Owner Review: It's all about my father's passion to buy a Mercedes - 1996 Mercedes Benz W210 E230
** This article is published on WapCar Community. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://forum.wapcar.my
Basic information
1996 Mercedes Benz W210 E230
Reasons why I bought this car
- For long drive.
It's used for a long journey, and since the engine is very smooth, you won't notice when the time goes, you'll feel so sleepy. If you are a car passenger, it is very comfortable to travel and also relaxing.
- It’s a precious gift value from father.
My dad just went through a right leg amputation procedure this year, and .we actually broke down a lot. Because of certain issues, dad wants me to move his ownership from him to myself. Even he uses prosthetic leg to drive, he felt a little rough to drive. Until now I manage it and repair the car on schedule.
- Reliable and parts can get easily.
Via mechanical and simple to fix the problem, this car is easy to maintain. Thanks to a reliable foreman, Mercedes Enthusiasts, and forums/discussion to address the issues. As with today's car, the car does not deliver any difficult problems where you can get the parts for a very reasonable price.
Car selection process
- I had a budget of: It’s my dad’s car so he had budget around RM20k.
- Models that I have considered include:
- Any W124 Masterpiece Editon
- W123
- W126
As for my dad, it's all about his passion to buy a Mercedes. He wants to get something to own a car after retirement from his career. Of course, he had Proton Saga BLM 2008 at the time. But it's not enough for his room because of its scale. When his friend tried to sell it, he came across this model. He fell for it, and he bought it. As mentioned earlier, he and I were relaxed and very pleased to own the car.
User experience
- I have already done 40000km.
The car needs some restoration. This vehicle was not in decent shape, but it was able to travel a small distance further. It's like a wagon for a bull. The car had difficulties with the auxiliary fan not operating starting from the engine; the engine tuning was poor, the crankshaft was not fine, the engine oil and ATF oil were not altered, the suspension was worn out, the headlights were not working and the gearbox had shifting problems. For quick explanation, the car has been not done servicing on time as the former owner was busy with his own business. Afterwards, certain upholstery was done on the car seat, the sound system was done as new players were built and few speakers were modified to new ones. The exhaust was also altered and fresh 17 inch wheels were installed last year after trading in the old wheels. The car is very good after all the issues, and it feels like driving a new car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable and spacious
- Smooth and really nice to drive for long journey
- The car seats comfortable and relaxing
- Performance absolutely good
- Good handling and stability suspension
Cons
- Rust issues, usually at the underneath, floorboard, can see at skirting as well
- This model known for gearbox problem
- Radiator issues
- Electrical circuit
- Interior like dashboards and air cond vents easily can cracked as its aging
Ratings
- Total Score: 4.5/5
- Performance: 4.5/5
- Quality & Features: 4/5
- Space: 5/5
- Ride Comfort: 4/5
- Fuel Economy: 4/5
- Price & Cost: 4/5
Summary
W210 can now be easily obtained, but the price and condition of the vehicle must be reviewed. For the w210, the gearbox is the most common. Other than that, long and short distances can depend on this. This vehicle still has a luxury appearance and still rolls out of the showroom itself like a new car. As far as I am concerned, driving old Mercs is enjoyable and nice to drive.
Lastly, any interesting event?
In future, I'm planning to buy another w210 or older Mercedes like w123 or w126. I'm also considering old cars like Proton Wira 1.8 EXi C99, Proton Saga old ones, Volvo Wagons or any other wagons available during 90’s era.
đŸ“¢đŸ“¢Announcement:
After reading a countless number of Owner Review stories, are you interested in sharing your own story also? WapCar sincerely invites YOU to share the genuine feelings of your car!
You may receive special souvenirs from WapCar! Sign up now to know more! WapCar staff will contact you shortly after you sign up.
Ashwin Thanda Pani
1
26 Jun
·
Reply
aaron G
1
This car was my first MB and due to the problems and quality most likely my last. At 100K the engine (in-line 6) began leaking oil at the head. I have also had electrical problems with the dash and rear tail-lights. I could live with these issues but the other day while driving down the road my front left spring fell out! The spring pearch had rusted off. If I was going faster someone could have been killed as my spring went bouncing down the road!
2 Jan
·
Reply
billy nyc
1
Probably the most stylish car I ever drove, the gearbox is smooth, and i like the way the car handles speed, no wind noise inside the car, best audio system, an especially mesmerizing speed which can go a long way.
1 Jan
·
Reply
Andy Vince
1
One of the most reliable coupes in the market. Not the fastest 2 doors you'll find but it is comfortable, good mileage, very sporty.
1 Jan
·
Reply
EmoGuy
1
Trans went out at 150000 miles. Electrical problems and an emission gremlin that has never gone away. At 200000+ miles, oil seep that I've just lived with for 6+ years of ownership. Annoying but easy to deal with. Squeaky belt but since none of the components running off the belt has ever been replaced.. guess it's not that big of a deal. The fuel pump went out but easy to repair plus it was the original. Again not a big deal.. Lots of little things but parts are easy to find, just as cheap/expensive as any car. But easier to repair than any Japanese car I've ever owned. Just need to figure out the little tricks the engineers designed to make repairs easy. This car will go 300K miles.
1 Jan
·
Reply