Early W210

[eyelight]

Looking for a good W124 estate, I came across a 1997 P reg W210 E230 for sale at a reasonable price.
Is this early enough to avoid the rust issues which plagued this model ?
Or should I keep looking for a good W124 ?

 

[barnacle]

All 210s - and some 124s seem to suffer from rust problems. The 230 engine is not that good either - better off with a good 6 cylinder 124 in my opinion.

 

[alexspurs61]

yes, hold out for six cylinders

I don't want to get into a 124 versus 210 debate but at that age a 210 is just right for being potentially rusty. The 124 sells at a premium because of the perceived/real quality (judged to be MBs pinnacle by many) while there are many 210s available very very cheaply because of exactly the opposite. The 124s reputation seems to have spread even more in the past year or so and they can appear very expensive. 7 seat 320 estates on an N plate at 9K and more, that kinda thing.

I love my 210 (complete with its rust!) because I got it very cheaply whilst not really looking for one. Dynamically it's great and I (personally!) preferred it to a 124 I drove. You will also almost definitely get a 5sp auto rather than a 4 sp with the 210; only very few early 210s were made with just the four cog box, I believe.

As has been said previously...whatever you do, hold out for a six pot motor. There are so many on the market, sooner or later a 6 cylinder 240/280/320 will crop up. Not holding out for a six pot was my one mistake, but I still love it!