W210 compared with W211
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 791
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From: Monroe, Louisiana
SL 65 AMG and E63s AMG
W210 compared with W211
My E55 is in the shop and I've been driving my 96 W210 E320 (my daughter has become attached to for the last 3 years and refuses to get a newer car). It has 90k miles and I can't believe how good it rides and performs. Most definitely is smoother and steadier than my E55. Much heavier steering and seems ponderous compared to the W211. I wish I could put her suspension with stiffer springs and shocks into my W211. The engine, steering ratio and tranny is much improved in the W211 but they missed with the air suspension IMO. Just my 2 cents.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,958
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From: Ventura County USA
'06 E55, '05 SLK55, a few others
Well, a '96 320 with that many miles is going to be pretty soft compared to a W210 E55, but I definitely agree on the steadier comment. My '02 seems more "planted" than the '04 I test drove over the same "flight path". Especially in comfort mode, the W211 seemed to ride better than my '02, but wasn't as "connected" as my car seems to be regardless of suspension settings. I'm sure the Conti Sport Contacts didn't help the W211. I have a feeling it's going to be sooner than later we'll start seeing suspension/steering improvements from the aftermarket for the 211's. The only things I really miss are the DVD based nav. and that pano sunroof. Cool factor is off the scale.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,958
Likes: 1
From: Ventura County USA
'06 E55, '05 SLK55, a few others
Well, a '96 320 with that many miles is going to be pretty soft compared to a W210 E55, but I definitely agree on the steadier comment. My '02 seems more "planted" than the '04 I test drove over the same "flight path". Especially in comfort mode, the W211 seemed to ride better than my '02, but wasn't as "connected" as my car seems to be regardless of suspension settings. I'm sure the Conti Sport Contacts didn't help the W211. I have a feeling it's going to be sooner than later we'll start seeing suspension/steering improvements from the aftermarket for the 211's. The only things I really miss are the DVD based nav. and that pano sunroof. Cool factor is off the scale. 
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 791
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, Louisiana
SL 65 AMG and E63s AMG
I got my E55 back and wow I love this car. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. The W211 is not as smooth over bumpy roads but it does everything else better. The W210 wants to go staight and resists anything else. The W211 is nimble and light on its feet. I could never go back to driving my E320. 
E55 RULE
E55 RULE
