1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E220 2.2 petrol

Summary:

To this day, still the best car I ever had

Faults:

Battery and alternator. Rear suspension bushes.

Passenger electric window failed.

Engine had a small oil leak in my last year of ownership, but nothing serious.

General Comments:

The E-Class from this time period has a boxy muscular look and I loved this car. Black metallic paintwork on the outside, beige leather inside, this car looked the part.

To drive it was pleasant and smooth. 2.2 with the auto box made progress steadily, not fast by any means but it is not that type of car. I just loved cruising in it. Did around 28 - 32 mpg, good for the time.

Can be expensive to maintain and repair, but it is a Mercedes and it is worth it.

I sold it in 2013 when it was 20 years old to a Mercedes enthusiast. It was still going strong at the time. I do miss this reliable, classy smooth car and would love another, but they are rare these days in good condition.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2023

1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E280

Summary:

An outstanding piece of German over-engineering!

Faults:

Had to replace the Air Mass Meter, it was causing poor running.

Replaced the front & rear shocks, front roll bar bushes.

New battery.

New serpentine belt.

General Comments:

This motor is superb. It's no surprise that MB built 2 million of them. Absolute top build quality and workmanship. You don't get such quality nowadays.

Only 4/5 years ago they were out of my reach, but I finally have one & it is way better than my previous car, a Citroen XM, in every department. Although when I first saw my Merc, it was dirty with leaves in the engine bay and the interior was dirty and dusty. But I could see that hard work and elbow grease would see the quality shine through.

And it has, it looks wonderful and after I wash and polish it, it looks so nice & that Almadine Red looks so lush I could eat it. Even after 140.000 miles, it drives like a new car, I am always smiling when I am in it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th July, 2008

1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 3.2 litre petrol

Summary:

Comfortable, reliable, superb performer, that is cheap to run as it does not seem to go wrong.

Faults:

Exhaust back box.

Relay on Air Conditioning.

Headlamp bulb.

General Comments:

Every time I sit in this car it makes me smile. It was one of the last 320 E Class's to be made hence was fitted with over £7.000 worth of extras as standard to help sell it over the newer E320 model. Full cream leather interior, climate control air conditioning, electric sunroof, electric seats, headrests, windows etc.

Very comfortable inside, plenty of room for four, even more legroom with just two!

Performance is very nimble with the 3.2 litre, 24 valve, straigh six unit. Handles like it;s on rails although the compromise for performance is a slightly harder ride. Compared to my previous 123 230 CE model that was like driving your favourite armchair, the 320E is very quick and precise in handling. It is easy to induce wheel spin with over zelous use of the throttle, so light aceleration from junctions is recommended if you don't want to appear like a boy racer!

I can't find a fault with this motor car. Build quality is superb. Unlike more modern Mercedes Benz models, there are no rattles leaks or bits of trim that drop off. My only regret is that MB are no longer built to this high standard.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st November, 2003

17th Nov 2004, 09:40

Could you please elaborate on the faulty headlamp? Mine caught on fire last night during a fender bender; the flames eventually totaled my car. I'm curious to know if this is a common occurence with this make and model. My dad bought the car in 1994, and I inherited it in 1998. It's been everywhere with me, and now I'm flabbergasted that a headlamp spark could destroy everything under the hood.

Please contact me at cannontekstar@yahoo.com.

Thank you,

Cannon.

15th May 2005, 18:11

I own a 1993 200TE 7 seater. I have never owned a more reliable car. With regular servicing, every 12,000 miles, from my local garage, non- M-B, nothing has gone wrong. Absolutely nothing nothing. I would highly recommend one of these to any family with 4+ kids on a budget. Pity they don't make them like they used to!! Be warned though, fuel consumption on the school run is not great, but is more than offset by reliability.

12th Feb 2009, 00:16

We have an 1994 e420 that we try not to use too much. It is such a gorgeous piece of engineering, we'd hate to have somebody run in to it. We've had it for more than 2 years and have put a little over 10,000 miles on it. We take it to our usual mechanic, but he hasn't been too challenged since we've only needed routine maintenance. If you can find one of these with lower miles (90-125) for around $6-8k, buy it. If you've never had a MB and have lost the thrill of driving a car, get one of these.

12th Feb 2009, 10:40

I absolutely agree with the last comment - 12 Feb. 2009. I am very happy that there are people that appreciate these wonderful cars. I have 2 E420 from 1994 and 1 C36. Theses are the most refined, durable, well engineered and finished cars I know of.

(Me too, I make the fewest miles I can in these cars, there won't be cars of this quality in the future.)