2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Although it costs more than its peers, a combination of excellent driving dynamics, numerous safety and luxury features and high style make the E-Class one of our favorites.

Pros

Sleek and dignified design inside and out, pleasing blend of ride and handling, sophisticated safety features, all-wheel drive available on both sedans and wagons.

Cons

More expensive than competitors, confusing control layout, electronically controlled brakes lack progressive feel.

What's New for 2005

Diesel fans, rejoice! After years of waiting, a Mercedes-Benz diesel is once again available in the States, as the E320 CDI joins the lineup. For now, this model is only 45-state certified, meaning that it's unavailable in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York or Vermont. Beginning in March 2005, the base E320 becomes the E350 with the addition of a 3.5-liter V6 with 51 more horsepower. At the same time, a sport package will be added, which features upgraded suspension tuning and wheels, as well as steering wheel-mounted shift buttons. Complimentary scheduled maintenance program has been dropped for 2005.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Stay away from E320: Poorest quality

Written by: Jerry on 07/01/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	7

Vehicle

2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

More problems than you can imagine with the computer, buttons falling off, phone not working. Worst navigation system (Acura & Lexus are better -- I have both). Car had a sticker of $62K new with options. Could have bought four Hundays for that. Made the mistake of buying the SCAM of an extended warranty when the original warranty expired. Nothing but excuses as to why something isn't covered. Hands free phone that came with car doesn't work. Now they are saying it's "trim" and not covered. Do yourself a favor and buy a Lexus. That's what I'm going to do. Mercedes "Summer of Love". Give me a break!

Favorite Features

OK, the seats that give you a massage are pretty cool.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the overall quality so it's as good as Lexus

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Change your transmission oil!

Written by: Justacustomer on 04/28/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	6
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	9

2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 Rwd CDI 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl Turbodiesel 5A)

I really loved having this car, but now I am told that I need a new transmission. I drive a lot, which is why I got the diesel. One time I got 40 miles per gallon on a trip to the shore! I brought the car in religiously for service which is why I was so shocked that my tranz needed replacement. Transmission oil is not listed to be changed at intervals like regular oil. I wish I changed it at 80K because then I would not have been writing this review. Learn from my mistake. Change the tranny oil.

Fuel economy, headlights, ventilated seats.

No bluetooth this year.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Teutonic Elegance.....but will it last?

Written by: Don Levison on 08/25/2007


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	10

2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E500 4MATIC AWD 4dr Wagon (5.0L 8cyl 5A)

My wife and I both love the car. Although a utilitarian vehicle, we sometimes think we're driving a sports car. The interior comfort, ride and handling can't be beat. Our car was described by Mercedes technicians and sales reps as "bullet proof". Mechanically, it has been, but if only they had kept the electronics simple and more reliable. The car regularly flashes inappropriate warning lights on the dash, emits "beeps" while driving with no known reason and the satellite radio has been erratic and unreliable. To check the oil level, you need to access the owners manual and go through a series of commands to reach the correct screen. Overall, a great car. We just hope it holds up.

This car is a dream to drive and with the sport package, 4-matic and low-profile tires, it hugs the road like a Ferrari. My wife loves the dynamic front seats which are heated, puff up to provide lateral support on hard turns and even massage your back while driving. Car is beautifully designed.

I would like to minimize the computers. Navigation system only so-so for a high-end wagon. Front passenger seat can't be adjusted with the rear seat down...German engineering?

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Car Performance

Written by: Jim Smith on 03/21/2007


Performance:	3	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	3
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

Car when running correctly was wonderful, but had it in 11 times for major problems, 0 rings replaced twice, two fuel line leaks, transmission went out, and on and on. Lots of keyless go problems. Mercedes would not extend warranty for me. Dealership was very good in handling these problems, but Mercedes would not stand behind product

Very quick, gas mileage good, but not quite up to projected ones especially in city driving. Very comfortable and responsive.

Reliablity.

Performace over 33 months

Written by: Jim Smith on 01/28/2007


Performance:	5	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	5
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	3
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

When the car is performing well, not in the shop, it is wonderful. Have had numerous major problems with the car, such as O rings having to be replaced twice, the transmission going out, numerous problems with the keyless go, and on and on. Have asked MB to extend warranty to 75K with being turned down. Will not buy another MB car, ever

Very quick. Solid gas mileage, though it doesn't get up to what they publish. Love satellite radio

Better quality and willing to stand behind the car

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Consumer Ratings & Reviews