1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E220 coupe 2.2 from UK and Ireland

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 from UK and Ireland

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

1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E420 4.2L V8 from North America

Summary:

Reliable and enjoyable car

Faults:

At approximately 65000 miles I noticed a slightly off noise when the car was first started. Took it in to the dealer and they reported it was something on the emissions which amazingly was still covered under warranty (well past the 4 year and 40k warranty). It would have been about $300 otherwise.

General Comments:

Has been an extremely extremely reliable car for me.

I love the power of the 8 cylinder. My prior car was a 300E Turbo Diesel. This car has significantly more power.

Have regularly changed the oil.

Only semi expensive maintenance is brake pad/rotor changes (very easily done by a somewhat competent do it yourselfer). You are notified when these are getting low by a light on the dash.

Interior, especially the leather, holds up much better than most cars.

Very responsive quick car.

Handles adequately for a 4 seater family car.

A little poor in snow unless you get snow tires (which I highly recommend if you are in a snowy climate like Wisconsin). With some high quality snow tires, it handles great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th October, 2001

28th May 2005, 21:28

Steve,

Thanks for the information. I, too, formerly owned a MB diesel (1985 300D). I'm currently driving my wife's old 1989 300E. Last year we bought her a 1999 E430. Now it's time for me to upgrade. I hope to purchase a 1995 E420 during the xmas holidays, when prices are depressed.

By the way, I'm a do-it-yourself mechanic. You're 100% correct about changing the brakes and rotors. It's just a little bit harder than changing a light bulb. The same applies to changing the oil.

NCLocke.