Mercedes E-Class W210 - the old business class and its problems

Mercedes cars are traditionally loved in Russia. Especially popular is the E-Class, which is also a business. It all started with the W123, which cut through Moscow in the 80s. The Soviet Union even bought a batch of cars to work as a taxi. By the way, this is not the E-Class yet, although many call it the first generation.


In the early 90s, the E-Class W124 became the most popular Mercedes. It was a versatile vehicle. Not as prestigious as the "Boar" S-Class, but more affordable.

The Mercedes E-Class W124 was produced in several body types - from a sedan to a station wagon and a stylish coupe. The latter, by the way, disappeared in the next generation, and our today's story will be about him.


Mercedes E-Class W210 is popularly called "Lupaty". He received this nickname for the characteristic shape of the headlights. The price now starts from 150 thousand rubles for copies on the go. Of course, they have many problems, but they move on their own. For the most expensive W210 they want 1,5-3 million rubles.

Body and interior

The main problem of any old Mercedes is rust. Cars of this brand from 1995 until about 2002 rot mercilessly. It is worth starting the body, as the chips turn into "bugs", and they quickly transform into through holes.

Mercedes W210 was especially affected. Many owners of old Opels claim that "Lupaty" rots even faster than their cars. Finding a W210 without rust is very difficult. Of course, such specimens sometimes come across, but they also ask for them dearly.


If you come across a beautiful body, it means that it has recently been completely repainted. Do not worry - corrosion will soon find its way out and the car will “bloom” with red spots. Of course, if the car was treated with a complete disassembly, this will not happen, but only a few do it.


Another weak point is the front subframe, the “TV”. It is frankly fragile, bends at the slightest frontal accident and rots, of course. And radiators with wires, branch pipes, tees and fans are attached to it. Nobody needs problems with the engine cooling system. It happens that inexperienced drivers do not pay attention, getting overheated and the motor wedge.

As for the interior, there are usually few problems outwardly. Wear-resistant materials, if the machine was not used for construction, then they demonstrate real German quality.


But with electronics, not everything is so rosy. The car is already budget-priced in the used market, so it is often not spared.

Main problems:

✅ Power windows
✅ Central lock
✅ Luke. It is better to choose a car without it
✅ Climate dampers

In general, it is desirable to check each button. Owners, as a rule, like to tell stories that there was only a wire interrupted or a contact came off. It’s not worth believing - sometimes there is such a “collective farm” with an electrician that everything ends with a short circuit and fire.

Four-cylinder engines

The motors of the Mercedes E-Class W210 are different - it all depends on the year of manufacture. On sale, as a rule, come across power units with a volume of up to 2,4 liters, regardless of the type of fuel. But there are more powerful motors in the range. More often it is 3,2 and 4,2 / 4,3. Sometimes on sale you can find engines from AMG with a volume of 5 to 6,3 liters. But this is already a real exclusive for the elite, who are ready to invest a lot of money in an old car.


The most common engine for the Mercedes W210 is the four-cylinder M 111. The engine is reliable with a volume of 2,0 to 2,3 liters. These power units do not cause any problems - on the contrary, they are considered the standard. But do not forget that the car is old. Careless owners and lack of maintenance can destroy even a reliable engine.

Therefore, the inspection here is standard - so that the motor does not “troil”, nothing in it rang and no leaks. If there is no experience, it is better to go to the service station.
The biggest problem with four-cylinder powertrains is their quiet nature. It will not work to move dynamically on cars with such motors. But fuel consumption will not hit the pocket.

If you want to go faster, but on the M 111, you can find an option with a compressor. This power unit has been produced since 2000. It is also reliable, but fuel consumption is higher - the price for dynamics.

V6

The six-cylinder M 104s are also good. Volume 2,8 and 3,2 liters. These are "millionaires" provided that the cooling system is in good condition and timely serviced.


The main problem with the M 104 is fuel consumption. But these engines are the "golden mean". They will give dynamics, so that the old car will leave behind most of the new "state employees" at the traffic lights.

Plus, the M 104 power units do not like the intervention of "garage" specialists. This does not mean that they are not repairable. Just finding a master who will do everything in good faith is not easy. It is easier to fill with sealant during assembly. As a result, the engine will "snot".

There is also a V6 M 112 - a volume of 2,4 liters. Also common in Russia. The engine as a whole is no worse in reliability than the M 111 and M 104. After restyling in 2000, it received a volume of 2,6 liters.

Eight-cylinder power units

The rarest engines are V8 M 119 and M 113. The first ones were installed on the S-class of the W140 generation. Excellent motors - reliable. The main thing is that the previous owner does not "kill" the engine with a complete lack of maintenance.


The main problem is fuel consumption up to 20 liters in the city. During the inspection, you need to pay attention to the condition of the engine compartment wiring and electronics - the motors are heat loaded.

And maintenance of M 119 and M 113 is not the most pleasant experience. V8 engines can hardly fit under the hood of a car, so the layout is tight. You have to disassemble half of the motor in some cases. Although, difficulties arise only initially. When the "hand is full", this is no longer a problem.

Heavy fuel engines

Diesel engines on the pre-styling Mercedes W210 are the ideal of reliability. The five-cylinder OM605 and OM606 are capable of over a million miles before a major overhaul.


That's just "Old" motors with a cargo character. They specifically rumble, reminiscent of tractors. You should not expect any dynamics from these engines - but fuel consumption pleases.


The Mercedes W210 has no frankly unsuccessful engines at all. Therefore, when choosing, you need to focus on your preferences and the desired fuel consumption.

What else to pay attention to

There are no complaints about manual transmissions, except for age and wear. The most problematic automatic transmissions are 722.6, produced from 1997 to 2002. Early "automatic machines" have indexes 722.4 and 722.5. They are reliable and calm.


On the chassis of the Mercedes W210 does not cause trouble. Is that the front suspension for Russian roads is too tender. Therefore, when buying, diagnostics will not hurt. All found faults are a reason to bargain.


It is expensive to repair the Mercedes W210 hodovka. But it’s better not to save on this - the car does not like Chinese parts. Although, if you search the forums, some spare parts can be picked up, and they will “walk” for a long time.

The main problem of the Mercedes W210 is the rotting body. Most cars on the used market need serious investment. But if you manage to find a good copy and do anti-corrosion treatment every year, Mercedes will remain with children and grandchildren.