Learn me Mercedes Benz wagons

Interested in Mercedes wagons. I know there are a lot of different years. Mostly wanting to know more about 1990's though maybe 2010ish.

How reliable are they? 
Good GT cars? 
Years or engines to shy away from? 
AWD vs RWD

avoid 91-96, most had biodegradable wiring harnesses that have, well, degraded.

I would say the W124 was the last "true" Benz. They're built exceptionally well and the I6 motors are pretty stout. 

Great GT cars, just don't expect a modern car experience. 

I'd be looking for a mid-2000s E500 wagon. More modern than a W124 but more to go wrong. 

I haven't owned any newer than a W123 so no direct experience but they seem mostly solid and DIYable. 

In reply to calteg :

I came here to say W210 is the last "true" benz.  I had a 99 E300TD that refused to die or need parts.  When I finally sold it with 300k, it did need a duovalve (the coolant mixer for the HVAC) which was a pricey part to replace, but after 300k of only needing a radiator, I was pretty pleased.  Leather still looked new, carpet was lovely and not worn, it was just a great car.

A word of warning on W210s... they use engine vacuum for a lot of accessories including hvac and door lock actuators.  If you get a leak, it's most likely at the vacuum manifold which requires a full dash disassembly.  Fortunately I didn't have that problem.

If I came across another E300TD touring that wasn't used up,  I'd do it in a heartbeat.

E55 AMG wagon....

jodyhoffman said:

 

Reliability varies among GT (Grand Touring) cars, but brands like Porsche, Lexus, and BMW are generally known for well-engineered models. Research specific model years for potential issues. AWD provides better traction and stability, making it preferable for all-weather performance, while RWD offers a more engaging driving experience with a focus on dynamic handling. 

Is Jody a bot?

In reply to bentwrench :

Yes

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

You managed to thread the needle and get one of the two years that the U.S. got the OM606, which is a legendary diesel motor. AFIAK that motor was never available stateside in a wagon.

Also, avoid Bluetec motors like the plague.

calteg said:

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

Also, avoid Bluetec motors like the plague.

Truth!

In reply to calteg :

Agreed on all points.  I wasn't necessarily suggesting the diesel.  Did the wagons ever come in AMG trim?  That would really put the "G" in GT

I know you can get an E63 wagon, but honestly don't know how recent that became an option. Post 2010, I'd wager

I've owned a couple of W124 wagons and if my wife wasn't so allergic to wagons (hey, she lets me play Dollar Store Leno, so I'm not complaining...) I'd probably own another one.

For 124s, at least in Europe, the very last year or two got the motors that Mercedes had developed for the next generation E-class, and those are a lot nicer than the ones preceding them. My last one was an E280 and that was just nice and comfy. I'd look for an E280 or E320 W124. Plus those benefit from all the improvements that Mercedes made over the lifetime of the model.

The generation after that is notorious for rust in a way the W124 isn't, at least in Europe. And some of the structural damage is potentially hidden by underbody panels like when the front cross member decides to lighten itself.

I would stay away from the W124 300TE 4-matic - unless the parts situation has improved massively, some important parts for the 4matic are no longer available.

I'd love to have an E63 AMG wagon, sadly Covid blew their resale sky high and it hasn't really dropped.  If I didn't need something awd, the E55 AMG wagon would also grab my attention.

Hey, great minds think alike! W124 and 210 are the end of the bulletproof ones. 200k miles are really nothing for them. 210 chassis cars RUST though.

calteg said:

avoid 91-96, most had biodegradable wiring harnesses that have, well, degraded.

I would say the W124 was the last "true" Benz. They're built exceptionally well and the I6 motors are pretty stout. 

'91 - '96 is all W124, so this comment in a literal sense doesn't really make sense.  Having said that, while the biodegradable harness is definitely real, if the car is still on the road and drives well, there's a pretty good chance it's already been replaced.  And even if it hasn't, it's like a ~2hr job max for someone with reasonable mechanical sense.  It's hardly difficult.  

In reply to chandler :

Nice chandler what are your plans with that one? 

Somebeach (Forum Supporter) said:

In reply to chandler :

Nice chandler what are your plans with that one? 

My brothers winter driver but It's a 4matic so the usual slam it and wheels plan doesn't work; they have a different suspension so lowering is no go.

YouTube of what he’s done so far

In reply to Somebeach (Forum Supporter) :

W210 wagon with the m113. Engine is bulletproof, get a car from a non-rust state.