W210 430 or W211 320 cdi or 320 petrol estate

[Jean ingo]

Hello

I'm new here at this great MB enthusiast site
I'm undecided which purchase would be the best .I intend to use the Merc for all purpose but most time long distance travel.i've read in the last week's a lot about the w211 from 2003 to 2005/6 and their faults from SBC, leaking airsusp or gone seal from the injectors etc...as well unhappiness with the 7speed auto I haven't a lot of info about the 320 v6 petrol and now I have a great offer to get a 430 w210 estate not perfect but not the usual rust bucket in great basic condition and fsh. May some great enthusiast can give me here the final tipp. Cheers jean

 

[robparker]

You won't get much trouble from a 210/430. And the fuel won't be any different to a 211 320 petrol. Obviously the diesel mpg will be better, but then you are more likely to have to do engine work on a diesel whereas you won't need to touch the petrol engine.
Those 430's are silky, that's what I'd have

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

W210 E320 CDI - doesn't get better than that

 

[LostKiwi]

Also think about if you are going into any low emissions zones.
The petrols will most likely be fine for ULEZ and LEZ but the diesel most likely won't.
As noted above the W210/430 is an superb combination.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

If it’s registered before 01/03/2001 the VED will only be £265 for the year so go with the E430 V8.
Failing that the best overall package is the E320cdi but this is only Euro 3 so could be a potential problem if you travel into London etc

 

[brandwooddixon]

Rust is the only problem with the W210.
The 430 is a great car and the engine is bomb-proof.

The only issue I ever had with the engine was a failed MAF in about 8 years of ownership and 130k miles.​

Worth checking that the gear change is good and that the gearbox oil has been replaced regularly - its the age when MB insisted that it was sealed for life. Which meant that it was sealed until it needed replacing!

I traded mine in at 170k miles for a W215.

 

[BillyBoy]

If you can find a well spec'd W211, it will be a much nicer can to live with than the W210. Things like COMAND are better integrated into the interior styling, and you feel more "cosseted". They are both very nice cars though.

 

[MercHand]

The M112 3.2 V6 is a really great engine. (so is the V8's)
I've ran a w208 CLK320 for the past 10 years and never touched the engine. Car now done 155k.
Only thing it has needed has been a oil changes/filters an idler pulley & belt and a couple of sensors.

Seriously, these engines are pretty amazing.