Daily Driver - Old Shape E Class

[jezzaaa]

Chaps - me know nothing about Mercs, but my old man has an E320CDI in the previous shape (2000) and it's a big old confy bruiser which is exactly what I need to drive regularly from Scotland to Dorset.

So - as Dad won't sell me his - I need to find one. The one that interests me at the moment is the E200 Kompressor, around 2001. Does anyone know what the specs of this motor is and whether it's got enough grunt to be useful? How does it compare to the E220CDI in terms of performance and fuel economy? Is the diesel one worth the extra?

Cheers,
J.

[yellowbentines]

If its the same 200k engine thats in the C-Class I'd imagine it would struggle to move the E-Class along at a decent pace, it's not exactly a rocket in the C-Class.

I saw one of these today, about that age, couldn't believe the rust, right around all 4 wheel arches and around the bootlock, I'm not sure if it's common (I'm sure someone else will be along in a sec to comment!) to this model/age but worth looking out for.

Neil

[jezzaaa]

Hi ya - thanks for the reply. Yeah, I was sceptical. I've looked at the official figures and the E200K seems to be quicker than the E220CDI ... just under 10 seconds to 60mph. Obviously the CDI is alot more frugal...but that doesn't worry me too much. It does need to be able to overtake stuff without needing a 2 mile runup! I know my Dad's 320CDI does go very well...but for the same money you get a much older/higher mileage car with that engine, for obvious reasons. Still undecided. Maybe I should look at a petrol V6 one...E240??

J.

[Vladster]

The E200K produces 163bhp and is just fine at pulling an E Class along...had it been the old E200 which produced 136bhp, then yes, I have to agree they were a little slow off the mark.

The only thing you need to look out for on the W210 E Class Merc is rust, even on one of the age that you are looking at...areas that go are, wheel arch lips, around lock on rear bootlid, are around number plate lights, also peel back the door rubbers on the top of the doors...all sorts of nasty things can be lurking behind the rubbers.

Also look at the front crossmember in the engine bay...look down between engine and radiator...if its heavily rusted with big scabs of rust...walk away.

[jezzaaa]

Vladster - thanks alot. I'll bear it in mind.
Cheers,
J.

[stuartdenton]

Got a E200 compressor, had it for 5 years,done 116000 miles, great car, little trouble, more than enough power and great on the motorway. Also does 32 miles to gallon avarage. Watch the rust, had my front wings and cross member replaced under warranty.