I hear that mostly the 03's were having problems.
car purchase: 2003 E320 or 2002 E320 (W210)?
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car purchase: 2003 E320 or 2002 E320 (W210)?
hi guys, I'm considering buy either a 2002 E320 (W210 body) or 2003 E320 (W211). Obviously the W221 looks more modern, has updated interior, and is a whole newer generation car. But is the 2002 W210 more reliable & more solidly built? Any input appreciated.
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I would personally think you would be better off with the W210 for reliability and, a slight edge on ease of maintenance. The 2003 was a first year production and might come with a lot of electronic and sbc related glitches. I personally love the W210 design 2000+ I think it is such a classy car.
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1985 380 SL 2001 SL 500 2007 E350 Sport 2008 T & C Ltd.
I had an '04 and was very happy with it. I think you're correct re: '03 issues though.
Low milage, overall exceptional care, accesories and "the deal" are what I would be looking for. Old school MB build (210) or newer technology and body style (211). I was actually looking for a 210 lo mile when I got into the '04 lease for about the same money. Good hunting.
Low milage, overall exceptional care, accesories and "the deal" are what I would be looking for. Old school MB build (210) or newer technology and body style (211). I was actually looking for a 210 lo mile when I got into the '04 lease for about the same money. Good hunting.
Last edited by crb49; Jan 15, 2007 at 05:07 PM.
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The '02 generation had much less in the "looks department" than the '03+ models, & although they were pretty rock solid dependable, & by today's cars looks they look "dated". If the looks don't "put you off" maybe look for a 8 cyl
rather than a 320. The 320s arent very quick. (My Dad has a 02 320 & its too slow for me. The difference between the old look & the new look is light years apart. His uplevel stereo radio/casette sounds like it should be in an Hyundae Excel. The A/C is marginal & tends to run on high most of the time. The single wiper blade is another bad idea. The car pitches from left to right in a heavy rain when stopped at a light due to the weight & speed of the wiper action. I would never had bought an E Class if they remained within that styling trend. My Dad's is Brilliant Silver with a black interior. To me it looks & feels like a prison van from behind the wheel.
As far as '03 dependability, you could ask a dealer to run the vehicle's service history for you. Some were great and you know the rest. Tough Call.
rather than a 320. The 320s arent very quick. (My Dad has a 02 320 & its too slow for me. The difference between the old look & the new look is light years apart. His uplevel stereo radio/casette sounds like it should be in an Hyundae Excel. The A/C is marginal & tends to run on high most of the time. The single wiper blade is another bad idea. The car pitches from left to right in a heavy rain when stopped at a light due to the weight & speed of the wiper action. I would never had bought an E Class if they remained within that styling trend. My Dad's is Brilliant Silver with a black interior. To me it looks & feels like a prison van from behind the wheel.
As far as '03 dependability, you could ask a dealer to run the vehicle's service history for you. Some were great and you know the rest. Tough Call.
Last edited by Barry45RPM; Jan 15, 2007 at 05:49 PM.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 424
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From: So. Cal
1985 380 SL 2001 SL 500 2007 E350 Sport 2008 T & C Ltd.
The '02 generation had much less in the "looks department" than the '03+ models, & although they were pretty rock solid dependable, & by today's cars looks they look "dated". If the looks don't "put you off" maybe look for a 8 cyl
rather than a 320. The 320s arent very quick. (My Dad has a 02 320 & its too slow for me. The difference between the old look & the new look is light years apart. His uplevel stereo radio/casette sounds like it should be in an Hyundae Excel. The A/C is marginal & tends to run on high most of the time. The single wiper blade is another bad idea. The car pitches from left to right in a heavy rain when stopped at a light due to the weight & speed of the wiper action. I would never had bought an E Class if they remained within that styling trend. My Dad's is Brilliant Silver with a black interior. To me it looks & feels like a prison van from behind the wheel.
As far as '03 dependability, you could ask a dealer to run the vehicle's service history for you. Some were great and you know the rest. Tough Call.
rather than a 320. The 320s arent very quick. (My Dad has a 02 320 & its too slow for me. The difference between the old look & the new look is light years apart. His uplevel stereo radio/casette sounds like it should be in an Hyundae Excel. The A/C is marginal & tends to run on high most of the time. The single wiper blade is another bad idea. The car pitches from left to right in a heavy rain when stopped at a light due to the weight & speed of the wiper action. I would never had bought an E Class if they remained within that styling trend. My Dad's is Brilliant Silver with a black interior. To me it looks & feels like a prison van from behind the wheel.
As far as '03 dependability, you could ask a dealer to run the vehicle's service history for you. Some were great and you know the rest. Tough Call.
