Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210)

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210)
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz (1994–1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998–2003) Magna Steyr (4MATIC models only)
Model code	W210 (Saloon) S210 (Wagon)
Production	June 1994[1] – March 2003 (sedan) May 1995[2] – December 2002 (station wagon)
Model years	1996–2002 (North America) 1996–2002 (sedan) 1997–2003 (station wagon)
Assembly	Germany: Sindelfingen (sedan and station wagon[3][4]) Rastatt (sedan, until October 1996)[5] Austria: Graz (4MATIC models only)[6] Egypt: 6th of October City (EGA)[7] India: Pune (TELCO)[8] Mexico: Santiago Tianguistenco[9]
Designer	Steve Mattin Bruno Sacco[10][11]
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car (E)
Body style	4-door sedan (W 210) 5-door station wagon (S 210)
Related	Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C208)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol I4 2.0 L M111 2.0 L M111 supercharger 2.3 L M111 2.3 L M111 supercharger I6 2.8 L M104 3.2 L M104 3.6 L M104 V6 2.4 L M112 2.6 L M112 2.8 L M112 3.2 L M112 V8 4.2 L M119 4.3 L M113 5.0 L M119 5.4 L M113 6.0 L M119 6.3 L M119 Diesel I4 2.0 L OM604 2.2 L OM604 2.2 L OM611 CDI I5 2.5 L OM605 2.5 L OM605 turbo 2.7 L OM612 CDI 2.9 L OM602 turbo I6 3.0 L OM606 3.0 L OM606 turbo 3.2 L OM613 CDI
Transmission	4-speed 4G-Tronic automatic 5-speed 4G-Tronic 722.5 automatic 5-speed 5G-Tronic automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	111.5 in (2,832 mm)
Length	189.7 in (4,818 mm)
Width	70.8 in (1,798 mm)
Height	55.8 in (1,417 mm)
Curb weight	1,456–1,735 kg (3,209.9–3,825.0 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W124
Successor	Mercedes-Benz W211

The Mercedes-Benz W210 is the internal designation for a range of executive cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz and marketed under the E-Class model name in both sedan/saloon (1995–2002) and station wagon/estate (1996–2003) configurations. W210 development started in 1988, three years after the W124's introduction.

The W210 was designed by Steve Mattin under design chief Bruno Sacco between 1988 and 1991, later being previewed on the 1993 Coupé Concept shown at the Geneva Auto Show in March 1993. The W210 was the first Mercedes-Benz production car featuring Xenon headlamps (including dynamic headlamp range control, only low beam).^[12]

Design patents for both the Coupé Concept and the W210 E-Class were filed on 25 February 1993 in Germany and 25 August 1993 in the US.^{[13][14][15][16][17][18]} On 21 July 1998, design patents were filed on an updated W210 (designed in 1997).^[19][20][21]

For model year 2000, a multi-function information system was incorporated into the instrument cluster below the speedometre, and the introduction of steering wheel controls for the audio/navigation/phone system. In addition, the 5-speed automatic transmission introduced +/- gate positions for semi-manual control of the gearbox, marketed as "Touch Shift." This electronic system replaced the previous gated shift arrangement. Exterior changes included a revised front with a steeper rake, similar to the CLK, and restyled bumpers and lower body trim. Sedans received new taillights, and the wagon's tailgate was revised, moving the CHMSL from the base of the rear window to directly above it. The final W210 production included the E 320 and E 430 special editions released in two exterior colours - quartz silver (limited edition), obsidian black, and with Xenon lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and black maple walnut trim. Estate cars (sedans optionally) had Citroën-like self-leveling rear suspension with suspension struts rather than shock absorbers, gas-filled suspension spheres to provide damping and an under bonnet pressurizing pump. Unlike the traditional Citroën application Mercedes opted for a fixed ride height and employed rear coil springs to maintain the static ride height when parked.

This was the first time a V6 engine was offered (model year 1998) to replace the straight-six configuration (1995–1997). This new Mercedes-Benz M112 engine produced 165 kW (224 PS; 221 hp) and 315 N⋅m (232 lb⋅ft) of torque and offered a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) of 6.9 seconds. Other offerings were the E 420 (1997), E 430 (1998–2002), and E 55 AMG (1999–2002) with 260 kW (354 PS; 349 hp)^[22] and a 5.4 L naturally aspirated engine. In North America, the range also features two diesels, including both non-turbocharged (1996–1997) and turbocharged (1998–1999) 3.0 litre straight-six units, that were internally designated as OM606.

In 1999, Mercedes-Benz discontinued diesel powerplants in the E-class in North America. In Europe, the diesel engines were superseded by more advanced Common Rail (CDI) units (2000–2002). The CDI engines were not offered in North America until the E 320 CDI in the newer W211 model.

Models	Production years	Displacement	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)	Top speed	Fuel consumption
Inline-4 petrol engines
E 200	05/1995-05/1996	1,998 cc (121.9 cu in)	100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) at 5,500 rpm	190 N⋅m (140 lbf⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm	11.4 seconds	205 km/h (127 mph)	9.1 L/100 km (31 mpg‑imp; 26 mpg‑US)
	06/1996-07/1999			190 N⋅m (140 lbf⋅ft) at 3,700-4,500 rpm
	07/1999-06/2000				10.8 seconds	209 km/h (130 mph)	9.3 L/100 km (30 mpg‑imp; 25 mpg‑US)
E 200 Kompressor	06/1995-07/19962		132 kW (179 PS; 177 hp) at 5,300 rpm	250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 2,500-4,800 rpm	-	-	-
	08/1997-07/19992		137 kW (186 PS; 184 hp) at 5,300 rpm	260 N⋅m (192 lbf⋅ft) at 2,500-4,800 rpm	8.9 seconds	231 km/h (144 mph)	9.9 L/100 km (29 mpg‑imp; 24 mpg‑US)
			141 kW (192 PS; 189 hp) at 5,300 rpm	270 N⋅m (199 lbf⋅ft) at 2,500-4,800 rpm	9.5 seconds	232 km/h (144 mph)	9.6 L/100 km (29 mpg‑imp; 25 mpg‑US)
	07/1999-06/20002		137 kW (186 PS; 184 hp) at 5,300 rpm	260 N⋅m (192 lbf⋅ft) at 2,500-4,800 rpm	8.9 seconds	231 km/h (144 mph)	9.9 L/100 km (29 mpg‑imp; 24 mpg‑US)
			141 kW (192 PS; 189 hp) at 5,300 rpm	270 N⋅m (199 lbf⋅ft) at 2,500-4,800 rpm	9.5 seconds	232 km/h (144 mph)	9.6 L/100 km (29 mpg‑imp; 25 mpg‑US)
	05/2000-03/2002		120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp) at 5,300 rpm		9.7 seconds	222 km/h (138 mph)	8.9 L/100 km (32 mpg‑imp; 26 mpg‑US)
E 230	05/1995-06/1998	2,295 cc (140.0 cu in)	110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) at 5,400 rpm	220 N⋅m (162 lbf⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm	10.5 seconds	215 km/h (134 mph)	8.3 L/100 km (34 mpg‑imp; 28 mpg‑US)
Inline-6 petrol engines
E 280	12/1995-03/1997	2,799 cc (170.8 cu in)	142 kW (193 PS; 190 hp) at 5,900 rpm	270 N⋅m (199 lbf⋅ft) at 3,750 rpm	8.6 seconds	230 km/h (143 mph)	10.6 L/100 km (27 mpg‑imp; 22 mpg‑US)
E 320	05/1995-03/1997	3,199 cc (195.2 cu in)	162 kW (220 PS; 217 hp) at 5,500 rpm	315 N⋅m (232 lbf⋅ft) at 3,850 rpm	7.8 seconds	235 km/h (146 mph)	10.4 L/100 km (27 mpg‑imp; 23 mpg‑US)
E 36 AMG	12/1995-03/1997	3,606 cc (220.1 cu in)	206 kW (280 PS; 276 hp) at 5,750 rpm	385 N⋅m (284 lbf⋅ft) at 3,000-5,000 rpm	6.7 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)1	-
V6 petrol engines
E 2403	08/1997-07/1999	2,398 cc (146.3 cu in)	125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) at 5,700 rpm	225 N⋅m (166 lbf⋅ft) at 3,000-5,000 rpm	9.6 seconds	223 km/h (139 mph)	10.3 L/100 km (27 mpg‑imp; 23 mpg‑US)
	07/1999-05/2000				9.8 seconds	224 km/h (139 mph)	10.4 L/100 km (27 mpg‑imp; 23 mpg‑US)
	05/2000-03/2002	2,597 cc (158.5 cu in)	125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) at 5,500 rpm	245 N⋅m (181 lbf⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm	9.3 seconds	229 km/h (142 mph)	10.8 L/100 km (26 mpg‑imp; 22 mpg‑US)
E 280	03/1997-07/1999	2,799 cc (170.8 cu in)	150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) at 5,700 rpm	270 N⋅m (199 lbf⋅ft) at 3,000-5,000 rpm	8.5 seconds	234 km/h (145 mph)	10.6 L/100 km (27 mpg‑imp; 22 mpg‑US)
	07/1999-03/2002				8.9 seconds	230 km/h (143 mph)	10.8 L/100 km (26 mpg‑imp; 22 mpg‑US)
E 280 4MATIC	03/1997-07/1999				9.1 seconds	223 km/h (139 mph)	11 L/100 km (26 mpg‑imp; 21 mpg‑US)
	07/1999-03/2002				9.4 seconds		11.2 L/100 km (25 mpg‑imp; 21.0 mpg‑US)
E 320	03/1997-07/1999	3,199 cc (195.2 cu in)	165 kW (224 PS; 221 hp) at 5,600 rpm	315 N⋅m (232 lbf⋅ft) at 3,000-4,800 rpm	7.7 seconds	238 km/h (148 mph)	10.3 L/100 km (27 mpg‑imp; 23 mpg‑US)
	07/1999-03/2002				7.9 seconds
E 320 4MATIC	03/1997-07/1999				8 seconds	234 km/h (145 mph)	11.1 L/100 km (25 mpg‑imp; 21.2 mpg‑US)
	07/1999-03/2002				8.3 seconds
V8 petrol engines
E 420	02/1996-02/1998	4,196 cc (256.1 cu in)	205 kW (279 PS; 275 hp) at 5,700 rpm	400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft) at 3,900 rpm	7 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)1	10.6 L/100 km (27 mpg‑imp; 22 mpg‑US)
E 430	08/1997-07/1999	4,266 cc (260.3 cu in)	205 kW (279 PS; 275 hp) at 5,750 rpm	400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft) at 3,000-4,000 rpm	6.6 seconds		11.3 L/100 km (25 mpg‑imp; 20.8 mpg‑US)
	07/1999-03/2002						10.8 L/100 km (26 mpg‑imp; 22 mpg‑US)
E 430 4MATIC					6.8 seconds		12.3 L/100 km (23.0 mpg‑imp; 19.1 mpg‑US)
E 50 AMG	01/1996-08/1997	4,973 cc (303.5 cu in)	255 kW (347 PS; 342 hp) at 5,750 rpm	480 N⋅m (354 lbf⋅ft) at 3,750-4,250 rpm	6.2 seconds		11.6 L/100 km (24 mpg‑imp; 20.3 mpg‑US)
E 55 AMG	10/1997-03/2002	5,439 cc (331.9 cu in)	260 kW (354 PS; 349 hp) at 5,500 rpm	530 N⋅m (391 lbf⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	5.7 seconds		12.1 L/100 km (23.3 mpg‑imp; 19.4 mpg‑US)
E 55 AMG 4MATIC	07/1999-03/2002				5.8 seconds		-
E 60 AMG	1996-1998	5,956 cc (363.5 cu in)	280 kW (381 PS; 375 hp) at 5,750 rpm	580 N⋅m (428 lbf⋅ft) at 3,750 rpm	5.1 seconds
E 60 AMG 6.3		6,298 cc (384.3 cu in)	298 kW (405 PS; 400 hp) at 5,500 rpm	616 N⋅m (454 lbf⋅ft) at 3,600 rpm	5 seconds
Inline-4 diesel engines
E 200 Diesel4	06/1996-07/1998	1,997 cc (121.9 cu in)	65 kW (88 PS; 87 hp) at 5,000 rpm	135 N⋅m (100 lbf⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm	17.6 seconds	177 km/h (110 mph)	7.6 L/100 km (37 mpg‑imp; 31 mpg‑US)
E 200 CDI	06/1998-06/1999	2,151 cc (131.3 cu in)	75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp) at 4,200 rpm	235 N⋅m (173 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500-2,600 rpm	13.7 seconds	187 km/h (116 mph)	6.3 L/100 km (45 mpg‑imp; 37 mpg‑US)
	07/1999-03/2002	2,148 cc (131.1 cu in)	85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) at 4,200 rpm	250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,400-2,600 rpm	12.5 seconds	199 km/h (124 mph)	6.2 L/100 km (46 mpg‑imp; 38 mpg‑US)
E 220 Diesel	05/1995-07/1998	2,155 cc (131.5 cu in)	70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) at 5,000 rpm5	150 N⋅m (111 lbf⋅ft) at 3,100 rpm	17 seconds	180 km/h (112 mph)	6.6 L/100 km (43 mpg‑imp; 36 mpg‑US)
E 220 CDI	06/1998-06/1999	2,151 cc (131.3 cu in)	92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp) at 4,200 rpm	300 N⋅m (221 lbf⋅ft) at 1,800-2,600 rpm	11.2 seconds	200 km/h (124 mph)	6.3 L/100 km (45 mpg‑imp; 37 mpg‑US)
	07/1999-03/2002	2,148 cc (131.1 cu in)	105 kW (143 PS; 141 hp) at 4,200 rpm6	315 N⋅m (232 lbf⋅ft) at 1,800-2,600 rpm	10.4 seconds	213 km/h (132 mph)	6.2 L/100 km (46 mpg‑imp; 38 mpg‑US)
Inline-5 diesel engines
E 250 Diesel2	06/1995-06/1998	2,497 cc (152.4 cu in)	83 kW (113 PS; 111 hp) at 5,000 rpm	170 N⋅m (125 lbf⋅ft) at 3,200 rpm	15.3 seconds	193 km/h (120 mph)	7 L/100 km (40 mpg‑imp; 34 mpg‑US)
E 250 Turbodiesel7	04/1997-07/1999		110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) at 4,400 rpm	280 N⋅m (207 lbf⋅ft) at 1,800-3,600 rpm	10.4 seconds	206 km/h (128 mph)	8 L/100 km (35 mpg‑imp; 29 mpg‑US)
E 270 CDI	07/1999-03/2002	2,685 cc (163.8 cu in)	125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) at 4,200 rpm	370 N⋅m (273 lbf⋅ft) at 1,600-2,800 rpm8	9 seconds	225 km/h (140 mph)	6.9 L/100 km (41 mpg‑imp; 34 mpg‑US)
E 290 Turbodiesel	02/1996-06/1999	2,874 cc (175.4 cu in)	95 kW (129 PS; 127 hp) at 4,000 rpm	300 N⋅m (221 lbf⋅ft) at 1,800 rpm	11.5 seconds	195 km/h (121 mph)	6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg‑imp; 35 mpg‑US)
Inline-6 diesel engines
E 300 Diesel	05/1995-04/1997	2,996 cc (182.8 cu in)	100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) at 5,000 rpm	210 N⋅m (155 lbf⋅ft) at 2,200 rpm	12.9 seconds	205 km/h (127 mph)	7.4 L/100 km (38 mpg‑imp; 32 mpg‑US)
E 300 Turbodiesel	04/1997-06/1999		130 kW (177 PS; 174 hp) at 4,400 rpm	330 N⋅m (243 lbf⋅ft) at 1,600-3,600 rpm	8.9 seconds	220 km/h (137 mph)	7.9 L/100 km (36 mpg‑imp; 30 mpg‑US)
E 320 CDI	07/1999-03/2002	3,222 cc (196.6 cu in)	145 kW (197 PS; 194 hp) at 4,200 rpm	470 N⋅m (347 lbf⋅ft) at 1,800-2,600 rpm	8.3 seconds	230 km/h (143 mph)	7.8 L/100 km (36 mpg‑imp; 30 mpg‑US)

¹Electronically limited

²Sold only in Greece, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia and Hungary

³Power is rated at 120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp) for the Belgian market for vehicles built between 08/1997-05/2000

⁴Sold only in Portugal

⁵A 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) version with biodiesel-compatibility is available for fleet sales

⁶Power is rated at 100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) for the Belgian market for vehicles built between 07/1999-03/2002

⁷Sold only in Italy and Portugal

⁸Torque is rated at 400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft) between 1,800-2,600 rpm for vehicles with automatic transmission

The W210 E-Class carried over the 4-speed 722.4 and 722.3 automatic transmissions along with the optional 722.5 5-speed automatic, all from the previous generation W124 E-Class. For the 1997 model year, Mercedes-Benz installed an electronically controlled, new-generation automatic gearbox (NAG): the 722.6 5-speed automatic transmission to replace the previous transmissions.^[23]

A five-speed manual was also available, although after the facelift for the 2000 model year, it was replaced by a six-speed manual. The 5-speed transmission was marketed as "sealed for life"; however, Mercedes-Benz dealers now recommend changing the fluid at regular intervals.

The W210 chassis originally came with one of the following OEM wheel setups:

• E 200/E 220 CDI/E 230/E 240 (pre-facelift)/E 300 diesel: 15 x 6.5" ET37
• E 200 Kompressor/E 240/E 280/E 320/E 420: 16 x 7.5" ET41
• E 430: 16 x 7.5" ET41 (before 2000); 17 x 7.5" ET41 (after 2000)
• Sport Package: 17 x 8" ET37
• Special Edition: 17 x 8" ET35
• E 55 AMG: 18 x 8" ET31 front, 18 x 9" ET35 rear.

ET is the German abbreviation for Einpresstiefe or offset, where the number is in mm and indicates the amount of offset. This ETxx is stamped on the inside of OEM rims for easy reference.

The bolt pattern is 5x112 (12 mm x 1.5 lugs), with an offset range of 30–40 mm, a wheel size range of 16"x6.0" to 20"x8.5". This is the same bolt pattern as most Mercedes, including the previous E-Class (W124). The newer Mercedes, including the 2003 (W211) to the present E-Class (W213), have 14 mm ball seats, making the wheels interchangeable only with the use of aftermarket lugs that combine a 14 mm ball seat (also known as "R14", the "R" meaning radius) with a 12 mm thread.

There were four engines that AMG installed in the W210. The first was the E 36, M104.995, launched in 1996 for select markets then the M119.980 in the E 50 AMG produced from early 1996 until late 1997. This model was assembled in Affalterbach under the one man one engine philosophy, only available in left hand drive European markets although many were exported to Japan from new. It is estimated around 2,800 E 50's were ever produced in its limited production run. There was also an option for the M119.980 V8 that was bored out to 6.0L and increased power to 381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp) the cars these were fitted to were designated as the E 60 and came in sedan and wagon varieties. A limited edition 6.3L version, also badged E 60 AMG were built in 1996 generating 405 PS (298 kW; 399 hp) and 454 ft⋅lbf (616 N⋅m) of torque. In 1998 came the M113 powered E 55 which used a 5.4L V8 SOHC 24V to produce 354 PS (260 kW; 349 hp) and 391 ft⋅lbf (530 N⋅m) of torque.

The body styling on all of the W210 AMG models was the same until 2000 when a facelift and interior upgrades were implemented. The W210 E 55 was the last vehicle for which a major portion of production took place at AMG in Affalterbach. Production was actually split between Affalterbach and the Bremen Mercedes-Benz facility until the end of 2001.

The rarest of the W210 AMG models due to low productions numbers is the European-spec E 36. Based on the E 280, it was only produced in 1996 and 1997 and was not available in the US market. In Australia, they cost upwards of AUD $185,000 (new) and there were only 49 units sold. While rare, they are nowhere near as powerful as the V8-engined AMG cars.

Production figures: <400 (production models).

Performance

• 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 6.7 seconds (AMG figure)
• Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) (Electronically limited)

The E 36 looks identical to the E 55 (pre-facelift).^{[citation needed]}

The European-spec E 50 was only produced in 1996–1997. The E 50 was not available on the US market.

Production figures: ~2,870 (production models).

• Chassis: 210.072
• Motor: M 119.985
• Transmission: 722.6xx

Engine

• 90° V8, high-pressure die-cast alloy block, alloy heads
• Displacement: 5.0 L (6.0)
• Bore: 3.72 in (94 mm)
• Stroke: 3.51 in (89 mm)
• Compression ratio: 11.2:1 (same)
• Output: 342 hp (347 PS) at 5550 rpm
• Torque: 355 ft⋅lbf (481 N⋅m) at 3200 - 4400 rpm
• Valve Gear double roller chain-driven DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
• Redline: 6000 rpm Distributor-less computer controlled ignition. Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch LH Jetronic)

(Same engine used in the S500/C, SL500, with tuned exhaust and cylinder head)

Transmission

• 5 and 6 speed (optional) auto 722.609 (same as C43, E 55, SL/S 600/c)
• Final drive ratio: 3.06
• 1st gear: 3.59
• 2nd gear: 2.19
• 3rd gear: 1.41
• 4th gear: 1.00
• 5th gear: 0.83
• Reverse gear R1 3.16
• Reverse gear R2 1.90 (Winter mode)

Performance

• 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 6.2 seconds (AMG figure)
• 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 5.8 seconds (Auto Motor und Sport 9/96)
• Top speed: 270 km/h (168 mph) (Drag limited)

The 1998 and 1999 E 55 are identical to the E 50 (pre-facelift).

The W210 E 55 was produced for 5 years 1998 through 2002 with a facelift in 2000. Production figures. ~12,000 accounted for (production models). 3000 per year. 500 per year imported into North America.

• Chassis: 210.074
• Motor: M 113.980
• Transmission: 722.622, or in some cases known to be 722.636.^[24]

Engine

• 90 degree V-8, high-pressure die-cast alloy block, alloy heads
• Displacement: 5.4 L
• Bore: 3.82 in (97 mm)
• Stroke: 3.62 in (92 mm)
• Compression ratio: 10.5:1
• Output: 349 hp (354 PS; 260 kW) at 5550 rpm
• Torque: 391 ft⋅lbf (530 N⋅m) at 3150 - 4500 rpm
• Valve Gear chain-driven SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder.
• Redline: 6,000 rpm

Transmission

• 5 speed auto 722.6 (same as W203 C55, E 55, SL/S 600/c)
• Final drive ratio: 2.82
• 1st gear: 3.59
• 2nd gear: 2.19
• 3rd gear: 1.41
• 4th gear: 1.00
• 5th gear: 0.83
• Reverse gear R1 3.16
• Reverse gear R2 1.90 (Winter mode)

Performance

• 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 5.4 seconds AMG figure (1999)
• Station Wagon (T-modell): 5.7 seconds
• 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 5.3 seconds (Auto Motor und Sport 7/98)
• Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) Electronically limited.

The 2001 model year E 55 was a rare version of the W210 E 55 AMG, of which only 653 units were produced in 2001. It has a 5.5-litre V8 that produces 354 hp (359 PS; 264 kW) and 391 lb⋅ft (530 N⋅m) of torque. Various road tests revealed ranges of 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) times in 4.8-5.3 seconds and quarter-mile times in 13.3–13.5 seconds at around 105–107 mph (169–172 km/h).

Common items were AMG exclusive "Condor" leather, black birdseye maple interior wood trim, AMG monoblock staggered 18-inch wheels and tires, AMG sport suspension, AMG brakes, AMG/Avantgarde front and rear body aprons with "dynamic" side skirts, AMG body shell modification, HID xenon headlights, Avantgarde fog lamps, heated multicontour AMG sport seats with power and memory, multifunction computer, automatic climate control system, Bose premium sound system, power tilt and telescoping leather-covered AMG multifunction sport steering wheel, power glass sunroof, power rear sun shade, and blue glass. Most of these items were standard in North America.

Suspension

• Front independent double wishbone with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.
• Rear 5-arm multilink with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.

After model year 2000 Bilstein gas shock absorbers and progressive-rate springs were added with larger, solid stabilizer bars.

Brakes Hydraulic dual-circuit braking system with vacuum servo unit, disk brakes, internally ventilated, two piece front "floating" rotors and 2-piston front floating calipers.

Steering

• Type: Rack-and-pinion with speed-sensitive power assist and integrated hydraulic damper.
• Turns lock-to-lock 3.20
• Turning circle curb-to-curb: 37.2 ft (11.3 m)

Wheels and tires (tyres)

• Wheel size: (front) 8.0J x 18 in
• Wheel size: (rear) 9.0J x 18 in
• Wheel type: Aluminum Alloy AMG II Monoblock
• Tires: 235/40ZR18 front, 265/35ZR18 rear

Dimensions and weight

• Wheelbase: 111.5 in/2,833 mm
• Front track: 61.4 in/1,560 mm
• Rear track: 60.8 in/1,543 mm
• Length: 189.4 in/4,810 mm
• Width: 70.8 in/1,799 mm
• Height: 56.9 in/1,445 mm
• Curb weight: 3,768 lb/1,715 kg
• Coefficient of drag: 0.29 Cd
• Power-to-weight ratio: 0.09

Options available

Power adjustable front seats, power tilt & telescoping leather-covered AMG sport steering wheel, leather upholstery, leather shift knob, 5 speed automatic transmission, Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability System (ESP), automatic climate control with charcoal filter, heated front seats, heated rear seats (European models), front and side airbags, power windows, metallic paint, xenon HID headlamps. Most of the options were standard in North America. Rare options were Parktronic (sonar parking sensors on front and rear bumpers), COMAND navigation 2000-2002 (CD based map) with integrated single CD player AM/FM/Weather band in dash radio with steering mounted controls, remote trunk mounted 6 disk CD player, Mercedes Tele-Aid satellite/cellular communication (2000-2002) cooled/heated vented seats, voice control radio/navigation and built in cellular telephone. E55 Wagon (Estate) not offered to North American market.

The W210 was the first E-Class available with factory armoring, these cars were known as GUARD versions and were available with 2 different levels of armored protection, B4 or B6.

The E 320 and E 430 were offered with B4 armoring and the E 430 and E 420 with B6.^[25]

Features of Guard include:

- ISOCLIMA bullet proof glass.

- no sunroof

- driver's glass with partial opening, all other windows are fixed

- Full reinforced structure and suspension to hold extra weight

- SLS (self leveling rear suspension)

- Microphone with external speaker (optional)

- Users manual includes a Special Protected Vehicles B4/B6 booklet.

- Datacard codes for GUARD lists 979 - Safety Version added with Z04 - B4 Reinforcement on Special Protection Version or Z06 - B6 Reinforcement on Special Protection Version.

In 1997, Mercedes-Benz reintroduced the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system in the US on the W210, although it was previously available in some European territories. Although this 4Matic system shares its name with the 90's 4MATIC system of the W124 300E, the system was totally redesigned and simplified. Rather than using the clutches and couplings of the earlier design, Mercedes opted to use three open differentials: front, centre, and rear. The front suspension design of the 4MATIC-equipped models is different from the rear wheel drive models and makes some replacement parts (such as shock absorbers) more expensive.

The E 55 AMG was available on request with 4MATIC option, based on the driveline of the E 430.^[26][27][28]

Some known problems^[who?] include the front spring perch being corroded and tearing away from the inner fender (wing), causing the front suspension to collapse. (4Matic models are not believed to be affected.) Other problems include defective harmonic balancer pulleys (recall), rust on trunk lid near latch, rust on Mercedes emblem on front hood, rust on door frames under window seals (recall), rust on front wings just above bumper, defective mass airflow metre, melted rear light bulb sockets, defective blower motor regulators, and rear window regulator failures.

Harmonic Balancer - Some M112 and M113 engines used in W210 models were equipped with a harmonic balancer pulley which, due to a supplier quality problem, may fail and cause engine damage. If the rubber insert of the harmonic balancer pulley delaminates, the pulley may grind through the timing chain cover and oil pan, causing several thousand dollars of damage. Mercedes-Benz USA issued Service Campaign #2005-020003^[29] which included inspection of the part and replacement if necessary at no cost. The part number on the harmonic balancer pulley can be compared to those given to Mercedes-Benz dealers in the Service Campaign notice^[30] to determine if the part is a faulty original or has been replaced with the updated part. Replacement of the faulty part with the updated part should be a permanent solution to this problem.

Blower Motor Regulator - If this part fails, the climate control fan will not operate faster than approximately 50% power. Mercedes updated the regulator to improve its reliability, but the redesigned regulator requires the installation of a new blower motor. The old-style regulator, which is compatible with the existing blower motor, is no longer manufactured. The blower motor regulator may be replaced with the much less expensive W140 S-class blower regulator, provided that the E-class wiring harness is re-attached to the S-class regulator.^[31]

Front Sway Bar Drop Links - While not a serious concern, most E-classes end up with a sub 35 mph (56 km/h) clicking or rattling sound from the front end. This is usually due to worn out front-end sway-bar drop links. These can easily be replaced by anybody with minor knowledge of vehicle DIY, for no more than around £20.^[32]

Front Spring Perches - Some owners have reported rust problems on the front spring perches - the top perches, which hold the tops of the springs for the front suspension. The perches are spot welded to the chassis, and factory coated in a weatherproof mastic to stop their rusting, however in some rare occurrences, water gets behind the mastic causing the perches to rust and eventually to fail - leading to collapse of the suspension. The car remains controllable. This is a problem that Mercedes USA have acknowledged. The problem is not identifiable without first removing the mastic to check.

Body corrosion - Most model year versions of the W210 displayed body rust, notably on European-sold cars. Rust would sometimes appear spontaneously on panels such as doors and roofs on cars less than a year old. In response to this problem, the manufacturer would in some cases change or repair the affected panels under warranty or good will.^[33] Mercedes-Benz has been criticized in the European press for not officially acknowledging this problem. This was due to problems introducing water-based paint technology within the German automobile industry, between the years 1998–2002.^{[citation needed]}

Window regulators - The power window regulator, essentially the mechanism that transfers power from the electric motor to the window, has a few plastic parts that can fail after several years causing the power window to stop operating.^[34]

Cylinder Head Gasket - The cylinder head gasket on the M104 is known to fail, causing an oil leak at the rear of the cylinder head.^[35]

Differential Bushing - The rear IRS differential bushing wears rapidly during high performance driving and cornering.^{[citation needed]}

Diesel injection distributor pump - The OM604 engines (E 200D and E 220D) were equipped with an electronically controlled injection pump from Lucas. The seals of the Lucas injection pumps become brittle over time and leak. The electromechanics have also been known to fail. Since the replacement of the entire injection pump is very expensive, a repair kit is offered in which the affected seals are replaced. Failed Lucas pumps are also commonly replaced with Bosch pumps from W124.

Front lower control arms - In high mileage examples, mostly from climates where salt is used on the roads in winter time corrosion damage might cause the control arm failure where the stamped sheet metal control arm is welded to the cast part, due to inadequate drainage hole in the control arms.^[36]

The W210 models replaced the W124 E-Class models after 1995, launching in mainland Europe in September 1995 and in the United States on 8 November 1995. W210 sedans were replaced by the W211 E-Class after 2002, and wagons/estates changed body style to the W211 after 2003.^{[citation needed]}

• EclassBenz.com
• MBWorld.org W210 E-class Forum
• Benzworld.org W210 E-class Forum
• UK MBClub Forum Archived 9 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine