1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon

The stylish E-class offers a classy interior, good handling and quiet comfortable ride. The 1996-2002 model is the second generation of this premium German cruiser. Inside, the E-Class offers a signature classic style with excellent quality materials and high level of standard features. The sedan has plenty of room for 5 passengers. The seven-seater wagon has two more small seats in the back. The seats are firm, but comfortable on a long trip. The cabin is very quiet and the audio system sounds excellent.
The E-class is well built, but because it's such a complex machine, it will need some repairs now and then. Non-diesel models require premium gasoline and servicing this car won't be cheap. Does this mean that you should pass on this car? Let's look at it closer.

Available as a sedan or wagon, the 1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a classic rear-wheel drive layout. An all-wheel drive model (4MATIC) became available from 1998. The most popular E320 model came with a 3.2L DOHC inline-6 engine. From 1998, it was replaced by a 3.2L SOHC V6. Other engine choices included a 3.0L Diesel (E300), the 4.2L V8 (E420), and from 1998, the 4.3L V8 (E430). The high-performance E55 came with a 355-hp 5.4L V8. Only an automatic transmission was offered.

On the road, Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a pleasure to drive with balanced handling and very comfortable and quiet ride. Even the 3.2L inline-6 has plenty of power. The vehicle feels very solid and safe on the highway. The surprisingly tight turning radius makes city driving and parking easier.

The NHTSA did not do crash-tests for the 1996-2002 E-class. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gave "Good" overall rating to models manufactured after January 2000.

Classy elegant look, smooth and quiet ride, rich interior with many features, decent fuel economy for a full-size car (6-cylinder models), tight turning radius.

Expensive to own, difficult to work on, requires premium gasoline, CD changer is in the trunk, some body panels prone to rust.

The Mercedes-Benz E-class is one of the best premium cars on the used car market. It's a well-built luxury machine with many bells and whistles. However, similarly to other European vehicles, it will be expensive to keep. We estimate that driving this car will cost a couple thousand dollars more per year compared to something like a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. If this doesn't stop you, you will certainly appreciate this car. Read about common problems and what to look for on the next page.