1990-1995 Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Full Review

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

1990-1995 Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Review

Mercedes-Benz's midsize lineup in 1990 consisted of a 300CE coupe, 260E and 300E 4-door sedans, and a 300TE 4-door station wagon. The 260E sedan used a 158-horsepower, 2.6-liter 6-cylinder engine. A new 217-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six with dual camshafts went into this year's 300CE coupe. Other models got a single-cam 3.0-liter inline six, rated at 177 horsepower. A turbocharged 5-cylinder diesel engine arrived in spring 1990, in the 250D sedan. Automatic full-time 4-wheel drive appeared for the 300E sedan and 300TE wagon. All models got a new fuel-injection system this year. All models had a driver-side airbag, and a passenger-sized airbag was optional. Antilock braking was standard across the board.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Two traction improvements arrived for 1991. ASR, Mercedes' traction-control system, became optional on the rear-drive 300E sedan, 300CE coupe, and 300TE wagon. ASD, an automatic locking differential, could be installed on the 300D 2.5 Turbo (a diesel-powered sedan).

1992 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Two new models arrived, holding V8 engines. The 400E borrowed its twin-cam 4.2-liter V8 from the bigger S-Class, making 268 horsepower in this installation. A high-performance, limited-edition 500E sedan also went on sale with the same 5.0-liter V8 used in the Mercedes 500SL. A passenger-side airbag was standard on the 400E and 500E, optional on others.

1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: A convertible and two new engines arrived for 1993. The lineup now consisted of the 300D 2.5 Turbo; a 300E 2.8 sedan with a new 2.8-liter twin-cam engine; 300E sedan; 300CE coupe; 300TE wagon; and 300CE Cabriolet with a new 3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine. Rounding out the line were the 400E and limited-edition 500E, with V8 power. All models now had dual airbags.

1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Mercedes renamed its midsized models E-Class this year, simplifying and condensing the lineup. Models now included an E320 in all four body styles, plus E420 and E520 sedans with V8 engines. Grilles, hoods, headlights assembles, trunklids, and taillamps were restyled. 4Matic models were gone. A 300D sedan arrived in spring of 1994, as an early '95 model, with a new 134-horsepower 3.0-liter diesel 6- cylinder engine.

1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Only a handful of equipment changes marked the 1995 models, as Mercedes-Benz proceeded with the introduction of a redesigned E-Class for '96. The limited-production, high-performance E500 sedan, with a 5.0-liter V8, was dropped.

1990-1995 Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Fuel economy

Steering/handling	Automatic-transmission performance

Ride	Price

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration with 6-cylinger engines ranges from tepid to adequate. Gathering passing power at 40-60 mph requires flooring the throttle at times, and then you endure a long pause before the transmission reacts. An early 300E 4Matic averaged 18.7 mpg. Adding a V8 engine was just what was needed to make the Mercedes-Benz sedans match the acceleration of the Japanese-built Lexus LS 400 and Infiniti Q45. Throttle response at midrange speeds is noticeably stronger than in 6-cylinder models, though the automatic transmission sometimes shifts with an unseemly jerk. E-Class sedans are not very space-efficient, considering their 110.2-inch wheelbase. Front leg room is generous, but in the back it's only adequate. Because of rear-wheel-drive, with its intrusive drive-shaft tunnel and a rather narrow interior, three adults will find a tight fit in the back seat. Trunk space is adequate, however. You can expect a stable, well-controlled highway ride, as well as precise steering and capable handling. With 4Matic 4-wheel-drive (available until 1994), it's virtually impossible to break the wheels loose. Even when you try to do so on wet pavement, this car sticks like glue. For drivers who don't need that much traction, ASD and ASR provide additional grip when it's needed, helping to maintain steering control.

Value for the Money
Service and maintenance can be expensive, but the assurances of longevity compensate in the long run. Strong resale value keeps prices high on the secondhand market.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Mercedes-Benz E320	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	7

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	5

Total:	52

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1995 Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: The transmission may delay shifting into Drive or Reverse, and may be corrected by installing reformulated Mercedes-Benz transmission fluid. (1990)

Automatic transmission: Harsh and erratic shifts are often due to a damaged dust cover on the vacuum modulator for the transmission. (1990-94)

Brakes: Brake squeal at low speeds (under 10 mph) may activate the antilock brake system. (1990-93)

Clutch: Sticking clutch pedal on 300 SL could be due to fluid boiling in the slave cylinder. (1992)

Convertible top: The locking tabs for the convertible top tend to wear and should be checked every 15,000 miles. (1990)

Exhaust system: Possible exhaust leak at the oxygen sensor caused by damaged catalytic converter. (1990-91 diesel)

Hard starting: Hard starting, misfires, and poor drivability could be due to insulation flaking off of underhood wiring harness. (1990-95)

Oil leak: Oil enters the air filter. There are revised valve covers with improved oil separators available for the 3.0-liter engine. (1990)

Rough idle: Stretched timing chain may cause noisy engine, rough running, hard starting, power loss, and oil loss. (1992-94)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$925

Alternator	$440

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,060

Brakes	$190

Exhaust System	$870

Radiator	$400

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,440

Timing Chain or Belt	$645

Universal Joints	$685

NHTSA Recall History

1990 300: Bolts used for brake-strut support do not meet specification and may break, resulting in deterioration of steering and braking.

1990 300: Under certain operating conditions, plastic cover of preresistor for auxiliary fan may melt, which could result in underhood fire.

1991-92 400E: If car is restarted soon after shutoff and charcoal canister is saturated with fuel, fuel vapor may be expelled onto electric-auxiliary radiator-fan preresistor; under certain conditions, that preresistor could become hot enough to ignite the fuel.

1992 w/"ASR" automatic slip control: Plastic brake-hydraulic hose was misrouted too close to preresistor for auxiliary cooling fan, which becomes hot under certain conditions; could cause hose to melt and leak brake fluid onto hot preresistor, resulting in possible fire.

1992-95 E Class 124: Front passenger metal footrest can, over time, abrade through wiring harness, causing short circuit; wires might then overheat, engine may stall, or airbag could inadvertently deploy.

1990-1995 Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
260E, 300D/E sedan	$1,800-2,700	$1,200-1,800	$300-400
300CE coupe	$3,400-4,100	$2,700-3,200	$900-1,100
300TE wagon	$2,500-3,000	$1,800-2,200	$500-600

1991
300CE coupe	$3,800-4,500	$3,100-3,700	$1,200-1,400
300D/E sedan	$2,100-3,000	$1,500-2,100	$400-500
300TE wagon	$2,800-3,400	$2,100-2,600	$600-700

1992
300CE coupe	$4,400-5,200	$3,700-4,300	$1,500-1,800
300D/E sedan	$2,500-3,500	$1,800-2,600	$500-700
300TE wagon	$3,200-3,800	$2,500-3,000	$800-1,000
400E sedan	$3,200-4,000	$2,500-3,100	$800-1,000
500E sedan	$7,700-9,000	$6,900-8,100	$3,900-4,500

1993
300CE convertible	$10,500-12,000	$9,500-10,800	$5,600-6,400
300CE coupe	$5,000-5,900	$4,300-5,000	$2,000-2,400
300D/E sedan	$2,900-4,000	$2,200-3,000	$700-900
300TE wagon	$3,700-4,300	$3,000-3,500	$1,100-1,200
400E sedan	$3,900-4,800	$3,200-3,900	$1,200-1,500
500E sedan	$9,000-10,500	$8,100-9,500	$4,700-5,500

1994
E320	$3,800-5,500	$3,100-4,500	$1,200-1,700
E320 convertible	$12,500-14,000	$11,300-12,600	$7,100-8,000
E420	$4,400-5,200	$3,700-4,300	$1,500-1,800
E500	$12,300-13,800	$11,100-12,400	$7,000-7,900

1995
E300D/320	$4,500-6,300	$3,700-5,200	$1,600-2,300
E320 convertible	$14,000-15,500	$12,700-14,100	$8,500-9,500
E420	$5,100-6,000	$4,300-5,100	$2,000-2,400

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1995 Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door convertible	2-door coupe	4-door sedan	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	106.9	106.9	110.2	110.2

Overall Length, in.	183.9	183.9	187.2	188.2

Overall Width, in.	68.5	68.5	68.5	68.5

Overall Height, in.	54.8	54.9	56.3	59.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	4025	3525	3525	3750

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	10.5	14.4	14.6	76.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5	18.5	18.5	19.0

Seating Capacity	4	4	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.6	36.0	36.9	37.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.9	41.9	41.7	41.7

Rear Head Room, in.	35.5	36.8	36.9	36.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	24.8	28.6	33.5	33.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

All midsize Mercedes models were rear-wheel drive with a 4-speed automatic transmission, but engine choices through the years have been complicated. Most cars had inline 6-cylinder gasoline engines, of 2.6-, 2.8-, 3.0- or 3.2-liter displacement. Diesels have been available in two sizes, and two V8 models have been offered.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

Turbodiesel ohc I6	2.5 / 152	121	165	4-speed automatic: 26/31	4-speed automatic: 26.3

ohc I6	2.6 / 159	158	162	4-speed automatic: 19/24	4-speed automatic: --

ohc I6	2.8 / 173	194	199	4-speed automatic: --	4-speed automatic: --

ohc I6	3.0 / 181	177	188	4-speed automatic: 18/23	4-speed automatic: 17.2

dohc I6	3.0 / 181	217	195-201	4-speed automatic: 17/32	4-speed automatic: --

dohc I6	3.2 / 195	217	229	4-speed automatic: 20/26	4-speed automatic: 20.8

Diesel dohc I6	3.0 / 181	134	155	4-speed automatic: 26/32	4-speed automatic: 25.1

dohc V8	4.2 / 256	268-275	295	4-speed automatic: 18/24	4-speed automatic: 15.5

dohc V8	5.0 / 303	315-322	347	4-speed automatic: 16/19	4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Germany

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1995 Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Review:

Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class

Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Road Test

Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Reliability

Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Prices

Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Specs & Safety

Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Photos

Mercedes-Benz 300/E-Class Full Review