2001 Mercedes Benz E320 Wagon (W210) Review: This one's my own!

Greg Cavanaugh, amateur automotive writer for the Gallup Journey Magazine, evaluates the features of his own 2001 Mercedes Benz E320 wagon (W210).
I try to bring you unscripted, real world reviews, and I shoot and edit all videos myself.
I'm probably going to need to replace this in a year or two. What would you replace it with?
www.gallupjourney.com
Thanks for watching! If you like my style of car reviews please share and subscribe.
-Greg

[@christianbridges6915]

I have a 1998 one of these. I love it. drives so fast, so much room, full size spare. it does have some issues, such as it has brake light issues and the back windows came out of their track. but otherwise i love it

[@gcavy1]

yeah, I've always though about polishing those headlights! Have you had good luck with it? thanks for watching! -Greg

[@Porsche996driver]

Great overview. Didn’t know they hid the spare there awesome. I’ve had Eurovans and German wagons. Practical haulers, great cruisers.

[@msafirimhehe]

Seven years after you posted this but the wagon still looks attractive today in 2020!

[@ashxc]

Looks better than 90% of the vehicles today. lol

[@budagen]

I have an E320 4matic 2001. You're comments and description are spot on. Anyone considering one of these should watch your video first. It's concise, and accurate. I shall follow your videos from now on.

[@DrBlkCzr]

Great review!! Love it...just bought a clean '02 W210 last week and I am in love!!

[@carllinnington]

I've had two E320 (W210) Wagons over the last 12 years or so. Just crossed over 110k miles on my current one (2003), and plan to keep it rolling for a long time to come. Love them ... for all the reasons you talk about here!

[@msgdew]

Thanks man, GREAT vid. About to buy one with 183K and excited!

[@gcavy1]

maybe...I'm alittle worried about even more electronic gremlins and overall reliability. But, of course, it'd be sweet. thanks for watching! -Greg

[@gavinj01]

Great review. I just bought a 2002 4Matic wagon which will make me almost look forward to next winter . . . almost. I think there is a strong argument to be made for these being great first driver cars. They're safe, reliable and very forgiving. I'd rather have my daughter driving this than a small econo box any day. Keep up the great work.

[@johnarussoii]

Great Vid on the W210.265 E320 Wagon! I own a 99 that we bought new when my first kid was born.Both our sons and their friends grew up in this car as it was primarily my wife's car for hauling them around. I have to admit I was stunned the first time I used it to go to Costco - it holds more that my big SUV's (have had two during this time) and is much more pleasant. We have 150K on it, my wife commutes 80 miles a day - it's a safe car for that.I plan to keep it another 100K miles or more.

[@gcavy1]

Let me clear up the confusion. The "W" vs. "S" that we were referring to is the model/chassis designation by Mercedes. Mercedes refers to this model as the S210 (in wagon form) and W210 in sedan form. The numbers go up with each new product cycle. The "S" and "W" you are referring to on the transmission is for Winter and Standard (maybe "sport?") modes And you are correct, W is terrible if there is no snow b/c it starts the car in second gear! thanks for watching and chiming in. -Greg

[@unclefungus7395]

I was looking at the older Audi wagons but I’m crushing hard on these Mercedes(this gen and the following) those jumper seats are so cool

[@gcavy1]

My wife's friend has an R-Class....I'd definitely consider it, although the MPGs are really that great. thanks for chiming in! -Greg

[@nikopneilyohara]

We love it. It’s been in the family over 20 years. We love Tge 4 Matic. Excellent in snow. Just turned 100 k

[@RamTruckSteeringFix]

Greg, we used your review to help us choose our 2000 e320 wagon - w210 - back in Fall of 2014. Absolutely great experience and have added 75k miles to the 130k it had originally. Got it for $4000 very clean from original owner. Could get that today probably, but wife would kill me. She loves this car ! What to replace it with ? After this positive experience, I got a 2002 ML500, the V-8 version of the w163. It's a full body on frame, AWD 310 HP beast. Can tow anything up to 5000#. I think it's a great choice to swap over to, but the wagon has MPG as it's virtue. It nearly always gets 22mpg, can go higher sometimes. The ML loves to get 15mpg, and has gotten 19 on a chill highway cruise, but can only dream of 20mpg, LOL ! Thanks, David in East Texas

[@cows1990]

Thank you. I'm getting ready to buy a 2003 e320. Best review so far.

[@gcavy1]

its definitely getting old. I haven't been able to keep it pristine...I live a busy life! thanks for checking it out. -Greg

[@ichopcats]

I just bought one and I love it... Thanks for the Vid :)

[@popupvideosnow]

love your channel thanks for all the great info !

[@gcavy1]

Swen Brock thanks so much, I appreciate it! -Greg

[@gcavy1]

thanks for your comments! (and good choice on your wagon ;) -Greg

[@dennmcardle219]

I'm buying one tomorrow I can't wait thanks for the video

[@gcavy1]

Overall its been very reliable and never left us stranded. All of those parts were small items here and there. It is dripping some oil, so I have a seal somewhere that should be replaced...(what high mileage, 13 year old car doesn't?) I just need to get it on a lift so I can really see what's going on. thanks for watching and commenting! -Greg

[@wernerbloemwagen6878]

We live in South Africa and have the E230 auto Sedan - man what a pleasure - totally agree with you - it is a awesome long distance cruiser giving us as high as 17km/liter - even took it to Namibia last December - Aircon is ice cold - boot is big enough for 3 people and the space and serenity inside is matchless - we are at 480000km's now and also don't know what to replace it with - hopefully a new one!

[@gcavy1]

thanks for watching! -Greg

[@pauljohnston6790]

I bought my one owner '02 Mercedes-Benz E Class 3.2CDI Estate in '09 with only 62'000 miles on it, it came with Command SatNav, hands free phone kit, F & R parking sensors, electronically / adjusted / heated front seats, electronically folding wing mirrors, 7 seats & more. It now has 144,000+ on the clock & I haven't had any issues to date, on long runs I easily get 42-44 mpg @ 55/65 mph. I had hoped to get one with a sunroof but hell I live in Ireland so who needs a sunroof !! I intend to keep this car as long as possible, it's a pleasure to drive, very comfortable, very safe car, cruise is mega, but I prefer to control the mph myself, ( we don't have many HIGHWAYS over here ) but when I get the opportunity I open up & really enjoy myself, I freely admit when I got the car I sat in & read the Manual from cover to cover, now what do's that tll you, They are a mega car & you can get one today for easy money, so go ahead & get one you won't regret it, btw, thanks for posting your review.

[@gcavy1]

that's a pretty fair summary! thanks for watching. -Greg

[@markcohen7493]

Enjoyed your review. I have a 2002 e-320 4matic wagon loaded with over 150k miles on it. It is great in snow and a true touring car for long rides.

[@gcavy1]

tour car for long trips is correct. I drive mine back and forth from the southwest to the midwest 1-2 times a year. Eats highway miles for breakfast! thanks for stopping by. -Greg

[@harrygoyal9238]

Hi Greg, My grandfather used to own both a sedan version and a wagon version of the W210 chassis. The next car i would suggest would be a 2008 or 09 Mercedes E-class Wagon. Thats what we upgraded to when we traded the old W210 wagon. They are very reliable. We have over 175k miles on our 08 W211 Wagon. I would say get either an 07 or an 08 one. They are extremely reliable. Yes, repairs are a little pricey but they are great cars. I would also suggest the 4matic if you live in a snowy area. Good luck on your hunt.

[@shwndh]

I want one just like it. I'm also a mountain biker and DIY mechanic and this car would be the perfect all around vehicle. Thanx for your review.

[@gcavy1]

shwndh unfortunately I just sold it. Had to get something that better fit 3 car seats! We loved the wagon though. -Greg

[@Britishness1]

Nice car man. I love Mercedes cars, especially older ones

[@nickless4leds147]

Great car...mine is 16 years old/young, I own it now for bout 5 years.Fun clutch, right Front axle change, and window lifts, bout 1200 bucks, that's all so far.Most reliable car I ever had

[@followyourbliss101]

great overview - i like that you focused on the cargo room - which is important for me - thinking of transitioning from my roadmaster wagon to one of these i have my eye on. It looks like it has room, not 48" wide room unfortunately, but that's not usually a problem for me except for when i transport plywood or huge canvases. I will miss the torque and power of my LT1 for sure.

[@gcavy1]

Roadmasters are awesome! You can tow with those! -Greg

[@mr.parani7395]

Just validated why I need to get one of these!!

[@amarcelous]

Thanks! Very informative!

[@truby2121]

great video! I have a 99 E320 wagon and I love it. Gave the wife the Honda Pilot so I can drive the Merc. it loves the NM roads!

[@arburon03]

we had an 2002 w210 e220 cdi for 8 years right now and it has nearly 500 thousand kilometers on the clock now and we want to replace it because of the economy regulations here over in germany and were up to buy a w211 e320 Facelift because we heard from friends and family that they are very reliable and their trunk should be really big too so why not.

[@hardgainer6663]

Great video mate ,I've a e320cdi 2003 absolutely love it .older Mercedes are so much better.

[@MrWelfarehater]

Totally love your review on a really cool car. Been thinking about taking a jump. Need a little advice though. Where did you get the service/repair manual for your car? You cannot just go buy a repair manual like a Honda or Chevy.

[@gcavy1]

Thanks so much! Much appreciated. -Greg

[@gcavy1]

Good question! I'd guess $300ish? But I do all repairs myself, so that's just parts. Some of that is maintenance too. I replaced the rear "shocks" which are actually a pair of load leveling accumulators attached to hydraulic struts. The parts were less than $100 and took me 1/2 hour to do. I had issues with the power locks, which are pneumatic, so I bought a new PSE unit and stole the pump from it and put it in mine. I also did a crank position sensor and stop light switch.

[@vazilin4ik]

a great review for a great car

[@gcavy1]

Thanks! I'd love to have an RS or AMG wagon, but at this stage in my life....they're out of my price range (both for purchase and maintenance) Thanks for watching. -Greg

[@pektakula]

Nice Vid man!! Marsss.

[@gcavy1]

Cool! Thanks for watching. -Greg

[@GregHoward79]

I do like these, had a 1995 e320 wagon, now getting a 2001 e320. One note, the 2001 Volvo V70 wagon has a lot of space in the rear too, and the 3rd row of seats pops up in similar fashion - but I find the Mercedes much more desirable.

[@appleboy1698]

2005 Mercedes C240 wagon! Love my C240! Awesome car! I have 150k miles on it and I bought it at 43k! I've never been left on the side of the road once! I strongly recommend it!

[@gcavy1]

thanks for sharing! (and watching) -Greg

[@danchisolm207]

Good job family i needed that info 💰🏌THANKS

[@MrBeboopman]

hello from eire.. anyway these cars are great value for money and in avant-garde spec or with an amg kit they look stunning.. im buying an e320cdi shortly so your review only reaffirmed what I already knew.. great car indeed.. uber benz!!!

[@gcavy1]

That's a good thought. Kinda small comparatively right? thanks for commenting! -Greg

[@MrRanvic]

Good video. Thank you

[@jeffreygeelen6996]

never sell the car, i own a1992 mercedes c124 300ce it has 483.371KM on it and it runs like a champ, it starts beter then my moms 2005 honda civic and the mercedes is 80% original(engine has never been opened) so never sell the w210 its also a great car and i love a w210 wagon!..keep driving(dont have to say safe driving, its a benz you cant get hurt.) cheers from holland

[@gcavy1]

Jeffrey geelen Thanks for chiming in! (and watching.) -Greg

[@brorowcarwiz]

Nice ride! I've wanted a cheap wagon for the future to haul things in... This may be an excellent possibility!

[@notapplicable3220]

My mom bought a new 1998 E320 Wagon in 1997. Then she totaled it into a garbage truck in 2013. That was a terrible day of my life. So many memories in that car.

[@4MATICbenz]

Little headlight polish and that Benz wagon would be a real gem. Nice points about the massive cargo space. 83 cu.ft. with the seats folded. To put that into perspective: brand new SUVs like the Grand Cherokee, the Explorer, and even Mercedes' own M-class, GLK, and G-class SUVs have less room.

[@rogermwoodbury4966]

I just saw this review this morning. I am sucking up every bit of information about the W210 that I can find because right now I am planning on buying one myself soon. This is odd, I know but here's my story. I retired in 1990 and have had many adventures since then. I absolutely fell in love with Audi wagons because of Quattro all wheel drive and had several beginning with a 1987 5000S Quattro Avant (what Audi calls a wagon). They were all pretty expensive to maintain but lovely German cars. Fast forward all those years to 2023 and the truck which I love has 150K on it now and will need rust repair to pass inspection in November. It really needs body work, including paint so the entire restoration will be expensive. We don't really need the truck because the daily driver is an old Mercedes CLK 320 that we have had three years. That car had 17000 original miles on it when I bought it and is a WONDERFUL car. But I digress. So the truck will be sold and because of Covid and inflation and all the rest of the ills in the world, the truck is apparently worth more as a restoration candidate for someone who does that work than as a driver for someone like me who does no body work on his own vehicles. Once the truck is gone I have decided to hunt for the perfect E320 4matic wagon which I know is out there some where. Oh, I know: it will be an old car and an old Mercedes. But our need is for a dependable, quality vehicle for second and utility use and the Mercedes will be that. Our car (once I find it) will have around 100,000 miles or so and MOST IMPORTANT will have a PERFECT and verifiable service record through the care and feeding by its first two or three owners. That car may well be in southern California and I know it will cost something to get it to Maine, but I'm all in: my CLK was in Maryland and I bought it sight unseen because of the service history and the photos provided by the dealer. The key to buying an old Mercedes (of any sort) is the service history and best yet, if the services were all done by authorized Mercedes dealers. I'm excited by the prospects and I enjoyed your production. You've gotten me thinking: maybe I'll start my own channel about my Mercedes adventure....Yikes!

[@ronjohnson8119]

Just steer clear of the 4matic versions.

[@MatCendana]

I'm in Malaysia and have a 1999 W210 E200 (reconditioned unit originally from Britain). It now has 140,000 km (88k miles). According to some members at the BenzWorld and a Malaysian Mercedes group, Mercedes has since some years ago, started to quietly mention about changing the ATF after a certain mileage with its newer models. I've forgotten how many miles exactly. Some members say "So there goes Mercedes' claims of its `sealed, lifetime transmission'." Maybe it's better to change(?)

[@kirkrobinson11]

I noticed at 6:18 the wire coming out of your stereo. I assume this is an aux input for your phone/mp3. Did you do this yourself? Difficult? Are there RCA jacks behind the deck? I am planning on doing the same. Thanks again!

[@gcavy1]

thanks, I appreciate it. -Greg

[@kc5077]

Hi Greg I just discovered your channel and I love it! Keep it coming. I think the Subuaru Outback and Ford Flex would be great replacements for this beast(good beast) and of course a newer E-Class wagons (though rare).

[@gcavy1]

I've driven a Flex...my wife thinks they're ugly! thanks for watching. -Greg

[@donbrooks5203]

Makes me want one

[@AudiS4orce1]

Cool video, what do you think about the new E400 Wagon? It has a similar 3rd row seats, and almost similar storage.

[@Danlikescheesteaks]

Just a curious question: Have you done a transmission flush/fluid change on the car? I was wondering because I know MB states that it is a sealed transmission. I just bought a 2002 e320 sedan with about 92,000 miles and I'm trying to decide whether or not I should change the fluid after 10+ years. As far as I know, it's never been changed.

[@gcavy1]

thanks! -Greg

[@gcavy1]

if only in wagon form! thanks for watching. -Greg

[@gcavy1]

There you go! Thanks for watching. -Greg

[@kidk007]

Just subscribed. Great review. I saw one of these for sale in my neighborhood and it looked great. Too bad I don’t have a wife that shares my passion for older German cars (wink)

[@gcavy1]

She'll love it!

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Do you still have the wagon? I have been looking for the right one for a few years. I had a 2001 sedan and it was the best road car. When I hit 170k I had a trans prob that cost about $2000 to just repair. I fought abs and airbag lights but it always started and was a superb car. It was aspen green. I got weak a couple of years ago and traded for a new VW. I regret trading that car. Love my VW. But miss my w210 so much

[@Myschamber]

Super cool vid man, informative

[@gcavy1]

thanks for stopping by! -Greg

[@EthanSanders]

1st Gen Toyota Venza has similar size with rear seats folded down. Since we bought ours, it really bums me out that they never offered it with a 3rd row option. Definitely room for it.

[@aviator757]

Give it some love! Looks like a beater!

[@alanhold2468]

Great video. It's hard to beat a w210

[@kirkrobinson11]

I am about to pick up a 2001 E320 Wagon for a crazy good deal. It has 20k original miles on it! It has been sitting in a garage in Florida. I have read on the forums that these cars don't sit well -- they need to be driven. What do I need to look out for/get checked out? Thanks for the great review!

[@tonyflemingvideo]

Nice. Just bought (not as well as you did) a 2001 with 91,000 on it for my daughters. Hoping to get the same long term use as you. Nice plug of benzworld, which has been invaluable for this, my first MB.

[@innFahrTwo]

You have made a good choice my friend, the estate car is the best was to go, practical and with the right model, fast. If I could only get my hands on an Audi RS6, Avant, I could leave mustangs in my dust too.

[@lambertoaloyola5838]

Thanks for sharing. Great video!

[@gcavy1]

thanks for watching! -Greg

[@gcavy1]

I'm sure I could find an AMG E55 wagon, but like I said, I'd rather not take the hit on fuel economy and mainteance...although they are awesome! thanks for chiming in. -Greg

[@NorrnasBoy250]

2007-2009 W211 220cdi, best Mercedes in decades. Gearbox, engine, electrics, everything was upgraded to eliminate all problems. You can get a 500 000km one for only 3000€ in Germany, about 8000-12 000€ for a low miler (under 190 000km)

[@reginalopezleon6752]

Carmela Soprano's car 💅🏻

[@jeremyplc2380]

I just pay 900$ for a 2001 e430 wagon with 132k Miles ^^ it's a really good car

[@raycroal]

great buy and a top engine

[@pgreg8528]

The e430 is a beast for such a big and heavy car!

[@Brigitte.286]

Best 320 Review lve seen

[@Aramigo123]

My wife drives the same! In green. 01 e320. I've gotten 30mpg on a road trip from LA to San Diego with 6 people onboard. A great car. The M112 is one of Mercedes' all time best engines.

[@gcavy1]

cool. The daughters don't know how good they have it! My first car was Pontiac Sunbird! thanks for watching! -Greg

[@godjhaka7376]

Craaaazy my was a sunbird too! In turquoise/green! Bought it cash money $500 in college. How about you ?

[@gcavy1]

@@godjhaka7376 got you beat brother. Mine was $124...b/c it had "new tires"!

[@ohrimenko.taras1qt]

I like! You good man

[@Danlikescheesteaks]

Haha I think I've already read every post on the subject at Benzworld. Some say to change it, some say leave it. Maybe I'll just leave it because It's not giving me any reason to change it, other than being old. In fact, it still shifts perfectly. I'm sure MB has done a lot of testing to come to the sealed conclusion. Having original fluid in yours does give me some reassurance, though. Thanks for the reply!

[@gcavy1]

yep. thanks for watching. -Greg

[@gcavy1]

Right. Not mine! thanks for watching. -Greg

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

I just got a 1998 Mercedes Benz E320 wagon. I’m trying to figure out how to put middle seats down to use the entire trunk and back too

[@gcavy1]

You can expect it to be pretty reliable in terms of drivetrain, you'll need to expect electronic problems. The S210 was just when Benz was really starting to hit the electronic sensors hard, so there are a fair bit of things that can go wrong. Good luck!

[@big6pun07]

How many miles did you get out of her and why did she stop working I just bought a mint w210 for 1000 I adore this car

[@TheSemiArtisticPuma]

thats an issue i had, a sensor for the transmission went out. put the car in limp home mode. scared me and my wallet a bit but was able to get it fixed relatively cheaply (though that may be due to the fact that my uncle is a Mercedes mechanic)

[@jennmudek4169]

how did you get the middle row head rests out??!?!

[@Speedysnail9999]

What else has a lot of space? Well, there's always an Econoline van lol. Previas are my favorite for hauling sheetrock flat on floor

[@jobranjubair2154]

Awesome wagon. Volvo 245 is very similar too!

[@harysuper]

Nice Review! If she wants another benz you could try finding a W211 or W212 wagon. The thing about the Mercedes wagons are that nobody sells them, they usually hang on to them.

[@gcavy1]

We both loved our Benz...sadly we're a three row family now. -Greg

[@VetlogMoToVlog]

Harrison S w means sedan not wagon sir. wagon is S.

[@balinx]

The new 2017 E400 wagon goes to 3 rows. But you need to wait 5 years (or more) for it to depreciate.

[@normanbringsjord9232]

I have one of these. Found out yesterday it will fit (barely) 2 sheets of 4'x12' drywall in the back if you cut them in half. I too wonder how I'm going to replace this when the time comes. There is nothing like it.

[@oliverwatson1567]

I got a full 4x8 sheet of plywood in my '98. Had to lean forward to look out the passenger side

[@MichaelStirrat]

Very cool. I have '98 W210 and an '81 W123. Both Wagons. The W210 is HUGE. I have not ridden in a better road tripping car, either.

[@christopherwilliams5800]

I brought some furniture from Ikea and I cant good down 2nd seat can you order advice?

[@cellusdaproducer8329]

U fashur got my subscribe it’s not many ppl that’s awaken on the wagons almost everyone think they crap

[@thememeking8079]

My dad owns one of these and he has never replaced the broken power steering pump. When I tried to drive it it was a nightmare😅

[@teoyamahar1639]

I got one for 300$ was stuck in limp mode and they thought the Transmission was shot, I’ve replaced the shifter (got a drink spilled on) and the conductor plate. Runs like a charm hahaha

[@gcavy1]

awesome!! Your gain!

[@mzdawgmcghee4933]

Hey! Gallup I am looking for a 2001 Mercedes Benz E320 love my car I'm looking for a rear bumper thank you