1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E430 review from North America
"Would and will do it all over again!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Simple; but, not owner friendly issues, i.e. all repair items needed professional attention and
I was pretty good with GM/MoPar products...
-during high wind, rain and speed, both headlamps blew; lamp seals were defective.
-car stalled then stopped at 65 mph; transmission fluid low, no indicator - limp-mode got me to the dealer; trans is sealed, no fill tube, 2 hours -$300.
-rear passenger window unit failed, replaced, 2 hours - $70.
-trans relay chip failed, (no gears) limp-mode got me to the dealer, replaced 2 hours - $400.
-belt tensioner recall, MBnz replaced free without hassle, 8 years and 4 owners later.
-right upper control arm $300, 3 hours.
-replacement blade key/remote ONLY from MBnz-$175.
General comments?
Outside of difficulty finding replacements parts - (no junk yards have responded to my requests for small items e.g. - rear passenger ashtray, trunk lock, console cup holder, and cassette door with emblem)
Benz is best.
-Emerald ext. and tan int.; shine - show no wear.
-At 8 years old, and 121,000miles, car soars to 140mph in 16secs, and will cruise all day.
-One size down from the S-Class with no excuses, and less expensive.
-Manual fails to cover some operational elements;
trial and error can be costly...
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| 1998 - E-Class Sedan with sports package 4.3 V-8 A great high performance sedan with superb fit and finish |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.3ltr Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 116000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 121000 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile 98 |
| Date of Entry | 12th October, 2006 |