1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Consumer Reviews

This is my third MB

Written by: David Croft on 02/29/2008

Vehicle

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E300D Dsl Sedan

Review

This is my third MB, and my second diesel, and I have enjoyed every one. Even though the 97 Diesel in a non turbo it has plenty of go. My fuel mileage averages upper 20's around town to low thirties on the highway. I bought the car with 106K on the odo and after two years and at 135K on the odo the only major maintenance required has been changing the glow plugs, which requires pulling the intake manifold. The car is a joy to drive, and I constantly get compliments on its looks. I guess I am just fortunate because I have not experienced the problems with any of my MBs that so many others in this forum seem to have. I hope to always be fortunate enough to own an MB.

Favorite Features

The ride, the build quality, the looks. I get excited everytime i drive this car.

Suggested Improvements

Ok, I admit that those who are complaining about the cup holders may have a legitimate gripe. But everyone who gets in my car and uses it thinks the way it opens is the neatest thing. And I haven't had any problems with it.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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97 E320

Written by: Peter on 01/06/2008

Vehicle

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Sedan

Review

Great car so far. Powerful inline 6 that gets high 20's mpg on highway. No problems yet

Favorite Features

Quiet cabin, good fuel economy, build quality

Suggested Improvements

Cheaper dealer parts.

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What a wonderful car - the E420

Written by: dcweeks on 11/14/2007

Vehicle

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E420 Sedan

Review

A lot of the reviews here seem to be based on whether you get a good one or bad one. But I think your odds of getting a "good one" are generally good. Perhaps the "bad one" people are more vocal. I didn't intend to buy a car to fall in love with when I happened to buy the E420, but wow, have I fallen head over heals. This is an amazing piece of engineering. I would say that the one I bought was in about the worst shape, but I still found the car amazing. I just put on new shocks, engine mounts, cats, and OMG this car is like brand new and better than I could have imagined. Just writing about it makes me want to go out for a drive.

Favorite Features

V8 power. Comfort and luxury.

Suggested Improvements

None.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Not bad for a 10 year old

Written by: Michael on 10/19/2007

Vehicle

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E420 Sedan

Review

Our car now has 74k on it, we purchased with 54k 2 years ago. It had some issues with some of the seals, but we've turned it into our family car and a daily driver. Heck, before we bought it the car averaged 5.4k a year. We replaced a 1996 Maxima (250k miles), with this car, and honestly the older Maxima had more advanced features. However, having said that you can't image the status upgrade this car will give you, if that's indeed important to you. But seriously, this was not our first European auto, but we were a bit suprised by the price of maintenance and the lack of performance upgrades on the market.

Favorite Features

Power from the V8. I like the single windshield wiper. You can't beat the status. The 420 in this trim is rare, most in this body style are the smaller engine 320, you've got a bit of a sleeper here. Don't try to take newer sports sedans from a standstill

Suggested Improvements

The cupholder is the single most over-engineered piece of plastic I have ever seen.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Can't miss!

Written by: Kingsley Chima on 04/27/2007

Vehicle

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Sedan

Review

Bought this '97 model after crashing my wife's Altima, best thing to have happened! The wife thought it was too big, but she wouldn't let me use it now! Well built, luxurious and stately. People have a hard time believing it is 10 years old. No problems so far, but the fuel efficiency on premiun gas isn't great. Not complaining though

Favorite Features

Rear wind shield automatic sun screen, the sound system speakers!

Suggested Improvements

Factory installed stereo with no CD player, changed mine to one with MP3 player plug in.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Great Car Technology

Written by: Carroll001 on 09/24/2006

Vehicle

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E420 Sedan

Review

I bought this car 1.5 months ago with only 67,500 miles and it drives great! Previous owner took great care of this car and it shows. Only basic maintenance required over a nine year period! I had this car thoroughly checked by a mechanic and myself on rack and was amazed at the great condition of this car. If you take care of these cars they will last for a long time. I plan to get 300,000 miles from this car.

Favorite Features

V8 motor, 5 speed automatic transmission, Bose Stereo (standard on E420), Soft Leather seats, Smooth/quiet ride.

Suggested Improvements

None

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Ten years with my E320.

Written by: Thomas G Lambach on 09/20/2006

Vehicle

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Sedan

Review

Bought new in '96, an excellent package in terms of its exterior size, interior space and cargo volume. Handles well and is a pleasure to drive, especially on the freeway where it just glides along. Highway fuel economy has been as high as 27.75 mpg (Model's EPA was 20/27). IMHO, in good condition the E320 is a screaming used car bargain, but only if its in good condition.

Favorite Features

'97 was the last year of the 217 HP smooth powerful straight six engine and first year of the electronic 5 speed automatic - 5th is an overdrive gear so at 65 mph the motor is turning only 2,250 rpm. This model has dual front airbags and side door airbags in all four doors.

Suggested Improvements

The '97's single windshield wiper is OK, but has been replaced in newer models. I wish the car's heater would stay off until the motor was sufficiently warm to provide heat, something I have on an '80 model M-B!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Bad car for very high price

Written by: hollyaben on 07/11/2006

Vehicle

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Sedan

Review

Car had problems all after warantty period. Horn stopped $140. Outside mirror Broke $450. Left rear window fell down for no reason $300. Head gasket blew.(very common on these cars) $1950. Complained to dealer and Mercedes and got nothing. Will never buy another.

Favorite Features

No rust

Suggested Improvements

Better engineering, manufacturing and quality control. They should have fixed most of these problems no chage or at an adjusted price as they were common on the car I have since learned. Corporate attitude is poor toward customer.

9 out 13 people found this review helpful

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I Expected More From Benz

Written by: Don O. on 06/25/2005

Vehicle

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Sedan

Review

Bought this '97 E320 used in early 2002. I now have 180,000 miles on it. Engine remains reliable, but that's about it. My entire instrument panel is not functioning (dealer replaced ignition switch, which did nothing!!). AC died 2 years ago (dealer replaced dash heating unit, which did nothing!!) Car is rusting badly.

Favorite Features

Engine still reliable at 180,000 miles.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the reliability

7 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Beware of Starmark

Written by: yvonne963 on 12/01/2004

Vehicle

1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E300D Dsl Sedan

Review

Bought my 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with a Certified Pre-Owned Starmark warranty. After three weeks it would "miss" or hesitate at 45 - 55 MPH. My dealer said that the fuel return hoses clogged. They would not fix this problem under warranty and said it was not part of the Starmark pre-sale inspection. I had it fixed by my independent mechanic at cost of $800. the entire mainfold was fouled with carbon buildup at only 45,000 miles. My mechanic says that this is a common problem on this non-turbo engine. It's a poor design, in his words. The glow plugs were "frozen" in place by this carbon build up. I have corresponded with my selling dealer and Mercedes-Benz USA, both wished me a happy holidays. This is my sixth and last Benz.

Favorite Features

Fuel economy

Suggested Improvements

Too many quality issue to list.

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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