1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class from Jordan

Summary:

Very good

Faults:

The automatic gear stuck in first gear three times in the 3 years we owned the car. It is really annoying, especially if you have to drive a long distance to get to the workshop, but to fix it you have to restart the car's computer, and last time I changed the transmission oil, there were some pieces of the metal in there, the mechanic said I would have to change the gear soon, which cost around 1400 US for a used one.

The parts are really expensive.

The audio system is only OK, and the radio receiver is kind of weak.

The response of the car is slow, especially when you use the kick down (around 2-3 seconds).

Till now I do not know how to let the air enter the car through the fan without turning the AC on.

General Comments:

It is a great car, really reliable, that does not break down much.

If you know how to drive it, it is kind of economical. The best time it gave me around 300km/20l (35 mpg), worst is 180km/20l (21 mpg), average is 220km/20l (26 mpg).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2009

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 320 from North America

Summary:

A hole in my wallet

Faults:

Everything under the sun; you name, it seems like every month something goes bad, whether it's a turn signal, glove box latch or bulbs...

General Comments:

This is not the car for someone who does not like spending their life savings on maintaining it... You need really deep pockets to keep up with THIS baby... I guess hence the name Mercedes Benz...

Nice comfortable ride.

Transmission starting to go at 100k... everything else is great; the ride, the mileage on gas... only thing that sucks is the amount of money you have to shell out every time you fix the darn thing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd January, 2009

14th Mar 2009, 23:56

I feel your pain. I once had an older E-class and it was a nightmare as well. My transmission only lasted around 100k miles also. People refuse to believe it's faulty engineering because IT'S A MERCEDES! Poo on Mercedes. Owners' words speak volumes about these cars.

If you're talking about a cheap Chevy that nickles and dimes you to death, that's one thing. But when you're talking about an expensive Mercedes that sucks your wallet dry when it needs ANYTHING, that's a whole other story.

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1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 from North America

Summary:

I'll never drive a Mercedes ever again

Faults:

Things that had to be fixed/replaced during my nightmare ownership (in no particular order):

1) Alternator (twice)

2) Had to rewire car because it didn't meet Canadian regulations (warranty, but this is pretty ridiculous for such a car)

3) Rust on door

4) Transmission rebuilt at 50000kms ($4000)

5) Replaced dash display

6) Steering fluid reservoir BLEW UP while driving

7) Moon roof broke ($3000)

8) AC condenser broke at 80000km ($3000)

9) Right headlight due to water and mold damage

10) Both taillights due to water and mold damage

11) Rust on door

12) Multiple sensors

I kept this car in a clean, dry, indoor garage. There are many other problems, in all it cost me over $30000 on maintenance and repairs for this car over ~8 years. Service is really bad too, I would not recommend this car manufacturer to anyone I like.

General Comments:

This is seriously the worst car in the world.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th July, 2006

16th Oct 2006, 14:24

Well this is very rare. Mercedes standards are ahead of all country vehicle standards so sounds like your Mechanic was spinning you a yarn there. The faults you describe sound like the car was not only poorly serviced, but even damaged in service. Not all garages can service a Mercedes properly, even dealerships. Probably the most crucial part of owning a European prestige car in the States or Canada, is to get a decent mechanic located BEFORE you buy. Euro spec cars are way ahead of US & Canada spec vehicles, with the Mercedes CDI models not imported for three years because the fuel quality in the US and Canada was not up to Euro spec. Quite often, these vehicles suffer at the hands of mechanics used to dealing with more basic engineering. Very unlucky?

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