2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 320 ?

Summary:

A no-buy unfortunate defect

Faults:

When driving through a medium deep puddle the engine stopped and couldn't be restarted. The starter wouldn't turn the engine over. Subsequently the car was towed to the Mercedes dealer and before they touched it indicated the engine was hydraulically locked (water had gotten into the cylinders). Further discussion with the service people revealed this is not an unusual problem! "We usually get two or three after a heavy rain".

The engine air intake duct is located at the bottom of the bumper and any deep water will get sucked in and knock out the engine.

After this disappointing discussion they further iterate this is not covered under the warranty, it is considered an accident and the insurance company should cover it.

So all late model M/B owners shouldn't drive through puddles because they can literally destroy the engine, nor should they buy a M/B unless they are made aware of this ridiculous defect.

Strange when stranded by the puddle all other cars (imports and domestics) made it through with no problem.

That's the end of me and M/B. And I do like the car.

General Comments:

Do you want a car you can't drive through puddles?

Do you want a car that has this design defect that will not be acknowledged by the company?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd September, 2002

30th Sep 2002, 06:50

I bought my first Mercedes in 1985. A 300D Turbo. I love it. I have over a million miles on it. It is on its second engine. It is built like a tank. In 1999, I decided that, as it turned 900,000 miles, perhaps things end. The thing had gone to hell and back for me. What more could I ask of it? The dealership, unfortunately or fortunately, depending whether you view it now or before I bought the new one, knew the car. They offered me $5 for it. I elected to keep her. I gave it to my wife. I walked out with a E320. On the way home, it elected a few rattles. That bothered me, I decided to talk to the dealer the next morning. I did, and they laughed. By January 2002, the car had 280,000 miles on it. And it died. I went huffing and puffing back to the dealer. Telling them that this was ridiculous. For Christ, the thing is 3 years old. They laughed again. I sold it to them for $10000. I went out and got my wife a different 85 300D and took mine back. Mercedes does not build cars like they used to. I am waiting, with great patience, for the Volkswagen Phaeton V10TDi. When that comes out, I can stop driving my Million Mile Benz. It gave me all I ever asked of it. It deserves the rest.