Thanks to everyone who replied with helpful information and advice on the W210.

I went ahead and bought the '98 E320 with 104K miles that I was looking at. It had two previous owners, both elderly people, who took great care of it. It was garage kept for most of its time and has been regularly dealer serviced, including replacement of the crank position sensor, transmission pilot bushing, transmission fluid changes and many other part replacements so looks like it has been well cared for. No signs of rust, so I think if I get it rustproofed it should be O.K.

I agree with RunningTooHot's comment on driveability--compared to my 300D and W124, this car is very different to drive--it's smoother on the road and has somewhat more of a "big car" feel to it.

So, I'm looking forward to owning it thanks again to all of you and this forum for the extremely valuable repair advice I've gotten for these cars.

searchng4love:

Ignore.... A 2001 or later E320 is indestructible, I've had one for four years and nothing has ever gone wrong mechanically beyond A/C Compressor, suspension repairs (horrible roads) and a center driveshaft bearing. All I've done on the engine is spark plugs once....and oil changes. We've had three in my family in the past 6 years....combined driven miles of nearly 230k on them....none have ever broken down. M112+722.6 is among the best powertrains ever produced by MB in my opinion.

Keep it up

We meuuveee