1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 300TD review from UK and Ireland
"Still the best estate car in the world"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
General comments?
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.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 turbo diesel Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 109000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 115000 miles |
| Previous car | Vauxhall Omega |
| Date of Entry | 24th January, 2005 |