Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Consumer Reviews
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Alex, 08/25/2009
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E420 4dr Sedan
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 222,000 miles on it from a family friend. In 7 days, the radiator blew, but for 3 years after, now with 244,000 miles, the car drives beautifully. Comfort, handling, horsepower, and after tinting the windows, style. I plan to drive this car until it breaks down completely, overall it is a true gentleman's ride.
E420 Review
Gziut, 04/27/2010
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E420 4dr Sedan
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used, with extra low milage, from an owner in Italy. Although I was never a MB nut, I can see why people love the brand. It is, for a 13 year old car, a step above most cars that are supposedly younger, better etc. and cost the same if not more. While reliability is an issue in the W210's, you can't expect a 13 year old car to be flawless or not experience any mechanical failures from wear and tear. From my research, the W210's are the last of the proper German engineered and assembled MB's (some say the W124's were the last such breed). If you are planning on buying a used W210, especially the E420, take it to an honest MB dealer and get it thoroughly checked. Then enjoy.
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class for sale near you
Showing 3 of 12 listings
- E300D Diesel SedanMSRP: $11,995220 mi away
- E420 SedanMSRP: $11,999526 mi away
- E420 SedanMSRP: $5,6801,347 mi away
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Terrific and classy car - if maintained regularly
Mikey, 05/16/2018
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E300D 4dr Sedan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Probably the best car I've ever owned! We purchased our 97 E300D with confidence because it was steadily serviced and well maintained by a family member. I would snap up one with that kind of a track record. We purchased with 200K miles. The most notable repairs over the past 20 plus years have been replacing the injector seals and the engine mount. From other reviews I've read, most 210s will need that kind of care. Everything else has been typical maintenance and simple repairs. I have not had problems with the electric transmission or window motors but the service man has done simple preventative things to keep them from failing (replacing the tranny fluid and filter even though it is 'sealed' and periodically lubing the window channels and guides). Just maintain it and drive it sensibly, and it will last another 20 years.
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You don't get much more bang for your buck than th
CJ, 03/20/2018
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 4dr Sedan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Just recently bought a 1997 E320 with 93K original miles, and have (almost) nothing but positive things to say about it. 3.2L L6 has ample power and acceleration. I was particularly surprised with the handling - for a nearly 17 foot long 4000 lb. car, it hugs the corners. Grumbles a bit in lower gear but really purrs on the highway. Cabin is silent with very little wind noise. The ride is very smooth, nearly no engine vibration, although the suspension is tight enough that you get good tactile feedback through the steering. The interior is the best selling point, all wood trim and leather with none of that molded plastic junk luxury car brands try to charge a premium for these days. The automatic climate control is simple and effective. It's a 20 year old car, so obviously the electronics are dated, but a simple aftermarket radio in mine has bluetooth. Your cell phone can cover that gap with navigation and streaming apps. The biggest drawback is the rear wheel drive being very loose in slippery conditions. The transmission has a winter setting that starts you off in 2nd gear, but there's still a lot of torque being applied to the rear wheels typical of an L6. The hood release lever is also awkwardly located, being very easy to accidentally kick when entering the driver's seat (although the manual release lever in the grille prevents unintended hood release). Maintenance costs will be somewhat steep so don't treat it like a beater. Take care of issues when they come up and this car will take care of you. Oil changes are particularly important as this car has a timing chain, not a timing belt. Oil changes will be the difference between getting 200k or 400k out of this car. All in all, if you find one in good condition, buy it! Pleasure to drive and timeless styling.
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last of a dying breed
Adrian, 02/21/2016
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E420 4dr Sedan
23 of 26 people found this review helpful
First off this car is amazing, it's everything you could ever ask from a 90's luxury sports car. If reminds me of my 98 Infiniti q45t in the aspect that it's just designed so beautifully. The headrests are power for Christ sake. The seat is power in almost ten different ways. The quality of materials is A1 from the carpet to the leather. There's a power rear sun screen, what I like to call "secret storage compartments" in the coolest places. I mean I feel like james bond driving this thing. I bought this car from one of those "I hats this p.o.s." guys you'll read in a second for $100. Yes ladies and gents $100. I'm a mechanic so idk about the dealer prices but I paid $97 for a control arm that snapped in half somehow.. (We're not sure to this day how, probably why the dude was so pissed at it) and fixed a leaky steering rack for damn near nothing and the car runs like brand new. It's got 250,000 miles on it and I bet it would run the same numbers it did when it was new. It's really just a beautifully designed and engineered car. This was my first Mercedes and I gotta say, this thing is fn awesome. I wouldn't sell this thing for $10k right now and I paid a hundred bucks for it. Over all I give it the obvious A+
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