W210 and W124 estates

[John Turner]

Is the W210 estate a match for a W124 estate?
On returning to my car (a w124 pre facelift estate) in a superstore carpark, I noticed a W210 estate in the same colour that had been carefully parked alongside (no doubt just being friendly!). For the first time, I made a direct comparsion of the cars, and while mine obviously looked dated, I realised how well mine had worn! In many ways, mine appeared in as good condition as the 4 year old one next to it! I toy with the idea of upgrading to this model, but then question why - there is nothing wrong with my current car, and it does much of what the newer one does (excepting the many extra safety devices and no doubt improved engines). In this Forum, and elsewhere, I read that the latest e class estate about to hit the UK is a return to true MB quality after recent models, that the W210 had rust problems and that the W124 was one of the best MBs built. I therefore question should I upgrade until I have to?
My 1989 W124 250 manual diesel estate has done 140,000 miles and has a full MB service history. Having owned the car for 5 years, I have it very well sorted, and she is in excellent order, runs beautifully and is in really excellent condition inside and out. This is a family car, and the 7 seats are great when transporting children. The car is very economical and has probably depreciated as far as it can, but looks and feels better than any more youthful cars of lesser makes that I occasionally drive. I am very happy with the car, but appreciate that it is an old lady, and it does not have all the safety systems of modern models (especially with transporting family in mind) and maybe cannot last for ever (economically at least!).
I have looked at a few 7 seater W210s (especially 300td - not yet in the market for 320 diesel!), but those in my budget range have either not been well looked after or do not appear to wear so well as the W124! I do not want to sell a good car for one that might not turn out to be so sound and economical, especially if it costs me >£10K more. Any car I buy would have to last me at least 5 years and probably 10, so that money has to buy me something with plenty of added value over my existing car. Can any Forum members swing me one way or the other based on their experiences? has anyone upgraded to a W210 estate and missed their W124 and wished they had not?!
Thanks

 

[Guy]

Hi John,

We ran our 300TE for 5 years from about 55 - 130,000 miles before parting company with it. Here's a pic of the family tumbling out on one of the many trips through France down to Spain -

Like yours, it was a good car, a 7 seater, and there was no logical reason to change...other than the bug that can bite you when you start wondering and comparing...

What convinced us to change was moving from petrol to the (W210) TurboDiesel. I took a test drive in one, loved it, and there was no turning back then. We took delivery of the one pictured in my sig below on 1/1/98. Its done about 60k now, and has been every bit as 'solid' as the 300TE, but way more economical and quite a bit roomier, especially noticeable on long trips as the kids get bigger.

We've had none of the issues that have given the 210 a lesser reputation than the 124; the car looks/sounds/drives like new, but I must confess, it gets well looked after. Only item that has needed attention - slight 'thumping' on bumpy roads (aren't they all?) led to fitting of new track rod ends, but they're not expensive. Other than that - service & tyres only.

So to answer your question, I've never regretted the change at all.

One piece of advice for what its worth - this autumn sees the launch of the W211 estate, which will probably mean more W210's available at keener prices...

Good luck, whatever you decide.

 

[John Turner]

Dear Guy,
Many thanks for your reply. Your W124 looked a good car. Exactly - it is that bug that bites when you strat wondering and comparing! The extra room is increasingly important, and the power to lug it. My 250D is underpowered when full with 4+ people, dog and luggage, and thats why I would look for a 300TD or 320 in a W210. Your comments reassure me that the W210 is just as solid, and will wear well if looked after. It amazes me that so many examples of these very expensive cars are clearly not looked after - I cannot imagine how people can spend that amount on a car and then let them get so tatty - maybe they are not their own, or they never intend to keep them very long! You are right - the opportune time to upgrade will be when the W211 estate arrives and hopefully more W210 etates at keener prices will be about. The cars in your signature panel certainly look very well looked after!
Regards
John