Used 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Consumer Reviews

Great car bought at the wrong time.

I purchased my 95 in 2013. I believe it was reliable the first 17 years but then everything needed to be replaced within 2 years of my owning. At purchase it had 136,000 miles. 2 days after purchase I had to replace the smog pump. Thereafter was the water pump, rebuilt trans, heater blower, radiator, brakes. This car is very nice but understand that the cost of a part isn't bad but the labor will be outrageous. The water pump for instance wasn't too expensive, the issue was it took 10 hours labor to dismantle one side of the engine to get to it. Minus normal things going wrong and it just so happened to be after I owned it, it's very well built. Analog clock still works. Everything still works and it's not 20 years old. As of now I have essentially replaced everything but the alternator and battery and it's solid. Keep this in mind.. My understanding is there are 2 common issues with this model.. 1). The reverse tends to go out and thus a rebuild is necessary. 2). The gel in the motor mounts will solidify and the car when at a stop light will cause the car to shimmy a bit due to the mounts no longer sustaining the shock.

Great Car, Great Price

Hey, I "acquired" this fine vehicle back in 1995 and it has been a wonder. I've driven it everywhere and have had no mechanical issues. Example: I had to mysteriously travel from Florida to NY numerous times, stopping only for gas and the occasional White Castle. I put 9K on the car during one such trip, and she was running like new when I got back. Talk about reliability! I wish other things in my life were this reliable. My wife, girlfriend, son, and mother could all stand to learn something from this car. Hey, unlike my son, this car is a winner. If you have to evade people and institutions via long-term, interstate travel, you can't go wrong with the 95 E-Class

My kid flipped my E300D

I drove this car 296,000miles in 10 years before my kid reminded me of why I bought it in the first place. Kid took a curve too fast and the car ended up on the roof, motor running, wheels turning. I never expected that this would really happen my desire to have a safe "old" car for my kid was my motivation in buying this car when my kid was ten years away from having a driver's license. What kind of person would complain about their kid wrecking a 15 year old car with nearly 300k miles and walking away without a scratch. I found my newest car on CL. Yes, it is another 1995 MB E300D (only 200k miles!). If lightning strikes twice, I want the same outcome as the first strike.

Driving my Sun-Roofed Bank Vault

I just acquired it!! Finally!Mega- comfort, Mega-quiet, Mega-class!! $93k new in 1995 got a buyer cupholders (Yes, I have them on the doors...$40 apiece), a decent sound system,super- chrome wheels, and the best drop-top coupe ever built. I've heard that Mercedes lost money on every one that they built due to engineering costs. All I know is that I can fly this baby over bad railroad tracks at 70 mph and the cowl doesn't move a centimeter. 500 lbs of lead in the 4 corners will do wonders for cowl-shake. Doesn't help off-the-line acceleration, but she'll boogie up to 130 mph without a whimper. Classic proportions, precision engineering, and faultless built add up to good investment.

Best used car for the money!

I had a Subaru Sti and replaced it with this. This is truly the last great Mercedes convertible! More like a rolls than a BMW. Elegant without being flashy. Great smooth transmission without a too big engine. Plenty of power but really a luxury car, not a sports car.

As good as it gets.

This is my 3rd M-B diesel and is just a rock solid car. 15 years old and looks like new, yea, there are a few little issues with fuses etc, but who cares when you get about 38 mpg overall. Rides great and has plenty of power for a diesel, keep them serviced and they'll run for ever!

E300D

This is my 3rd MB Diesel and by far the best. 160,000 trouble free miles so far in classic style and comfort. Don't be afraid of a diesel - even in cold climates (I'm in Minnesota) it is more reliable than the gas versions and a great value if you can find a used one. I won't be trading up anytime soon.

Instant Classic

The convertible is a remarkable car. I bought mine only recently and the car feels like a tank (almost as heavy as one, 4000lbs) and drives as smooth as a magic carpet. Very civilized and quiet, its aristocratic aura will rub off on you. Reliable so far (64k). The acceleration is very lethargic but once it gets going it carries momentum very effortlesly. What left an impression on me is how quiet it is with the top down and the rear windscreen up, doing 80 it feels like I am traveling first class. Truly a timeless jewel, I am the third and most likely the final owner.

great engine horrid HVAC

The twin-cam straight six has always been a great engine, and the variable cam version has to rate as one of MB's best engines. It pulls like a V8 and roars when told to do so. The engine is also bullet proof, as is the transmission, brakes, and suspension. All work like new after 112k miles. BUT, the car is best suited to milder climates -- like San Fran -- because the HVAC is total crap. I've lost heat in the winter and seldom had cold air in the summer, despite spending lots and lots of money on constant repairs. The locks are also a weak spot.

For a work car this thing rocks

This is the second 300D I've had I work out of my vehicle 12-14 hours per day 5-6 days per week. I wanted comfort, reliability & economy. I got it in spades. This one I've had 2 years. I've put over 100,000 miles on it and it has delivered continually. You just have to regular maint. I take care of it and it takes care of me. 265,000 and counting.

Gosh, I love this car!

This is my 4th Mercedes, my 3rd diesel. Wow, they got this one right. It's powerful, reasonably quiet, dead simple to maintain, and the parts aren't bad at all. Bought her with 235k on her, and did ball joints, tie rod ends, brake line ends, and an epic cleaning. Changed the oil and coolant several times, cleaning out the sins of the previous owner. I've put 10k miles on in 6 months, and nothing but smiles. I hit 40 mpg on a 800 mile road trip in October, and nailed 41 mpg on a 400 mile trek later that month! The daily commute gets 36 mpg in the summer, down to 31 in the winter. She's big, she's bad, she's comfortable, and the wife even likes her. Worth the steep price.

Almost 280k miles on beach hauler

Bought our '95 E320 wagon 14 years ago with 89k miles almost 200k miles later still got it - transmission was overhauled at about 130k. Still a great beach hauler and versatile.

e320 cabriolet

This has to be the finest 4 place cabriolet ever built. I have had mine for right at 5 years now and every time I get in it to drive it I have to smile. Great gas mileage and once you upgrade the tires and wheels to 16 or 17inch it handles wonderfully. I have the sportline and would highly recommend that option. Not great rear leg room but it will do in a pinch. Engine is a great machine, I upgraded the rear end to a more aggressive gearing and now it performs like it should have from the factory.

Class for the Cash!

This car is my first real luxury car, and I can honestly say you get what you pay for. The car is now 15 years old and I love driving it more and more each day. It is a classy, well built, dependable vehicle. Have put maybe $700 worth or repairs into it in a year for front struts and tension pulley, that's it. Oil changes are a little more pricey, but only need to be done every 7500 miles. Have learned to do a lot of minor repairs myself with the help of manuals and internet. Trust me if you ever ride in one you will see why I am so in love with my baby. Rode in a 2003 Benz and my car's ride is definitely smoother.

Choose wisely, and you'll be rewarded.

With the youngest W124 now at 15 years old, you'll have to be picky and discerning when buying on. I found a 95 with only 78,000 miles on the odo. The car has been a joy to drive & own. Try to find one where the previous owner has already done the major repairs: trans rebuild, head gasket replacement, wiring harness replacement. Mine had all those items already done. The looks of the W124 has aged very well, looking neither vintage or new though. The engine performance is still good by today's standard, but not as peppy as cars all seem to accelerate with more pep. My E320 has been reliable and starts up with just one turn of the key every time.

95 E-class Diesel

I cant say enough about this vehicle. We are the original owners. It is a fuel efficient, luxury work horse that still looks and runs like the day we drove it off the lot. Drawbacks are that it's a little noisy (but that's a trade off for the 550+ radius you can drive w/out refueling). You may find the air conditioning is not as efficient as gas models, and perhaps a little sluggish (pulling out into traffic)compared to a gas vehicle. If you can find one in nice shape, you will find that its attributes far outweigh these drawbacks.

Almost Perfect

This is the best (6th) diesel I have owned, bar none. Purchased from the original owner with 124K on the odometer. It is a very refined automobile with a simple, economical, engine. It is not a stoplight racer but will devour large expanses of highway with aplomb. Fuel economy is consistently 32-34mpg with mostly highway driving at 65-70mph. I highly recommend this model and this particular year. It was the last year for this body style. It has a larger fuel tank than the new models. So far (at 127K), everything works, though not always perfectly.

WOW!

I have had the E300D for about 10 days now, driving 800 miles. Nice, solid feeling, very comfortable. Gas mileage seems to be around 32mpg city and highway combined. Very well made- the car is in excellent shape for being 10 years old. Handles ok in snow, may be better with different tires.

Best of the best

I have had this car for 4 years and this is the best car I have owned. No problems,just regular maintenance and oil change. It is very fast and classy. This is what the Benz should look like. The newer E-class is ugly and suffers poor reliability - not a true Benz! Ask any Benz mechanic which is the most reliable model ever built and he will tell you the same thing. A Class of its own!

EXCELLENT CAR

I bought this car at least 3 years ago with 50,000. Yes, 50,000 from a lady in Encino who passed away. It has not given me ONE PROBLEM other than scheduled issues. My Mom drives it and has put on at least 30 to 40k. I cannot express to you enough how well built these cars are.

old school mercedes E class W124

classic 1990s mercedes benz at its prime .later model 1993-1995 are the best ones to own with its 3.2L inline 6 offering good power and average fuel consumption unique square lunch box shaped design ,ferm yet comfortable real leather seats with its soft smooth tight handling ,that glides over potholes and obstacles that can almost leaves you wondering ,did i just hit a bump ?!? .. snuggling you with safety features such as front seat belt retractors ,driver and passenger airbags,knee bolsters and a options list that was ahead of its time including bose sound system ,cell phones,two stage front heated seats ,asr traction control,abs brakes ,and headlight wipers that most likely all still work today ..on the downside its a german made car which means you will have to pay lots of money to maintain these vehicles ,so be prepared to spent more on parts and labor then the total value of the car. sadly with dwindling repair information and mechanics who can recall or know anything about these mercedes benz legends of the highways..in conclusion its fun to drive a time machine of 1990s luxury , that once only millionaires,celebrities,and business executives could partake in... but don't take my word for it ,drive one yourself !

Good performance, reliability disappoints

Purchased model year 1995 E320 wagon in 2003 with 63,000 miles on it. Although it is a wagon, it drives like a sedan and is actually quite fun to drive. The cargo capacity cannot be beat. Primary issue is maintenance and reliability. Just about every part that can break has broken. Spent more on maintenance and repair than original purchase price. From overhauled transmission to the litany of sensors gone bad, this car is not any better than a usually maligned "American" car.

More than I expected.

After a few weeks of driving my new car, I thought, I hope I will always own a Mercedes. Talking to another '95 Mercedes owner that owned a number of cars including a new Lexus LS4xx, he brought up that same feeling about his Mercedes. At 60,000 the car was running better than other cars I've owned with less mileage. It was more reliable, with very tight body. I was begining to think trade-in, when I brought it in for the 60,000 mile check- up. As I drove it away from the dealer, I was amazed that it drove as well as it did the day I bought it. At 75,00 there is still no reason to trade it in. It has been a great automobile, much better than I expected.

Just bought a E300D 95 - Wow

I currently own a 1987 300D turbo diesel. I must confess that I like this car more. I only paid 3K for it a few days ago with 196K on the odometer. The previous owner take exceptional care of it. No rust on the body or undercarriage. It has new wireharness, vacuum pump, ball joints, brakes, rotors, and pads. It rides like butter on a cloud. Interior is in very good shape. It even still has the MB analog phone in the center console. I have two solid W124s that I will never part with. Only 95 dollars a month to insure both vehicles.

Just keeps on trucking!

Follow-up review

My E300D now has 205,000 miles - have replaced some wear items - front ball joints, 1 wheel bearing and the combo switch - but still basicly trouble free. I plan to put another 100k on and hopefully by then the new E320CDI (which is a fabulous car) will be affordable on the used market.

Amazing car

This must be one of the best convertibles for 4 ever built. Very quiet, no rattles at all. Handling is better than the weight and skinny tires would suggest. Engine and transmission are plenty strong and very smooth. If there are only 2 in the car, put up the wind blocker and talk quietly with the top down. You'll be amazed.

Rating a used E300 D - second owner NC

E300D black with classic grey accents. Mechanically sound but had some problems at first with (95 new) feul line design (O rings problamatic). Smooth ride, great looks. Bought from Local dealer specializing in used MB dealer (20+years). If, like me, you not mechanically inclined, the key to success is to get a friend you trust to recommomend a mechanic that specializes in MBs and is honest. Never look back!

Full of problems

My experience was not good at all, I paid more in repairs in one year than the car was worth. I bought it with 113k miles and within one year I had to replace the transmission, head gasket, neutral safety switch, ignition tumbler, blower motor regulator, combination relay. I'm sure there is more that I am forgetting. Of course, the previous owners might have played a big part in these issues, but after reading the online forums apparently most have these issues. According to my mechanic the wiring harness also crumbles but I never waited for that and sold it to buy a Honda.

Thanks Rudolf

Bought my 95 E300D in Jan of '07 with 282,000 miles on it and 1" Benz 430 wheels with a spare in the trunk. I have put almost 20k more on it with 12K+ using Biodiesel B99/B100. On the Bio, this car is as quiet and smooth as a Corolla. It is also great with an Elsbett veggie oil kit. Plus, in LA stop and go, the car averages 25-27mpg, which is almost the same as my wife's 2000 Corolla. This car is a solid as they come. I hope that it never gets totaled.

EXCELLENT CAR

I TRAVEL SIX STATES IN MY JOB. I HAVE OWNED BMW, VOLVO, AURORA'S THIS CAR IS BY FAR THE BEST OVERALL BEST VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED

DREAM CAR

just bought the car 2 days ago..would not sell it for a million dollars..man I love this car..It is everything I was hoping it would be and then some.....anyone looking at one..just know it is not a race car...you really will love yourself so much for buying this car...this is worth the money..

Would Buy It Again in A Heart Beat!

I purchased brand new and it has been a gem. The price was definitely justifiable, for I probably would've had to purchased at least 2 other cars within this 10 year timeframe if I did't have my Benz. I have had no major problems and have kept up with routine maintenance. Most maintenance can only be done by the dealer which isn't pocket change, but is "far less" than a car note. The most has been $900 at the 90,000 mile check-up. At 10 years, I'm embarking on my 1st major service with the engine which will be about $2500, still less than a carnote, so I'm going to keep it instead of trading it in. It's a classic. The body still looks like the day I purchased it.

Smoothest gasoline engine of all time

At 143000, this car has had no more reliability issues than other cars. The ride is still unsurpassed by new cars. Good luxury feeling. These cars are great for the technically minded - there's plenty of info on internet websites. If you can't do a lot yourself, though, many simple maintenance/repair items will cost you. Repairs since 100K: ignition lock, neutral safety switch, water pump

Don't buy one

Bought car with 10,000 miles onm it and it has been the worse car I have ever owned- will never buy another one. Now have 102,000 miles on it and have replaced fuel and water pumps and had numerous minor problems. Just found out i have a major electrical problem which will cost over $1000.00 to fix. Considering what I paid for the car, it has been a disaster. Am going to trade it in on an Acura.

Great car

I bought this car used a couple of years ago and I love the versatility and the solid build of the car. I used to drive a Volvo and after driving a Honda and a Ford previously, I thought the Volvo was a pretty solid car; until I got the Mercedes. I feel totally safe in the car. It is pretty quiet as far as engine noise in the passenger compartment. However, there is some noise when going over rough road probably due to the echoing within the cabin (rather than being confined within a trunk like a sedan). My wife and I love the cavernous interior which allows us to do all sorts of shopping when needed. It is also a great car for road trips.

1995 Mercedes E320 Sedan

I love this car. Got it at 128k and drove it to 178k, till my negligence cause a blown head gasket. Thats ok, I bought the wagon too. if you can work on them there is no better, if you can't stay far away.

Have to sell my dream car cant get parts

If you are buying the cabriolet. Be aware. Interior parts ie mirrors, floor mats, vanity mirrors are not available. The cabriolet was a very limited production. The worst issue is the hydraulic top parts. Beyond expensive and getting harder to find. I bought my car as a collectible. In two years I have driven it 4k miles the car has 100k on it. I have put thousands into this car. Final straw was another hydraulic part that cost me 600 after I spend 2k repairing them two years ago. I have finally hit the point of no return. I will be selling this car. I love old mercedes but this has gotten ridiculous. It is one of the most beautiful cars ever produced. Yet not being able to get parts has made it a nightmare. I will be buying an old SL500 parts are easy to find. Yet if you bought a 95 wagon or sedan its an incredible car and parts are easy to find. Regarding the convertible if you are planning to keep it as a classic and can afford the top and interior problems it will go up in value. If you want a play car to enjoy and do not have the budget. DO NOT BUY IT. Mine has been in the shop for two months. Yet I will always love the look of this car.

Poor Gaskets

Great car that feels sturdy and smooth. Purchased the car with 69k and Head Gaket, front engine seal and front timing chain cover was all leaking. After fixing those items it started to have electrical problems. The engine wire harness was brittle and arcing under the top engine cover. Then the center vents in the dash stopped flowing air. To fix, $300 up to $1200 depending on the 6 vacuum pods (10 hours labor).

e320 convertible

EXCELLENT!

A Fun, Solid, Safe Ride

Around 115k miles my 'check engine' and 'ARS' dummy lights came on, costing me aboiut $2k in repairs. Other than this recent problems, the car handles great and has acceptable acceleration qualities.

Mercedes-Poor engineering & quality

I have owned Mercedes for 25 years. This car is junk. One problem after another. Very poorly designed and manufactured. Rear and Trans died before 60,000; computer died at 55,000; wiring harness is biodegradable- replaced at 75,000.

Engine gaskets are lowest quality!

I bought this car because I thought the '95 gave Mercedes 10 years to perfect the 300E. I was wrong. At 65,000 miles the engine gaskets are made of the worst quality materials and I have more than a few engine leaks. This is unacceptable. I am now facing a $1,200 expense to replace the head gasket and the replacement part is made of the same inferior material. This is the reason Mercedes has PLUMMETED in customer satisfaction. I plan to buy a LEXUS and I hope Mercedes goes out of business. They cannot even provide their customers with the $10 in materials it would take to solve this problem. They had to choose the $2 materials instead.Disgraceful and shameful!

Trading Up

I recently bought a 1995 E320, I was just looking around because my 1995 Saturn SL1 was starting to have some reliability issues and had just reached 210,000 miles. I was looking at Ford Focus, but the Mercedes E320 caught my eye and after the first minute of the test drive I knew I had found a solid car. My E320 has 155,000 miles on it and I had a mechanic check it out and it was given a clean bill of health. I would recommend one of these cars to anyone who is willing to give a 16 year old car a try.

mercedes e320 coupe convertible

fantastic looking car with comfort and good re sale values. a modern classic that will only appreciate in value, one of the last true great mercedes coupe convertibles made, buy one and keep hold of it!

German Muscle

Amazing car. Gifted with a elegant yet aggressive V8 engine, this highway warrior floats down the road with ease. With proper car and maintence this car runs forever and is built like a tank. The styling is some what conservative but the interior and trunk are large, as with every merecedes. I've driven this car primary for highway travel were this flashy V8 amazingly exhibits better gas mileage than my V6 300E! It's a breeze through traffic and BLAST on the open road. Looking for some muscle but need to be comfortable driving with bussiness attire... this is your car.

Worth It?

I liked our old 1985 300D better. It feels solid but the tranny is bizarre. The second gear kick is somewhat like my old diesel MB.

Great classic

Great car even at 25 years old, without a doubt super reliable and smooth, advanced for its time and still looks super sexy on the road, couple little things go wrong here and there but nothing too crazy, oil pressure switch housing unit is something to look out for and fuel hoses, overall amazing ride, it’s my 2nd 124 (3rd overall) in my collection of 5 Mercedes And I love seeing it parked outside the house every day.

Love this car.

Comfort is top notch. I took mine in for the 105000-mile service and the dealership loaned me a 2002 C-class . My 95 E rides much more smoothly that the new C. Transmission could be better. I sometimes leave the transmission in 2nd in heavy traffic. If I stop and it shifts back to 1st, it will not shift again until I move the selector to 3rd. Then I must shift back to 2nd. 1st gear is otherwise unpredictable. 1st is used when I don't need it and is never available when I need to take off. Braking is excellent wet or dry. Easy steering with normal body roll. Interior is quite and very comfortable. I will be happy with this care for years to come.

WOW...I love this car

This car now has 51,000 and it is hard to understand how it stays so solid. This convertible has virtually no flex in the body. It has adequate power to do some "enjoyment" driving. It is refined, even by todays standards. I can put the kids in the back and cruise for hours.