Mercedes-Benz 210 series

Mercedes Benz
Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan (1995–1999)
Series 210
Sales designation:	E class
Production period:	1995-2002
Class :	upper middle class
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon
Engines:	Otto engines : 2.0–6.3 liters (100–298 kW) Diesel engines : 2.0–3.2 liters (55–145 kW)
Length:	4819-4850 mm
Width:	1799 mm
Height:	1450-1496 mm
Wheelbase :	2833 mm
Empty weight :	1430-1990 kg
Previous model	Mercedes-Benz 124 series
successor	Mercedes-Benz model series 211

Stars in the Euro NCAP - Crash Test

The E-Class of the 210 series is an upper mid-range vehicle model from Mercedes-Benz . It was presented as the successor to the 124 series in May 1995.

The E-Class was initially available as a classic sedan with a notchback . Unlike the previous model, this series has a striking shape with elliptical headlight lenses, which became known as the "four-eye face". In addition to technical improvements, more customization options have also been implemented. The series was supplemented by a station wagon ( T-model ) in June 1996 .

In March 2002, the 210 series was replaced by the 211 series; the T-model received its successor in December of the same year. During this period, 1,653,437 units rolled off the assembly lines in Sindelfingen, Rastatt and Graz.

Model history

General

Rear view

When it was launched in the spring of 1995, the new E-Class took over from the successful 124 series. In contrast to the rather conservative design of its predecessor, Mercedes-Benz gave this model a new design language. Four elliptical headlights in the front of the vehicle and softer lines create a dynamic appearance. The vehicle design was awarded the red dot design award . The shape of the body is not only unmistakable, it also has low air resistance (C _w = 0.27). To paint coatings were used water-based.

In the E-Class, the concept of the design and equipment lines already known from the C-Class was adopted. These differ in terms of equipment and appearance. The basic model is the “Classic” line, while “Elegance” and “Avantgarde” had to be ordered at extra cost.

The interior was made more massive and rounded. A heating system that can be regulated separately for the driver and front passenger was also used. This was equipped with a dust filter and a recirculation function as standard. As before, there were real wood decorative elements in the interior, in which the recesses for the switches were individually milled out depending on the scope of equipment. Thus, there are no empty caps that indicate a lack of equipment. The electronic instrument cluster has backlight technology; the kilometer displays have been digital since then. Lamp failures are indicated by a warning lamp. A pneumatic system drives the headlight range control, the central locking and the optional foldable rear headrests.

technology

A number of systems were offered at Mercedes-Benz for the first time in the E-Class for an extra charge. A rain sensor , automatic air conditioning with air quality sensor and the Parktronic parking aid were found on the surcharge list . The standard equipment of the E-Class has been significantly upgraded. The series 210 includes the ETS electronic traction system , front and rear electric windows , outside temperature display and a third brake light on the parcel shelf.

At the market launch, there were essentially familiar engines from the previous model and the C-Class or further developments. Only the E 290 turbodiesel model with its OM 602 DE 29 LA engine with direct injection was a fundamental innovation. The E 200 compressor was not offered in Germany . This offshoot of the M 111 engine series is charged by a compressor and was sold in countries with high cubic capacity taxation. The five-speed manual transmission was standard on most models. Four or five-speed automatic transmissions were installed at an additional cost or as standard in the larger gasoline engines.

The multi-link rear axle of the predecessor had proven its worth and continued to be used, but instead of simple shock absorber struts , the front axle was again equipped with a complex double wishbone suspension as in the previous series W123 and W115 . With this construction, the shock absorbers do not have to guide the wheels and transfer bending moments. With the return to the double wishbone, the ride comfort was increased. The construction with double wishbones further reduces the pitching moment, e.g. B. when braking. The previous recirculating ball steering had to give way to a rack and pinion steering that gives a more direct steering feel. It is supported by the standard steering assistance , which was also available as "parameter steering" with speed-dependent steering assistance for an additional charge.

Body styles

Saloon (W 210)

Station wagon (S 210)

Hearse (based on VF 210)

extended sedan (V 210)

Saloon (W 210)

In May 1995 the sedan was launched as the first member of the new E-Class generation and internally referred to as the W 210 . Depending on the size of the fuel tank, the trunk volume is 520 l (with a 65 l tank) or 500 l (with an 80 l tank). In order to enable the transport of long objects, a through-loading facility with a ski bag was installed at an additional cost. This made a tunnel necessary in the fuel tank behind the rear seat bench. The tank volume is 70 l for vehicles with this special equipment.

The sedan was also offered as a special protection vehicle. During the entire construction period, the models E 420 and E 430 could be ordered with the high protection B6. The resulting high vehicle weight made the eight-cylinder engine necessary. From March 1997 the E-Class was also sold with protection class B4. The lighter protection concept offers security against the most common handgun calibers. Due to its lower weight, the B4 protection package was also available for the E 320 model. The special feature of the factory armor is the full integration of the protective elements into the body structure of the vehicle, as these could already be inserted during the manufacturing process. With a wheelbase of 2833 mm, the sedans are 4818 mm long, 1799 mm wide and 1450 mm high.

1,374,199 units of the sedan were produced.

T-model (S 210)

And find out from June 1996 T model bears the internal name S210 . The load volume here is 600 l up to the height of the load compartment cover with the rear bench seat folded up. When folding down the bench seat, removing the seat cushion and loading it up to the roof, a maximum load volume of 1975 l can be achieved. The foldable, asymmetrically split bench is standard in the T-model. The station wagons are 4850 mm long, 1799 mm wide and 1496 mm high.

By December 2002, 279,238 units of the T-model rolled off the production line, making only a small contribution to the production figures for the 210 series. Not all engines were available for this body variant.

Chassis (VF 210)

At the same time as the T-model, a chassis variant was introduced again. The main customers of the VF 210 were vehicle manufacturers for undertakers and ambulance organizations. In contrast to the 124 series, there was no variant with a normal wheelbase. Only the extended version with a 74 cm larger wheelbase was offered. At the market launch there was the E 290 turbodiesel , later followed by the E 250 Diesel (for the Italian market), E 280 and E 220 CDI . The chassis with partial body were no longer completely built in Mercedes-Benz plants. The Binz company in Lorch purchased the T-model body shells from the Sindelfingen plant in order to modify them accordingly and to equip them with drive, chassis, electrics and interior fittings. The chassis were either delivered to body builders for further assembly or converted directly into an ambulance at the Binz company.

Long sedan (V 210)

At the request of the Thai royal family , an extended limousine based on the 210 series was created in 1996. In cooperation with the Binz company, this body variant was jointly developed and initially a one-off piece was produced. The E 320 has a wheelbase longer by 97 cm, six doors and a full third row of seats. Due to the great demand, the long version of the E-Class was mass-produced by Binz from the end of 1996. Customers could choose between all five- and six-cylinder types with gasoline or diesel engines. In addition to the above-mentioned version with six doors and three rows of seats in the direction of travel, a four-door variant with two rows of seats opposite one another was also built in the rear.

Facelift

Original version

When the E-Class went on sale on May 15, 1995, the following models with petrol engines were available: E 200 , E 230 and E 320 . At the same time, the diesel variants E 220 Diesel and E 300 Diesel were offered. The E 200 Kompressor and E 250 Diesel models were available exclusively for export from the market launch. Shortly afterwards, the model range was expanded. From September, the range was expanded to include the E 280 , E 420 and E 290 turbodiesel variants . The E 50 AMG was introduced as a particularly powerful model . In addition to the powerful engine and special chassis, this vehicle is visually differentiated from the rest of the series with an AMG equipment package.

From 1996 the T-model was available with the E 200 T , E 230 T , E 420 T , E 290 Turbodiesel T engines. Here, too, there was the export models E 200 Kompressor T and E 250 Diesel T . In addition, the sedan was offered as the E 200 Diesel for the Portuguese market . The taxi version of the E 220 Diesel was also available from this point in time . The engine of this type is power-reduced and suitable for operation with biodiesel . Production of the chassis also started that year.

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  E-Class (1995–1999)

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  Rear view

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  E-Class Estate (1996–1999)

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  Avant-garde interior

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  Instrument cluster (here with miles display)

Small facelift

In March 1997 the 210 series underwent a minor facelift. The infrared remote control of the locking system has been replaced by a radio version with a bitless key and the ELCODE electronic drive authorization system. A brake assistant and traction control have now been installed as standard. The sidebags in the front doors were now just as standard as an automatic door lock from a speed of 8 km / h. The new ASSYST maintenance computer enables flexible maintenance intervals based on the vehicle's operating conditions. At the same time, the six-cylinder in-line engines from the M104 series were replaced in the E 280 and E 320 . The new engine generation M112 has a 90 ° V arrangement , light metal construction and three-valve technology. The new engines were also available with 4MATIC all - wheel drive . The E 300 turbodiesel was also new, but it relies on proven technology such as pre-chamber injection .

Further engines followed at the IAA in September 1997. The six-cylinder E 240 replaced the E 230 with four cylinders. The latter, however, was manufactured for some foreign markets and for CKD kits until 1998 . The E 420 and E 50 AMG models were replaced by the E 430 and E 55 AMG models . Their engines of the M113 series are technically closely related to the six-cylinder units and were manufactured on the same production lines. There were also some innovations for the export markets. The performance of the E 200 compressor has been increased and the E 250 diesel has been supplemented by the E 250 turbodiesel .

A completely new generation of diesel engines entered the E-Class in June 1998. The engines of the OM 611 series have common rail injection which, in combination with the turbocharger, offers significantly more maximum power with low fuel consumption. In particular, the high torque of the engines makes them popular. The types E 200 CDI and E 220 CDI replaced the E 200 Diesel and the E 220 Diesel . The latter was still built in the taxi variant.

Big facelift

The 210 series underwent profound changes in appearance and technology with the major model update in August 1999. More than 1,800 components were replaced or modified in the course of this measure. The front of the vehicle has been lowered noticeably. Painted side skirts and door handles, rounded exterior mirrors with integrated LED indicators, new taillights and a redesigned rear bumper all contributed to a more modern look. In addition, the roof rails of the T-model were reshaped and redesigned wheels or wheel trims were introduced.

The interior was also redesigned: new materials were introduced and the shape of the door panels was redesigned. The grab handles on the headliner were now foldable instead of rigid. A multifunction steering wheel with eight buttons enables the telephone, radio and the trip computer to be operated. Information on these systems is shown on a display in the instrument cluster. In addition, from this point in time, ESP and windowbags were taken over from the list of surcharges as standard equipment. There were new options in the form of ventilated front seats, a dynamic navigation system and the new COMAND infotainment system with a large screen.

All engines up to 2.8 l displacement received a new manual transmission with six gears. A new five-speed automatic transmission with electronic tip shift was supplied as standard for the larger engines at an additional cost. The eight-cylinder engines could now be ordered with all-wheel drive.

The range of diesel engines has changed. With the facelift, the E 200 CDI and E 220 CDI types were revised and their performance increased. The E 220 CDI replaced the five-cylinder E 290 turbodiesel . The six-cylinder E 300 turbodiesel was replaced by the five-cylinder E 270 CDI from the OM 612 series and the six-cylinder E 320 CDI ( OM 613 ). All CDI engines were technically closely related. They mainly differ in the number of cylinders.

The range of gasoline engines initially remained unchanged. Mid-2000 was the E 200 of the and export versions E 200 compressor through the series on M 111 EVO based E 200 compressor replaced. The E 240 experienced an increase in displacement from 2.4 to 2.6 liters.

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  Mercedes-Benz E-Class (1999-2002)

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  Rear view

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  Mercedes-Benz E-Class T-Model (1999-2003)

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  Avant-garde interior after the major facelift

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  The central display in the instrument cluster

Equipment variants

Classic

The Classic design and equipment line is the basic version of the E-Class. On the outside it has black door handles, ram protection strips in a contrasting color and the Classic logo . The B-pillar cladding (also C-pillar on the T-model), the decorative trim and the roof trim are in hematite (glossy black). Depending on the engine, 15 "or 16" steel wheels with wheel covers were standard. On the E 420 , 16 ″ light alloy wheels in 10-hole design from the Elegance line were standard. The grille was gray and wore the classic waffle look.

The interior features fabric upholstery in the "wave" design and decorative strips made of plane tree wood. The steering wheel has a rim made of black, foamed plastic. The gear lever or selector lever is also black and has a badge with the word Classic .

During the major facelift, the design of the wheel covers was changed. The “Cannes” fabric pattern and the “Alameda” wood were also introduced. The door handles were now painted in body color.

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  Mercedes-Benz W210 Classic (1995–1999)

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  Rear view

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  Mercedes-Benz S210 Classic (1999-2003)

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  Rear view

Elegance

The Elegance line was available for an extra charge . It should appeal to customers who want their vehicle to be particularly elegant. On the outside, this can be seen primarily from the chrome trim strips that are attached to the bumpers, bumper strips and door handles. Other deviations from the Classic Line include the roof trims, which were painted in the vehicle color, and the Elegance lettering on the bumper strip. This design and equipment line was equipped with light alloy wheels in a 10-hole design as standard.

In addition to the basic line, the interior featured pompadour pockets on the backrests of the front seats, exit lights in the doors, illuminated make-up mirrors, seat belts in the same color as the equipment (front and rear) and automatic convenience (front), an automatically dimming interior mirror and an armrest with compartment and rear ventilation nozzles. The steering wheel and the gear lever or selector lever are made of leather and match the color of the equipment. The badge in the gearshift lever or selector lever bears the word Elegance . The seats have the “Prestige” fabric design and the trim is made from the precious wood burr walnut .

The surcharge for standard equipment on May 15, 1995 for all engines except the E 420 was DM 3,450.00. With this engine, DM 2461, - surcharge had to be paid.

During the major facelift, the design of the wheels was changed in line with the Classic line . Now, depending on the engine, 16 ″ or 17 ″ light alloy wheels with eleven perforated wheel discs were standard. The upholstery now had the "Monte Carlo" pattern. The scope of equipment has been expanded to include an interior light package and aluminum door sills with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering. This line was now standard for the E 430 , for all other types a surcharge of DM 3,482.55 had to be paid on January 29, 2001.

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  Mercedes-Benz W210 Elegance (1995–1999)

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  Rear view

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  Mercedes-Benz W210 Elegance (1999-2002)

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  Rear view

avant-garde

The Avantgarde line could be chosen as a sporty variant . Like the Elegance line , it had chrome moldings and roof moldings painted in body color. In addition, the bumper strips were painted in the vehicle color. In contrast to the other lines, the glazing was tinted blue instead of green. On the B-pillar cladding (also C-pillar on the T-model) a color gradient film in the vehicle color was attached. The radiator grille has transverse slats with a glossy black insert. The body of all rear-wheel drive models is slightly lowered. This line is equipped with 16 ″ light alloy wheels in five-hole design with high-sheen rim flanges as standard. The word Avantgarde is attached to the bumper strip on the fender . Xenon headlights (only for dipped beam ) were standard , which were supplemented by an automatic headlight range control and a headlight cleaning system due to the approval regulations. In addition to the standard paintwork, special colors such as “violan” or “amazonite green” were available for the Avantgarde package.

In the interior, the line has the same additional equipment as the Elegance line . In contrast to this, the upholstery has the pattern "Tiffany" and the gear or selector lever badge has the word Avantgarde . The trim is made of dark bird's- eye maple wood. Gear lever and selector lever, leather steering wheel and seat belts are always black on this equipment line.

The surcharge for standard equipment on May 15, 1995 for all engines except the E 420 was DM 5750.00. With this engine a surcharge of DM 4761, - had to be paid.

From the facelift, the scope of equipment was expanded. The cover of the rear window switch was made of fine wood and the dials of the instrument cluster were gray. The new “Tiffany” fabric design had a black base color with three accent colors to choose from. You could choose between the dark bird's-eye maple wood and the lighter sapele wood at no extra charge . On the outside, there were red and gray taillights to differentiate it from the other lines. New 16 ″ or 17 ″ alloy wheels in five-hole design with high-sheen rim flanges were standard equipment. The surcharge for the E 430 on January 29, 2001 was DM 2,325.49 and for all other engines DM 5808.03.

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  Mercedes-Benz W210 Avantgarde (1995–1999)

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  Rear view

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  Mercedes-Benz W210 Avantgarde (1999-2002)

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  Rear view

AMG

E 60 AMG (1996-1998)

E 55 AMG (1999-2002)

The AMG models are based on the Avantgarde design and equipment line . All AMG vehicles received AMG components. Specifically, these were spoiler bumpers and rocker panels, exhaust system, sports suspension, light alloy wheels in the format 8Jx18 ET31 (front) and 9Jx18 ET35 (rear), tires 235/40 R18 (front) and 265/35 R 18 (rear), heated sports seats with leather cover and Memory function, steering wheel, selector lever and a modified instrument cluster.

In addition, the standard equipment of all AMG vehicles has been upgraded. Drive slip control (later ESP), armrest with compartment and rear compartment ventilation, 100Ah battery, 5-speed automatic transmission with cruise control, automatic air conditioning, fuel tank with a larger capacity, alternator with greater power, speed-sensitive steering and metallic paint are part of the basic equipment.

The bumpers and side skirts were also offered for the other engines in the AMG styling package. The 18 ″ alloy wheels were also available.

E 50 AMG

The 210 series was also offered as the E 50 AMG from February 1996 . For the first time in the E-Class, an AMG vehicle was included in the regular price list with this variant. In the price list of February 5, 1996, the E 50 AMG was listed with a base price of DM 148,350.

E 60 AMG and E 36 AMG

The six-liter V8 already used in the predecessor was again offered as the E 60 AMG , but only on special request from AMG. This was then built on the basis of the E 50 AMG at AMG. The E 36 AMG based on the E 280 (analogous to the C-Class ) was also available. There were only small numbers of both variants. The E 60 AMG , there were also individual pieces, which were built with an enlarged to 6,3l displacement engine.

E 55 AMG

E 55 AMG Estate

From August 1999, the previous models were replaced by the new E 55 AMG , which was powered by the new M 113 V8. The E 55 AMG was officially offered as a sedan and station wagon. The price list of January 29, 2001 stated a purchase price of DM 152,233.98. On request, AMG even produced vehicles with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The base vehicle for this was the E 430 4MATIC .

Tuning models

During the entire construction period there were numerous tuning vehicles from high-end tuners such as Brabus , Lorinser and Carlsson . These differed in optics and engine performance from the series models. In particular, the Brabus E V12 with its 7.3l twelve-cylinder engine represents a radical conversion.

drive

For the 210 series there was a wide range of vehicles with gasoline and diesel engines. If known engines from other series were used at the start of production, these were successively replaced by more modern types. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive was added later in production.

Petrol engines

Four-cylinder

M 111

The four-cylinder gasoline engines in the E-Class all come from the M 111 series and were already used in the previous series. The types E 200 and E 230 have a cylinder head made of light metal and an engine block made of gray cast iron. Four valves per cylinder are controlled by a timing chain from two overhead camshafts. For use in the 210 series, the engine's injection system was equipped with a hot-film air mass measurement (HFM instead of KE-Jetronic). Both engines also got an inlet camshaft that could be adjusted during operation. The shape of the combustion chamber was changed in the smaller engine and the displacement increased in the larger engine. In 1997 the E 230 was replaced by the small six-cylinder E 240 . Production of the larger four-cylinder was maintained for another year for some export markets and for use in CKD kits.

The E 200 compressor was manufactured for export markets with taxation based on displacement . It is based on the engine of the C 230 Kompressor presented at the IAA 1995 and, like this one, has an Eaton M62 Roots blower . In the first model year, this engine was offered with an output of 132 kW (180 hp). Later there were two power levels of 141 kW (192 PS; for Italy, Greece and Portugal) and 137 kW (186 PS; for other export markets), which were retained until mid-2000.

M 111 EVO

From then on, all four-cylinder types were replaced by the E 200 supercharger with the new M 111 EVO engine. Compared to its predecessor, over 150 components have been changed. In particular, the new Eaton M 45 compressor has been improved in terms of charging noise, friction and weight. Further modifications reduced the engine's consumption and exhaust emissions.

Six-cylinder

M 104

In the first two years of production, the E 280 and E 320 models were offered with the M-104 engine. Like the four-cylinder in the E-Class, this in-line six-cylinder has a cast iron engine block and a light-alloy cylinder head. It also has four valves per cylinder, which are controlled by two camshafts driven by a timing chain. It has a two-stage phase adjustment of the intake camshaft. At the customer's request, AMG manufactured the E 36 AMG , which, like the C-Class, is based on the E 280 . This took over the main features of the M 104 engine from the E 280 , but was fundamentally revised, increased displacement and increased performance.

M 112

In 1997 these models received the new M-112 engine. This 90 ° V-engine has two intake valves and one exhaust valve per cylinder. The block and cylinder heads are made of aluminum. One camshaft per cylinder bank controls the valves via rocker arms. The three-valve design with a single exhaust valve results in a smaller exhaust port surface, which means that when the engine is cold, the exhaust gas loses less heat to the cylinder head. This enables the catalytic converters to reach an optimal operating temperature more quickly. Each cylinder is equipped with two spark plugs, which ignite at different times and thus enable faster and more even combustion. These measures enabled fuel consumption to be reduced by up to 13% compared to the previous R6 engines with better power output. The then strictest emission standards could be undercut. The E 240 was offered as the smallest variant of the new engine type. In 2000, the displacement of this type was increased from 2.4 to 2.6 liters, while the designation remained the same.

Eight-cylinder

M 119

The M-119 engine used in the E 420 as well as in the E 50 AMG and its expansion stages was already used in the predecessor 124 series and has four-valve cylinder heads with two chain-driven overhead camshafts per cylinder bank. Here, too, a two-stage phase adjustment of the intake camshafts was used. All AMG vehicles with the M 119 engine were built on the basis of the E 420 .

M 113

The type M 113 is technically closely related to the six-cylinder M 112. Both engines have the same angle of 90 ° between the cylinder banks, the same cylinder spacing of 106 mm and can therefore be manufactured on the same production lines. This series came out in September 1997 as the E 430 , which replaced the E 420 . The previous AMG engines received a successor based on the M 113 with the E 55 AMG .

Technical specifications

Diesel engines

Four-cylinder

OM 604

With the OM 604 series , Mercedes-Benz established four-valve technology for diesel engines in the C-Class. The use of four instead of two valves per cylinder enables increased torque and power over a significantly expanded speed range. At the same time, fuel consumption at full load fell by up to eight percent. The OM 604 was initially only offered in the E 220 Diesel . He was also as a highly reduced and biodiesel optimized cab model available. However, the E 200 Diesel was developed for export to Portugal, of which only 688 were built between June 1996 and July 1998.

Car Mercedes W210 taxi

OM 611

In June 1998 the new models E 200 CDI and E 220 CDI appeared . The OM 611 , the first Mercedes-Benz diesel engine with common rail direct injection, works under the bonnet . The injection pressure (up to 1350 bar) is constantly stored in a common line for all cylinders. Solenoid valves then inject the fuel through the injectors. The comparison with the E 220 diesel shows 30 percent more power and 50 percent more torque with 10 percent less consumption. The increase in torque is particularly noticeable in the lower speed ranges. The new model replaced the E 200 Diesel and 220 Diesel types , which since then have only been available as a reduced-power taxi variant. With the facelift in August 1999, this variant was also omitted. The E 200 CDI and E 220 CDI engines received a revision that increased their performance and brought many improvements to the details.

Five-cylinder

Engine of the
E 290 turbo diesel

OM 602

The E 290 turbodiesel occupies an exceptional position in the diesel engine range . Based on the engine type OM 602 , it was installed from March 1996 up to the major model update and has turbo-charging and intercooling. It was the first Mercedes car diesel with direct injection, but still without a common rail system (CDI) and without four-valve technology. Despite pilot injection and the very restrained power rating, the engine had the typical loud noise of a first-generation direct injection engine. To reduce the noise level, much more extensive insulation than before was necessary.

OM 605

Diesel engines of the OM 605 series were only offered in the E-Class in Greece, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia and Hungary. The E 250 Diesel was built from the market launch to the major facelift . It is technically closely related to the four-cylinder E 200 diesel and differs from it mainly through an additional cylinder, while the bore, stroke and four-valve technology are the same. In September 1997 the E 250 turbodiesel supplemented the engine range for foreign markets. It is technically based on the E 250 diesel . The built-in turbocharger increases the output of the OM 605 from 83 kW (113 hp) to 110 kW (150 hp).

OM 612

All five-cylinder diesel engines were replaced by the E 270 CDI during the major facelift . Similar to the previous series, its OM 612 CDI engine is based on the four-cylinder OM 611. Here, too, the main difference to the E 220 CDI is the number of cylinders.

Six-cylinder

OM 606

From the start of production until March 1997, the E 300 Diesel was the diesel model with the largest displacement in the E-Class. As a representative of the OM 606 series , it is a derivative of the E 200 Diesel and E 250 Diesel models that has been extended by one or two cylinders . Its four-valve naturally aspirated diesel with pre-chamber injection is technically closely related to these types. After the E 300 Diesel was discontinued , the E 300 Turbodiesel became the top model in the 210 series diesel engine range. As with its five-cylinder brother, the turbocharger here ensured a significant increase in output from 100 kW (136 hp) to 130 kW (177 hp).

OM 613

The E 320 CDI replaced the OM 606 engines in the major facelift. Its OM 613 engine with 145 kW (197 hp) peak output is very similar to the other CDI engines from a technical point of view and forms an engine family with them.

Technical specifications

all wheel drive

As with the previous model, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system was optionally available in the E-Class from 1997. Compared to the system in the predecessor, the drive concept has been fundamentally further developed. The permanent all-wheel drive was combined with the electronic traction system ETS. The conventional differential locks of the predecessor were omitted. The new 4MATIC models are developed and built in cooperation with Steyr-Daimler-Puch Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH in Graz. All-wheel drive was initially available in the E 280 4MATIC , later the range was expanded to include the E 320 4MATIC and E 430 4MATIC . AMG produced a small series of the E 55 AMG 4MATIC based on the E 430 4MATIC . All-wheel drive was offered for both the sedan and the estate.

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  E 320 4MATIC T (1997–1999)

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  E 320 4MATIC T (1999-2003)

Weak points

In general, the vehicles of the 210 series are considered robust and technically inconspicuous. Nevertheless, some weak points have emerged over the years. In particular, massive corrosion damage to the body has damaged the reputation of this E-Class. A spreading bacterium in the newly introduced water-based paintwork is stated to be the main cause (see section on bodywork ). The series of the predecessor model of the W210 (W124) was already affected. Not all vehicles in the W210 series are affected; Vehicles that have been painted after the paint shop has been refilled at regular intervals are often more resistant to corrosion than average.

drive

Engines

• The following problems occur more frequently with gasoline engines: uneven running (air mass meter), engines dying when idling (idling actuator), lack of draft (crankshaft sensor). Oil leaks on camshaft adjusters (magnets) lead in the long term to destroyed engine wiring harness and control unit.
• Problems occurred repeatedly with the first models with CDI engines. The cylinder heads developed hairline cracks, which were not recorded by diagnostic systems and only occasionally became noticeable through pressure build-up in the cooling system. The problem only became apparent at an advanced mileage (200,000 km) and required the cylinder head to be replaced. Problems also arose with stuck diesel injectors (due to leaks).
• The seals of the Lucas distributor injection pump of the E 220 Diesel (70 kW) often become hard and leak as a result with increasing age. Replacing the entire injection pump is very expensive; it is possible to change the seals concerned.
• The timing chain of the M119 engine E 420 and E 50 AMG is considered to be vulnerable and can cause problems, especially at high mileages - up to and including chain breakage.
• In the case of the six-cylinder engines, when the mileage is high, the cylinder head cover gaskets usually lose oil from around 170,000 km. The escaping oil drips onto the exhaust, resulting in an unpleasant smell.

transmission

• The automatic transmissions (ATG) require maintenance if a long service life is sought. Shift jerks and shifting problems are reported, but these can often be eliminated by changing the transmission oil. The manufacturer has therefore changed back to a one-time change of the transmission oil after 60,000 km despite a previously propagated lifetime filling of the automatic transmission (no change of the ATF necessary). Recently, some service companies on the market have also offered flushing and subsequent refilling for the maintenance of the ATG. This eliminates the previous problem that, depending on the model, not the entire amount of oil is replaced when simply draining and refilling the transmission oil (ATF).
• The central plug of the ATG leaks at a seal, it then pulls ATF through the cable to the control unit of the automatic transmission, which then has to be replaced.

Vehicle electrics

• The first vehicles (without xenon) had problems with lamps that often burn out. The light output weakens with increasing age, the cause are often yellowed and scratched plastic diffusers.
• The ABS and ESP warning displays were often complained about, and the alternators were also replaced, but mostly before the warranty period expired.
• The brake light switch is defective in many vehicles and then triggers a “BAS / ASR” warning message or the “ABS” and “ESP” indicator lights.
• From model year 2000 onwards, so-called pixel errors in the instrument cluster (clock, outside temperature display) occur with increasing vehicle age, which make reading very difficult or sometimes even impossible, as several segments of the digital displays often fail. As a remedy, Mercedes plans to replace the entire instrument cluster, which is expensive. However, service providers have now also established themselves who offer cheaper repairs. You can also find instructions on the Internet that you can use to carry out this repair yourself.

body

Rust problems occur more frequently in all years of construction . Young vehicles were often affected, but there are exceptional vehicles from certain small production windows that are not affected. An often alleged causal connection with the conditions of use and accommodation of the vehicle (salty area; unventilated garage etc.) has not been scientifically proven for this series beyond the normal increased risk that also affects every other vehicle.

The rust problem of the 210 series is a material-related design error, for which the cathodic dip painting together with a changed sheet metal trim with poorer deburring during production is responsible. The main cause, however, is the paintwork itself, which was converted to water-based paints in 1993, which is why the last years of the 124 model series can also be affected. The entire paint system, including the filler, is water-based in these vehicles, the main cause of the corrosion problem is bacterially contaminated immersion baths. Shortly after the conversion in 1993, paint damage on the previous series was discovered.

From the end of 1997 microbiological examinations were carried out at the Sindelfingen plant for the first time and it was found that, in addition to the existence of bacteria of the metabolic strain Burkholderia cepacia and due to their excretions, a rapid increase in the pH of the paint material from 5.9 to 6.3 was. As a result of the consumption of the neutralizing agents acetate and L-lactate , surface defects such as craters or bubbles, peeling of the paint, poor paint grip around cut sheet metal edges, the formation of paint sludge, increase in layer thickness and lower layer resistance resulted. In addition, the paint no longer cross-links properly during the baking process. However, this problem did not arise until about the third week after the system was refilled with paint, which explains that not the entire series is affected, but that there are small series of exceptional vehicles that do not show any rust.

An examination of the vehicle for corrosion as part of the regular inspection by the manufacturer must be commissioned and paid for separately, which surprises many vehicle owners. This, as well as the lack of factory wax preservation in places, for example on the underbody, was the case with various manufacturers in these production years.

All body parts in this series can be affected by corrosion. For example, the following are particularly frequently affected:

• Door edges under the rubber seals
• Battery compartment under the rear seat bench
• Strut dome and upper shock absorber mount on the front axle
• Front axle support, rear axle support, partly not visible under panels
• Sheet metal edges on the bonnet , also in the area of ​​the radiator and the Mercedes star
• Tailgate (hinge pockets, on the edge of the rear window and around the third brake light) on the station wagon
• Tailgate between license plate and handle for opening the flap around
• Sheet metal around the trunk lock (sedan) and tailgate handle (station wagon)
• Extensive rust attack in the sub-floor area and rusting underneath the edges
• Brackets and sheet metal edges under the inner fenders at the front and rear, not visible without dismantling
• Brackets of the bumper , but not visible without dismantling
• Swell , not visible without an endoscope
• Both front fenders under the headlights, joint to the front bumper

There was even under-rusting (blistering), for example in the middle of the bonnet, in the middle of the doors and in the middle of the roof.

criticism

Rust problems occur in all years of construction. The problem has been picked up by the motor press since around 2000 and affects all models. In the case of vehicles, depending on their overall condition and previous goodwill work already carried out, the manufacturer granted goodwill in the removal of rust damage, but only up to the 8th (for some components up to the 10th) year of operation and only after massive pressure from the media in 2001 Vehicle owners who had their vehicles in the service book were given some or all of the rust removal free of charge as a goodwill gesture.

There was no long-term solution to the problem. An attempt to sue for the 30-year " rust-through guarantee (from the inside to the outside)" for vehicles sold from October 24, 1998, was rejected by the Federal Court of Justice on December 12, 2007 on the grounds that inspections were not carried out by authorized workshops (file number VIII ZR 187 / 06). The Stuttgart Higher Regional Court also stated with the same justification in a judgment of October 14, 2008 that “rusting through from the inside to the outside” within the meaning of this guarantee could not be asserted due to the lack of maintenance services in authorized workshops (file number 1 U 74/08).

At the Thuringian Higher Regional Court , however, a lawsuit for liability for rust defects in a Mercedes-Benz Vito under the 30-year MobiloLife guarantee for passenger cars from 2000 was successful on May 23, 2011: "The assertion of guarantee claims does not fail because of the missing one Performing maintenance work in the defendant's authorized workshops ". "The expert defines the term 'rust perforation from the inside out' as such corrosion processes in which the sheet metal begins to rust without mechanical damage to the paintwork (corrosion protection)". The revision was not permitted (file number 9 U 100/10).

The W210 in the future

Around 18 years after production was discontinued, the W210 is on the way from a youngtimer to a future Mercedes classic; the oldest specimens are 25 years old. When the model appeared, the new design sparked very controversial discussions that have continued to this day. The controversial "four-eyed face" can be seen as a design milestone in the modern Mercedes era and had a major impact on subsequent E-Classes and other models (e.g. CLK).

Compared to its more compact, dynamic and functional predecessor, the W124, the W210 offers improved, new "space opulence" and generosity, paired with many technically tangible improvements (e.g. double wishbones, rack and pinion steering) and new engines (e.g. V6- Petrol and diesel, CDI). There are also significantly improved safety and standard equipment.

Most vehicles of the W210 production, from the above mentioned. Corrosion problems have been or are being used more and more as consumer cars, exported or completely shut down. The stock and supply of well-preserved vehicles is currently decreasing, demand and the price level are (still) low.

However, well-preserved and serviced specimens, first-hand vehicles, neat and rust-free W210s with attractive engines (e.g. E290 turbo-diesel, E300 turbo-diesel, various CDI, M111 compressor petrol series, in-line six-cylinder M104 and eight-cylinder M119 ) increasingly rare and traded at collector's prices.

It is not difficult to predict that the T-series (station wagon), which was one of the most generous station wagons of all, will become one of the most sought-after examples of this series. The coupés and convertibles (CLK) are based on the C-Class (W203) and are “actually” not an E-Class, but they are still attractive. Good AMG - that survived - remain in a class of their own.

Despite all the criticism of the four-eye W210 and the exaggeration of the “legendary” predecessor W124 as the “last real” Mercedes, the same trend is gradually emerging: the W210, like all its predecessors, is becoming a coveted young or (future) old-timer, Good condition, especially the body, provided.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ http://www.euroncap.com/tests/mercedes_benz_e_class_1998/50.aspx
2. ↑ http://www.motor-talk.de/faq/mercedes-e-klasse-w210-q89.html#Q3594587
3. ↑ Price list "New E-Class" from May 15, 1995 ( Memento of the original from April 30, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
4. ↑ http://www.motor-talk.de/faq/mercedes-e-klasse-w210-q89.html#Q3476387
5. ↑ http://www.motor-talk.de/faq/mercedes-e-klasse-w210-q89.html#Q3476394
6. ↑ https://workspaces.acrobat.com/app.html#d=m*-k82UEYyT0ow0t4x-Icw
7. ↑ http://www.amg-owners-club.de/192.0.html
8. ↑ http://www.atzonline.de/Artikel/3/192/Technischer-Fortstieg-durch-Evolution-Neue-Vierylinder-Ottomotoren-von-Mercedes-Benz-auf-Basis-des-ervielhaben-M111-%282% 29.html  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.  
9. ↑ With four eyes: the 210 series (1995 to 2003). ( Memento of the original from June 10, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. In: daimler.com , January 13, 2009. 
10. ↑ E 55 AMG sedan and T-model 4MATIC W / S 210. In: amg-owners-club.de .
11. ↑ W140 Forum. Accessed July 1, 2012
12. ↑ Ortiefer, Maurice-André: Oil canal problem ( Memento of the original from June 19, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The  archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Private homepage. June 3, 2010. Retrieved January 28, 2016
13. ↑ ^{a b} Nanu! A Mercedes that rusts ... In: Auto Bild , February 25, 2002. Retrieved January 28, 2016
14. ↑ Gühring, Ina Katrin: Microbial infestation of electrocoat in the automotive industry . University of Stuttgart, dissertation. April 2000.
15. ↑ Caution, risk of rust! In: Auto Bild , February 10, 2005. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
16. ↑ The rust is gnawing at the star. In: Auto Bild , February 11, 2004. Retrieved January 28, 2016
17. ↑ Mercedes-Benz E-Class - Test report Mercedes-Benz E-Class W 210 ( Memento from January 15, 2013 in the Internet Archive ). In: mobile.de . Retrieved January 21, 2016
18. ↑ Good Benz, bad Benz. In: Auto Bild , February 27, 2010.
19. ↑ Holzwarth, Ulrich: First-class alternatives? - Used E-Class, Maxima, S80, 607 . In: Auto Bild , August 17, 2006. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
20. ↑ Manufacturer is liable for rust defects . In: Auto Bild , November 14, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2016
21. ↑ Full text of the judgment of the Higher Regional Court of Thuringia from May 23, 2011, file number 9 U 100/10 . Retrieved May 16, 2012

Web links

Commons : Mercedes-Benz series 210  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• Autobild used car test W 210 (sedan)