1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 300TD review from UK and Ireland

Air getting into diesel line causing occasional starting roughness - fixed with new O-rings.

Front lower suspension bushes split (common problem). Wears tires, but not a handling issue.

Driver's window motor sometimes fails for a few seconds.

Mercedes 300TE's with 7 seats are possibly the best vehicle to own with the best spread of benefits: comfort, economy, safety, longevity, performance and reliability.

This 1997 3 liter turbo diesel feels as punchy as a previous 3 liter petrol 12v, yet gives 35+ mpg.

Comfort is amazing. MPVs and SUVs make me sick and often have a very choppy ride. This Mercedes is firm (Avantgarde model) but composed. Easily capable of 300 miles in one go (both in fuel and for driver).

There have been some paint issues with this year and there are some paint bubbles forming on the bonnet underside edge, but for me it is the mechanicals that are the most important and the massively under-stressed six cylinder in-line turbo diesel feels only just run in at 115,000 miles.

Indeed a taxi driver in Greece recently had a new Mercedes bought for him by Mercedes (Germany) in exchange for his 4,600,000Km 30 year old 240D. And no, those numbers are not a typing error.

See: http://www.germanembassy-india.org/en/germannews04/dec/pg11.html

I think this says it all.