2nd Jan 2009, 19:33

I purchased a 2002 E320 Obsidian Black Mercedes 3May 2008 with 56K miles. I am in love with this car (a first for me). It's my first Benz. I found a local, honest, attention-to-detail mechanic. I follow the displayed service advice (service A and B). I purchase only Mobil One oil and genuine Mercedes parts.

The repairs have been expensive but I purchase an after-market extended warranty ($1300) that pays 90/hr for labor and about 80% of parts cost (directly to the shop). Total repair bills for rotors, brake pads, Service “A” (filters), oil change, power steering pump with rings and hose, and lower ball joints was about $2500. My out of pocket cost about $900.

I have driven over 25k miles in less than 7 months. I have owned at least 15 other cars (Japanese > Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Lexus-330 and American > Cadillac’s, Chrysler's-LHS) and none of them compare to the power, handling and exterior elegance of this car. The dealer repaired a manifold (emissions) recall that caused a lot a rattling noise. I suggest owners hearing noise should check with their local dealers about the emissions recall before getting to 100k miles. I hope to replace this car with another Mercedes. I am enjoying the difference. The digital displays need help but I can live with this malfunction. To correct this anomaly will cost about 1200 (not covered by warranty).

26th Jan 2009, 00:08

I have a 1998 E320 4Matic. I have a pinging noise when turning on a right hand turn. Had some repairs couplings or something. Made the noise less but still there! Mercedes dealer tells me to forget about it.

What's the deal. When in a parking lot, feel like people are like get your car fixed buddy!

Love the car! Can't open sun roof! Only goes up.

120.000 miles.

Any suggestions?

10th Oct 2009, 13:52

I have had my 2002 E320 since Feb. (Fantastic valentines day gift from my man, don't you think?) Anyway, I have had no problems with it up until yesterday. I was driving down the road with my window down. The other 3 windows were up. All of a sudden, my window went up, and the other 3 came down about 6 inches. I was able to roll up both rear windows, but my passenger window is still down. I now have NO power to any of my windows, or to my mirrors. I have called the "Authorized MB Dealership" and they told me "For $108 they can plug it into the computer and see what it says." They also told me that it sounded like an electrical short somewhere, which could cost anywhere from $500 to $800 depending on where the short is. I was just wondering if anyone else has heard of this? The dealership told me that they just had the same issue with a 2000 model the other day. Anyone else with this problem??

18th Jun 2010, 13:16

This is a response to the 24th September 2009 comment:

What you say here is completely wrong. Mercedes continues to be one of the highest, if not the highest, quality brand. The takeover of Chrysler did took many important resources from Mercedes, but quality is going in the right direction.

You say A, B and C classes are just for making cash and not for building the best car (!!!). I don't agree. Mercedes sells mostly A, B and C classes, precisely, much more than they sell E, S, CL, CLK, SL or SLK classes. So, the real prestige of the brand is in the most sold models. The B class is extremely rugged and its quality is as good as C class. More on that: I know from first hand the quality of A classes and the durability of these cars is extraordinary, with very high mileages and no problems at all. C classes are also outstanding. First generation are as good as W124, second generation aren't as tough, but the new generation is very good, very well made. More quality than 2nd generation. You could see it even this way: the new C Class is better made than the previous E Class, and as well made as the new E class.

So, it isn't a question of status class. Mercedes wants all their products to be the best car for different tastes.

Cheers.

16th Jan 2011, 02:23

I have a 2002 E-320 Stationwagon that just turned over 90,000 miles. Lost power while at a stop light when the transmission failed. My MB mechanic determined that there was radiator fluid in the transmission, and both were replaced at considerable cost to me. Three weeks later, I experienced the identical problem. Towed it back to the mechanic who replaced the sensor in the transmission, called it fixed, and off I went for about 10 miles and it happened AGAIN!!!

Back it went to the shop (I am getting to know all the tow operators in my county by this point), and the sensor was replaced again. I asked the mechanic to keep my car for an additional road test, and it has failed again and has now been towed to a dealer. They say they will let me know next week what is happening...

6th Feb 2011, 16:09

I bought 2007 E320 Bluetech, and it already has a steering problem. Makes a noise, and if you make a faster turn, the traction light comes on, and doesn't go after that.

You can feel when it changes the gears.

Light switch inside is not lit, so when it's dark, you can see what you are turning on.

This is my last Mercedes. Had 2 Audi's before, and they are so much better.

Mercedes just has a cool name, but they fall apart because they are made by Chrysler.