Post-Facelift Models (‘00-’02)

For the 2000 model year, Mercedes-Benz gave the W210 a facelift. No surprise here; Mercedes typically gives each of its model series a cosmetic upgrade midway through production. For example, the 1980-1991 W126 S-class was updated in 1986. They restyled the 1992-1999 W140 S-class in 1995.

Facelift Changes

The differences between the pre- and post-facelift models are fairly minor visually. However substantial reworking went on in the front fascia and interior. Here are some of the major differences:

Exterior

  • Front end restyling
  • The switch to more compact V6 engines (and the elimination of the inline 6 diesel) opened up more room under the hood. Mercedes took advantage of this by dropping the angle of the hood for a more coupelike appearance like CLK.
  • Front grille and air dam revised for a more aggressive stance.
  • Side restyling
  • Side view mirrors streamlined and now include integrated turn signal blinkers.
  • Lower body cladding now painted body color instead of black. (Black cars unaffected!)
  • Door handles now body color instead of black. (Black cars unaffected!)
  • Rear restyling
  • Distinctive “egg” tail lights were replaced with more generic lights
  • E430 gets 17” wheels with 235/45/17 tires standard.

Interior

  • Better quality leather and materials
  • Touch shift automatic transmission with steering wheel controls
  • Multifunction steering wheel controls
  • Revised instrument cluster
  • Miscellaneous Features
  • Connection between stereo head unit and amplifier goes fiber optic
  • Stability control standard
  • Side airbags in all four doors (in addition to 1999 curtain airbags)
  • 4Matic now available on E430
  • TeleAid emergency communications system

2000 Models

As in 1999, three E-class models were available in North America: E320, E430 and E55. The 4Matic all wheel drive system — previously available only on the E320 — was extended to the E430. The E430 4Matic gets the upgraded front brakes from the E55. The E430 4Matic is the perfect blend of performance and all-weather versatility.

Year 2000 was the first year of production for the facelifted E-class. Notice the updated front-end in the photo on the left.

2001 Models

Very little changed for 2001. Mercedes made available to E320 buyers the optional sport package. The sport package, which was previously only available on the E430, includes the E55 AMG aerodynamic enhancements, specific foglights and five-spoke 17-inch wheels and tires. The sport package option is entirely cosmetic; it does not accelerate, handle, or brake any better. The sunroof gained one-touch operation.

2002 Models

The W210 is unchanged in its final year. Mercedes sold a few limited production “Special Edition” E320s (option code 778). The E320SE was a no-cost option that featured:

  • Special five-spoke 17-inch wheels (different than the sport edition wheels);
  • Dark birdseye maple wood trim;
  • One of two color combinations:
  • Obsidian Black metallic paint with Oyster interior; or
  • Brilliant Silver metallic paint with Ash interior;
  • Sunroof
  • Bose audio system (without CD player)

2003 Models

The W211 sedans replaced the W210 sedans in 2003. The W210 wagon continued to be produced and sold until the end of 2003, whereupon it was replaced by the W211 wagon in 2004.