W210 E class totally dead; how to bring back to life

[RogerSausage]

No, completely different setups. The VW belt you refer to is the timing belt, that is indeed catastrophic if it breaks.

On your W210 however, the valve timing is controlled by a chain, and should last forever unless you literally never change the oil (or run it dry!). The belt that's shredded on yours is just the auxiliary drive. It's not great to run without it as it turns the water pump and alternator, but providing the engine has never been run for an extended period with the belt shredded, then it'll be perfectly ok.

I had a W210 E55 and the belt tensioner seized up. There was lots of smoke as the belt was still intact and rubbing on the seized pulley. I switched the engine off, let it cool right down, pulled the belt off altogether and drove a mile home without it. No drama

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

You're getting good advice here.

My simple addition is be sympathetic that the thing hasn't moved for a while. Be gentle, make sure the fluids are all OK, and be ready to oil /WD40 silly stuff that might be stiff, from doors to the sunroof. If warning lights come on, just diagnose the issue, "don't panic !"

Why has the car been parked up for so long? Been away, or ill ? Was there some fault that got it pushed aside?

Oh, and this will sound stupid but.... Give it a clean. So many people write off, or trade in old and young cars because they're simply dirty. It'll make you feel more optimistic about it.

 

[RogerSausage]

I love the W210, the looks are divisive but they're great cars.

The bodywork issues are what they are and covered to death, but the actual platform is great. Comfortable, reliable, easy to work on, and engines to suit any requirement.

If they didn't suffer with the tinworm so badly, I think they'd be looked back on a lot more fondly.

A low mileage one is definitely worth saving.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

If they didn't suffer with the tinworm so badly, I think they'd be looked back on a lot more fondly.

A low mileage one is definitely worth saving.

just to reinforce this point, a quick trip to Germany, or Southern Europe, will show plenty of 300,000+ km W210’s still running around happily.

They’ll run forever, if anyone can be bothered to maintain them

 

[johnsco]

What year is your E240 ?
I had three W210s ...
Two E300TDs ..... a 1997 and a 1996 ... pre-face-lift.
I also had an E430 face-lift ...year 2002.
All were great cars.

If the OP needs front brake refit for pre-facelift model, I have discs, pads, retaining springs.
All MB main dealer parts.
Contact me for part numbers if interested.
No reasonable offer refused.