Happy(ish) W210 E320CDI-owning bunny

[stuartmac]

Hi,

A few months ago I posted that I was thinking of changing my '88 W124 250TD for something a bit newer. Found the above in AutoTrader at an indie dealer not far away, 'negotiated' £600 off the sticker price, had it inspected by the indie MB mechanic who's looked after the 250TD (with tips from this Forum) who pronounced it sound and been pretty happy with it (as is MissusMac who uses it the most, mainly chauffeuring the LittleMacs to their various engagements ).

Nevertheless, there are a few niggles and I'd appreciate any advice from anyone with more experience:-

1. Driver's door mirror - the browny/gold tint appears like a liquid, with the level dropping slowly and the mirror 'foggy' above it. Someone told me the 'liquid' is actually the anti-dazzle, and MB will charge a fortune for a replacement?

2. I can't seem to reset the mileometer. According to MB's destructions, with the mileage displayed, I should be able to just press the 'R' button. However, nothing happens so am I missing something?

3. Would a 2000 E320CDI estate have self-levelling suspension as standard (I'm thinking of putting on a tow hitch)?

4. Talking of the suspension, is it my imagination or is the ride generally a bit 'harder' than a W124's (with self-levelling)? Certainly the guy who inspected the car for me didn't highlight any problems.

5. The horn is definitely pants compared to the W124's twin ones. Hell, it's an MB, I *expect* the hoi polloi to jump when I hit the button! What on earth were MB thinking of when they spec'd the horn? Regrettably, I see they also indented it into a purpose-made space in the radiator. So, is there an easy way of upgrading the horn?

6. The car came from the dealer with only one 'ignition key' (yep, I forgot to check ). MB want about £150 for another one, is there a cheaper source?

7. Is mechanical breakdown insurance worth it and, if so, what's recommended? I was usually pleasantly surprised by the spares prices for my W124, even from the local MB dealer. However, I've heard some eye-watering prices for parts on newer cars.

Apart from that, I'm definitely happy with the car, especially no more waiting for lo-o-o-ng straights for overtakes and the brakes that make your eyesight go funny if you hit 'em really hard.

Tia.

Regards,

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Hi,
Pleased your happy with your purchase.
In answer to your questions:

1- Change the mirror glass asap, if the chemical substance you mention leaks out onto your paintwork it will etch into it the result being a respray for the door. They do appear on Ebay quite regularly (common fault).

2- You may need the ignition switch 'on'.

3- Yes it does!

4- If your car is Avantgarde spec it is set up stiffer and you will notice the difference from a 124.

5- Don't know! Speak to your garage, the horn doesn't have to be situated in front of the rad. Mind you there isn't a lot of room under the bonnet.

6- Yes they are £160 per key (when I bought my car 3 years ago they were £60, so MB are taking the p*ss).

7- No! The only warranty worth having is the MB option after the car reaches 3 yrs. There arn't many issues with a 320CDi so just make sure its serviced properly and you should be OK. Spares can be pricey but there are OE suppliers out there like Euro car parts. Most consumables like filters etc are not too badly priced from MB.
Try this link for discount MB parts: http://www.mercedes-benz-parts.co.uk/

Just watch out for the dreaded rust, plenty of info on this site, just do a search on 210 rust.

Hope this helps!

 

[High-Lo]

6. If you order a key from the dealer you should get the fancy new chrome one. A nice accessory I suppose but still well overpriced!