Great review mate! I sold my trusty 2001 w202 c180 and bought myself a few months ago a facelift w210. It is a 2000 model e200k automatic equipped with almost everything there was from the extras, with just 88.000km. I ve driven it for about 6.000km and I ve fallen in love with it. In fact, it is so comfortable & easy that I can’t imagine myself driving another car. Your review is exactly how these cars are!
🇲🇽🇲🇽 Tengo un E320 Elegance W210 del año 2002 y se maneja excelente, lo compré hace 2 meses con 159,000 kilómetros originales y está impecable. Antes tuve un C230 Classic W202 año 1998 y se que si tienes tiempo y herramientas tu mismo puedes arreglar algunas cosas, seguro estará varios años conmigo. Saludos desde Guanajuato México 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
an outstanding video sir! I can tell you from 6 years of E320 ownership, the W210 is truly an underrated, special vehicle - I like to think of it as quality transport rife with subtle pleasures for the discerning pilot. they are just vastly overengineered cars that will win you over the more you drive them, and highly capable performers to boot. in the states, both W210s and parts are cheap and plentiful, and they are not at all difficult to work on unlike some of those other millennial panzers... (looking at you, BMW and especially Audi). quality of materials & construction is top-notch; I compare things like the carpeting, trim & paint quality to even brand-new vehicles, and the Benz is almost shockingly better in many cases. the key, as you mentioned, is proper maintenance: a well-cared for example without serious rust issues will probably last about as long as you'd like to drive it. just some of the quirky but cool things I've found about W210s (at least, speaking for US E320 versions) include: - huge mono windshield wiper operating on an M-shaped cam covers significantly more glass area - optical rain-sensing intermittent wiper feature (this works exceptionally well) - battery lives under the rear passenger seat for truly optimal weight distribution/CG - 21-gallon fuel tank + 30 mpg = 630 mile (1013km) highway range - power-retractable rear headrests - 1-touch express up *and* down on all 4 windows - climate control unit doubles as a diagnostic computer with live sensor data monitoring - on-demand dual activated charcoal filter HVAC odor elimination (surprisingly effective) - huge 9qt oil sump with element-style oil filter located on top of the engine for easy access - door latch mechanisms that would not seem out of place on a 767 (with commensurate hatch-battening-quality sounding door slams) - 2-position hood (opens from mostly to fully vertical with a hidden switch) - heated/cooled center storage console - heater will operate for additional 10 minutes after car shuts off - foglights will also work with the headlights off (don't know why I love this, but I do) in the course of 6 years of ownership and with nearly 120k total mileage on the car, I've also replaced quite a few bits and pieces, not necessarily all because they were bad, but just that I'm trying to gradually restore the car mechanically as things need attention. some of these problem areas included: - front suspension (sway bar links & bushings, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks) - ignition (1 coil went bad, I replaced the entire system with 6 new coils, wires & plugs) - catalytic converter (again, 1 cat failed and I replaced both exhaust center sections with cats & oxygen sensors) - cooling system (radiator, water pump, hoses, thermostat. coolant temp sensor) - alternator (just the regulator went, but I replaced the entire alternator) - transmission (soft overhaul with new conductor plate/speed sensor and TCM connector, fluid, filter, pan gasket - the 722.6 will live FOREVER if you change the fluid every 75k and replace the conductor plate/TCM connector every 100k or so) - A/C (overhaul of system to replace bad expansion valve, also replaced functional but old condenser, receiver/accumulator, pressure & temp sensors, evaporator temp sensor, and pressure-blasted the evaporator core) - power steering (leaky seal where reservoir meets the pump - flushed system, replaced the reservoir which also contains p/s fluid filter) - serpentine belt (failed & replaced at 85k with new belt, idler pulley & tensioner) - windshield wiper (the wiper assembly is excellent, but the armature contacts became dirty over time and the wiper would not park correctly - a simple cleaning of the contacts restored it) - SRS (airbag computer under the ashtray went bad - replaced with a used identical part from same-year E320, no reprogramming necessary) - CPS (crank position sensor - working, but preventatively replaced at 100k) - MAF (mass airflow sensor - working, but preventatively replaced at 100k) - CTS (cam timing sensor - working, but preventatively replaced during water pump installation) - interior bits (replaced power seat controls on door, headrest motor in driver's seat, driver's doorstop inside door, fixed loose & rattling headliner) OK, this is admittedly a rather long list, but spread out over 6 years it's not that bad at all in terms of reliability. the car has never left me stranded anywhere, and I've saved thousands on the DIY repairs since parts are inexpensive. if you're handy with repair & maintenance work, these cars are screaming deals - I purchased mine for $4k with 78k miles, and the original MSRP was $51k (over $90k in 2022 money!!). you just can't beat that kind of value. W210s are so well-made, if you continue to nibble away at the maintenance/repair items over time, they will literally age in reverse as you own them.
Thank you very much, I am very happy you are enjoying your W210. You are definitely treating it well, keep up the good work. Given how modern cars are going, the W210 just looks better and better. Especially given how underappreciated and undervalued it is. As long as you look after them, they will keep on going. its such a good car that I doubt my W210 will be the only one I find/own, everyone in my family and friends who have driven my car have been very pleasantly surprised and want one. I do also have a B8 Audi A4 and an E46 BMW 3 series and the W210 is the easier and cheaper one to own despite being older than both. Everything is easy to get to, its simple to sort out when it does have its issues and my automatic 2.3 litre four E230 gets nearly identical fuel economy to my manual B8 1.8T. It's such a brilliant all rounder, especially for the money as people have really gone for the W124s and W123s in the classic Mercedes of this size (although the four cylinders in Australia in these two are also undervalued as well). I would take my W210 over most new cars as it drives better, rides better, more reliable and a lot nicer place to be.
Thats an accurate review. I've had a 2000 E240 V6 for over 5 years. It has 260k on it now. I replaced balljoints, engine mounts & catalytic convertors (universal) on purchase and accessory pulleys a bit later on before they got noisy. Beyond regular servicing it hasn't even blown a light bulb. They are great cars just as you say, as long as you have a well maintained example and dont skimp on the servicing. I paid $5k for mine. Where else are you going to find that much car for that little money! Luckily in Australia we dont get the corrosion issues. Mine's due for some new shocks soon and i'll probably renew the transmission mount and flex discs too. It should outlast me!
I'm in Aus. Just bought the same model with full service history and kept in immaculate condition. So glad to hear we don't have the corrosion issue in Australia. I was surprised it looked so clean on close inspection but hadn't heard that we are safer regarding corrosion.
Good review. I've had a 2002 E320 Wagon for seven years, it's been great except I've replaced the transmission twice. It only has 100,000 kilometers. I've done engine mounts, front and rear shocks/SLS, ball joints, cluster screen for the gear display, valve cover gaskets (they're still leaking a bit though), spark plugs, one window regulator, a side mirror glass. It's so smooth and comfortable and the interior is a nice place to be. Seats could be a bit more supportive.
Very good, quite true all you said. I have a W212 E350, a W221 S500 and an W163 ML320 and my E240 still drives the best of the lot in many ways! It's the daily driver. Last owner never took care of it, so engine sludged up and is smoking a little, but even so everything works, fuel economy still good and power is still as normal. Bought it for about $1980 aus dollars. Got 156000km on it.
I just picked up a 2000 E240. Full service history, kept immaculate. Absolutely gorgeous. I'm in love
Old benzs are truely worthwhile, I've been driving them for 40 years
Great review mate! I sold my trusty 2001 w202 c180 and bought myself a few months ago a facelift w210. It is a 2000 model e200k automatic equipped with almost everything there was from the extras, with just 88.000km. I ve driven it for about 6.000km and I ve fallen in love with it. In fact, it is so comfortable & easy that I can’t imagine myself driving another car. Your review is exactly how these cars are!
🇲🇽🇲🇽 Tengo un E320 Elegance W210 del año 2002 y se maneja excelente, lo compré hace 2 meses con 159,000 kilómetros originales y está impecable. Antes tuve un C230 Classic W202 año 1998 y se que si tienes tiempo y herramientas tu mismo puedes arreglar algunas cosas, seguro estará varios años conmigo. Saludos desde Guanajuato México 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
an outstanding video sir! I can tell you from 6 years of E320 ownership, the W210 is truly an underrated, special vehicle - I like to think of it as quality transport rife with subtle pleasures for the discerning pilot. they are just vastly overengineered cars that will win you over the more you drive them, and highly capable performers to boot. in the states, both W210s and parts are cheap and plentiful, and they are not at all difficult to work on unlike some of those other millennial panzers... (looking at you, BMW and especially Audi). quality of materials & construction is top-notch; I compare things like the carpeting, trim & paint quality to even brand-new vehicles, and the Benz is almost shockingly better in many cases. the key, as you mentioned, is proper maintenance: a well-cared for example without serious rust issues will probably last about as long as you'd like to drive it. just some of the quirky but cool things I've found about W210s (at least, speaking for US E320 versions) include:
- huge mono windshield wiper operating on an M-shaped cam covers significantly more glass area
- optical rain-sensing intermittent wiper feature (this works exceptionally well)
- battery lives under the rear passenger seat for truly optimal weight distribution/CG
- 21-gallon fuel tank + 30 mpg = 630 mile (1013km) highway range
- power-retractable rear headrests
- 1-touch express up *and* down on all 4 windows
- climate control unit doubles as a diagnostic computer with live sensor data monitoring
- on-demand dual activated charcoal filter HVAC odor elimination (surprisingly effective)
- huge 9qt oil sump with element-style oil filter located on top of the engine for easy access
- door latch mechanisms that would not seem out of place on a 767 (with commensurate hatch-battening-quality sounding door slams)
- 2-position hood (opens from mostly to fully vertical with a hidden switch)
- heated/cooled center storage console
- heater will operate for additional 10 minutes after car shuts off
- foglights will also work with the headlights off (don't know why I love this, but I do)
in the course of 6 years of ownership and with nearly 120k total mileage on the car, I've also replaced quite a few bits and pieces, not necessarily all because they were bad, but just that I'm trying to gradually restore the car mechanically as things need attention. some of these problem areas included:
- front suspension (sway bar links & bushings, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks)
- ignition (1 coil went bad, I replaced the entire system with 6 new coils, wires & plugs)
- catalytic converter (again, 1 cat failed and I replaced both exhaust center sections with cats & oxygen sensors)
- cooling system (radiator, water pump, hoses, thermostat. coolant temp sensor)
- alternator (just the regulator went, but I replaced the entire alternator)
- transmission (soft overhaul with new conductor plate/speed sensor and TCM connector, fluid, filter, pan gasket - the 722.6 will live FOREVER if you change the fluid every 75k and replace the conductor plate/TCM connector every 100k or so)
- A/C (overhaul of system to replace bad expansion valve, also replaced functional but old condenser, receiver/accumulator, pressure & temp sensors, evaporator temp sensor, and pressure-blasted the evaporator core)
- power steering (leaky seal where reservoir meets the pump - flushed system, replaced the reservoir which also contains p/s fluid filter)
- serpentine belt (failed & replaced at 85k with new belt, idler pulley & tensioner)
- windshield wiper (the wiper assembly is excellent, but the armature contacts became dirty over time and the wiper would not park correctly - a simple cleaning of the contacts restored it)
- SRS (airbag computer under the ashtray went bad - replaced with a used identical part from same-year E320, no reprogramming necessary)
- CPS (crank position sensor - working, but preventatively replaced at 100k)
- MAF (mass airflow sensor - working, but preventatively replaced at 100k)
- CTS (cam timing sensor - working, but preventatively replaced during water pump installation)
- interior bits (replaced power seat controls on door, headrest motor in driver's seat, driver's doorstop inside door, fixed loose & rattling headliner)
OK, this is admittedly a rather long list, but spread out over 6 years it's not that bad at all in terms of reliability. the car has never left me stranded anywhere, and I've saved thousands on the DIY repairs since parts are inexpensive. if you're handy with repair & maintenance work, these cars are screaming deals - I purchased mine for $4k with 78k miles, and the original MSRP was $51k (over $90k in 2022 money!!). you just can't beat that kind of value. W210s are so well-made, if you continue to nibble away at the maintenance/repair items over time, they will literally age in reverse as you own them.
Thank you very much, I am very happy you are enjoying your W210. You are definitely treating it well, keep up the good work. Given how modern cars are going, the W210 just looks better and better. Especially given how underappreciated and undervalued it is. As long as you look after them, they will keep on going. its such a good car that I doubt my W210 will be the only one I find/own, everyone in my family and friends who have driven my car have been very pleasantly surprised and want one. I do also have a B8 Audi A4 and an E46 BMW 3 series and the W210 is the easier and cheaper one to own despite being older than both. Everything is easy to get to, its simple to sort out when it does have its issues and my automatic 2.3 litre four E230 gets nearly identical fuel economy to my manual B8 1.8T. It's such a brilliant all rounder, especially for the money as people have really gone for the W124s and W123s in the classic Mercedes of this size (although the four cylinders in Australia in these two are also undervalued as well). I would take my W210 over most new cars as it drives better, rides better, more reliable and a lot nicer place to be.
Thats an accurate review. I've had a 2000 E240 V6 for over 5 years. It has 260k on it now. I replaced balljoints, engine mounts & catalytic convertors (universal) on purchase and accessory pulleys a bit later on before they got noisy. Beyond regular servicing it hasn't even blown a light bulb. They are great cars just as you say, as long as you have a well maintained example and dont skimp on the servicing. I paid $5k for mine. Where else are you going to find that much car for that little money! Luckily in Australia we dont get the corrosion issues. Mine's due for some new shocks soon and i'll probably renew the transmission mount and flex discs too. It should outlast me!
I'm in Aus. Just bought the same model with full service history and kept in immaculate condition. So glad to hear we don't have the corrosion issue in Australia. I was surprised it looked so clean on close inspection but hadn't heard that we are safer regarding corrosion.
Good review.
I've had a 2002 E320 Wagon for seven years, it's been great except I've replaced the transmission twice. It only has 100,000 kilometers.
I've done engine mounts, front and rear shocks/SLS, ball joints, cluster screen for the gear display, valve cover gaskets (they're still leaking a bit though), spark plugs, one window regulator, a side mirror glass. It's so smooth and comfortable and the interior is a nice place to be. Seats could be a bit more supportive.
Very good, quite true all you said. I have a W212 E350, a W221 S500 and an W163 ML320 and my E240 still drives the best of the lot in many ways! It's the daily driver. Last owner never took care of it, so engine sludged up and is smoking a little, but even so everything works, fuel economy still good and power is still as normal. Bought it for about $1980 aus dollars. Got 156000km on it.
Great Review well done my 2002 E320 Aventgarde isa superb car I am just the second owner I love it its a fantastic car
You can tilt the headrest forwards for an extra cool factor 😎
Got '99 E430 two months ago. Already want E55, lol.
Owwhh, you're a big bloke.!
Am a size 12, UK..
fuel pump relay
What W210 is it ? E430 ?
E230 Classic, 1997 MY98