Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used E-Class for sale
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Ten years with my E320.
Thomas G Lambach, 09/21/2006
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 4dr Sedan
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Bought new in '96, an excellent package in terms of its exterior size, interior space and cargo volume. Handles well and is a pleasure to drive, especially on the freeway where it just glides along. Highway fuel economy has been as high as 27.75 mpg (Model's EPA was 20/27). IMHO, in good condition the E320 is a screaming used car bargain, but only if its in good condition.
134k Miles and counting!
chevegan, 03/05/2011
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E420 4dr Sedan
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
My father purchased this car in 1999 at the end of his friends lease for $36,500. The car has been nothing but a joy. It has every single option that the dealer + merc had to offer at the time. In all these years she's been so good to us. Now with the economy i sold off my cars and started driving the merc which was sitting for 2 years. Issues? No. Creaks? Squeeks? Rattles? NONONO. I love this car. yes 91 octane BUT i Average 22mpg in mostly L.A. traffic. Note one thing that all these e-classes seem to need a new steering pump ONLY since it starts to leak. Other than that not ONE crazy repair unlike the other guys rant. Can you say LEMON? or maybe he's hard on his cars what can i say.
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class for sale near you
3 of 13 listings
- E320 SedanMSRP: $4,950184 mi away
- E420 SedanMSRP: $5,680275 mi away
- E320 SedanMSRP: $5,497824 mi away
See all 13 listings
Perfect for the aspiring VP
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.
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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