Model Designations

[4D_Signs]

Hi I'm completely new to Mercedes-Benz motor cars. I've just bought a 2000 registered E320CDi Estate in fairly nice condition. I will know more about it when I've driven it for a while I'm sure. However I notice that many of the discussion threads here refer to models by a W prefixed number i.e. W210 can someone explain to me how I will know which cars are referred to by these codes? Is there a FAQ or thread in existence already that I may read before diving into the numbers pool and pulling out the wrong one!

Also:

I appear to only have a Radio Cassette, albeit a very nice one! As my Kids and I have moved on to CDs and MP3s some time ago has anyone any advice on what is best to do about adding or replacing the ICE to allow us to use our music discs and files in the nice quiet motor?

Thanks

 

[type49]

Model numbers refer to chassis number. Look at the lower NS corner of your windscreen. You will see 3 letters, as for models, don't worry about these, you want the next numbers. Yours will read 210. This is your "chassis" or shape. The newer shape is 211. The following number refers to "exact" shape, 0 being saloon, 2 estate, 4 convertable, 7 coupe. The next 2 refer to engine (won't list them all) but yours should be 26 for a 320Cdi. So, your chassis number will start WBD210226.

Make sense??

 

[High-Lo]

This is a good illustration but only goes up to 2000

http://mercedes.pp.ru/mgeng.shtml

Or try this but no pictures unfortunately.

 

[rf065]

Scroll down the page and all will be revealed

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz

Russ

 

[4D_Signs]

WOW! Thanks people. That's my bedtime reading sorted until I collect the beast, at the weekend I hope! I'll be a 10 minute expert by the time I come to take the family out for a spin.

On my second question regarding the somewhat "Old Skool" ICE I will be waiting to see if my 17 year old son tries to find a socket for his surgically attached iPod. I suppose with a bit of genetic engineering we'll soon be breeding them with pre-installed TeraBytes of Bio-ROM and cranial bluetooth adaptors!

So if anyone can point me in the direction of some instructions on upgrading the radio-cassette to accomodate cds and mp3s I'd be grateful.

Thanks

 

[type49]

The stardard "Audio 10" radio is OK as far as lightweight listening goes but for your 17 year old son it will be vastly underpowered. The MB CD multiplayer which fits in the boot is quite expensive & uses fiber optics. If you don't mind losing your steering wheel controls, then any aftermarket one will be cheaper & better than the stardard one. There is a way of keeping the wheel controls with aftermarket stereos via a special fitting kit but I have no experience in these.