AcftEngr

I have learned a lot about the W210 Airbag system. Had a recent accident with a W210....see link ( https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w210/189570-crash-w-o-airbag.html ). Looking for previous W210 owners that have gone to the W211.

Considering replacing my 210 with a 211 but will be limited by funds. Is one larger than the other on the interior? The rear seat looks smaller (width). What actual fuel mileage? Are the early W211 plagued with reliability problems? Would a late 210 be better than a 211? I have some info from the 210 forum but wanted all angles!!

Barry45RPM

The later the better with the 211's.

I've found over the years, that when I get the same model car again, even if it is a different color, it doesn't feel like a "new car" and that I'm "missing something" of the thrill even though I have the new car payments. Whenever possible I think its better to get something different.

Clinton Horn

I may not be qualified to comment on the 210 but I think the truth needs to be told on the 211. This body has less rear legroom than many comparable size cars. I have another (Japanese) mid size car that is so close in overall length that it is a dead heat when they are side by side. I can tell you without any hesitation that the 211 is not even close in rear leg room. I love the 211 and I do not often complain about it's faults but if you ever spend any time in the back seat, you better pray the front seat occupants are under 5'-10". I would give up some trunk space for another 1-1/2 to 2" of legroom. I disagree about the 1/2". I guarantee your knees can tell the difference. The trunk is Sopranos size.

Untertürkheim

The W211 is definately adequate with rear legroom, and feels larger because of the improved cabin ergonomics. I would just buy one starmarked and extend the warranty to cover everything until the car reached 100k. Then, anytime you have a problem you can simply slip into a loaner and not pay for a thing.

Yacht Master

AcftEngr,

Sorry to hear of your accident, glad everyone is OK.
You may not remember me but, I helped you on the A/C questions.
I currently own a W210 and W211 in my case to compare the two is impossible as the W211 is a E55 and so far from a normal car it is unreal.

So I'll use a 210 point of view. The rear leg room is a little bigger, fuel tank is larger, trunk is smaller, gas mileage (430 engine) 20 city W/AC 26.5@72mph W/AC. All 210s are out of original warranty, Headlights illuminate the road better. Bose sound is better, Mono blade wiper is superior, (Florida rain)

It is too bad that in todays world, newer may not mean better. Seems newer is more complicated and more dealer dependent. what ever you do get a warranty.

lkchris

If you can find a diesel W211, you won't like anything about W210s!

CE750

you're safe with any W211 built in late 2004 or newer with all the recalls done on it.. especially the SBC.. I've got a late build 2005 Diesel and it's been 100% flawless in all respects.

Mr.Gearhead

Having been an original owner of a 2002 E320 SE and just stepping into a 2006 E350 new last year. There are big differences.

W210:
Solid car and feels like a Mercedes should. Good shoulder and head room. (I'm 5'11 @ 190lbs). Rear seats are comfortable and provide ample leg room. A little loose in the turns and lacks a little horsepower for it's size. Stock suspension feels as the marque states it should, luxury not sport. Unless of course your car comes with the AMG badge or Sport attached...

W211:
Feels more like a high end Camry than an evolution of the tried and true W210. Cabin seems a bit tighter and rear seems to have less head room. Body style looks more sleek and has a boy racer look. The engine does get a noticeable bump in the E350 base and it can be felt when loud pedal kisses the floor. The brakes are probably going to be the biggest complaint. The SBC is by far the biggest thorn in the W211's side. You will need to drive it to understand the abrupt braking experience. Suspension is tighter than previous base model and handles well, especially with plus sizing. When I first drove, it was great but after a mere 8 months I find myself looking for a replacement already. After 4 years in the W210, I was still loving the car...


In my opinion, the W211 feels like a reinvention of the w210 instead of expansion on a great car for the money. I miss my E320 SE, its almost square body, heavy doors and solid Mercedes feel. When I see the W210 body style I think class and old world Mercedes. When I see the new W211, I think... I really need to get out of my 06 and find a clean W210. Maybe I can find mine and maybe there will only be 29,000 miles still showing....

Barry45RPM

Dads 2001 E320 210: Old. Old. Old. Nothing to differentiate it from an '84 era S Class except that the steering wheel is not as large as a covered wagon's wheel. All about form following function, a hedious sound system. Front seats that are sprung like an interstate bus's. Underpowered and noisy. No Style at all (in the fashion sense, but it IS a Mercedes so it has stature or class). 3 box design. Was held over too long, like an aging film star no longer getting parts.

211- Had an '04 w/ SBC Brakes. Never minded them. Drove them like I would any other car. A good idea ahead of the manufacturers ability to bring it to market. 320 still underpowered, so I bought a 500. Nice! The 350 engine took care of the underpower problem in the car, though. HK7 is a great sounding Audio system... not what an Audio Snob would call fabulous, but for a car? Excellent. Blows away the 210's system so that anyone could hear the difference. I personally had far too many problems with every item in the '04. Its gone. My '07 E550 is perfect. This car is amazing. Style, Looks, Features...

You want a safe and plain girl next door? A 210 is what you want. Wanna date a Model? A 211.

CE750

My only complaint on the W211 vs the W210 is the seats... I think MB skimped on some of the interior trim, especially the seats and cheapish headrests.

AcftEngr

Thanks for all your comments. I look for a while and see what I can find within my budget.

Yacht Master,
Thanks for the A/C help. The day before the trip I put in a can of freon....it worked great on the left and right vent!!