What will this car bring in?

[Kyiv]

What do you guys guess this car will bring in, and what is its fair value in your opinion?

No Reserve: 27k-Mile 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320

Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 27k-Mile 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #43,259.

bringatrailer.com

 

[LWB250]

The low mileage BaT premium will probably have it finishing in the $7k-$8k range, I'm guessing. In any other market it's a $3k-$5k car, and that's mainly because of the mileage, nothing more.

The first model year of any car is rarely a good one, and this plays out in the W210s. There were a lot of changes made within the first couple of model years, all that really improved the car in a number of ways.

The other red flag on this one is rust bubbles noted. The W210s are rust magnets. Period. If it's been north of the Mason-Dixon Line, run away as if your hair was on fire. There's a reason why you rarely ever see a W210 up north - they would rust in front of your eyes.

I own two W210s and have others in the family. They're truly the "Camry" of Mercedes, even more so if you go for the facelift (2000-2002) models. A great value, very reliable, and easy and inexpensive to maintain. Avoid them before the 1998 model year, however.

Dan

 

[ace10]

Hmmm, a 25 year old base model of an unloved platform. In a boring color. Spent it's entire life in NJ. Questionable pre-sale body work. Showing rust.

$4000.

But wait, it's being offered on BaT and has a low Odo.

$8000


EDIT: @LWB250 and I were kinda on the same page with this one. lol

 

[gsxr]

Everything these guys said: ^^^

Also, note this first-year model has the old 4-speed 722.3 transmission, not the fancy new 5-speed 722.6 box. And it has the M104, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on your personal preference vs the M113 that appeared as of 97 or 98 (I forget which year).

Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN

Datacard for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 (210.055) - WDBJF55F6TJ018092

www.lastvin.com

It's a very nice odometer, with very nice interior, nice colors, questionable rust levels, and absolutely no options. Kinda depends what you're looking for but other than the odometer, nothing here floats my boat.

 

[Kyiv]

rust bubbles noted

Questionable pre-sale body work. Showing rust.

So, in your opinions, this is not a superficial rust? ace10, what do you mean by "questionable" body work? My 2nd car is a lease, and it's up soon. Since wife no longer drives to an office, a 2nd car is not really needed, but it'd be nice to have a back up on a rare occasion. I'm entertaining a possibility with this one, hence my asking. Thanks again for your input. I've only ever dealt with one used car, and that's my 400E.

 

[LWB250]

So, in your opinions, this is not a superficial rust? ace10, what do you mean by "questionable" body work? My 2nd car is a lease, and it's up soon. Since wife no longer drives to an office, a 2nd car is not really needed, but it'd be nice to have a back up on a rare occasion. I'm entertaining a possibility with this one, hence my asking. Thanks again for your input. I've only ever dealt with one used car, and that's my 400E.

There is no such thing as "superficial rust" on a W210. Period.

There are some notable cars that rusted amazingly well. Chevy pickup trucks from the late 1970s. Others that I can't recall right now. But any, ANY rust on a W210 will soon blossom into a full-fledged attack on all metal surfaces of the car, I guarantee you. Some examples to give you an idea of where it can start and how it spreads:

 

[ace10]

I only skimmed the listing. Assumed incorrectly that the NJ dealer did the panel repairs.

Never owned a W210, but I'm under the assumption that body rust is never superficial.

The base W124 I posted in the hoopties thread the other day is IMO likely to be a vastly superior "buy." If we're doing comparative values.

 

[Kyiv]

I only skimmed the listing. Assumed incorrectly that the NJ dealer did the panel repairs.

Never owned a W210, but I'm under the assumption that body rust is never superficial.

The base W124 I posted in the hoopties thread the other day is IMO likely to be a vastly superior "buy." If we're doing comparative values.

Problem is, W124 is "too old" for my wife

 

[Kyiv]

There is no such thing as "superficial rust" on a W210. Period.

There are some notable cars that rusted amazingly well. Chevy pickup trucks from the late 1970s. Others that I can't recall right now. But any, ANY rust on a W210 will soon blossom into a full-fledged attack on all metal surfaces of the car, I guarantee you. Some examples to give you an idea of where it can start and how it spreads:

View attachment 126085 View attachment 126086 View attachment 126088

Dan, say you're in my situation (as described above). Would YOU pay $4k for that BAT car?

 

[Jlaa]

The first model year of any car is rarely a good one, and this plays out in the W210s. There were a lot of changes made within the first couple of model years, all that really improved the car in a number of ways.

The other red flag on this one is rust bubbles noted. The W210s are rust magnets. Period. If it's been north of the Mason-Dixon Line, run away as if your hair was on fire. There's a reason why you rarely ever see a W210 up north - they would rust in front of your eyes.

Hmmm, a 25 year old base model of an unloved platform. In a boring color. Spent it's entire life in NJ. Questionable pre-sale body work. Showing rust.

Everything these guys said: ^^^

Also, note this first-year model has the old 4-speed 722.3 transmission, not the fancy new 5-speed 722.6 box. And it has the M104, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on your personal preference vs the M113 that appeared as of 97 or 98 (I forget which year).


It's a very nice odometer, with very nice interior, nice colors, questionable rust levels, and absolutely no options. Kinda depends what you're looking for but other than the odometer, nothing here floats my boat.

Wow! I totally would have missed the rust by looking through the photographs unless someone pointed them out to me (and of course someone in the comments did.) I feel like what is implicit in all this is the huge huge huge difference (in buying from a "Generalist Dealer" vs. "Specialty Dealer" vs. "Private Owner".

This "Vantage Auto" is a generalist obviously ... whereas a "Speciality Dealer" would probably decide to not sell such a car (as it would be embarrassing for them) and a "Private Owner" would know about the rust from day 1.

Anyways:

So, in your opinions, this is not a superficial rust? ace10, what do you mean by "questionable" body work? My 2nd car is a lease, and it's up soon. .....

@kiev what's wrong with you? You have a 2nd car? That should be a w124. Third car? w124. Car for your kid? w124. Vacation Home? w124+trailer. Bathroom remodel? w124+porto-potty. Did you die? Casket Needed? w124. You've been here long enough. Get with the program already. Sheeeesshhh..


In all seriousness, for a number of years, my wife and I owned a second hand 1999 w210 E320. It had the 5 speed auto and the M113 V6. THAT POWERTRAIN COMBO WAS GREAT. It was sooooooooooooo syrupy smooth. That was a fantastic car ----- so this is just me speaking, but if you are debating between an M104 w210 vs. a M112 w210, I don't think the straight six M104 is any smoother. Yes a straight six is a more "conceptually elegant" design, but for your purposes (you want a Camry that's not called a Camry) the M112 and 5 speed auto are great.

11 years after selling that w210, my wife still speaks fondly of that car.

 

[gsxr]

Since wife no longer drives to an office, a 2nd car is not really needed, but it'd be nice to have a back up on a rare occasion. I'm entertaining a possibility with this one, hence my asking. .... Problem is, W124 is "too old" for my wife

Given the use case of "occasional backup car", this one would be perfectly cromulent, if the price was right. This also assumes you are OK with the visibly rusted hardware underneath (not fun DIY wrenching), and possibly rust coming through the paint (not attractive, but that's about it). Pick your max price and don't go over it when bidding.

Personally, if buying a W210, I'd at least want heated seats, factory HID's, and at least ASR if not ESP. This car has "ETS", which I believe is a rudimentary form of ASR? I can't remember exactly, ETS was only offered for a couple years on entry-level models. A well-optioned E420 or E430 with Sport package would be nice. Maybe 4Matic if it will get winter use.

 

[ccrelan]

The comments on rust on this particular car are a bit exagerated. In my estimation, it could be taken care of inexpensively and/or ignored for a farily long time before would get to a unsightly point.

 

[Kyiv]

Wow! I totally would have missed the rust by looking through the photographs unless someone pointed them out to me (and of course someone in the comments did.) I feel like what is implicit in all this is the huge huge huge difference (in buying from a "Generalist Dealer" vs. "Specialty Dealer" vs. "Private Owner".

Well, it seems to me the car has - at least what's visible in the pictures - as "much" rust as lwb250 W124 E420. Sorry Dan, I'm a housewife in this matter, so I apologize if I'm wrong. And Dan's car, my understanding, has superficial rust...(?) Anyways, that's my wet noodle logic. To my completely untrained eyes it does not look like a caner, more like bad case of birth marks?

@kiev what's wrong with you? You have a 2nd car? That should be a w124. Third car? w124. Car for your kid? w124. Vacation Home? w124+trailer. Bathroom remodel? w124+porto-potty. Did you die? Casket Needed? w124. You've been here long enough. Get with the program already. Sheeeesshhh..

I'm quite alight, but my wife is spoiled by driving 3 leased cars since her move to America. Her only car in Ukraine was also bought new. W124 is too old for her and..... and we're not in Saudi Arabia

but if you are debating between an M104 w210 vs. a M112 w210, I don't think the straight six M104 is any smoother. Yes a straight six is a more "conceptually elegant" design, but for your purposes (you want a Camry that's not called a Camry) the M112 and 5 speed auto are great.

Not debating. Just want something interesting for not a lot. The car will see 1,500 miles a year, at most. A like new 25 year E-class for <$5k is kind of interesting... I don't know

Personally, if buying a W210, I'd at least want heated seats, factory HID's, and at least ASR if not ESP. This car has "ETS", which I believe is a rudimentary form of ASR? I can't remember exactly, ETS was only offered for a couple years on entry-level models. An E420 or E430 with Sport package would be nice. Maybe 4Matic if it will get winter use.

Personally - I'm with you!!! But for [wife's] 7-8 10-mile round trips to Walmart a month, plus here-and-there in between, I'm more interested in pristine-ness, rather than features, as it might persuade my wife that the car is not "too old"

 

[Bogeyman]

I've had 210s but I would go more for a 211 maybe like this 2006 E500, 77kmi, for $6500:

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=575415886

Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN

Datacard for 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 500 (211.070) - WDBUF70J46A882714

www.lastvin.com

 

[Kyiv]

I've had 210s but I would go more for a 211 maybe like this 2006 E500, 77kmi, for $6500:

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=575415886

Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN

Datacard for 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 500 (211.070) - WDBUF70J46A882714

www.lastvin.com

Looks like a well-worn car. If I'd go for 211, might as well seek out and spend more money and finer and cleaner example. Once I'm at $10-12k, might as well push towards $15, and then, why not round it out to $20k? And if I'd spending $20k, why not spend them on a 3 year lease and get a very nicely equipped brand new E class? Oh wait, I've been there - It's a rabbit hole . The thing that I like about the base 1996 w210 on BAT is that it's essentially new: all 27k mi were put on by an old person, who's in his 90s, which means he started driving it when he was around 70. For $4-5k it could be a somewhat unique, pleasant, and rational choice for a Walmart grocery getter, that puts on 1,500 mi a year. Just thinking out loud. I appreciate all feedback

 

[MB V8]

My 2 cents.

Listen to LWB250's advice. You do not want an early W210. I have an '02 E320 wagon. With the facelift models MB had worked thru all the problems. I did my homework before buying my wagon and reached the same conclusions as LWB250.

Listen to GSXR's advice. You want a W210 with the 722.6 tranny and M112/113 engine not the 722.3 tranny and M104 engine.

And I also own a couple of W124's like your 400E and as you've probably experienced, they seldom rust. In contrast, my W210 requires yearly work on some rust spot...or 2 or 3. It's hard to believe after one's experience with little rust on the W124 that Mercedes got it so wrong on the W210's. I'm sure somebody on 500eB can tell us the technical reason why the W210's rust more, but you'd be surprised Kiev at the difference.

The odometer and potential low price on this car are attractive......but there are better Benzes and cars out there.

Btw, I really like my '02 E320 wagon. It has great MB lines. It's nice to drive around town and a great cruiser on the highway.

 

[gsxr]

For $4-5k it could be a somewhat unique, pleasant, and rational choice for a Walmart grocery getter, that puts on 1,500 mi a year. Just thinking out loud. I appreciate all feedback

Given your criteria, I totally understand where you are coming from on this one. I think the critical part will be the price. If it stays low, it's not a bad deal (but, read up on the M104 head gasket job, assuming this one is original). As the price goes north of $5k-$6k, be prepared to step away from the keyboard. Don't get caught up in a bidding war. Oh, and ask @gerryvz what he think of NJ dealers...

 

[Kyiv]

@gerryvz, what do you think about NJ dealers?

 

[gerryvz]

@gerryvz, what do you think about NJ dealers?

 

[JC220]

Whilst I used to own a diesel daily driver w210 and liked it for what it was - I do not ever see myself collecting one. Kind of like the w202 series of the era I place them in a undesirable category in terms of build quality and overall appearance / styling. But that's just me!

Most of w202 & w210s here go for scrap money unless it was an AMG or something. Even then not so much. I find it hard to think of either model as being collectable to any degree.

 

[ccrelan]

There has been a significant increase in both W210 and W202 AMG cars prices in the last year.

 

[dionphaneuf]

If I’m going 210 it’s either 4Matic wagon or Sedan, preferably the latter w the 4Matic m113. I like them as work horses but not much more. The plastic interior, awkward looks/panel gaps, and rust make them feel disposable. I’m no 211 expert, but seems like $7-10k gets you a decent e500 wagon. Those solve all the main 210 issues, and feel more modern, plus you get the remarkably decent distronic system. Can also go for a diesel sedan if that floats your boat, a friend has a 320 CDI w 270k mi, only just replaced the turbo. A tune gets you >400 ft lbs and 35 mpg.

Perfectly cromulent choices all.

 

[ace10]

$9000, including the vig.

On BaH, the idiocy is contagious.

 

[Kyiv]

What's an equally fresh alternative? $9k gets one, even if decent, still a 20 year old well-worn car

 

[ccrelan]

There is a similar 1997 E320 in Kissimmee, FL area with 85,000 miles advertised on FB for 3 grand

 

[gsxr]

Better to find them on Craigslist or Faceplant Marketplace before the FlipperFee® is tacked on. BaH piles a premium on top of the FF®.

 

[Kyiv]

There is a similar 1997 E320 in Kissimmee, FL area with 85,000 miles advertised on FB for 3 grand

Do you have a link by any chance?

 

[ccrelan]

Do you have a link by any chance?

Facebook

www.facebook.com

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 320 Sedan 4D​

$2,999​

Vehicles​

Listed 2 days ago in Kissimmee, FL​

​

Mint condition in line 6 cylinder reliable engine,cleaned in and out.Low miles only 85k.One of the best Benz model ever made.​

Seller information​

Larry Puzon​

 

[Kyiv]

Facebook

www.facebook.com

Doesn't work...

 

[ccrelan]

Doesn't work...

It works on my end. The listing near the top of the Mercedes FS/FT/WTB Cars and Parts Group

 

[Klink]

210 chatter:
I am firmly in the rust free "210 is a great driving daily" camp, ESPECIALLY the wagons, which are the most practical, useful, and satisfying to drive wagons MB has built to date. The more I drive a 210 wagon, the more I like them, and I've been driving them since they were introduced. The caveat on all this is RUST, and those first few model years can literally be heard rusting in a quiet garage. ALSO, I am not really a fan of the M104 and M119 engined 210s. They are simply too nose heavy. If you drive a M104 or M119 equipped non-wagon 210 and then drive one with a M112 or 113, it is dramatically apparent that it was intended to use them from the start.

And while off topic, I've got to say that the 210 E55 is just bomb over the road. A tiny bit too aggressive on bad pavement, but in any other setting they are fun until Daddy takes the T-Bird away. It's the ONLY car we've had other than the 500Es and her 129 that the Klinkette has expressed outright love for. As is always the case, the diesels sell for too much money because diesel cult. You'd have to drive from here to Uranus all the way back to my anus to have any hope of financial triumph at the filling station, and as with the 104/119 engined cars, they are nose heavy. So, this auction car has the wrong engine for a 210 IMO, and it has the dreaded 210 rust already underway. No thanks...

 

[nocfn]

He's ALIVE...HE'S ALIVE!!!

 

[LWB250]

They are on the market here on a daily basis. Set up a CL search for Tampa and Orlando, FL. I was looking at a 98 S210 over in Orlando the other day that had something stupid in miles, like 50k-60k, but the seller thought they had a gold mine at $7k+. Maybe, MAYBE a $4k car, considering it had a lot of wear and tear on the exterior, but it was a solid car and well maintained. Burgundy with a tan interior. I was in love, but not at that price.

My DD is a 1998 S210 with 204k on the clock. I would gladly walk out, put the key in and drive it anywhere without hesitation right this second. Dead nuts reliable car, and will typically give you warning when it's going to be unhappy.

Dan

 

[Kyiv]

1996, yet no rust . Mods seem pointless to me. Is this a $3-5k - on a real world - car?

No Reserve: Modified 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320

Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: Modified 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #43,671.

bringatrailer.com

 

[gerryvz]

$3K.

 

[LWB250]

1996, yet no rust . Mods seem pointless to me. Is this a $3-5k - on a real world - car?

No Reserve: Modified 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320

Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: Modified 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #43,671.

bringatrailer.com

Lipstick on a pig.



Just another example of how badly HaT has deteriorated.

Dan

 

[gsxr]

Seems they'll take anything if there's no reserve.

 

[Bogeyman]

All hat and no cattle...

 

[ace10]

Seems they'll take anything if there's no reserve.

1/4 to a 1/3 of listings are NR these days. 80 to 100 out of 350 to 400.