in some cars, the power windows are a problem, I've also read some post about bulbs continously burning out.
Here are my reasons for wanting a 1996....Engine M104 and trans are the same as the 94/95 W124 models. The In-line 6 has been refined and most of the problems are well known. Not that many little "electronic gadgets". Basically a W124 engine with a W210 body.
97 - I6, but transmission is new. I've read some post complaining about the rack and pinion steering. Can someone shed some light on this? I do plan on lowering the car. Will this be a problem?
98 - V6
99 - I don't know what changes were made this year, but Consumer Reports for used cars didn't recommend this year.
00 - new "face-lift". Got a high rating from Consumer Reports
01 - I don't know what changes were made this year, but Consumer Reports for used cars didn't recommend this year.
If you drive one of these years, please comment on your first hand experience. This would help a lot of people who are thinking about getting the W210.
Thanks.
What I'm looking for is mainly RELIABILITY. As long as the car runs well and the AC works, I don't care about anything else (ie. all of those little "electronic goodies and gadgets"). If I could get one without power windows and no sunroof, I'd get it. I know in some cars, the power windows are a problem, I've also read some post about bulbs continously burning out.
Here are my reasons for wanting a 1996....Engine M104 and trans are the same as the 94/95 W124 models. The In-line 6 has been refined and most of the problems are well known. Not that many little "electronic gadgets". Basically a W124 engine with a W210 body.
97 - I6, but transmission is new. I've read some post complaining about the rack and pinion steering. Can someone shed some light on this? I do plan on lowering the car. Will this be a problem?
98 - V6
99 - I don't know what changes were made this year, but Consumer Reports for used cars didn't recommend this year.
00 - new "face-lift". Got a high rating from Consumer Reports
01 - I don't know what changes were made this year, but Consumer Reports for used cars didn't recommend this year.
If you drive one of these years, please comment on your first hand experience. This would help a lot of people who are thinking about getting the W210.
Thanks.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 232
Likes: 3
From: Seattle
2005 E320 CDI
oops made a mistake on the 97 - The rack and pinion steering was on the 96. I believe it was changed on the 97' model.
Anyway, there will never be a "PERFECT" car. Each model will have its share of problems. As much as possible most resonable people will want to avoid any "money pit" cars. Normal wear and tear is expected, but changing transmissions twice within 3 years (someone posted this problem with their 97), constantly going to the dealers to get bulbs replaced, and power windows malfunctioning on a regular basis is unacceptable (unless money is no object).
I hope those on this forum will be openly objective about their cars to help others make an informed decision when buying their "new" car.
Anyway, there will never be a "PERFECT" car. Each model will have its share of problems. As much as possible most resonable people will want to avoid any "money pit" cars. Normal wear and tear is expected, but changing transmissions twice within 3 years (someone posted this problem with their 97), constantly going to the dealers to get bulbs replaced, and power windows malfunctioning on a regular basis is unacceptable (unless money is no object).
I hope those on this forum will be openly objective about their cars to help others make an informed decision when buying their "new" car.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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99 is good
Originally Posted by Betty
Hi dont bother with a 1996/97...as the models changed in 1998...better everything 5 speed Auto box... better ESP...rear brake light...folding mirrors...rear central headrest...the list goes on and on...get one with more miles if ist the cost say a 1999/98...1999 just looks right...you will see guys on here that have upgraded their cars to look like a 1999...why just buy a 99...there isnt much in the price either..
Betty
Betty
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 485
Likes: 2
W212 & W210
Originally Posted by jrmd01
I've been thinking of getting a 1996 E320 too, but I have been tempted to go with a 2000 model. Why are you suggesting a 98/99, 2001 model? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
What I'm looking for is mainly RELIABILITY. As long as the car runs well and the AC works, I don't care about anything else (ie. all of those little "electronic goodies and gadgets"). If I could get one without power windows and no sunroof, I'd get it. I know in some cars, the power windows are a problem, I've also read some post about bulbs continously burning out.
Here are my reasons for wanting a 1996....Engine M104 and trans are the same as the 94/95 W124 models. The In-line 6 has been refined and most of the problems are well known. Not that many little "electronic gadgets". Basically a W124 engine with a W210 body.
97 - I6, but transmission is new. I've read some post complaining about the rack and pinion steering. Can someone shed some light on this? I do plan on lowering the car. Will this be a problem?
98 - V6
99 - I don't know what changes were made this year, but Consumer Reports for used cars didn't recommend this year.
00 - new "face-lift". Got a high rating from Consumer Reports
01 - I don't know what changes were made this year, but Consumer Reports for used cars didn't recommend this year.
If you drive one of these years, please comment on your first hand experience. This would help a lot of people who are thinking about getting the W210.
Thanks.
What I'm looking for is mainly RELIABILITY. As long as the car runs well and the AC works, I don't care about anything else (ie. all of those little "electronic goodies and gadgets"). If I could get one without power windows and no sunroof, I'd get it. I know in some cars, the power windows are a problem, I've also read some post about bulbs continously burning out.
Here are my reasons for wanting a 1996....Engine M104 and trans are the same as the 94/95 W124 models. The In-line 6 has been refined and most of the problems are well known. Not that many little "electronic gadgets". Basically a W124 engine with a W210 body.
97 - I6, but transmission is new. I've read some post complaining about the rack and pinion steering. Can someone shed some light on this? I do plan on lowering the car. Will this be a problem?
98 - V6
99 - I don't know what changes were made this year, but Consumer Reports for used cars didn't recommend this year.
00 - new "face-lift". Got a high rating from Consumer Reports
01 - I don't know what changes were made this year, but Consumer Reports for used cars didn't recommend this year.
If you drive one of these years, please comment on your first hand experience. This would help a lot of people who are thinking about getting the W210.
Thanks.
Hi Jrmd01,
You seem to know a lot about the W210.
I have a 96 E320 with 158,7XX miles as of today that I use as a daily driver.
The car is awesome.
Just like you mentioned, it has the same W124 M104 engine with the new W210 styling. They should have kept this engine cause its simply awesome. After all these miles, the car is solid and the engine is still strong. I have not had any problems with the oil leaks found in the the W124 (M103) engines. Hope all the M104 were fixed but not sure about this. When the W211 was first introduced, I was planning on selling my car and upgrading but with all the electronic horror stories that I have been reading in the W211 section of this forum and the terrible brake feel of that car, I decided to keep my trusty W210. So I will just drive this car till it either dies or starts to cost too much to maintain. Hope it last a long time.
I know that others that have the newer W210's think that they are better but I don't. If you can get a 96 go for it you won't regret it plus they are cheaper now. :p
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 207
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
MY2004 E320
I drive a 97 E420 and consider it a unique car because e420's were made in the W210 body for only one year, 1997. My vehicke has about 110K (almost there) but it runs like it just came out of a showroom. I love the styling and the amazing power of the V8.
I strongly suggest you look at the W210 V8's. They go for just a tad over the 6-cyl and provide ample joy of driving.
One advice in particular. I researched over a month before purchasing mine. I could not find a single W210 with the optional luxury package except for the one I purchased. So I suggest you look hard to find one with the luxuray package (Option P0019). Although I don't know what options come with this package (because numerous items are crossed between packages), mine includes:
- pneumatic air chambered seats (4 chambers each)
- CD changer
- Speakerphone
- Dual Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Heated lamp washers
- Rain sensor wipers
- Rear Sunshade
- Electronic Rearview mirror
- Homelink garage door openers with rolling codes
- Xenon lamps
- Color coded external trim
- Air-conditioned Center console unit (to keep medicine/candy cool)
I wish you best of luck in finding your ride. One key to find a luxury package car is to find one with pneumatic seats (large black controls on side of seats with 4 toggle switches) and Xenon lamps togather. I could not afford the post 99 W210 so I resorted to finding most for my money in the 97 E420 model. I could not have been happier!
I strongly suggest you look at the W210 V8's. They go for just a tad over the 6-cyl and provide ample joy of driving.
One advice in particular. I researched over a month before purchasing mine. I could not find a single W210 with the optional luxury package except for the one I purchased. So I suggest you look hard to find one with the luxuray package (Option P0019). Although I don't know what options come with this package (because numerous items are crossed between packages), mine includes:
- pneumatic air chambered seats (4 chambers each)
- CD changer
- Speakerphone
- Dual Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Heated lamp washers
- Rain sensor wipers
- Rear Sunshade
- Electronic Rearview mirror
- Homelink garage door openers with rolling codes
- Xenon lamps
- Color coded external trim
- Air-conditioned Center console unit (to keep medicine/candy cool)
I wish you best of luck in finding your ride. One key to find a luxury package car is to find one with pneumatic seats (large black controls on side of seats with 4 toggle switches) and Xenon lamps togather. I could not afford the post 99 W210 so I resorted to finding most for my money in the 97 E420 model. I could not have been happier!
