Used Mercedes-Benz E230

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz E230

From 3 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The W210 E230 four-cylinder is described as durable but sluggish and thirsty when driven hard; the automatic further blunts performance.[3]one sourceW210
• An owner of a 1997 car with 330,000 km rated its reliability, comfort, materials, build, cabin space and sound insulation highly.[4][3]W210
• A forum user reported a one-owner W210 E230 still running at 470,000 km and using about 9 l/100 km combined; this is a single anecdote.[3]one sourceW210
• The 2007 E230 used a 2,496 cc naturally aspirated six-cylinder petrol engine producing 150 kW and 245 Nm, paired with a seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic.[5]one source

Typical faults

• On a 1997 W210, an electronic ignition switch (EZS) failure caused key-recognition and multiple electrical-system failures; replacing the EZS fixed them.[1]one sourceW210

  1997–1997

• A 1997 W210's central locking first worked only near the driver's door, then stopped responding to either key; the source gives no final diagnosis.[1]one sourceW210

  1997–1997

• A forum question reports a repeatedly flat battery on a 1998 E230 estate; no cause or repair is provided.[2]one sourceW210

  1998–1998

• An owner discussion identifies rust as a significant W210 body-durability problem.[3]one sourceW210

Which engine and version to take

• The W210 E230 four-cylinder petrol is a reasonable pick when durability matters more than pace; the forum particularly praises the manual gearbox's longevity.[3]one sourceW210
• The 2007 2,496 cc naturally aspirated six-cylinder suits buyers wanting more output: the source states 150 kW, 245 Nm and 0–100 km/h in 9.1 seconds.[5]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Inspect the W210 body carefully for corrosion, as an owner discussion identifies rust as a significant issue for this generation.[3]one sourceW210
• On a 1997 W210, verify that the EZS recognizes both keys and that the windows, mirrors, indicators, wipers and central locking work after startup.[1]one sourceW210
• Test both remote keys from several positions and also check the mechanical door lock; the source reports both reduced range and complete unlocking failure.[1]one sourceW210
• On a 1998 E230 estate, check parasitic draw and battery condition because repeated battery discharge has been reported.[2]one sourceW210
• Cross-check the odometer against service history and ownership, as the forum's high-mileage durability examples are specifically well-kept cars.[3]one sourceW210

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]clubmercedes.ro — Probleme electrice E230 W210 - Mercedes Benz Forum · forum
2. [2]autoplenum.at — Alle Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz E 230 Fragen · forum
3. [3]bmwslo.com — Mercedes E 230 - Avtomobilizem · forum
4. [4]auto.ria.com — Отзыв Mercedes-Benz E 230 1997 года от Алексей 2019- ... · press
5. [5]auto.cz — Mercedes-Benz: E 230 = nový šestiválec pro třídu E · press

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