Tell me I'm not mad

[wingco]

I have decided to replace my 10 year old C250TD (A/C, auto 5, 175k miles) with an E320 cdi.

Please let me know what to look for, including the rust issues specifically. I am looking at a W or X plate with around 100k on the clock. Any advice much appreciated.

 

[television]

I have just come to confirm that you are not mad, its the others

 

[Blobcat]

I've just part exchanged my W210 E320CDI, it was a most excellent car. One thing you will really notice with the E320CDI is the power
MAF can fail
Lower ball joints do wear
Glow plugs
Diff breather can clock forcing oil out of the oil seals
As for rust, tops of doors, around boot lock, sub-frame and top of springs are the most common.
There are quite a few E320CDI owners on here so no doubt others will give you some more advice.
Some details of my car here

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I don't think your mad, in fact great choice.
All the bad news is out there, just research rust on this site and you will be prepared when viewing a car. The rust issue seems to vary from car to car, mine doesn't seem to have a problem although i have treated a bit under the top of one of the rear door seals.

The engine is great with no known issues, the torque is sensational.

The avantgarde is a firm ride even on 16in wheels but it does handle quite well for a big car.

The gearbox should change smoothly and if it hasn't had an oil change at 100k it is overdue and shiould be done.

Check the brake discs, they do wear quite quickly, 35-40K average life.

Apart from that a really good car, I have owned mine for over 2.5 years now and am very pleased with it. The estate has a massive load carrying ability.
MPG should be in the 25-40 range, ave 34ish.

Do try and get the best spec you can, its certainly worth the effort, poor spec cars are cheaper but you generally regret it.

 

[Hibbo]

Please update you signature to read "Trigger's broom" (possessive)

 

[mattsurf]

I've just part exchanged my W210 E320CDI, it was a most excellent car. One thing you will really notice with the E320CDI is the power
MAF can fail
Lower ball joints do wear
Glow plugs
Diff breather can clock forcing oil out of the oil seals
As for rust, tops of doors, around boot lock, sub-frame and top of springs are the most common.
There are quite a few E320CDI owners on here so no doubt others will give you some more advice.
Some details of my car here

Out of interest, how much did you PX your car for? Since we have a fair idea from this forum that yours is a pretty good / well maintained car it would give us an idea what an E320 CDI is really worth

 

[Blobcat]

Out of interest, how much did you PX your car for? Since we have a fair idea from this forum that yours is a pretty good / well maintained car it would give us an idea what an E320 CDI is really worth

Part-ex is difficult really as you cannot look at anything in isolation. As I said to the dealer I did not care if they only gave me £1 for my car it was the cost to change that I was interested in. What they did do is give me book value for my car and knock a considerable chunk off of the new one. Book value for mine was £5,000. They are advertised from ~£6k to £12K depending upon where you look. If I was selling it privately I would have started around the £9K hoping to get ~£8K.

 

[television]

Out of interest, how much did you PX your car for? Since we have a fair idea from this forum that yours is a pretty good / well maintained car it would give us an idea what an E320 CDI is really worth

Really as Blobcat, it also depends on what you are buying and the stock position of the cars within that group (retailer) the same thing applies to buying secondhand, it is often influenced by the availability and demand for both the car being purchased and the one being sold. There was only £1k difference between the price I could have sold mine for and the best PX price, only by studying all of the cars for sale in the country for a few weeks can you get a fair idea of what a car sells for.

I have not seen Blobcat's Seat Leon in black yet, and I am looking forward to hearing more about it.

 

[hawk20]

I have decided to replace my 10 year old C250TD (A/C, auto 5, 175k miles) with an E320 cdi.

Please let me know what to look for, including the rust issues specifically. I am looking at a W or X plate with around 100k on the clock. Any advice much appreciated.

The 270cdi is worth a look too. Not much less performance, better economy and you get a younger one for your money. Just a thought. This might be of interest: -
http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=36303

 

[Matt_EClass]

Morning Hawk - I have just bought a diesel W210, Im in my second week of ownership and I can tell you, you will not be disapointed. Although Ive come from a diesel Vauxhall Astra, rather than another Benz. My shopping list was either a E320 cdi or a E220 cdi - I really wanted the 320 so this is what I looked at, and I looked at quite a few. In the end a 2001 "51" reg E220 cdi Avantgarde Auto came along with 76K miles, Full leather, full history and very good condition (mint inside) few parking dints on the outside but I will get them sorted (see pic below)

I had approx 9K to spend, the E220 just seemed to be the right car, I have driven both and yes the 320 cdi is potent but the 220 cdi isnt slow, anyway you definately need to check the history, for me to know it had been serviced correctly was key, condition was a big point as well, some of cars I looked at and you will look at as well will have 100K ish miles, so check its been looked after, as we know with the benz, these cars are tough I looked at a couple with approx 70k ish miles on which were utter dogs damaged interiors, scratched leather, throw in a bad service history and I reckon your asking for trouble. Rust wise I must have been lucky - I didnt see to many with the sort of rust that is mentioned on this forum, I just saw the odd bit here and there, infact, my new baby has only 1 bit, about the size of a 2p on the bottom corner of the drivers door.

Dont rush, wait for the right one to come along, and you will be over the moon......I know I am

So for me the list went, in the following order:

1. Service History
2. Condition
3. Miles
4. Toys

Regards

 

[jberks]

I don't think you're mad - well no worse than the rest of us.
Yes, the 320cdi is well worth having. As you're looking at a 210, the 270 won't be an option for you. They basically did the 220 and 320 and of the 2 if you're happy with the running costs, the 320 is the one to have.
Assuming rust free, they make great long term, long distance motors.

 

[hawk20]

Morning Hawk - I have just bought a diesel W210, Im in my second week of ownership and I can tell you, you will not be disapointed. Although Ive come from a diesel Vauxhall Astra, rather than another Benz. My shopping list was either a E320 cdi or a E220 cdi - I really wanted the 320 so this is what I looked at, and I looked at quite a few. In the end a 2001 "51" reg E220 cdi Avantgarde Auto came along with 76K miles, Full leather, full history and very good condition (mint inside) few parking dints on the outside but I will get them sorted (see pic below)

I had approx 9K to spend, the E220 just seemed to be the right car, I have driven both and yes the 320 cdi is potent but the 220 cdi isnt slow, anyway you definately need to check the history, for me to know it had been serviced correctly was key, condition was a big point as well, some of cars I looked at and you will look at as well will have 100K ish miles, so check its been looked after, as we know with the benz, these cars are tough I looked at a couple with approx 70k ish miles on which were utter dogs damaged interiors, scratched leather, throw in a bad service history and I reckon your asking for trouble. Rust wise I must have been lucky - I didnt see to many with the sort of rust that is mentioned on this forum, I just saw the odd bit here and there, infact, my new baby has only 1 bit, about the size of a 2p on the bottom corner of the drivers door.

Dont rush, wait for the right one to come along, and you will be over the moon......I know I am

So for me the list went, in the following order:

1. Service History
2. Condition
3. Miles
4. Toys

Regards

Sounds really nice, Glad you got what you wanted. You've certainly got your priorities in the right order IMO. Saving on servicing is false economy. As for performance, on our over-crowded roads you'll probably find you have plenty. And the mpg should bring a grin to your face.

 

[Daeths]

Morning Hawk - I have just bought a diesel W210, Im in my second week of ownership and I can tell you, you will not be disapointed. Although Ive come from a diesel Vauxhall Astra, rather than another Benz. My shopping list was either a E320 cdi or a E220 cdi - I really wanted the 320 so this is what I looked at, and I looked at quite a few. In the end a 2001 "51" reg E220 cdi Avantgarde Auto came along with 76K miles, Full leather, full history and very good condition (mint inside) few parking dints on the outside but I will get them sorted (see pic below)

I had approx 9K to spend, the E220 just seemed to be the right car, I have driven both and yes the 320 cdi is potent but the 220 cdi isnt slow, anyway you definately need to check the history, for me to know it had been serviced correctly was key, condition was a big point as well, some of cars I looked at and you will look at as well will have 100K ish miles, so check its been looked after, as we know with the benz, these cars are tough I looked at a couple with approx 70k ish miles on which were utter dogs damaged interiors, scratched leather, throw in a bad service history and I reckon your asking for trouble. Rust wise I must have been lucky - I didnt see to many with the sort of rust that is mentioned on this forum, I just saw the odd bit here and there, infact, my new baby has only 1 bit, about the size of a 2p on the bottom corner of the drivers door.

Dont rush, wait for the right one to come along, and you will be over the moon......I know I am

So for me the list went, in the following order:

1. Service History
2. Condition
3. Miles
4. Toys

Regards

Looks nice, seem's all your neighbours like Merc's too...good choice

 

[television]

1. Service History
2. Condition
3. Miles
4. Toys

Ok the above were Matts choice, for me

1. Condition,toys and miles
2. Service History


I could not seperate the items in 1. as they all were too important.

 

[wingco]

Thanks for your comments

Thanks to everyone who responded. I was also considering a V6 S type Jag, but I just don't think I could cope with 25mpg after 5 years of 40mpg.

I am going to look at a couple this weekend, and hopefully I will find a good one.

I guess the main things are the rust, and of course the dreaded 722.6 gearbox - so an ATF change will be first on the list.

One more question - depending on the spec how pricey are the tyres?

 

[Blobcat]

I guess the main things are the rust, and of course the dreaded 722.6 gearbox - so an ATF change will be first on the list.

One more question - depending on the spec how pricey are the tyres?

Why do you say "dreaded" regarding the box. If it is looked after then it is a very good gearbox.

As for hoops should be ~£70-£100 per corner fitted depending upon what you go for and where you buy them from.

 

[Matt_EClass]

"Originally Posted by wingco
I guess the main things are the rust, and of course the dreaded 722.6 gearbox - so an ATF change will be first on the list."

Whats the "Dreaded" issue with the Gearbox then.........something I should know about?????

Regards

 

[Dave's E55 AMG]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I was also considering a V6 S type Jag, but I just don't think I could cope with 25mpg after 5 years of 40mpg.

I am going to look at a couple this weekend, and hopefully I will find a good one.

I guess the main things are the rust, and of course the dreaded 722.6 gearbox - so an ATF change will be first on the list.

One more question - depending on the spec how pricey are the tyres?

If you go for the Jag you are mad, I've just got rid of one.
"NEVER AGAIN"

 

[Marco Polo]

Whats the "Dreaded" issue with the Gearbox then.........something I should know about?????


I'm with you, Matthew, what 's this about the gearbox? I have a 1998 S210 and have been alarmed enough about the rust issues.

Clive

 

[television]

Whats the "Dreaded" issue with the Gearbox then.........something I should know about?????


I'm with you, Matthew, what 's this about the gearbox? I have a 1998 S210 and have been alarmed enough about the rust issues.

Clive

Dreaded gearbox issue is not for your car, it is the 211