Advice on Buying a W210 model

[omereh73]

Hi All,

i am looking for advice on buying a W210. Currently i have a choice of E240 Classic manual driven 65,000km and a E230 auto Avantgarde 90,000 both 2001 models.
My considerations are mileage and repair costs. i am looking at petrol only.
thanks

 

[Blobcat]

The 240 is a V6 the 230 and IL4 I would go with the one with the best body as mechanically neither are a real problem. There are a few niggles with the 240 plug leads being one of the things seen on this forum quite a lot. I think the 230 may be a 1.8 with a supercharger as they did that for awhile. I would have a look for a 320 petrol as the fuel economy won't be much worse than either the 230 or 240 and it is a nicer engine with more power.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

The 240 is a V6 the 230 and IL4 I would go with the one with the best body as mechanically neither are a real problem. There are a few niggles with the 240 plug leads being one of the things seen on this forum quite a lot. I think the 230 may be a 1.8 with a supercharger as they did that for awhile. I would have a look for a 320 petrol as the fuel economy won't be much worse than either the 230 or 240 and it is a nicer engine with more power.

I would reflect Blobcat's point re a 320. These are big cars and the difference between adequate power and that bit extra is more valuable than you might think, for the enjoyment of your motoring. Costs are not that different.

 

[television]

Do check around the door rubbers at the top and bottom, just pull the back to check for any rust, also check around the wheel arches and the boot area's. The are some nice ones out there still.
And as above the 320 is very good to drive

 

[Blobcat]

Do check around the door rubbers at the top and bottom, just pull the back to check for any rust, also check around the wheel arches and the boot area's. The are some nice ones out there still.
And as above the 320 is very good to drive

If you find the rubber seals on top of the doors stuck down then it will most likely have been in for a repair with Mercedes as they fill the tops of the door with Waxoyl then glue the rubber down.

 

[Dosco]

E240 Classic Petrol 1998

That is what I have and it fair to say that it is not a racing snake but as a cruiser it purrs away well enough for me.

Rust as has been said is the ever present problem and add to your check list boot lid around the seams - mine is just showing signs of the rust bug.

On a run I average 35mpg knocking about town it is down to 25.

No major mechanical issues, make sure the multi vee belt has been changed - I think they should be replaced every 70k. Also the belt tension pulley can rattle so needs to be changed and oh yes the rear window winder gear breaks and fails - not an expensive or difficult DIY repair (parts around £52) MAF failed at 90k took 10 mins to replace and £65ish (from a contact at the manufactures, retail around £130) to buy. Other than I have little or no issues.