1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 320 3.2

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 E320 V6

Summary:

Nice to look at, but fell apart at the end

Faults:

Electrical system was a minor problem which caused bulbs to burn out frequently (at least once every 3-4 weeks).

The air conditioner blower unit went out at 90,000 miles. It was expensive to replace (about $1,000 USD)

The transmission completely failed at 105,000 miles. The repair was $5,700 USD.

General Comments:

This car was a dream the first few years of ownership, but quickly became a major problem. I took care of it properly and only took it to the dealer for service. I found out from the mechanic that the years 1997-2001 are starting to have major transmission issues. I was very disappointed. I would be very hesitant to purchase another Mercedes model unless I am certain that there will not be major mechanical problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st May, 2005

8th Apr 2007, 06:58

I am starting to "enjoy" the faults that is now surfacing regularly and now budgeting about 2000 dollars per year towards the repair.

The next big repair would be fixing broken engine mounts, and the instrument panel starts displaying "Display Defective" notice. I just spent >$1000 in replacing the air mass sensor and broken rear electric window motor.

It is sad that a brand that has been perceived of being the peerless leader in innovations and over-engineering is now getting a lot of bad owners' reports. I have been used to the reliability of Japanese cars that frequent problems like these are not acceptable.

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