1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E200 estate 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Absolutely superb, hard to fault

Faults:

Seat belt in rear needed to have surround replaced.

Back seat folding mechanism came loose.

General Comments:

This is the best car I have ever owned - I have had numerous Volvo's, and another Mercedes (280SE).

It is quiet, comfortable, superbly appointed.

It is fairly good on acceleration and top speed - ample for the average person.

It averages 32mpg on the motorway, and about 26mpg around town.

The load space is huge, as is the passenger accommodation.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st September, 2003

1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Avantgarde E300 turbo diesel from Belgium

Summary:

Reliable, fuel efficient, outstanding craftsmanship

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong. I traded it at the Mercedes Benz dealer with a S320. I really miss the classic turbodiesel sound of my 300! And the simplicity of operating the 300 is outstanding. The S320 requires a lot of practice!

General Comments:

In 1989, I had a 300D automatic.

When I heard that, in 1997, the E300 TD was introduced, I immediately ordered a new 300 TD. In 1998 I received a E300 Turbodiesel Avantgarde. Unfortunately, some woman with a sedan hit me frontal. The car was a wreck. I didn't have any injuries. The side and windows airbags protected me!

I bought (again) a new E300 Turbodiesel Designo (champagne colour with tan leather interior), I had this car until 2002 when I bought a S320.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2003

1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class T 220 CDI 2.2 turbo diesel from Belgium

Summary:

Great comfort and low cost of use

Faults:

The only thing that went wrong is when a valve on the engine broke. I felt something was wrong, but I could keep on driving to the dealer for repair.

General Comments:

One of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven. Diesel consumption is very low for the weight of the car: 8 liter/100 kilometer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2001

1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Avantgarde 3.2 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Toyota E320

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car in the short time I have owned it.

General Comments:

Received the car in good faith in 1999.

Quality has dropped right down.

Japanese cost-cutting affected the marque appallingly.

Performance fairly good.

Looks attractive.

Strength of build not there.

Buy a BMW (or a pre-'94).

Mercedes needs to concentrate as well as profligate.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd August, 2001

8th Dec 2001, 01:39

This is what I'm worried about. How can I replace my late model W124 E Class??? I can't stand BMWs and Audi command respect, but not love.

21st Jun 2003, 08:08

Having owned two Mercedes E-Classes, currently I have an W124 '95 E320. This is an amazingly well built car with a lot of power and fun to drive. However, I am concerned about the later-model E320s. It's sad that such a quality manufacturer as Mercedes is making these cutbacks. It makes me wonder whether my next car will be a Mercedes... are there any manufacturers out there still producing cars like the W124s?

24th Jun 2007, 14:35

1996 E320 drives like dream; Audi or BMW can't make up to. Currently 220000km; next car MB ONLY.

6th Mar 2008, 09:18

It seems the above commenter has overlooked the point. *After* 1997, many, many, people have complained about a substantial decline in the quality of MBZ. Having owned some earlier vintage models, I test drove a 1999 model myself. It may not be a scientific evaluation, exactly, but the car was tangibly a lesser car than the earlier models--quality of the trim, leather, hardware, fit & finish, even the ride quality. Such that I wasn't willing to invest in it, especially in light of the comments I'd seen from so many others. Albeit, just two cents...

9th Mar 2008, 23:12

Can't agree. I have both a 1990 300td 4-matic (180K miles), and, now, a 1999 e320 4-matic sedan (140K miles). While I was expecting poor build quality based on everything I've read, the 1999 e320 is a great car, solid, stable, reasonably quiet, handles better, much better acceleration, radio, climate control, legroom, and generally more fun to drive than the earlier car. The earlier car is also very solid, stable and reliable, but in no way is it "fun to drive."

20th Sep 2008, 23:34

I have owned Mercedes for over 50 years. Right now I have the 2002 E320 with 77k on it and owned it sice new. Not a single issue at all.