Mercedes W210: Pre vs Post Facelift

I go over many of the differences that happened during the w210's facelift which includes differences in the exterior styling, interior styling and materials, and engine options. The prefacelift model cars were 1996-1999 and the facelift was 2000-2002. The early model years had some unique aspects about them as well such as the infrared key, lack of certain options such as the one touch up and down windows. Some features and options mentioned are specific to AMG models and some are specific to euro spec cars. If you haven't checked out my video on differences between the USA and Euro specification differences I suggest you give it a watch.
Link to the USA vs Euro spec video:
• Mercedes W210 Euro vs ...
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#w210

[@timsd9565]

Only true w210 geeks find this very interesting

[@frankwhite8796]

True (E 200 kompressor 2001, daily)

[@laki7708]

@@frankwhite8796 no cap. E200 1996 :)

[@infinidominion]

Damn right

[@keroro0527]

True ture, E240 1999 from Taiwan

[@brianjordan4343]

Still in love with my clean 98 e320 going into 2023 she still runs clean

[@AJK199-9]

Great video! Not enough quality and modern W210 content around. Would be interesting if you could make a video on of the Diesel versions of the W210.

[@angelob.1089]

Those cars look beautiful. I can imagine it takes a lot of dedication to keep them looking that great. I have a W201 and a W140, but recently, I acquired my grandfather’s 1998 W210 E230. Always wondered why so few of these can be seen where I live because it’s a wonderful car. Been doing a lot of work on the car because my grandfather could no longer maintain or use it in the later years of his life, but it’s all been worth it so far. Thanks for the content.

[@sydneylivecamera]

I had the realisation watching this that the ASR button (anti-skid/slip system) is designed to be at the hand of the driver in a Left Hand Drive Euro/US car. In Australia where we are Right Hand Drive, the centre console layout is left unchanged, and your passenger is always turning off traction control while they try to put up their window. Great video, thanks for making it. And I kept getting distracted by those fresh Michelins!

[@SoCal210]

Interesting point! Mercedes was definitely making progress towards a “world car”, I’ve never seen a RHD W210 in person, I wonder how much they reused from LHD cars

[@sydneylivecamera]

@@SoCal210 I hadn't really thought too much about it - they definitely put enough thought in to make it not uncomfortable (actually very very comfortable) for the UK/Japan/Australia market. We got an Australian-made but MB-branded radio (pre-facelift) so that on/off and volume is next to your hand. It all feels pretty native other than the ASR button and maybe the footwell park-brake. I've driven some older Porsches and in RHD it can feel like your left foot is squeezed in with an afterthought clutch position. In some US cars it can feel like you are in the passenger seat, but someone put the steering wheel there. MB and BMW have probably had long-standing-enough UK markets that they make a proper RHD setup. Engine variants are what you might see here - eg I have a E240T 2.4 M112 V6 wagon, and sometimes you see the early 5 cylinder diesel around. But mostly M112 240 and 320

[@javantgarde]

I love how subtle the brick era facelifts were. I own a pre facelift w202 w/ 184k miles and I'd prefer the pre facelift W210, glass headlights and boxier design.

[@user-ue5vj2wj3m]

hi, I'm watching you from Russia, I want to note that cars released after 1999 have a slightly different structure of soft plastic. When the dream is directed in the opposite direction of the car's movement, the light from the torpedo, to the windshield, if viewed above the instrument panel, is reflected differently.

[@mattpina9849]

What does this mean?

[@user-ue5vj2wj3m]

@@mattpina9849 the fact that cars from 1995 to 1999 and cars from 1999 to 2002 had a different texture of the torpedo pattern (a torpedo is a part of the interior under the windshield on which the instrument panel and other elements are attached, I don't know how to explain it correctly, in Russia it is called a torpedo)

[@infinidominion]

Wish mine had torpedoes

[@JohnnyBean78]

This video...right here...really helps to distinguish the small differences between the W210 model years. Both of those W210 models are beautiful. I have a 1997 W210 M119. All black with black interior. Beautiful machine and she still runs smooth as silk. I love my car and the few videos I come across, like this one, makes me appreciate my car more and more and what a small club this is. Thank you for this detailed and in-depth video explaining every single little detail. The love and hard work you put into this with having two models side by side, instead of using powerpoints, pictures and other video. You mashed this into a brilliant video.

[@speedracerjeff]

Great video. I have a W211 E55 and a W210 E430 now. I love both W210s and W211s, but to be honest I would take a W210 E55 over a W211 E55. Maybe it’s cause I already have the M113k, but in my opinion the W210s are true classic Benz’s… they’re more reliable, have less issues, simple and functional engineering and styling, and W210s make for the best daily driver between the two.

[@wjvtv]

Incredible having these three beautiful w210s together for this comparison. Well executed, very detailed!

[@othnielmalcolm7410]

Great comparison, love the content keep them coming. I am an owner of a 1999, 2001 and 2002 E55 AMG love these cars.

[@rickhowland2434]

Hey there buddy- I met you a couple years ago at HB State Beach when you had a small group of MB enthusiasts there with 2 of your gorgeous W210 AMG's- I was riding my bicycle and we discussed waxes/polishes. Anyway, GREAT comparison! Thank you! I had an awesome 97 E420 that I tricked out but totaled it in early 2019 (it saved my life- a 16 year old kid, driving a Tahoe blew a signal that was red for OVER A MINUTE while texting- I hit him between his f&r wheels going 50+mph). Now I have a 2002 E55 that I bought immediately after my accident. One of the minor differences I noticed was the cool yellow color map light that is located on the bottom of the rearview mirror. Not sure what year that was updated??? Thanks again for putting this great video together!

[@916gits]

Great video, the best 210 content on the web. The number of slats / chrome frets on the euro 'classic' trim level grill also varies between pre and post faceift. 2 chrome frets on the pre-face and 3 chrome frets on the post facelift.

[@keroro0527]

Exactly the video I needed, great job well done

[@Pinyoo81]

Very informative, thank you! Beautiful cars! W210 is becoming a classic, I would never updat to facelift. The pre facelift looks more old school, I love it!

[@garethsmith7628]

I am in Australia and have a 1998 model (RHD), but it has some of the features shown here for the facelift model, eg smart key and auti drop on the passengers mirror for reversing and the third LED brake light, plus some more.

[@felipeiturreyes3385]

Complete information.... looking forward for more w210 Content!!! 😎🙏

[@ericterrill1785]

This is awesome. I just got a 03 210 wagon. I had no idea the entire front end was different; not just the bumpers. Also I have the old style smart key

[@MrRockwood9804]

This was absolutely a great video

[@justfnoon5499]

Didn't know the difference between these cars..now I do; thank you ❤

[@firstlast4874]

Great video. A Mercedes mechanic told me that on the pre-facelift W210 AMG, there was 50 lbs. more solder than on a regular W210 (and I think a lot of it was silver solder)

[@tonychavez2083]

210 was the last of the classic looking E-class. My E420 sport was one of the best cars I ever owned, M119 motor was a gem. Great video.

[@BubbleDouble]

I dont see how the blob eyes are classic looking. Maybe the pre-faceift could be considered a weird blend between classic and 2000s mercedes design.

[@martinsv9183]

@@BubbleDouble You had some round lights on some of the older MB:s. The w210 still has a good portion of MB over its general design. Still the ribbed rear lights also. And interior. Also solid feeling on the inside.

[@BubbleDouble]

@@martinsv9183 Yeah true, the interior feels way closer to a w124 than say a w211. And the side cladding and bumpers on the pre facelift are pretty much still 80s-90s mb style. Though the round headlights make it stand out, if you're talking pre 70s, almost every car back then had round headlights. But to be fair to mb if they had kept the square headlights, it'd just be a fatter w124, so overall cool car.

[@babybenz.190]

Awesome video. I know you’re all about the 210’s but I’d love to see a video like this for the W140 😊

[@samfromprague2688]

Oh ' yes.

[@ChippiAble]

I just bought a facelift e240 from 1999, my first car was the prefacelift e200 but one day i'll have the amg. It's my dream car!

[@dgonzz90]

Awesome vid 👍🏽

[@mikee6220]

Great detailed video.

[@eddieplaysgh]

Very cool video dude. My wagon key is different than the three keys you listed. Wonder why that is.

[@yellowjoe.2000]

now after 20+ years, the pre face-lift version looks better and aged better. more raw and muscular look

[@miguelf7717]

Interesting. I own a '98 E430 euro.

[@Genome69420]

here for it

[@TheOfficialDuBsTeC]

Looks like mine 03/97 is a really interesting blend of "early 96/97" and the later pre Facelifts. Mine came with the new key and backmirror while also having autolock while driving. But it came with the smooth cowling no cutouts with it which seems like only the 96/97 did also the Speedo is slightly different just like the early 96/97 (not that "dual staged" look it just one strip on the bottom for that "digital" info).. it came with a cassette deck which also only was available for the 124 and first 2 years of 210 which the radio was 1:1 the same but with CD after that. Its a wild car and blend of early and later pre facelift its right when they seem to have changed out part by part to introduce the small lift. I DO prefer the Prefacelift it just looks way cleaner somehow especially the Front Bumper with the straight lines and side mirror I like that style more. Though the Rearlight, painted bottom parts and hood shape on the facelift is cooler if you would blend that together you got the ultimate 210.

[@staplegun3703]

I got mine used with crystal clear aftermarket headlights, they improved its appearance

[@titop6152]

Awesome video now I know the difference.

[@nikolay7919]

There is one more infrared key between the ‘95-‘97 key and ‘99-‘02 key.and that kind of key is the first infrared key of W210 for cars manufactured from may ‘97 till ’99.know it

[@minasakopian1220]

Super video !!!!

[@ANDERZENAMG]

Always been a pre facelift fan myself, but facelift model is a bit better looking maybe in reality lol. Both excellent examples!

[@theinsaneshecklador6598]

I personally prefer the facelift look of the non AMG cars to the pre-facelift non AMGs but when it comes to the E55s I like the pre-facelift look better than the facelift look.

[@ANDERZENAMG]

@@theinsaneshecklador6598 agreed!

[@theinsaneshecklador6598]

@@ANDERZENAMG So I'm not crazy? I was in a junkyard a few months ago and was talking with a guy who thought I was nuts for thinking the pre-facelift 55s looked better than the facelifts.

[@ANDERZENAMG]

@@theinsaneshecklador6598 most people would react the same but there’s just something special about the pre-facelift that seems right

[@user-zo7sh4gk8h]

Pre facelift forever

[@mrgifuziz8521]

It's a hard choice because both are beautiful😍😍😍

[@BMWyCia]

0:33 the non amg prefacelift sideskirt is not unpainted: it doesnt have a plastic sideskirt its just the body that you see finished in black

[@abdullahz4804]

Bought my first w210 facelift not long ago, had only preface before that. To me facelift looks more like the w211 but preface looks just more old school

[@Kan_DSU]

I have a euro 1998 w210 it seems like its a between step from pre and faceilft since i have the old looks but alot of the facelift features

[@markoilijagalic4077]

I love e320cdi it is tge best daily driver (for my needs) which i can own. It doesnt break down, its fast and flexible engine which burns 7-8 liters on highway. Very comfortable and cheap maintenance

[@gwenvael6343]

Wonderful W210s !!!

[@mikea79]

@SoCal210 I see one of your cars has a Kilometer only speedometer. Is there a way to swap that with a MPH one? Do you find it hard to drive in the USA with it in Kph?

[@Limitededitionautomobiles]

I'am into The Pre Facelift

[@seddam]

Hi, awesome video. A lot of differences. Can you tell us if what are differences in ride quality, performance and reliability?

[@seddam]

And handling

[@SoCal210]

They’re the same in terms of ride quality, performance, and reliability in terms of the engine and trans if they are the m112 and m113. The m104 and m119 are not as reliable. The materials of the interior of the prefacelift feel higher quality and more durable

[@seddam]

@@SoCal210 thanks

[@andrascsont9605]

The normal pre facelift models didnt even have the side skirts. Also in 1997 euro models got the smart keys

[@andreborges2106]

Great video, thank you. Driving experience-wise, do you see any difference? Steering, suspension, etc?

[@SoCal210]

If it’s the same engine and transmission it drives nearly identical. The 96 with the m104 and old 4 speed auto drives the worst out of all of them.

[@andreborges2106]

@@SoCal210 thanks. Might be looking at a 98 this week. Been hoping for a facelift wagon to show up, but nearly a year and nothing. Might have to bite the bullet.

[@sav7123]

the e50 should get black side indicators very noticeable mod especially in black

[@dennisyaj87]

Could you do one about the S210’s? I just want to know what are the three hooks in the back space is for on the facelift whereas the preface does not have it and I want to know the reasoning. Also, is the sedans similar to the wagons? Because on my ‘99 S210 in the interior under the dashboard and front seats, also the door handle, there were no lighting compared to my ‘01 S210 which has it. I thought that was a cool feature. Another thing I have noticed in my ‘99 S210 is I can start the car in neutral position and in my ‘01 I cannot. Is there any differences in the 722.6’s? Also for the stock Becker stereo unit on my ‘99 S210 it had a security anti-theft feature where the left side (volume knob) face comes off. How would we know which W210/S210 comes with that as my ‘01 S210 does not have that security feature?

[@SoCal210]

For the most part everything from the rear seats forward is identical between w210 and s210. I think the 3 hooks are for cargo tie down. I don’t have access to prefacelift and facelift wagons at the moment to film a video. The facelift has the lighted door handles I forgot to mention this. Both facelift and prefacelift can start in neutral. If your car cannot there is a fault in the shifter. There were differences in the 722.6. Early versions had a drain bolt on the torque converter and I think they got rid of it in 1998. Torque ratings are different and different solenoids were used, the software is different too. There were a couple of radio options in Europe we never got in USA so I don’t know anything about radio features that aren’t USA specific.

[@oliver.taylor]

I have a 2001 E430 and it has the green release button inside the trunk

[@detonater1348]

My 01 W210 wagon (S210) is facelift ofc but also got the infrared style door locks with small cut out for receiver. U showed that on ur facelift as well on the first shot but on the next shot it was not there…

[@SoCal210]

The facelift uses radio frequency. The cutout is much smaller than the IR received, and harder to see on a black car. Both front doors will have it.

[@bossneur]

Do you personally prefer pre-facelift or facelift?

[@SoCal210]

Tough call but I would probably prefer the facelift for daily driving. The slightly more modern touches are nice.

[@theinsaneshecklador6598]

7:00 What is the purpose of the defroster line cutouts? 22:50 The only thing that comes to mind is the parking sensor displays are different. Facelift has them integrated into the wood trim over the center vents. Pre-facelift has extra plastic bits that go over the top of the wood. One above those center vents and another one on the short piece of wood on the other side of the instrument cluster.

[@SoCal210]

I don’t really see a good reason for the change in the defroster lines.

[@theinsaneshecklador6598]

@@SoCal210 I can't think of a reason either but MB must have one. Another thing I thought of is I think I heard the facelifts have a higher crash safety rating. I remember seeing a test comparison showing a lot less crumpling of the drivers footwell area in the facelift.

[@SoCal210]

I believe that it was in 1999 that they added the side curtain airbags too. Which is probably why the headliner design changed too

[@winiary_taniegruzy]

The top portion is not a defroster line, those are antennas for the radio. If you look closely, they're separated in the facelift too, just much less visible. Maybe the 2002 has better radio reception.

[@theinsaneshecklador6598]

@@winiary_taniegruzy Thanks.

[@alexanderdarmandjian967]

I own a 2002 w210 e320 I love it but I would really love a 2002 e55 AMG 😢

[@loading.-.-.-.]

HEY SOCAL, I was in the area if San Juan today and saw a e55 AMG similar to yours. Did i spot you lolz

[@SoCal210]

No. My car has been parked inside since Saturday.

[@loading.-.-.-.]

@@SoCal210 daym :(

[@speedsterspeedy2146]

Are the fuel tanks the same on w210 face lift cars? 2000-2002?? Do you know

[@SoCal210]

I’m not certain but should be for most models.

[@thepastalicio501]

Is there any ground clearance difference between pre vs facelift, especially in elegance trim?

[@SoCal210]

If there is, it is minimal. The bumper’s dimensions are similar

[@speedsterspeedy2146]

What size are your tires front n rears. ? Mich? 245 -275?

[@SoCal210]

Yeah factory US sizes. Michelin PS4S

[@MD-zr1wy]

I own a w210 from 96❤️

[@MV-nt4bq]

Does the facelift have rust issues like the pre face ?

[@SoCal210]

I don’t think there any difference

[@jakovlakdashcam2457]

No star on hood ? why :/

[@skitbra1261]

Coooel

[@martinsvensson6884]

I wonder why the door lock indicator knob always sticks up on US models even when locked.. The European models always sink completely into the window sill. Since the w123.

[@SoCal210]

For US market you must be able to pull them up if they are in locked position.

[@martinsvensson6884]

@@SoCal210 Interesting.

[@samfromprague2688]

I love these cars, looking for one, still cheep here in Europe, specially the E 50 , you can bay one about 5-8 k € , and the E 55 , about 7-10 k , nice one , to daily drive, and the collectable one 15-20 € good example,,, before about one year it was under 5 k , 2500 cat bay one , every comfortable car , like yachting,,,, blesses.

[@samfromprague2688]

I hade Diesel one ,, still remember the gliding of it, even Diesel was so comfey.

[@farajredouane5801]

🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@zdim4469]

Both look sexy af i own e200 cdi facelift but not in mint condition.

[@user-vu2yg2zz3h]

Привет👍

[@hoppspakram]

7:53 Styling 2 not aero 2

[@user-cm9ge5sq5r]

до рестайлинговый авто топ!

[@realkilju]

pre looks much better imo

[@user-lu5zw7ue9m]

W210mehanika❤

[@Will_14_years_ago]

Engines om606s

[@gerardusch]

The most striking difference is the amount of rust. The facelift version rusts 10 times faster than the pre-facelift !

[@bossneur]

Is it? I thought it was the other way around. I have an option to buy a pre-facelift e240 year 1999. Still in good condition. 150k mileage. I'm going to go view and see if it's the one I want.

[@avigdorromilly19]

𝓟Ř𝔬𝓂𝔬𝐒ϻ

[@farajredouane5801]

WhatsApp

[@enhancementtank5876]

The facelift is gay