Faults:

The 1994 Mercedes E320 is an outstanding performer, IF well cared for over the miles.

OEM radio volume control fails, but can be repaired by an independent radio shop.

Most importantly, however, is that when the ignition key fails to operate, replacement is proprietary to Mercedes Benz. The new key cylinder must be purchased from a dealer, and proof of ownership of the car is also required. The cost to replace mine was just over $1800, and the dealership botched re-keying.

Would have preferred to use my private mechanic, but he said Mercedes would not provide the key cylinder!

General Comments:

A serene motoring experience is the general impression. The heating and cooling control system is not as straightforward as it could be, but usually gets there in the end. The lack of a glove box is surprising and a bit inconvenient, though there is a modified unit in the armrest.

The louvered door over the storage area below the armrest is easily damaged, and the seat belt feeders are OK when they work, though inconvenient when broken; would prefer normal seat belts.

Otherwise, this is an amazingly smooth, quiet and elegant auto, with outstanding get up and GO!!!

Faults:

I have had very good experiences with this E 420 1994 Sedan. I have driven back and forth from New York to Florida 18 times. I have had to change the mass air flow meter, O2-sensor, cam shaft position sensor and fan clutch. I sincerely believe for the the amount of driving I have done with this vehicle, the above repairs, I thought were reasonable. Cost $2,000.00. This machine has 184,000 miles on the clock.

General Comments:

This car performs like a rocket.

Seats, when properly adjusted, are very comfortable both for long and short distance driving.

Smooth ride. Quiet. Cruising at 120 mph, you are in the Concorde.

Handles very well when cornering.

28 miles to the gallon in cruise control at 80 miles per hour.

0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds.

This engine is a monster.

Brakes are soft and reliable/stops on a dime.

Please note, a car is like a good woman; take care of her and she will never fail you.

Change your oil every 3 months regardless.

Tune up once per year, and use platinum tip plugs.

Replace your ignition wires every 60,000 miles.

Change your transmission oil as well as your coolant every time you tune up your car..

Change the gas filter too.

Faults:

-Air Pump

-Flooded Engine

-Exhaust pipe went.

General Comments:

I have had this car for almost a year now, and have minimal problems with it. The problems I have run into are to be expected on any car that is 13 years old.

Repairs on the E420 are expensive as to be expected for a mercedes, but I have found its reliability very high.

Acceleration below 80kms is a bit sluggish, but on the highway the car flys and has no problem passing, with plenty of power left over.

Faults:

No Major Mechanical Failures. Very reliable. Recent ABS sensor failure at 90k miles.

Car requires minimal maintenance.

Service is very expensive as is expected on German automobiles.

General Comments:

The V8 Engine is silky smooth, quiet and has tremendous torque. Great mileage considering the 275hp, have gotten as high as 25mpg on the highway.

The interior of this car has held up exceptionally well. Very high quality materials were used. Interior barely looks a few years old. The seats are still firm and comfortable. Car makers 9 years later can still learn something from this interior.

The transmission is geared for Autobahn driving, not the best for the U.S. Slow off the line, but a beast in the 60-100 range.