1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E36 AMG Estate 3.6 V6

Summary:

Fantastic

Faults:

Electrical fault resulting in loss of battery power.

General Comments:

This car is exceptional in what it can achieve. A dignified looking Mercedes that is a hooligan underneath, yet it can carry seven people, five of them in extreme comfort.

It is relatively fuel efficient considering its engine size and weight.

The only aspect that lets it down is the Mercedes dealership network.

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

Review Date: 8th September, 2003

14th Feb 2004, 00:00

The E36 is a fantastic car, the joy of which will only ever be known to a few as only about 70 were ever built and only 12 in righthand drive. It was one of the first collaborations between Mercedes and AMG when AMGs were rather rarer than today.

It is fast, comfortable, has incredible roadholding and is a joy to own and drive. It does not have a V6 engine, but an inline 6 cylinder which is smooth and responsive, so much nicer than the V6 engine.

I have a one previous owner estate with 56,000 miles on the clock from 1995 with full MBSH. Most optional extras were fitted and this car cost £56,000 in 1995, which was and remains a great deal of money.

Available in coupe and saloon form, you can happily read more about these cars in recent editions of the Mercedes Benz Enthusiast magazine. If you are really interested I can let you have a copy of the original price list and brochure which came with my car.

This has to be one of the coolest MBs of the 80s, but in an entirely subtle way.

7th Oct 2005, 10:56

I own a 1996 E36 AMG estate, with 172,000 miles. Has FMBH. The car has a good balance of power and economy. I have owned it for 2 years and she has never let me down. Apparently, this model is quite rare in this country which adds to the enjoyment of owning and driving this mercedes-Benz.

Since owning this car, other road users seem to have become more courteous (strange..but true!).Could it be because I'm female? Who knows?

Although the mileage is high, I shall keep this car for a long time to come, as the performance and specification equals pure driving pleasure.

1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E220 coupe 2.2

Summary:

Nice well built car. But has minor issues

Faults:

Poor idle occurred a few days after purchase. Dealer replaced air flow sensor, but idle issue remained. Returned car, dealer then replaced throttle body and carried out full service curing problem.

Oil pressure gauge failed, dealer replaced.

SRS light comes on at random.

Headgasket failed at 120,000.

General Comments:

Luckily most problems I've had have been covered with the warranty.

Main dealer doesn't seem very helpful, although that might be because MBUK have took the franchise off them and opened up a new regional centre just around the corner.

Headgasket was replaced by specialist for just £631! so maintenance costs can be very reasonable.

On the other hand the car runs excellent and the lesser 220 engine copes very well. Not exactly breath-taking performance, but the general ride and build quality is excellent. Although I feel it doesn't have the quality of the old '70s & '80s Mercedes.

If I could turn back time I think I'ld rather had bought a '80s SL and live with the extra fuel consumption.

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

Review Date: 10th August, 2003

10th Dec 2010, 02:18

In 2002 I bought a used 1994 E220 (Japenese Spec.)

Overall, the car looks OK, and the mileage is only 35,000km (which I suspect has been tampered with).

After running an additional few thousand miles, the engine wiring harness need replacement, which is quite expensive. Later the throttle body suffered badly. The engine RPM become unstable (RPM went up and down, sometimes the engine stops). Recently I replaced the throttle body with a used one, re-tuned the engine and replaced the spark plugs as well, and the problem is solved. However, the engine is not running as smoothly as before. There is a feeling of minute engine misfire (occasional minute shivering). I was told by a workshop this may be due to engine wiring problems. The engine gasket has previously worn out, causing unstable engine temperature, but has been replaced and the temperature.

I love the old car, but the way the engine runs really bothers me. Suggestions or advice are welcomed. Thanks.

1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E280

Summary:

Solid long distance cruiser

Faults:

So far nothing has gone wrong.

Power steering pump makes more noise than I'd like when the engine is cold, but settles down when engine warms up.

Small spot of corrosion between wing mirrors and window seal.

General Comments:

Very rapid, very comfortable long distance cruiser with reasonable fuel consumption.

Despite 7 years of age and 50k+ miles, the car feels and drives like a new car. Car has obviously been designed and built with longevity and long-term quality (not just initial quality) in mind.

This 4 door is not exactly beautiful looking, but has plenty of road presence. The Coupe is definitely a much nicer looking car from W124 range.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2002