190E or W124 driver for my 16 year old son

[samiam44]

"If cost is a factor for you then remember MASS counts; buy them as big a car a possible. NCAP ratings mislead, they are mass related, a 5 star rating in a light car is crap if you collide with a solid object or heavier vehicle."

Absolutely correct. Inelastic collision of 2 bodies from physics 101 class. The proportion of energy the body(car) as to absorb is the proportion from the opposite body. So a big heavy unsafe old 60 Lincoln car which hits a civic only has to absorb only the energy from the civic. Poor civic has to absorb.. the bigger share. Around here in Texas all those trucks are heavy 5000-9000 lbs these days.


M

 

[gsxr]

Thanks for the link... I thought this quote from the article was interesting, considering the photos I posted here last winter:

"Small vehicles, high death rates:
The vehicle with the highest death rate among the 2011 models is the Kia Rio, a minicar, with 149 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years. It's one of only three vehicles with death rates above 100."

Side comment about the article: Raw numbers can be slightly misleading. [Near] zero deaths per million vehicles is great, but for models which are built in low quantities OR tend to be purchased by a particular demographic (i.e, experienced, safety-conscious drivers) may not necessarily mean the vehicle itself is intrinsically safe.

 

[RicardoD]

It continually astonishes me that parents think their cherished off-spring should be in a cheap light small car ('cos it's easy to park).

So that's a no to the 5star crash rated Subaru Impreza?

Current car choices in play
1)4th generation Subaru Impreza
2)1995 E300 diesel (w124) <--- grandpa mobile special
3)2005 or 2006 E series CDI <--- 40mpg on highway!

So I should add ML class CDI diesel to the list because it has more mass? Man, I hate SUVs.

How did I survive in my 1981 BMW 320i as a teenager?

 

[gsxr]

SUV's, or anything with increased rollover potential due to high center of gravity, would NOT be my choice for a new driver. One wrong swerve at too high a speed and bad things can happen. Ricardo, I think your 3 choices are all reasonable. The CDI is actually a bit powerful for a new driver - have you tested one out yet? Loads of low-end torque from that sweet OM648...

 

[8899]

Perhaps a W140 sedan or an old 7 series BMW?

 

[RicardoD]

SUV's, or anything with increased rollover potential due to high center of gravity, would NOT be my choice for a new driver. One wrong swerve at too high a speed and bad things can happen. Ricardo, I think your 3 choices are all reasonable. The CDI is actually a bit powerful for a new driver - have you tested one out yet? Loads of low-end torque from that sweet OM648...

I sadly had a close friend lose his younger brother in a SUV rollover event in the early 90s. It just added already to the pure engineer in me who understood the value of a low CG and my anti-SUV bias. I know SUVs are engineered with better chassis dynamics now but not interested in them. My wife's prior car, the family truckster was a W211 2006 E350 wagon instead of an SUV. The little jump seats in the back were great on occassion when kids were younger. Prior to that it was an Audi A6 wagon.

I've never driven a CDI but looking around I think I can find one with relatively low miles for $10k or less. Hopefully much less.

I will keep you updated, eventually I will have to pull the trigger on something and it will be a fun adventure until then. Gives me an excuse to look at all kinds of vehicles. and continue this thread.

Massive W140 sedan for the weight win!

 

[Melville]

Perhaps a W140 sedan or an old 7 series BMW?

Here's a nice 7 series up the coast from you (Ricardo) in Vancouver BC. Because it's over 25 years old, it will be easy to import. About USD$5k. Approx 70kmi.

http://splendidauto.com/viewcar.aspx?carID=457

I consigned my cabrio through this dealer after I moved back to the US from Canada a few years ago. He's a real car guy.

And because this is a Mercedes site, here's a very early W124 for peanuts. Looks great.

http://splendidauto.com/viewcar.aspx?carID=501

Lots of other interesting cars at this dealer too.

 

[RicardoD]

I will be in Vancouver in August with the family on vacation. Love that town! I will be at Robert Fenton's shop soon and I will see what grandpa mobiles he has.

Here is an 1995 E300 close to me. looks nice in the photos, must be a respray after some accident driving the salvage title, but no VIN or mileage listed, people really don't know how to sell things on craigslist.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/6120429057.html

Love seeing the CDIs on craigslist for sale at 250k miles or more.
This one looks great, less than 100k miles, but asking a bit much, "repaired" title
https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/6179266544.html

Need to talk to my son again, even after looking at a Subaru in person, nothing seems to get him excited, in which case I will just give him "wheels" and he can figure out later what he would buy with his own money down the road.

 

[alabbasi]

Don't sweat the salvage title thing, just find out what happened and inspect for a quality repair. I have several cars that I bought as salvage and rebuilt including a 2002 Ford F350 Super duty, Porsche 928S, 98 SL500 , 1980 280TE and most recently (as in today) a 2005 S55 AMG with hail damage.

When they get older than 10 years, they do not need to get hurt badly to be totaled.

 

[nocfn]

I told my kids the greatest car in the world is the one you drive at 16. For me that was a 72 Chrysler Newport that slept 6. Back in the day, if you were on a moped in 10th grade you were a loser.

 

[alabbasi]

I told my kids the greatest car in the world is the one you drive at 16. For me that was a 72 Chrysler Newport.

That's a ship.

 

[samiam44]

I looked hard for a CDI and never could find one in the area.... 2005-06 were nice. The 1995 E-diesel is a non-turbo which gets awesome mileage, but a little slow. As long as he doesn't jump in front of a truck- it would be a good car.
Never gave much thought about rollover, but we had a near death experience with when I was a newly wed... Driver induced oscillations almost flipped our jetta into a truck.

 

[alabbasi]

The young man that works for me has a pretty nice 95 E300D non turbo for sale. Paint is not great but completely rust free Texas car. Interior is OK (a couple rips in the seat bottom), the car is mechanically sound and the A/C will freeze you out. The car seems to have a lot of factory options that I don't typically see on W124's and a decent amount of service history.

He's a mechanic and his daily is a 1991 300TD (that he made from a 91 300TE and an OM603) with a 722.6. He was telling me yesterday that he wanted to sell it so that he can spend some money on his W123 300CD. I'm pretty sure it will be cheap, should anyone be interested. I've been in this car and the OM606 with the non turbo is not horribly slow as they can rev.

I looked hard for a CDI and never could find one in the area.... 2005-06 were nice. The 1995 E-diesel is a non-turbo which gets awesome mileage, but a little slow. As long as he doesn't jump in front of a truck- it would be a good car.

 

[MCR01]

Ah the good old days when a 20 year old could get affordable (UK) insurance in a Lotus Elan. You drove knowing that even a modest accident would probably be fatal, especially if it involved any side impact. We used to spend hours in wreckers yards looking for parts, it gave you a VERY clear idea of what happened to cars that argued with trees, telegraph poles or trucks: very sobering.
No 70mph speed limit & no air ambulance either......
Bit different now; doubt I know of any 'youth' who's ever been in a wreckers yard.

 

[RicardoD]

I will be curious to see how my son and his friends transition into getting "wheels" Will any of them start to learn to wrench on their cars. One of my goals was to force my son to take care of his car (change the oil with me, change brakes, keep it clean, etc). Will that be liking pulling teeth or will he eagerly take on the task?

I am curious if SEMA has data to back up the "kids these days don't hot rod like we used to", surely a decline would show up in the members sales data. Anecdotally we all seem to believe the modern generation doesn't care about cars like we used to. We deride them as the "the video game generation".

Ricardo

 

[MCR01]

In the UK at least the fact is that much 'youth' does not need to know which end of a spanner to hold. Pass your A level exams, doting parents buy you a newish 3 series BMW and pay for the servicing, insurance etc. Followed later by getting a Degree, doting parents buy you a flat/house....
Of course I exaggerate but only slightly.

Not sure I've ever seen any evidence that "kids these days don't hot rod like we used to": where did that idea come from?
Here in France the fairly appalling death rate would certainly look a lot better if male drivers under 25 were taken out of the statistics. They certainly do drive like God is on their side.

 

[TerryA]

Ricardo,

I think that one thing that would weigh in my mind in acquiring a car for a new teen driver is that almost every kid I knew including myself and my daughter had at least one accident in thier first car.

It is a right of passage into the driving world. Baptism by Fire you might say. Kids have accidents whether it's there fault or the other driver's doesn't matter. It's gaining experience that makes you a better driver over time. Anyway for that reason alone I would be looking for a substantial ride as there first one. I know it wouldn't be a Honda or Kia ect; if I could help it.

Everybody thinks not there kid he/she has more sense than that. He/she will learn from me or the Driver's Ed Teacher how to be a responsible driver and how to properly handle the car and will drive carefully ever after. It's a similar approach taken by an Ostrich who sticks its head in the sand and thinks nothing bad will happen it.

Just think back to when you and your friends were in high school and got your first car. Nothing has changed from then to now except I see a lot more people including adults playing with thier phones while driving. A distraction most of us did not have to deal with. This fact alone is great cause for concern.

My only suggestion is to get a full size car with lots of airbags and hope that the first accident is just a minor fender bender. Sorry I don't mean to be "Buzzkill" but I think every parent needs to face reality.

Choose Wisely

 

[doolar]

Terry is on about something important. The w124 and w201 where very safe if not the safest cars when they where new, and to some extent they still are. But a 10 year old large sedan will probably be lightyears ahead on safety.

I'd probably get a w211 (E320 would be my choice) for my kid if I had to get a big car for my child now. They are dead cheap too.

 

[RicardoD]

Thank you everyone for the feedback. I am very close to wiping the Surbaru off the list.

This seems more appropriate and in my home town: 1997 E420, already has the body scratches build in. The green machine.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/6188175690.html

1997 Mercedes e420 - $3200 (los gatos)

Great rare Mercedes e-class 420. Top of the line. It even came with a car phone package. All leather, sunroof, alloy wheels, good tires, everything works. 4.2L V-8 engine. Gets 20-25mpg. The Mercedes-Benz E420 combines the refinement of a luxury sedan with the heart and soul of a sports car.

152K miles. There are scratches on the right side from pulling it out of the garage. Oops. Interior is great. ​

 

[alabbasi]

I ran a 97 e420 for 10 years. Nice car. Quick comfortable 4 airbags in the front.

 

[gsxr]

Thank you everyone for the feedback. I am very close to wiping the Surbaru off the list. This seems more appropriate and in my home town

1997 E420, already has the body scratches build in. The green machine.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/6188175690.html

I've got a few of those laying around, lol. The powertrain is superb, M119.985 with coil pack ignition, and electronic 722.6 auto five-speed with overdrive. That green car has heated seats and at least ASR, it might possibly have optional ESP (better than ASR), could have the optional HID lights as well. See if you can get a VIN from the seller to decode the optional equipment. If they'll come down on the price a bit, this could be a good compromise... price is a bit optimistic IMO considering the exterior condition.

 

[speedy300dturbo]

Unfortunately, the early W210 didn't perform well in the IIHS offset crash test. Take a look at the attached pictures. You can see the deformation in the A-pillar, and I believe the driver's door opened in the crash as well. The facelift version (MY2000-2002) was much improved, and W203 and W211 were even better.

 

[RicardoD]

Alright boys, family meeting tonight resulting in the following

- its clear my son, bless his heart, couldn't care if he got a Corolla or an E500 Grandpa mobile. He has no understanding of a buzz box 4 banger vs beautiful engineered german V8 engine. He only realizes his Dad is a nutcase and thankful that his father will make sure he has safe wheels. He spends exactly zero brain cycles thinking about cars. He is not looking "a gift horse in the mouth", complaining, making demands, and excited to be growing up and gaining more freedom.

- The wife, (of German decent), wants his son in a safe German car, and in general is supportive of my Mercedes nuttiness, she doesn't want something "banged up" but understand a teenager is going to damage his vehicle. Therefore a clean few year old Subura Impreza is officially dead (also too much money in my opinion).

So I the short list is now W210 or W211. Now the question is which one. Still hunting.

BTW, this 2005 CDI in Houston is super nice. Too nice. Asking a bit much for a rebuild title. Intercity quotes $1800 for transport from Houston to Bay Area.

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/6139185024.html

 

[liviu165]

I see a lot more people including adults playing with thier phones while driving. A distraction most of us did not have to deal with. This fact alone is great cause for concern.
My only suggestion is to get a full size car with lots of airbags and hope that the first accident is just a minor fender bender. Sorry I don't mean to be "Buzzkill" but I think every parent needs to face reality.

Very true and well said. I don't consider myself very knowledgeable to offer advise to others, but I will share my choice for my daughter in case there is something good in it for others: Ford Fiesta SES ... stick shift. It is not a full size car (my daily driver is a Honda Accord sedan and I don't feel any safer in it vs. the Fiesta), but it does have its own big advantages: inside air bags all over the place (including knees), plenty of street appeal, engine not powerful to be tempting, whistles and bells more than I can learn, hatchback (more useful than any sedan), over 40 mpg on highways (can't remember exactly but anyway better even than my wife's Prius V), parts are 1/3-1/4 the cost of similar from MB and because is a stick shift is ... impossible to text and drive in the city.

I just wish it would have been a 6 speed (is a 2011 with 5 speed) and have hill start assist (2012 and later did have it). Because she has only a learner's permit I am using it on daily basis for now and I am impressed by what it has to offer vs. what I paid for it: $ 5500 for one with 99k miles in mint condition. I made this choice because of initial purchasing cost vs. features, maintenance cost and in case she will total it at least I did not lose a lot of money. However I do not recommend the automatic version of the Fiesta which has a lot of transmission issues.

 

[doolar]

Very true and well said. I don't consider myself very knowledgeable to offer advise to others, but I will share my choice for my daughter in case there is something good in it for others: Ford Fiesta SES ... stick shift. It is not a full size car (my daily driver is a Honda Accord sedan and I don't feel any safer in it vs. the Fiesta), but it does have its own big advantages: inside air bags all over the place (including knees), plenty of street appeal, engine not powerful to be tempting, whistles and bells more than I can learn, hatchback (more useful than any sedan), over 40 mpg on highways (can't remember exactly but anyway better even than my wife's Prius V), parts are 1/3-1/4 the cost of similar from MB and because is a stick shift is ... impossible to text and drive in the city. I just wish it would have been a 6 speed (is a 2011 with 5 speed) and have hill start assist (2012 and later did have it). Because she has only a learner's permit I am using it on daily basis for now and I am impressed by what it has to offer vs. what I paid for it: $ 5500 for one with 99k miles in mint condition. I made this choice because of initial purchasing cost vs. features, maintenance cost and in case she will total it at least I did not lose a lot of money. However I do not recommend the automatic version of the Fiesta which has a lot of transmission issues.

Now I'm not suggesting that Ricardos son is a wheel texter, but, you don't know people with the statement I bolded above. It's harder, yes, but I see it everyday here. In Sweden we still drive stick a lot, people adapt and learn...

If the car is mainly driven in town, sure a Fiesta is good and safe enough. But it's still a small car, you have a lot of really big cars in the US. I would not want to sit in a Fiesta among all larger cars on the highway. Although I would presume that CA is not littered with F150's but more with Priusie? (plural is hard with that personal transport module), still, size is good (except when parking).

Go with a W211 Ricardo!

 

[TerryA]

Thomas,

Wrong on the CA F150s every other vehicle seems to be an F150 or. Silverado. If not pickups it's full size SUVs like Cadillac Escalades, Hummer H2s, Nissan Armadas the guy I work for has a Landrover his wife drives a big Ford SUV. In a morning commute on the 405 Frwy it's a sea of huge vehicles with little compacts dodging in and out w/ half of the drivers texting or on the phone. BTW it is now illegal to be holding a phone while driving in CA and some other states.

IMOP, In CA at least, a kid needs to be in a substantial size car w/ lots of airbags. I say NO to Ford Fiestas for a first car.

 

[liviu165]

Now I'm not suggesting that Ricardos son is a wheel texter, but, you don't know people with the statement I bolded above!

My statement was not making a reference to anybody else but my kids. They cannot live w/o their phones. As a parent I had to find a solution to protect them from their addiction.

The Fiesta was just a reference, what I thought was more important in my post was the fact that there are other angles to look at this and other things to consider.

 

[doolar]

My statement was not making a reference to anybody else but my kids. They cannot live w/o their phones. As a parent I had to find a solution to protect them from their addiction.

The Fiesta was just a reference, what I thought was more important in my post was the fact that there are other angles to look at this and other things to consider.

And I was only speaking for myself! Phone's are used in the car, while driving, manual or automatic trans, forbidden to use or not. That's my point. Wielding a phone and a stick is even more dangerous!

 

[RicardoD]

iOS 11 coming to iPhone's in this fall 2017 software release will have a "Do Not Disturb" while driving mode to try and help with this texting while driving problem. Of course its easily defeated but it helps those (including myself) trying to do the right thing. Overview of the feature in video below.

[video=youtube_share;IhAIzc1MgVc]https://youtu.be/IhAIzc1MgVc[/video]

 

[RicardoD]

I hope you don't mind me dragging this thread out. The plan was to open the window of purchase for a car for my son in September and figure something out by December 1st. But if something pops up before then to make a move. Unfortunately I wasn't able to connect with the elusive perfect car while I was visiting Robert Fenton in San Rafael, CA. Anyway, sharing the journey to continue to crowd source this adventure.

Candidate 1: 2000 E320, M112 motor, one owner car, checkbook dealer maintenance throughout its life, cons: 200k miles! Robert was positive on car based upon ownership & history, I can't get that 200k number out of my head. Well taken care of car, just dirty as photographed.

Candidate 2: 1992 300E, White with tan interior, 87k miles, preserved low mileage classic. Did I mention it was white? White + Mercedes = popemobile, urgh (clearly Robert's no worries, simple, low maintenance favorite)

Candidate 3: 2004 C320 Kompressor, supercharged 4 cylinder, don't know anything about this type of car, looks great, 85k miles

As I get to know Robert, what I like is if I buy any car from him, I know it will be turn key ready to go. I'm not sharing prices but we discussed his guys going over each car, changing fluids as required, making sure each car was right. For example, Robert without prompting talked about how he would get the E320 ready for sale. The different things it needed that would get taken care of (e.g. new windshield with new lower rubber). Bonus for me and makes me not obsess about price too much as he has the means to get the cars right and took care of me with the 560sec purchase.

 

[gsxr]

Unless the 1992 has ASR (which I doubt), I'd scratch that off the list. Even if it does, CIS cars are not fun to diagnose when the aren't running right. There is no ability to connect a scanner and view live data, etc. And, M103's are notorious for needing a cylinder head rebuild every 100-150k (the valve guides wear out and the engine starts drinking oil).

I don't know much about the W203 but it almost looks too nice. I'm sure he'd like anything badged "kompressor" and "sport" though.

That 2000 E320 sounds decent... should be the facelift model which did better in crash testing per Aaron's post, and you'll be less upset if it gets in an accident with 200k on the odo. The mileage wouldn't scare me if it's not drinking or puking fluids, which isn't likely if Robert will be going over it.

 

[tsuintx]

We got our daughter a 2005 C230K when she got her license five and a half years ago and that thing has been as reliable as they come. We did buy it from an enthusiast and it came with a huge stack of receipt all the way when it was brand new. Every single thing has been documented. The car had 90K when we bought it and it's now approaching 120K and the only thing it has needed is normal maintenance. Everything works, no leaks, noise etc. Nothing.

It is a bit more electric and plasticky in feel compared to 124s and 126s, but I would definitely suggest you take a closer look at it. Looks nice in the pics.

Agree with gsxr above that you should scratch the 92 off the list. That CIS-E is PITA. I fought with a 91 300CE for a few months last year and decided never again will I get another one. Sure, when they run good, they are great, but when things come up, you are in for a headache...

I've had a couple of W210 derivatives (97 E420 and 00 CLK430) and the electrics and somewhat inferior materials compared to earlier models are definitely visible everywhere. Not my favorites, for sure.

So... All in all, out of those listed with the info available, I'd put the W203 first on the list, then the W210 and the W124 at the bottom.

Happy hunting!

 

[gerryvz]

My comments below in blue.

Candidate 1: 2000 E320, M112 motor, one owner car, checkbook dealer maintenance throughout its life, cons: 200k miles! Robert was positive on car based upon ownership & history, I can't get that 200k number out of my head. Well taken care of car, just dirty as photographed. 200K is a fair bit of mileage, but the car probably has plenty of life left in it, and will be a safe, and big car. With that mileage, there are certainly going to be maintenance issues that you'll need to budget for.

Candidate 2: 1992 300E, White with tan interior, 87k miles, preserved low mileage classic. Did I mention it was white? White + Mercedes = popemobile, urgh (clearly Robert's no worries, simple, low maintenance favorite) Don't bother with a car this old. Despite low mileage, it's not worth it as a car that's going to get driven by a kid. I'd pass on this choice.

Candidate 3: 2004 C320 Kompressor, supercharged 4 cylinder, don't know anything about this type of car, looks great, 85k miles I think this is your best candidate. It's modern enough, reliable, has good safety features/equipment, low miles and plenty of life left in it, and won't need anything major (rubber, etc.) for a while. Bonus is that it will get decent gas mileage. Even with the supercharger, it won't make enough power to get the driver in trouble.

 

[alabbasi]

Even if it does, CIS cars are not fun to diagnose when the aren't running right. There is no ability to connect a scanner and view live data, etc.

Unless you own one of these [see attached photo]

I would lean towards a 2001-2002 E320, they're very simple, super reliable and can get almost 30mpg on the highway. I'm not sure what the asking price is for a 200k mile car, but if you shop around, I suspect that you can find one with 1/2 the mileage for around $3k.

 

[RicardoD]

This one is local to me. Interesting.

Pros: I love the color, great gas mileage, 1 owner
Cons: (smelly diesel! ), no idea on mileage, not posted on ad anywhere, asking $5k! , 1st gen W210, better safety on 2nd gen (those crash pictures from earlier are burned into my brain)

Is this OM606 ?

WDBJF20F2TJ019701

EDIT: added carfax, 174k miles, despite ad claims some right rear damage

http://www.baycitymotors.net/#&&/wE...uVP6WLSPIgrM/qkTF2CeXZsS19ieDc3baWKGbEo/y+A==

We are selling a 1996 Mercedes 300D Diesel 4 Door Sedan. Please see the pictures to appreciate the condition of this beautiful Mercedes. It is a 1 Owner since new with a Clean No Damage or Accident Car Fax History Vehicle. . It has all of the power options like power windows, power door locks, cruise control, power mirrors, leather seats, factory power moon roof, Alloy Wheels and ICE COLD AC. The interior and exterior are in great shape. The Mercedes is very well kept up and runs great. All of the power options on the car are functional. All of the power windows and door locks are working. The Leather interior is in good condition. Please see the pictures to appreciate the condition of the vehicle. The Engine and transmission work very well. The Mercedes comes with the 3.0 Liter Inline 6 Cylinder Diesel Engine. This is the newer generation engine, the Mercedes switched from the 5 Cylinder designs and went to a simple Non Turbo Inline 6 Cylinder that actually goes to 5,000 RPM and drives like a regular car with the added fuel economy. You can see up to 35MPG+ on the highway with these cars. Mid 20's are the norm for the City. It's hard to match the fuel economy for this size Luxury car. The power is excellent for a diesel. The Mercedes is very smooth and a pleasure to drive. The transmission shifts very smooth, there is no slipping in any gear. The overdrive works excellent. There are no mechanical or cosmetic issues with the car. This year model Mercedes is SMOG EXEMPT. The Mercedes has a Clean Title for the next owner. TRADE-INS ARE WELCOME WARRANTIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ADDITIONAL COST RANGING FROM POWER TRAIN TO FULL COVERAGE

 

[gsxr]

Yup, that is an OM606 non-turbo. Great engine, only caveat is glow plug replacements can be a challenge (many threads on other forums cover this in detail). Should be near 30mpg even with a lead foot and PRK low-BTU fuel. These engines last 300-500kmi if well maintained, high miles is more of a concern for worn suspension & interior items.

 

[tsuintx]

Last reported mileage 174K. Has had some damage, though. Kinda short CarFax...

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?vin=WDBJF20F2TJ019701&partner=VAS_0

 

[alabbasi]

Yup, that is an OM606.962 turbo

The one listed is a 96 which means it's a non turbo car. They're not slow slow but they're not quick either. The W210 with the OM606 turbo only came in 98 and 99 and that's a fantastic motor. Given the choice, I would go for an E320 gasser over an NA diesel.

 

[RicardoD]

yes, says DIESEL on the back, so it must be this one, OM606.912, wikipedia cut & paste.

Diesel for North American Market.

• E 300 Diesel (I-6, 2996 cc 3.0L, 100 kW/136 PS/134 hp) 1996-1997
• E 300 Turbodiesel (I-6, 2996 cc 3.0L, 130 kW/177 PS/175 hp) 1998-1999

[TABLE="class: wikitable"][TR][TD]3.0 24V D[/TD][TD]I6[/TD][TD]136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)[/TD][TD]210 N·m (155 lb·ft)[/TD][TD]OM606.912[/TD][TD]10.0[/TD][/TR][/TABLE]

 

[gsxr]

YES, sorry, I have edited my previous post. 96-97 are non-turbo, 97-98 are turbo. I was looking at the photos and didn't catch the year... still a nice car either way, although I'd want the turbo version if I had to drive it. Non-turbo would be fine for a new driver.

 

[gerryvz]

Yup, that is an OM606.962 turbo

The one listed is a 96 which means it's a non turbo car. They're not slow slow but they're not quick either. The W210 with the OM606 turbo only came in 98 and 99 and that's a fantastic motor. Given the choice, I would go for an E320 gasser over an NA diesel.

I think 600Eric has (or used to have) a cherry 1998 diesel model with the turb.

 

[RicardoD]

Showed my older son some sporty looking w210 E430 cars last night on Craigslist, little to no reaction. "What happened to the Subaru?" he asked. "Spent most your car money on the 560SEC", I replied. He just said " as long as it's something from 2000 or newer". Then he walks away.

Generation2 w210 2000 to 2002 or w211 it is then. W211 cdi diesels command a premium. Not sure it's worth it relative to a w211 e320 which are plentiful and cheap. W211 seems like too nice of a car for the boy. Actually prefer the older w210.

 

[gsxr]

W211 seems like too nice of a car for the boy. Actually prefer the older w210.

 

[alabbasi]

W211's are a little more complicated. SBC has a limited life before the pump gives up and then it's $1000 min for a replacement. Air suspension on the V8's does was old air suspension does best. The 722.9 7G trans has a conductor plate that fails in the same way that the 722.6, but with the 722.9, it's integrated and requires dealer programming to work with the car so you're staring at $2000 problem instead of $200 problem.

Stick with a 210 for simplicity, in may ways, they're less complex then a W124.

 

[Klink]

210s like to rust, so get one that has never been in/around salt. As always, unless you need it for driving through the tundra, avoid all wheel drive like the plague that it is. 320 and 430 cost about the same to keep, but obviously, the 430 will burn a little bit more gas. You can't beat either one as an inexpensive DD MB. In general, you should also avoid diesels like the plague that they are. Their deluded cult puts a high premium on the purchase price, and when they do break, they consume approximately nine thousand times whatever you saved in fuel in consumption...

 

[gerryvz]

you should also avoid diesels like the plague that they are. Their deluded cult puts a high premium on the purchase price, and when they do break, they consume approximately nine thousand times whatever you saved in fuel in consumption...

Luckily, we don't have too many diesel freaks here on THIS forum ...except Mr. OM60X himself GSXR....

 

[RicardoD]

You guys rock with your feedback. So narrowed down to 2000 to 2002 e320 or e430 (m113)

I showed my son an e320 wagon and he liked it! Some emotion, finally! Picture attached. He liked the "cool wheels" My wife would kill me if I got him a wagon but all the stuff he likes to do has gear and this would be perfect. Glad I found out cool wheels is a game changer for him.

 

[Klink]

A 210 wagon is just about the most useful Mercedes-Benz imaginable. I like all of the other wagons as well, but they are all significantly smaller, and generally consume more fuel and maintenance dollars. The wheels probably won't help any aspect of the car other than emoting your offspring, but in every other way, I can hardly imagine a better Mercedes to actually own and use. The only expense on the wagon over that of the sedan, and it's not too bad, is the self-leveling rear suspension, which is just like that on the 500E, except the parts may be a little cheaper. Yes, my money is where my mouth is. Ours is our "go to" vehicle for just about everything...

 

[Klink]

And for those that did not know, the 210 wagon was still available into the 2003 model year. They continued in production until the 2004 211 wagons took over...

 

[Klink]

Luckily, we don't have too many diesel freaks here on THIS forum ...except Mr. OM60X himself GSXR....

Really more of a naturally aspirated 617 guy, isn't he?