A bit of a unicorn offered up to me. A one owner, 90k miles, never driven in winter, rear wheel drive E430. It's a bit elderly at 20 years old, but I recall driving my brothers 2002? E430 many moons ago and it kind of rocked. Loads of power. This one has always been maintained by the dealer, but he admitted it never had the suspension changed, and it definitely needs tires.

What I'm worried about is are there well-known issues. Like the MB community might know that their trannys never make 100k miles because there was an issue or whatever...

Any insights appreciated.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: r0gue,

Try pointedthree.com...

Thanks Patriot! That place is deep with info.

No knowledge on the E, but my grandmother had 2 S-class with that engine S430 (2001 & 2005)
I don't recall her ever having any drivetrain issues with either, I had a lot more seat time in the 2005, as I wasn't driving age with the 2001.

As I recall, the only issues she had with the 2005 was a couple faults with the airmatic (suspension) system.

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
Thanks Patriot! That place is deep with info.

Sure, glad to help...

Also check out mercedessource.com

Loads of help and kits there. Kent is a diehard Mercedes guy. Does great videos and tutorials too.

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
A bit of a unicorn offered up to me. A one owner, 90k miles, never driven in winter, rear wheel drive E430. It's a bit elderly at 20 years old, but I recall driving my brothers 2002? E430 many moons ago and it kind of rocked. Loads of power. This one has always been maintained by the dealer, but he admitted it never had the suspension changed, and it definitely needs tires.

What I'm worried about is are there well-known issues. Like the MB community might know that their trannys never make 100k miles because there was an issue or whatever...

Any insights appreciated.

Small V8? I say go for it.

Well.... I did it. <nervous laugh>. I'd read that this W210 chassis style was the last of the "true Mercedes" in terms of heftiness and build quality. And that it was considered more DIYable than even some of it's predecessors. I know there's a number of things that I'll want to look into (not the least of which is getting the "Forever Sealed" transmission fluid changed. Shocks and tires are needed.

I'm kind of thinking this will be an opportunity to teach one or more of my kids a little about car mechanics and can-do attitude, in addition to teaching them to drive in a car you can actually see out of and that is safe if they are in an accident.

Patriot -- I had already found the videos Kent does which you recommended. He's great huh!? He's actually the one that said the 210 is easier to maintain than prior models.

Black. Classic lines. What's there not to like?

Good for you.

Good looking car. I've had two W211 series and they have both been the easiest vehicles to work on (with the exception of a few service items that require the Star software). That W210 should last a very long time if you give it the love and care it deserves.

Not sure if this applies, but the best way to change the oil on my W211's is with a vacuum pump. I spent about $70 bucks on one with a 6 qt capacity. I can change the oil/filter from the top in about 20 min and don't spill a drop.

Looks well kept, cosmetically.
The W210 took some time to grow on me, with the bug-eye front end, but I do like them.
A W210 E55 would be a hoot. Big N/A V8

quote:

Originally posted by Bassamatic:
Black. Classic lines. What's there not to like?

Good for you.

yep. very nice

nice looking car. we had a W211 (2009 E350) that I absolutely loved. It was very trouble free for the 5+ years we owned it.

Very nice ride!

Good luck with it...and make sure to report the projects you do on it yourself.

good choice! having owned and worked on the W210, your research is pretty accurate. i still have a 500e W124, and it is actually more of a pain to work on some things than the W210 i let go of. closest benz ive owned that was as easy was a later model W164(ML). they are a decent number of examples from MB that are relatively trouble free and easy to work on yourself. i hope your ownership leads you to the same conclusion.
as any long term car owner, a decent ODBII reader and app will go a long way. storing temp codes and such keep you aware of how shes running.

2002 E55 owner here. 130k miles and owned for almost 6 years. Love the car.

Rust is the biggest issue. Try and keep it clean and dry.

The M113 v8 and 722.6 transmission are near bullet proof. Do general maintenance and you will be in good shape. The trans is not sealed for life. Do filer and fluid changes. Look for leaking on the connector.

Do not spill anything into the shifter inside the cabin. The cup holder is directly over the shift module. It will destroy it and you will need a new one.

MAFs tends to go out around 100k

It’s a dual spark plug engine so 16 versus 8

The brake switch under the brake pedal will go out. The dash will light up like a Christmas tree. Don’t worry. It is a $12 part and takes maybe 30 minutes to replace. I keep a spare in the glove box.

Bottomland they are, IMO very solid cars, cheap and a joy to drive.

Enjoy your purchase.

Dustin

Interesting! A neighbor of mine has one from that same year. It sits most of the time (she's agoraphobic and only goes to church), but every time I walk past it I think, "Man that'd make a great used car purchase"

Very classy looking car there rOgue! Looks to be in excellent shape. What's the towing capacity?

My BIL's father was an executive for Mobil and he had one of these. I asked him (when i was younger) why he paid so much money on a car and he replied that these cars last so long that they are actually cheaper to own in the long run.
He put 250K on it and sold it to my BIL who ran it up to 500K and sold it to his brother who to my knowledge still owns it and it must be approaching 750 by now...

Good pick up!

God I hope I'm wrong but I see a 20 year old money pit.

quote:

Originally posted by 21bubba:
God I hope I'm wrong but I see a 20 year old money pit.

You never know I guess. I've owned a number of old German cars that cost less to own/operate/maintain than the depreciation I take on my newer Subaru each year. The key is to find the right example of the right model. Fingers crossed that I did. Early indications are that I may have with the W210.