Mercedes-Benz W210

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Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class wagon

US-Spec W210 E-Class sedan

The Mercedes-Benz W210 is a mid-size luxury car / executive car produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz from 1996 through 2002. They were sold under the E-Class model names in both sedan and station wagon body types. The W210 signified the entrance of Mercedes Benz into a new era in which they were to appeal to a younger market segment. The E320 W210 quickly became the model to sell the most units in MB production.

1 Engines
2 Transmissions
3 Wheels / Rims and Fitment
4 AMG versions
5 Specification (European versions)
6 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive Option
7 Common issues
8 Model lineage
9 Online owner communities

[edit] 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 In Europe, the diesel engines were superseded by more advanced Common Rail (CDI) units (2000-2002).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) 1996-1998
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

[edit] 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 newer, 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 now powers numerous Daimler-Chrysler vehicles. The 4-speed and 5-speed transmissions are both fairly robust, although the 4-speed has a slight edge in durability. The 5-speed transmission is "sealed for life." Mercedes-Benz engineered the transmission fluid to last as long as the transmission's expected lifetime. Many owners do not share Mercedes' expectations for the transmission's lifetime. Since the frequency of fluid changes directly affects the length of a transmission's usable lifetime, many owners and repair shops recommend renewing the fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

[edit] 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, more or less, where the number is in mm and indicates amount of offset. This ETxx is usually 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 the previous E-Class (Chassis 124), but the following E-Class (Chassis 211) has a 14mm lug and the wheels are incompatible between the W210 and W211 models.

[edit] AMG versions

There were 3 engines that AMG used in the W210. The first was the M119.985 in the Euro Spec E50 AMG produced only one year 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 and an awesome 391 ft·lb 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.

Information from the Deuschland AMG Owners Club.

[edit] Specification (European versions)

[edit] E50 AMG

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

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

Chassis 210.072
Motor M 119.985
Transmission 722.60x

Engine

90º 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 @ 5,550 rpm (398 hp)
Torque 355 ft·lbf @ 3,200 - 4,400 rpm (395 ft·lbf)
Valve Gear Belt-driven DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Redline 5,800 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 Concesus 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.

[edit] 1999 E55 AMG

The W210 E55 was only produced 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 @ 5,550 rpm
Torque 391 ft·lbf @ 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 Concesus 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.

[edit] E50, E60 and E55 AMG - common technical specs

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.

Wheels and tires

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)

[edit] 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.

[edit] 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive Option

In 1998, Mercedes-Benz reintroduced the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Although this 4Matic system shares its name with the notoriously problematic early '90s 4-MATICsystem of the W124 300TE, the system was totally redesigned and simplified. Abandoning complicated clutches and couplings, Mercedes opted to use three open differentials: front, center, and rear. The system has no known design defects, and incurs very limited, if any, additional direct maintenance costs. The unique front suspension design of the 4MATIC-equipped models make some replacement parts, such as shock absorbers, somewhat more expensive than that of rear-wheel drive counterparts.

[edit] Common issues

The W210 E-class is a reliable and safe car, with very few major mechanical problems. In a few very rare cases, the front spring perch has corroded and torn away from the inner fender, causing the front suspension to collapse. (4Matic models are not believed to be affected.) 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 poorly designed rear window regulators.

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 Bushings - 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 bushings. These can easily be replaced by the enthusiast.

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 water has been known to get behind the mastic causing the perches to rust, and eventually to fail - leading to a partial collapse of the suspension. The issue is not normally identifiable without first removing the mastic to check.

[edit] Model lineage

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

[edit] 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.

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