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Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 4dr Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
41 reviews

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4.13 out of 5 stars

My experience w/ E320

Stewmeistr, 03/16/2009
Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 4dr Sedan
30 of 30 people found this review helpful

I find that finding someone who won't take advantage of you while fixing these cars is a very rare find. My suggestion is to get a code reader and diagnose problems yourself. Goto an online store like Az autohaus to buy parts or ebay and get parts to put on yourself. Most aren't tough, but will save you alot of money. Known problems are air mass sensors($), the ac fan relay. Ours has been relatively inexpensive to own, but I can see how you could get taken with one of these cars. The dealerships will charge big $ for simple problems. Good luck, these cars still drive better than new cars. Made with quality, but some bad parts spoil the bunch. Great mileage though and smooth power.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

One of the Best Cars Ever Owned!

Artmeus, 06/09/2009
Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 4dr Sedan
27 of 28 people found this review helpful

I have owned vehicles from Lexus to Cadillac. My Lexus LS400 I put over 30,000 Mi on it with nothing but problems. The Caddy Proved to be a money pit also. So Far I have now owned 3 Mercedes Benz. I had 2 Class 2002 models (leases) for 3 years and had zero problems. I decided several years ago to pay cash for a 1997 e320 sedan 6 cylinder model. I have put over 120,000 mi on this beast and the only problem was to replace the heater sensor 15 bucks. With normal maintenance changing the oil every 3000 mi, It has been a solid car " A Tank." This has to be the most durable and most dependable car ever owned! Annual Maintenance costs are lower than both Lexus Autos I owned. Highly Recommended!

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5 out of 5 stars

230K, and wont stop!

Adam Simmons, Portland, OR, 07/30/2015
Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 4dr Sedan
25 of 26 people found this review helpful

I bought this car as a sensible break from my usual buying habit of things small, German, and fast. I bought it from a little old lady who's family were taking the keys from her hand. The price of the car was peanuts, but this in no way reflected on the quality of the car. It had been well taken care of. I'm amazed that a car with almost a quarter million miles on it can glide down the road, accelerating with ample power comparable to modern cars, while shifting almost undetectably. This is a magical car. The styling in the modern eye is completely milktoast. Ive found that this is because the lines and cues of this car have been so heavily sampled by other makes, that it blends into the background. You look like everyone when everyone wants to look like you.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

Get a good Pre-Purchase inspection

pjo, 09/18/2010
Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 4dr Sedan
13 of 13 people found this review helpful

Excellent gas mileage for a car this large (an honest 28mpg plus on the road). Good power, quiet, Only had one problem so far; a stuck relay kept the smog pump on after I shut off the engine which burned up the pump. A $1000 repair that wasn't necessary. Bad design here--- Overall i you get a good one, I think its an excellent second choice for a family. Its a better used buy then a C class. I wouldn't use it as a daily driver, though. Also, get a good, honest independent mechanic. These cars will send you to the poorhouse quick if you're not careful.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Ten years with my E320.

Thomas G Lambach, 09/21/2006
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.

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