Merc W210 320 CDi... Money pit or cheap barge?

[PoleDriver]

Just looking at a 'Y' plate E320 CDi at under a grand in pretty nice condition, leather seats and all the usual toys.
What is the reliability like on these? I'm just looking for a large, cheap workhorse to last me a year and (hopefully) sell about the same price.

[LeighW]

My uncle has one the same year that he's had since new. Apart from the obvious (ie it's going rusty), it's been very reliable. A couple of injectors and a MAF sensor are about all it's needed besides normal servicing and consumables. It goes well too, and he gets mid to high forties mpg on a run. It's a shame the bodies crumble so much as they're pretty robust mechanically.

[PoleDriver]

I've had a good look and there doesn't appear to be any rust in the usual places (or anyuwhere else for that matter), the only real problem is scratched paint on the bumpers.
I'm really concerned with the longevity of the expensive mechanical bits!

[LeighW]

In that case, as long as it's not been to the moon and back and has been serviced regularly, I'd say go for it. Not all Mercs of this era were rubbish, my CLK certainly wasn't.

[PoleDriver]

[J4CKO]

My mate had one, he asked me what the best thing was for the bodywork, I said a dustpan and brush.

[Sbloxxy]

I use to sell these when they were in production (I worked at a Mercedes dealership in the late 90's). They were phenomenal cars when they were new.

Now some 15 years later I've recently bought a 2001 E320cdi estate, 165,000 miles and still quite impressive. Yes there are a few rust spots here and there but its all about the drivetrain really. Mine still goes like a train with mountains of torque and strong performance. Still feels quite special to drive even though it only cost me £1000. Good bit of kit and still feels unbreakable.

[PoleDriver]

That's what I'm hoping. Any engine/gearbox/suspension/braking issues?
I'll also be taking an OBD2 tester with me when I pick it up, any serious codes I need to look out for?

[rangie999]

Best of luck with this.....I sold mine after ten years having owned from new. The drivetrain is indeed fantastic with impressive performance and reliability. However once they start to go wrong it's a very slippery slope.....the electrics can be very difficult to keep up with. Rust though will defeat you no matter how tidy it appears. They rust from the inside out it feels like.....such a shame as they are ticking time bombs.

[confused_buyer]

PoleDriver said:

That's what I'm hoping. Any engine/gearbox/suspension/braking issues?
I'll also be taking an OBD2 tester with me when I pick it up, any serious codes I need to look out for?

Subframe bushes are certainly a weak point. If feels like there is too much movement from the back end they're gone - not the end of the world to sort out.

[SVX]

The 320 CDI unit is a very strong engine, chain timed too. Other than the usual on a diesel (injectors etc.), these have a reputation of attaining huge mileages with ease.

Front lower ball joints are considered a consumable, I did the front ones twice on my W202 C-Class, and the single arm wiper motor can strip itself requiring a replacement or a rebuild, though I suspect there are plenty available via breakers yards by now.

Being a 2000 MY 'Y' reg (check the V5), this car might be one of the first ones to have the corrective paint fix, that dramatically improves rust prevention.

At that price, and as long as everything works electronically inside, I'd go for it.

[PoleDriver]

Well... Mechanically and rust-wise it was fine! Unfortunately there were too many scratches and broken interior trim!
Looking at a 528i Touring now!