1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
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1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ▼
- Price Range: $4,300 - $17,500
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (gas engines)
- Quietness
- Ride/handling
- Build quality
Cons
- Fuel economy (except diesel)
- Price
- Instruments/controls
Vehicle Highlights
Mercedes-Benz redesigned its midrange E-Class sedan for 1996. New styling was highlighted by four oval headlamps, giving the sedan a fresh face. Wheelbase grew by 1.3 inches, and overall length by 2.2 inches, helping to make the rear seat markedly roomier. Dual front and side airbags were installed, as were antilock braking and traction control. Two models went on sale at first: the E320 with a 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder gas engine that made 217 horsepower, and an E300D, with a 134-horsepower diesel engine. Both models used a 4-speed automatic transmission. An E420 sedan with a 4.2-liter V8 engine arrived in spring 1996 as a '97 model, with a new 5-speed automatic transmission.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mercedes-Benz E320 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 64 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Year to Year Changes
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:
Introduced on the E420 with its V8 engine, the 5-speed automatic transmission went into all 1997 models.
1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:
Mercedes' midrange series earned a number of changes for 1998, led by the addition of a station wagon body style and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). This year's lineup included the diesel 6-cylinder E300D, which added a turbocharger and intercooler to deliver 30 percent more horsepower and 57 percent more torque than the previous nonturbo model; a gas-powered E320, which switched from a 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder to a new Mercedes 3.2-liter V6; and an E420 sedan with 4.2-liter V8. The new E320 wagon seated seven, using a 2-place third seat. All-wheel drive was a new option for the E320. All E-Class models now had Mercedes' "BabySmart" child-seat recognition system, "Brake Assist" feature, and electronic "Smart Key" ignition/locking system.
1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:
A new side-impact head protection system for front and rear passengers went into 1999 models. A new limited-edition, high-performance E55 sedan joined the lineup, with a 5.4-liter V8.
2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:
Mercedes dropped its E300 diesel model, but added an all-wheel-drive E430 V8 sedan and standard rear side airbags. All models got minor styling revisions and new wheels. Automatic transmissions added Touch Shift, with a separate gate for manual shifting. E320 sedans and wagons, and the E430 sedan, were available with 4Matic all-wheel drive. All models now had the antiskid Electronic Stability Program. New options included a voice-activated phone, in-dash navigation system, and audible parking-warning system.
2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:
A Sport Package was newly optional for 2001 E320s and E430s. It included firmer suspension, special upsized wheels and tires, and "aero" lower-body styling.
2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:
The E320 Special Edition sedan was introduced this year with new 17-inch alloy wheels, black bird's-eye maple interior trim, and other amenities. To this, the new E430 Special Edition added xenon headlamps and headlamp washers. A redesigned model was in the works for '03.
Our road test for the 1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
All E-Class sedans are more athletic than most luxury 4-door models, if not so nimble as, say, a 5-Series BMW or Lexus GS. Steering is firm and precise, body lean modest in hard cornering. The taut suspension provides a comfortable highway ride and smothers most bumps and ruts around town. Silence is another virtue, so these sedans cruise quietly at highway speeds. Space is ample for four adults in any E-Class sedan, though a bulky transmission tunnel precludes true long-distance comfort for the person in the center rear position. All models offer good cargo capacity, flat load floors, large trunk openings, and low liftovers. The wagon's third seat easily folds flush with the cargo deck, but it's sized more for youngsters than grownups. The E-Class pilot gets good visibility from a comfortable, easily tailored driver's position. Gauges and controls are well-designed and well laid out, though markings on too many of the switches are not obvious. Acceleration is satisfying even in the Turbodiesel model, and brisk in the E320, which uses a smooth and responsive 6-cylinder gas engine. Moving up a notch, a recent E430 delivers stirring highway passing power. The automatic transmission downshifts promptly to deliver strong passing response. Fuel mileage is best with a diesel. An E320 sedan with the inline gas six got a so-so average of 21.1 mpg, with more than half the driving on highways. The V8 E420 amounts to a Teutonic muscle car, but it gets quite thirsty for fuel. Workmanship, as expected, is top-notch.
Value for the Money
With its exceptional quality and strong performance, the E-Class deserves strong consideration among premium sedans. Best choice for value is the E320. With any model, high resale values translate to hefty prices on the used-car market.
With its exceptional quality and strong performance, the E-Class deserves strong consideration among premium sedans. Best choice for value is the E320. With any model, high resale values translate to hefty prices on the used-car market.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mercedes-Benz E320 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 64 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class .
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.
Dashboard lights:
A malfunction in the fuel-tank pressure sensor or the purge-control valve (or both) will cause the check-engine light to come on. (1997-98)
Headlights:
Headlight and parking-light bulbs burn out prematurely on E300 models and a kit with new sockets and bulbs is available. (1996-97)
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 | $390 |
| Alternator | $480 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,190 |
| Brakes | $330 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $845 |
| Exhaust System | $845 |
| Radiator | $440 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,630 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $710 |
Our price chart for this generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| E320 | $11,500-13,300 | $10,400-12,000 | $6,300-7,300 |
| E430 | $12,800-14,000 | $11,600-12,700 | $7,300-8,000 |
| E55 AMG | $17,000-19,000 | $15,600-17,500 | $10,900-12,200 |
| 2001 | |||
| E320 | $10,200-11,800 | $9,200-10,600 | $5,300-6,100 |
| E430 | $11,200-12,500 | $10,100-11,300 | $6,000-6,800 |
| E55 | $14,500-16,000 | $13,200-14,600 | $9,000-9,900 |
| 2000 | |||
| E320 | $9,000-10,100 | $8,100-9,100 | $4,700-5,300 |
| E430 | $9,900-11,000 | $8,900-9,900 | $5,100-5,700 |
| E55 | $13,000-14,500 | $11,800-13,200 | $7,500-8,400 |
| 1999 | |||
| E300TD | $11,500-12,600 | $10,400-11,300 | $6,300-6,900 |
| E320 | $7,800-9,000 | $7,000-8,100 | $4,000-4,600 |
| E430 | $8,500-9,600 | $7,700-8,600 | $4,400-5,000 |
| E55 | $11,500-13,000 | $10,400-11,700 | $6,300-7,200 |
| 1998 | |||
| E300TD | $9,500-10,600 | $8,600-9,500 | $4,900-5,500 |
| E320 | $6,700-7,700 | $5,900-6,800 | $3,100-3,500 |
| E430 | $7,300-8,300 | $6,600-7,500 | $3,600-4,100 |
| 1997 | |||
| E300D | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| E320 | $5,800-6,800 | $5,000-5,900 | $2,400-2,900 |
| E420 | $6,400-7,400 | $5,600-6,500 | $2,800-3,300 |
| 1996 | |||
| E300D | $7,000-8,000 | $6,200-7,100 | $3,300-3,800 |
| E320 | $5,000-6,000 | $4,300-5,100 | $2,000-2,400 |
|
|
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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.
Specs for this generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.5 | 111.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.4 | 190.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.8 | 70.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.7 | 59.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3460 | 3670 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.3 | 82.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.6 | 38.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.2 | 37.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.1 | 36.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two engines were offered in 1996: a gas 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter diesel. Both drove a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 5-speed automatic came with the 4.2-liter V8 that arrived a bit later, under the hood of the E420 sedan. The 5-speed transmission then went into all models, in 1997. For 1998, a higher-powered Turbodiesel replaced the prior diesel engine in the E300D. A 4.3-liter V8 went into the E430, introduced during the 1998 model year. The high performance E55 came with an AMG-tuned 5.4-liter V8 that made 349 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I6 | 3.2 / 195 | 217 | 229 | 4-speed automatic: 19/26 5-speed automatic: 20/27 |
4-speed automatic: 18.3 5-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V8 | 5.4 / 322 | 349 | 391 | 5-speed automatic: 17/24 | 5-speed automatic: 19.2 |
| Diesel dohc I6 | 3.0 / 183 | 134 | 155 | 4-speed automatic: 28/35 5-speed automatic: 26/33 |
4-speed automatic: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbodiesel ohc I6 | 3.0 / 183 | 174 | 244 | 5-speed automatic: 26/34 | 5-speed automatic: 25.6 |
| ohc V6 | 3.2 / 195 | 221 | 232 | 5-speed automatic: 21/29 | 5-speed automatic: 19.2 |
| dohc V8 | 4.2 / 256 | 275 | 295 | 5-speed automatic: 18/25 | 5-speed automatic: 16.5 |
| dohc V8 | 4.3 / 260 | 275 | 295 | 5-speed automatic: 19/26 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1996 E320:
Drive-belt pulley on some cars can break.
1997:
Some passenger vehicles have experienced side airbag deployments in the absence of a crash.
1999:
Due to the installation of an incorrect clamp, the side airbag may not deploy fully in a collision.
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