Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210)

Mercedes-Benz W210
Overview
Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler
Production	1995–2002
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car
Vehicles	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Related	Chrysler 300
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W124
Successor	Mercedes-Benz W211

2000-2003 Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class wagon

The Mercedes-Benz W210 is a mid-size luxury car / executive car produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz from 1996 through 2002 (the W210 wagon was carried over to the 2003 model year). They were sold under the E-Class model names in both sedan(saloon) and station wagon body types. Stylistically the use of four separate headlights on the car's front end was a significant departure from longstanding Mercedes design conventions. The W210 quickly became the biggest seller in MB production[citation required].

In the 2000 model year, a new multi-function information system was incorporated into the instrument cluster below the speedometer, and the use of a fiber(fibre) optics system for the audio/navigation/phone system was introduced, all accessed by steering wheel controls. In addition, the 5-speed automatic transmission introduced "Touch Shift," which used the +/- gate positions for manumatic control (similar to the VW/Porsche "Tiptronic" system). Exterior changes included a revised front with a steeper rake, similar to the CLK, and restyled bumpers and lower body trim.

Engines

This was the first time a V6 engine was offered (1998) to replace the straight-6 configuration (1996-1997). This new Mercedes-Benz M112 engine produced 221 hp (164 kW) and 229 ft·lbf (310 N·m) of torque and offered a 0-60 mph (98 km/h) of 6.9 seconds. Other offerings were the E420 (1997), E430 (1998-2002), and E55 AMG (1999-2002) with 354 hp (264 kW) and a 5.4 L normally aspirated engine. In North America, the range also features two E300 diesel engine models, including both non-turbocharged (1996-1997) and turbocharged (1998-1999) 3.0 litre straight-6 units. In 2000, Mercedes-Benz discontinued diesel powerplants in the E-class in North America. In Europe, the diesel engines were superseded by more advanced Common Rail (CDI) units (2000-2002). The CDI engines were not offered in North America until the E320 CDI in the newer W211 model.

Gasoline Engines for North American Market.

• E 320 (I-6 M104, 3.199 cm³ 3.2L, 162 kW/220 hp) 1995-1997
• E 320 (V-6 M112, 3.199 cm³ 3.2L, 165 kW/224 hp) 1997-2002
• E 420 (V-8 M119, 4.196 cm³ 4.2L, 205 kW/279 hp) 1997
• E 430 (V-8 M113, 4.266 cm³ 4.3L, 205 kW/279 hp) 1998-2002
• E 55 AMG (V-8 M113, 5.439 cm³ 5.4L, 260 kW/354 hp) 1998-2002

Diesel for North American Market.

• E 300 Diesel (I-6, 2.996 cm³ 3.0L, 100 kW/136 hp) 1995-1997
• E 300 Turbodiesel (I-6, 2.996 cm³ 3.0L, 130 kW/177 hp) 1998-1999

Engines

Engine	Cyl.	Power (PS)	Torque (Nm)	Engine code
2.0 16V	S4	136	190
2.3 16V	S4	150	220
2.0 16V K	S4	163	230
2.4 18V	V6	170	225
2.8 24V	S6	193	270
2.8 18V	V6	204	270
3.2 24V	S6	220	315
3.2 18V	V6	224	315
4.2 32V	V8	279	400
4.3 24V	V8	279	400
5.0 32V AMG	V8	347	480
5.5 24V AMG	V8	354	530
2.2 16V D	S4	95	150	OM604.
2.2 16V CDI	S4	102	235	OM611.
2.2 16V CDI	S4	115	250	OM611.
2.2 16V CDI	S4	125	300	OM611.
2.9 10V TD	S5	129	300	OM602.982
3.0 24V D	S6	136	210	OM606
2.2 16V CDI	S4	143	315	OM611
2.7 20V CDI	S5	170	370	OM612
3.0 24V TD	S6	177	330	OM606
3.2 24V CDI	S6	197	470	OM613

Transmissions

The 1996 model W210 E-Class carried over the 4-speed automatic transmission from the previous W124 generation E-Class. In 1997, Mercedes installed in the E-class its electronically-controlled model 722.6 5-speed automatic transmission that first saw duty in 1996 in the V8-powered W140 S-class models. The 722.6 transmission is now used in a number of Daimler-Chrysler vehicles[citation required]. The 5-speed transmission was marketed as "sealed for life" however Mercedes dealers now recommend changing the fluid at regular intervals. A 5-speed manual is also available, although during facelift in 2000, it was replaced by a 6-speed manual.

Wheels / Rims and Fitment

The W210 chassis originally came with one of the following OEM wheel setups:

* E300/E320: 16 x 7.5” ET41
* E420: 16 x 7.5” ET41
* E430: 16 x 7.5” ET41 (before 2000); 17 x 7.5” ET41 (after 2000)
* Sport Package: 17 x 7.5” ET37
* Special Edition: 17 x 8” ET35
* E55: 18 x 8” ET31 front, 18 x 9” ET35 rear.

ET is a German abbreviation for offset, where the number is in mm and indicates amount of offset. This ETxx is stamped on the inside of OEM rims for easy reference.

The bolt pattern is 5x112 (12mm x 1.5 lugs), with an offset range of 30-40mm, a wheel size range of 16"x6.0" to 20"x8.5" . This is the same bolt pattern as most Mercedes, including the previous E-Class (W124). The newer Mercedes, including the 2003 to the present E-Class (W211), have 14 mm lugs, making the wheels meaning they are only interchangeable with the use of aftermarket lugs.

AMG versions

There were 4 engines that AMG used in the W210. The first was the E36, M104.995, launched in 1996 then the M119.985 in the Euro Spec E50 AMG produced only in 1997. There was also an option for the M119.985 that was bored out to 6.0L the cars these were fitted to were designated as the E60 and came in sedan and wagon varieties. In 1998 came the M113 powered E55 which used a 5.5L v-8 SOHC 24V to produce 354 bhp (264 kW) and 391 ft⋅lbf (530 N⋅m) of torque.

The body styling on all of the W210 AMG models was the same until 2000 when a facelift and interior upgrades were implemented. The 210 E55 was the last vehicle that a major portion of production took place by hand at AMG in Affalterbach. Production was actually split between Affalterbach and the Bremen Mercedes Benz facility until the end of 2001.

Specification (European versions)

E50 AMG

The E50 was only produced 2 years 1996 and 1997 even though all were considered model year 1997.

Production Figures: ~2,870 (production models).

• Chassis 210.072
• Motor M 119.985
• Transmission 722.60x

Engine

• 90° V8, high-pressure die-cast alloy block, alloy heads
• Displacement 5.0 L (6.0)
• Bore 3.72 in
• Stroke 3.51 in
• Compression ratio: 11.2:1 (same)
• Output 347 hp (259 kW) @ 5,550 rpm (398 hp)
• Torque 355 ft⋅lbf (481 N⋅m) @ 3,200 - 4,400 rpm (395 ft·lbf)
• Valve Gear Belt-driven DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
• Redline 6000 rpm Distributor-less computer controlled ignition. Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch LH Jetronic)

(Same engine used in the S500/C, SL500, with tuned exhaust and cylinder head)

Transmission

• 5 speed auto 722.609 (same as C43, E55, SL/S600/c)
• Final drive ratio 2.82
• 1st gear 3.59
• 2nd gear 2.19
• 3rd gear 1.41
• 4th gear 1.00
• 5th gear 0.83
• Reverse gear 3.16

Performance

• General Consensus 0-60 0-100 ~6 SECs
• 0-100 6,2 s (AMG figure)
• 0-100 5,8 s (Auto Motor und Sport 9/96)
• Top speed: 270 km/h (Drag limited)

The 1998 and 1999 E55 are identical to the E50.

1999 E55 AMG

The W210 E55 was produced for 5 years 1998 through 2002 with a facelift in 2000. Production Figures. ~12000 accounted for (production Models). 3000 per year. 500 per year imported to USA.

• Chassis: 210.074
• Motor: M 113.980
• Transmission: 722.622

Engine

• 90 degree V-8, high-pressure die-cast alloy block, alloy heads
• Displacement 5.5 L
• Bore 3.82 in
• Stroke 3.62 in
• Compression ratio 10.5:1
• Output 349 hp (260 kW) @ 5,550 rpm
• Torque 391 ft⋅lbf (530 N⋅m) @ 3,150 - 4,500 rpm
• Valve Gear Belt-driven SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder.
• Redline 6,000 rpm

(Same engine used in the E430, C43)

Transmission

• 5 speed auto 722.6 (same as C43, E55, SL/S600/c)
• Final drive ratio 2.82
• 1st gear 3.59
• 2nd gear 2.19
• 3rd gear 1.41
• 4th gear 1.00
• 5th gear 0.83
• Reverse gear 3.16

Performance

• General Consensus 0-60 mph - 0-100 km/h 5.4 s
• 0-100: 5,4 s AMG figure (1999)
• Station Wagon (T-modell): 5,7 s
• 0-100: 5,3 s (Auto Motor und Sport 7/98)
• Top speed: 260 km/h (155 mph) Electronically limited.

E50, E60 and E55 AMG - common technical specs

Rare W210 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG

Suspension

• Front Independent double wishbone with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.
• Rear 5-arm multilink with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.

Brakes Hydraulic dual-circuit braking system with vacuum servo unit, disk brakes, internally ventilated, two piece front rotors and 4-piston calipers.

Steering

• Type Rack-and-pinion with speed-sensitive power assist and integrated hydraulic damper.
• turns lock-to-lock 3.20
• turning circle curb-to-curb 37.2 ft (11.3 m)

Wheels and tires (tyres)

• Wheel Size(front) 8.0J x 18 in
• Wheel Size(rear) 9.0J x 18 in
• Wheel Type Aluminum Alloy ///AMG monoblock
• Tires 245/40ZR18 front, 275/35ZR18 rear

Dimensions and weight

• Wheelbase 111.5 in/2,833 mm
• Front track 61.4 in/1,560 mm
• Rear Track 60.8 in/1,543 mm
• Length 189.4 in/4,810 mm
• Width 70.8 in/1,799 mm
• Height 56.9 in/1,445 mm
• Curb Weight 3,768 lb/1,715 kg
• Coefficient of drag: 0.29 Cd
• Power-to-weight ratio: 0.09

Options available Power adjustable front seats, sport steering wheel, leather upholstery, leather shift knob, 5-speed automatic transmission, Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability System (ESP), automatic climate control with charcoal filter, heated front seats, front and side airbags, power windows, metallic paint, xenon HID headlamps. 4 MATIC (Euro spec E55s)

E55 After 2000 supplemental information

Suspension

• Front: Independent double wishbone with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.
• Rear: Independent 5-arm multilink with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. Separate AMG-Bilstein gas-pressurized shock absorbers and progressive-rate coil springs. Larger, solid stabilizer bars.

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive Option

In 1998, Mercedes-Benz reintroduced the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system in the US on the W210, although it was previously available in some European territories. Although this 4Matic system shares its name with the 90's 4-MATICsystem of the W124 300TE, the system was totally redesigned and simplified. Rather than using the clutches and couplings of the earlier design, Mercedes opted to use three open differentials: front, center, and rear. The front suspension design of the 4MATIC-equipped models is different to the rear wheel drive models and makes some replacement parts (such as shock absorbers) more expensive.

Common issues

The W210 E-class is a reliable and safe car, with very few major mechanical problems[citation required].

Some known problems include the front spring perch has corroded and tearing away from the inner fender(wing), causing the front suspension to collapse[citation required]. (4Matic models are not believed to be affected.) Other minor problems include defective harmonic balancer pulleys (recall), rust on trunk lid near latch, rust on door frames under window seals (recall), defective mass airflow meter, melted rear light bulb sockets, defective blower motor regulators, and rear window regulator failures.

Harmonic Balancer - If the rubber insert of the harmonic balancer pulley, or main crankshaft pulley, delaminates at high velocity, the pulley may grind through the timing chain cover and oil pan, causing several thousand dollars of damage. Owners should inspect the harmonic balancer pulley regularly for signs of rubber deterioration.

Blower Motor Regulator - If this part fails, the climate control fan will not operate faster than approximately 50% power. Mercedes updated the regulator to improve its reliability, but the redesigned regulator requires the installation of a new blower motor -- about $1,000 in parts. The old-style regulator, which is compatible with the existing blower motor, is no longer manufactured. The blower motor regulator may be replaced with the much less expensive W140 S-class blower regulator, provided that the E-class wiring harness is re-attached to the S-class regulator.

Front Sway Bar Drop Links - While not a serious concern, most E-classes end up with a sub 35MPH clicking or rattling sound from the front end. This is usually due to worn out front-end sway-bar drop links. These can easily be replaced by anybody with minor knowledge of vehicle DIY, for no more than around £20.

Front Spring Perches - Some owners have reported rust problems on the front spring perches - the top perches, which hold the tops of the springs for the front suspension. The perches are spot welded to the chassis, and factory coated in a weatherproof mastic to stop them rusting, however in some rare occurrences, water gets behind the mastic causing the perches to rust, and eventually to fail - leading to collapse of the suspension. The car remains controllable. This is a problem that Mercedes USA have acknowledged. The issue is not identifiable without first removing the mastic to check.

Body rust - Some early model year versions of the W210 displayed body rust, notably on European-sold cars. Rust would sometimes appear spontaneously on panels such as doors and roofs on cars less than a year old. In response to this problem, the manufacturer would normally change or repair the affected panels under warranty. Mercedes-Benz has been criticized in the European press for not officially acknowledging this problem. This was due to problems introducing water based paint technology.

Window regulators - The power window regulator, essentially the mechanism that transfers power from the electric motor to the window, has a few plastic parts that can fail after several years causing the power window to stop operating. DIY replacement of a window regulator can be done in about 1-2 hours at a cost of somewhere between $60 and $120 for the part.

Model lineage

The W210 models replaced the W124 E-Class models after 1995 and were replaced by the W211 E-Class after 2002.

Online owner communities

W210 E-class enthusiasts maintain an active online presence. The forums are helpful in obtaining information for do-it-yourself maintenance, diagnosis, and repair procedures.

• EclassBenz.com
• MBWorld.org W210 E-class Forum
• Benzworld.org W210 E-class Forum
• UK MBClub Forum
• http://www.mybenz.org/