Owner Review: My childhood dream has come true - My Mercedes-Benz W210 E200

** 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 about my car

It’s a Mercedes-Benz W210 E200 from 1998. This is the pre-facelift version which comes with the 5-Speed 722.6 Auto Transmission. I bought this car for around RM 10K.

Reasons why I bought this car

The main purpose is just to fulfill my childhood dream of driving a W210 around. While I was growing up in 90’s, the W210 and E39 are the cars which the ‘well to do’ people were commuting around. I come from a very humble background, which means I could only admire those cars from afar. Now that I could afford to get myself behind the wheels of the newer Mercedes and Beemers, I decided to go for a W210 instead just to satisfy my childhood fantasy.

Car Selection Process

• I had a budget of RM15,000

• Model(s) that I have considered include: W124 Masterpiece, W210 E200, W210 E200K, W210 E240 V6

Reasons why I chose this car:

This car had a single owner before I took over and the car has been kept well with very minimal wear and tear defects in the interior. The paint job has faded over the years but it has this very classic look that I simply adore. E200’s are highly sort after models relative to the higher displacement variants due to the lower costs of maintenance and you’d not be surprised with the price of the replacement parts. Of course, the road tax is quite low compared to the other siblings too! Well, the E240 and E280 drive extremely well with the power punching motors but for a car of this age I think cruising along the highways and country roads would do justice so the E200 fits the bill perfectly.

User Experience

• I have already done 5,000 km

Since the purchase, my thoughts about the car are:

This is a 22 years old car and it surprises me in many ways especially with the driving comfort and versatility. Prior to owning this car, I have only driven the W210 once and that’s back in 2009. If my memory serves me right, I felt the same sensation after a good 11 years. Well, I didn’t expect to own a flawless car so my thoughts have not meddled with utter disappointment. I have spent close to RM 5k now in getting the car to run the way I like. The upkeep has been purely voluntary as no parts have broken down thus far. The suspension system has been rebuilt completely including the refurbishment of the dampers which costs me around RM1600. All the bushings have been replaced as well and I have to admit that the whole process’s outcome did not disappoint me. The crucial part is sourcing for the right mechanic who diagnoses the problems well and offers solutions confidently. You have to be mindful that the E200 is a relatively modern vehicle and the diagnostics are carried out via an OBD system. Of course, the OBD does not diagnose any mechanical problems which require the intervention of the mechanics' knowledge of Stuttgart’s mechanism.

Pros & Cons

Pros

1. Looks good and not dated.

2. Comfortable ride.

3. The extremely spacious cabin and luggage space.

4. Parts availability.

5. Reliable.

6. Cabin NVH is excellent.

7. It’s a Mercedes-Benz!

Cons

1. Brittle interior plastics.

2. Price of the replacement parts.

3. Lack of Plug-n-Play options especially with the electronics.

4. Lack of spirited performance, especially for an E200 NA.

Ratings

• Performance: 4

• Quality & Features: 3

• Space: 5

• Ride Comfort: 5

• Fuel Economy: 4

• Price & Cost: 4

Summary

In a nutshell, my W210 carries a lot of nostalgia and that is the main reason for my purchase. I believe this car is going to be a keeper and I have plans to bring it back to its glory. If you’re looking to own one, all I could say is go for it! After all, life is too short!

Along with this E200, I also own a Nissan Sunny B11 1993, Toyota Corolla KE70 DX 1979, and a Honda Accord TAO 2009. My daily driver is a BMW X1 F48 2019. I have decided to put a hold on acquiring more cars as I have officially run out of parking space.

Interesting events that happened to my car

The most interesting event would be the day I took over the car. Since then, enjoying the car has always been interesting.

📢📢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.