1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 300D review from UK and Ireland

The car suffers from the usual merc paintwork problems, but as long as you keep on top of it, whenever you see part of body work starting to bubble, it stays OK.

OK, the car has had some paint, but has been done properly each time, so doesn't really show.

This car has full merc history, and has detailed accounts of all work done. Again the usual suspension bush problems have occurred in the past, but they seem to be holding in there at the moment.

Just today I have replaced the alternator, at £211 for the unit, and fitting myself. It wasn't the cheapest of things to buy, but hey, the one I took off was the original, and it had lasted 10 years and over 200,000 miles, so can't really complain.

Apart from that and a couple of bulbs, that's it. Dead reliable.

I have owned 3 merc 300 diesels now. the previous 2 were the old w124 square shape.

They all seem to be much the same, although the later W210 is bigger inside.

A lot of people do complain about these cars, as they don't have the 'old qualities' of the previous models.

Paintwork on the early W210's is a bit poor; rust is very common. Also the bulbs in the lighting seem to go quite regularly. Have fully checked out all the earths, and the electrical system; all the wiring looks fine, so I have put it down to another gremlin.

The six cylinder diesel is a perfect lazy lump. It's not quick, being the non-turbo version, but it returns a good mpg, and just keeps plodding along.

The engine is easy to work on; plenty of room all round the engine bay, which makes life easy for home mechanic.

Wouldn't bother with main dealer with a car this age. My local agent wants £98 per hour plus VAT labour.

I went on an online auction site, and bought a laptop with all car software already installed for £300.

Means I can do full diagnostics myself, and make sure the job is done properly.

Handling on these cars is typical of a big heavy car. Don't expect it to be like an XR2 or a Mini; it won't make it round corners that fast, trust me.

Overall the car is what I expected; I did my research before buying, and have had no nasty surprises.