W210 owners/shifus help?

[Guest suaku]

Hi all, I'm new here and don't own a car at the moment. Shopping starts soon with a low budget of under 30k.

Based on budget and since it's already Nov, I was settled on getting a 4yr old Japanese K-class (2007, 660cc), until I realised that a 15yr old w210 (1996) would roughly cost the same.

The thought of owning a Merc seem overwhelming. I remember this one costs a BOMB back in 1996 when COE was sky high! So I would like to ask W210 owners/experts here to share knowledge on this model before I make up my mind.

1. I already know road tax is high, but what about fuel consumption? 1L - ???km?

2. Insurance? How much more compared to other marques?

3. Any outstanding issues? Say infamous gearboxes or leakages?

4. Typical interval servicing costs? Every 6mths oil change how much? Annual servicing how much?

5. Any good websites to check out all the specs and facts about this model?

6. Anything that a newbie (as my nick implies) should know?

thanks in advance

[Guest jonny7733]

what is the K class?...afaik merc very tahan!:becky:

[g8crasher]

1. I already know road tax is high, but what about fuel consumption? 1L - ???km?

For a 15 year old car, this is highly dependent on the state of tune (ie, mechanical condition of the car) but the average fuel consumption should range from between 4XX-5XX kms on a full tank - approx 65 litres. These figures derived from mostly city driving - at least 60%.

2. Insurance? How much more compared to other marques?

3rd party available only. Anywhere from $8XX - $1XXX (driver dependent)

3. Any outstanding issues? Say infamous gearboxes or leakages?

5 spd models rarely have issues. 2001 Kompressors on the other hand.. MB gearboxes are built to last. Only recently have the 7G Tronic boxes had some hiccups and the problems are usually associated with higher powered applications.

4. Typical interval servicing costs? Every 6mths oil change how much? Annual servicing how much?

Normal service costs around $2XX. Engine oil, oil filter and other basic fluid top ups.

5. Any good websites to check out all the specs and facts about this model?

Mmm, the E200s are quite specific to Asian and possibly UK markets. US spec'd cars are usually E300 and above and info is more readily available on these cars.

Wiki has some info but do be careful as some of it is not accurate.

My advice to you is just to be prepared to get the car up to spec given the age. In addition to the purchase price, be prepared to spend a couple of grand during the initial ownership experience in order to get some things right.

Parts are not expensive (by normal standards).

This is a well insulated and heavy car to begin with so do not expect off the line performance to be fantastic. It's a great cruiser when you get to the relevant cruising speed.

[Guest suaku]

Thanks to g8 and 7733 shifus for taking time to help me.

Mr 7733 (nice plate btw) , K-class cars are super minis under 660cc and must be under 3.4m in length. Currently in SG, you can see Mitsubishi i, Subaru R1/R2, Daihatsu Copen, Suzuki Lapin and gang on the roads. Cute looking cars with consumption figures like 1L-15km. Annual road tax is under sgd350. Engine oil only need 2.5l. How about that kinda expenses for car ownership??

Mr g8, thanks for your insights. I agree it's hard to find facts on e200 as other countries normally have the bigger boys or diesel engines.

Initial "research" on w210 seems good for now. I am used to 1L-9km on my previous ride, so given this is a Merc and 2000cc, I can accept 1L-8km gladly.

So only problem is to find one with good price and condition. And pray to TPK that there will be no major kaputs along the remaining 5 yrs. No fixed decision as of now. Shopping may be delayed to next mid year since need more moolah for touch ups if getting the w210.

Anymore gurus can kindly chime in?

Thanks!!

[keltanky]

1. I already know road tax is high, but what about fuel consumption? 1L - ???km?

approx: 8.5-9Km/L depends on your route and your right foot

2. Insurance? How much more compared to other marques?

Only 3rd party la... as per g8 said

3. Any outstanding issues? Say infamous gearboxes or leakages?

W210s has issues of overheating but not common la if got good maintain, gearbox are great

4. Typical interval servicing costs? Every 6mths oil change how much? Annual servicing how much?

std la

5. Any good websites to check out all the specs and facts about this model?

6. Anything that a newbie (as my nick implies) should know?

parts are genarally cheap and easy to find, but just a note, W210 was a time which DC was formed and it was its COST-CUTTING baby.. would go for Kompressor type

[Guest suaku]

Thanks to Bros who bothered to reply.

Encountered some setbacks along the way since I last posted.

1. Seems like listed price on sgcarmart are neg by only 2-3k. Saw 3 or 4 cars listed for around 38000. Out of my puny budget for now. Skin not thick enough to view and bargain to 30k.

2. Seems like loan for COE cars are done in high interest rates, not those 1.88 or 1.99 percent ones, compared to buying a car <10 yrs old. Damn, why the discrimination?

3. Ironically, I'm OK with the higher rd tax and fuel money. But the aboves are hindering.

Have intentions to join the club here, but sometimes things not within our control.

We shall see....

[keltanky]

get W124 masterpiece lor.

[Guest jonny7733]

Unker

Big small eyes more shiok...

Someppl say wan

[Guest suaku]

It really looks like I have to wait for the next round.

It's sellers' market at least for now, and I prob need a ride sooner than I can tahan. Caught in the rain past 2 days on bike, not nice at all. Even small rides need 30k +/-.

Thanks again for helpful bros who bothered.

[g8crasher]

suaku wrote:

Thanks to Bros who bothered to reply.

2. Seems like loan for COE cars are done in high interest rates, not those 1.88 or 1.99 percent ones, compared to buying a car

COE cars have no intrinsic value other than the COE. Non COE cars still have PARF + COE hence the higher perceived risk involved with the loans.

PQP averages are really high now. 2011 will see quite a fair number of classics headed for the chop shop.

[Guest suaku]

Yes bro g8, I agree with you on many classics going off the road in 2011, and possibly through to 2013.

Not just PQP or COE. I feel that most car prices are sky high now. It's strange since I believe many potential buyers are holding back, yet used car dealers are not eager to lower prices.

In 2009 I was offering people my 2011 (sgd18444 renewed) Nissan to people. Just pay me the COE value (ard 4.7k that time), yet nobody wanted.

Now I'm seeing 2013 w124s (1993 16v model) asking for 15k. It's not very realistic. I toyed with the idea of getting one, but gambling on PQP price come 2013 seems risky, along with the unknown repair bills.

W210 is def out for now since I don't want to loan on high interest. The irony is I am not taking a full loan. Just that the rates are not worth it.

Thanks to bros for advice anyway. I learnt lots here.

[Guest jurongwest]

Hello n Happy new year to all W210 brother !

[g8crasher]

jurongwest wrote:

Hello n Happy new year to all W210 brother !

Hello JurongWest, Happy New Year to you too and welcome to SGMERC.

[Guest yankee]

Howdy everyone. i read with interest on the threads below.

i am also interested in a W210 but am not sure of the fair market price of such a car in Singapore right now.

I will really appreciate if one of the "shifus" can provide the necessary guidance and what are the key things to look out for.

Thks