2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

Great car

Written by: jefecita on 08/09/2009

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I love this car. Handles great, comfortable. This is my fourth car in same E series. Mileage is better than posted. I average about 21 in mostly city driving. On the highway, I get around 28. Surprises me, but duplicated over many trips and years of driving. Complaint: the air conditioning is not great. We live in Arizona where this matters 6 months of the year. Unit is very slow to cool down the car, is very noisy when full on, and is inadequate in rear seats.

Favorite Features

handling, mileage, styling.

Suggested Improvements

Air conditioning, Sound system (even with upgrade)is mediocre at best. My husband's Lexus sound system kicks butt.

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E500 - 5 yrs later - I'd buy another

Written by: SB from GA on 02/08/2009

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E500 Rwd 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 7A)

Review

Bought the car new 5 years ago and now have 40k miles. Two minor problems fixed under warranty. What is amazing is the combination of performance, comfort and fuel economy. Highway is an easy 27mpg at 75 to 80 mph and yes, its the 500. Around town is 18mpg. So why the gas guzzler tax? Very comfortable and still looks virtually new. Main annoyance is noise from a pump for the brake system. Aside from that, quiet and dependable. Radio and in-dash CD player work and sound great, although the layout of the radio is a bit quirky at first.

Favorite Features

Engine performance, good looks and solid quality. Still get complements on the car. The air suspension is quite amazing and very adaptable.

Suggested Improvements

Real gas and temp gauges! The ones in this car look cheap and are hard to read. Take the clock out and replace it with real gauges that you need every day. I have a watch thank you.

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Starting to rethink this purchase

Written by: Tony on 10/14/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I've had the car for 6 months, purchased 2nd hand without a warranty. Air system is already giving problems to the tune of $2300. That is the cost of one strut and one air compressor. While licking my wounds from this event, I may purchase an extended warranty and keep the car for my wife's sake or get rid of it and get a 5 series BMW, what I should have bought in the first place. I'm just an average Joe with a love for German cars but who can afford repairs like this? No matter who you are.

Favorite Features

I love the solid feel of the car. I love the car period.

Suggested Improvements

MB should recall the car and make a strut where just the air billow can be changed out. Give the owner the option to use any cell phone without going through MB. Wipers come on sometimes when it's not raining. have to turn off manually. GPS doesn't offer major shopping centers or resturants.

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Very satisfied

Written by: Jim on 09/10/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E500 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)

Review

This car envelops you with luxury like very few cars can. The interior looks hand-made, and the controls have a pleasing action and response. I was turned off when I first saw some posts regarding reliability problems with this model, but after checking the first owner's service records I didn't see anything to worry about. Since then I've only had one major issue (air-ride failure) which was covered under warranty. This car has so many unique and complex features, it's bound to spend some time in the shop. That shouldn't stop you from experiencing E-Class ownership.

Favorite Features

4matic, powerful V8 engine, adjustable air suspension, automatic rear sunshade, bluetooth (aftermarket).

Suggested Improvements

Electronic braking system is great for emergency stops and the dynamic ABS, but the feel is a bit off. You can get used to it but tough at first to achieve a smooth stop. The cup holder is fragile and always in the way. Some shifting weirdness in sport mode.

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This car rocks!

Written by: James on 07/22/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)

Review

So far this has been a terrific car. The power is unlike any vehicle I've ever driven. Believe everything you have read about this car; it boogies. The interior is different for me, having had SUV's and trucks. Cupholders and basic storage are the only downside. The build quality overall is impressive as is the overall comfort of driving. The driving experience is somewhat different because the brakes, gas pedal, and tranny are always "thinking" on how I am driving, etc, so it will take getting used to. It does drink the premium though. Also, the a/c is incredible, as in hang meat in the cabin cold. Stereo is OK...lots of gadgets overall. It's a beauty to look at too, makes me smile.

Favorite Features

469 hp is not bad. The engine is very refined and the exhaust note is pleasing. When you start the car you know something formidable is lurking underneath..it always feels ready to unleash, (once it is warmed up). I live in the heat of El Paso, so the a/c is by far my favorite non engine feature.

Suggested Improvements

An AWD option would civilize this beast. It would get all the power to the ground w/o destroying $400 tires and it would make it less scary for someone to drive who may be afraid of all the power, ie, my wife. I'd also like to see some storage/cupholder improvements...maybe like the Lexus lineup.

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