1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 320 3.2 from North America

Summary:

If you don't have deep pockets, this is not the car for you.

Faults:

We have to keep spare bulbs for all lights in the car at all times. We go through bulbs like water.

High mounted brake light never has worked. Dealer can't figure it out.

Brakes seized up one day. Somehow antifreeze ended up in the brake system and the dealer doesn't know how even though they handled ALL repairs and service on the car.

Power window motor on the rear door went out.

Throttle body hesitates. To replace is $1700.00

And last, but not least, tires keep experiencing slow leaks. We've purchased several sets, but no damage to the rims has been found and the leaks keep happening.

General Comments:

The car drives great. The hesitation started recently and isn't a major issue at this time. It's very comfortable to drive and ride in, but has too many little quirks that are just plain aggravating... and expensive.

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

Review Date: 1st September, 2006

11th Oct 2007, 10:31

I think you need to find yourself another dealer to service your vehicle. Obviously, they have no clue what they are doing.

11th Aug 2010, 03:01

I own a 1998 E320. I bought it at 80K miles, and it's at 180,000 as of 8/10/2010.

The trans went out at 100K, cost $3300. I later found better deals in the web for transmissions, but it was my only car at the time, and needed it done ASAP. Since then, nothing. The previous owner replaced 3 of the 4 catalytic converters. That I can tell. Recently the sunroof stopped going back, up and down OK, but no full opening. I'm OK with it.

Other than that, no problems (knock on wood).

I have to add that I drive this car very, VERY hard. I commute from Orange County to Las Vegas for work sometimes. This car has spent a lot of its life at well over legal speeds. I've had it on the limiter at 135 MPH for long periods, no problem. It is always very stable, great ride, great fuel economy (I average high 20s MPG, when I'm not racing it around).

All in all, been a great car, only let me down once. A lot of car for the money, but set aside a couple thousand, because when it breaks, it's pricey. Hope this helps.

Also... The radio volume knob never worked correctly, that is annoying.

It needs front end alignments often.

The engine pings and sounds like a diesel if I don't use premium grade fuel.

It has timeless looks, the paint still shines after all these years. I found it very difficult to replace this car, it does everything well, from the incredible A/C and heater fan speed, to the roominess, to the tight turning radius.

24th Jun 2012, 22:45

With the high brake light.. jiggle the wires on the mounting, and they will work again.. Had the same trouble with my own, and they now work wonderfully.

1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 300 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Goes like a Jaguar - MPG like a hatchback - the best

Faults:

Required a new BAS controller from Mercedes. This fault was fixed by the dealer when I bought it.

General Comments:

I needed a car capable of good economy and with a reasonable amount of performance. I am used to driving a 2 litre 190.

This car is a tidal wave on wheels. Very economical - 30MPG round town and 37MPG on motorway. Great poise and presence. Well balanced for such a big car although, this is no GTI in handling terms.

It runs silently and smoothly as if you were driving on ice, even on the roughest of roads.

Luxuriously appointed, it gives you a feeling of first class relaxed travelling.

If you put your foot down, the car instantly responds with a discernible roar followed by a heart fluttering push in the back which just goes on and on. From 60 MPH onwards is completely awesome.

Highly recommended and totally memorable piece of kit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th March, 2006