04 Dec 06
The 1995 E-Class became know as a Mercedes that broke down. The over-complicated electronics and the frankly average level of customer service resulted in a lot of very disappointed owners. The revised 2002 model was meant to change that situation, and to a large extent it did.
It's still worth finding a model that's covered by either the manufacturer's original warranty, an Approved Used Mercedes warranty or a good independent one. Usually it's not a catastrophic engine explosion that knocks out an E-Class, but computer chip-related malfunctions.
Since 2002 there have been three recalls, two relating to the brakes and one involving the engine suddenly defaulting to limp-home mode. There have also been instances of the E320 CDI suffering the odd starting problem, and automatic gearboxes have played up too. So on a test drive the gearbox needs to be smooth, and the engine must idle evenly and pick up power without any hesitation. Otherwise you may be looking at replacing the engine's electronic brain.
Overall the quality of this E was better than it had been for a long time, so if an individual car has anything less than perfect fit, finish and performance, scurry off in the opposite direction without delay.
