1986 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 300E review from North America
"A well engineered car!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing out of ordinary really for a 20 year old car.
After purchase:
Replaced shocks, tires.
Blower fan needed some work.
Transmission service.
New distributor and wires.
Wheel bearing broke.
Sunroof motor broke.
General comments?
I absolutely love this vehicle despite the fact that parts can sometimes be a bit expansive if you don’t hunt for them yourself. In my opinion some money is expected if your buying a Mercedes; but what a Mercedes this is! It has over 200,000 kilometres on it and still looks like a million dollars! I haven’t driven many cars, but when compared to the stories that I hear this car can definitely be considered very well build.
The transmission is a bit choppy and not for a drag racer, but once on a highway you forget that there is a transmission. All the materials in the car seem to be very durable so is the paint: 20 years and still glossy with only tiny rust spots.
The electrical gadgets do brake occasionally, but it’s a 20 year old car; I am willing to pay for a sun roof motor that broke once since 86.
I use the car as a daily driver and very happy to wax it every month or so because it deserves it and is a pleasure to drive.
Recommended reviews
| Awesome! |
|
| Engineered to go the distance, reliable and easy to fix |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1986 |
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 136000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 156000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 14th November, 2006 |