4 Star Reviews for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.17/5 Average
62 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Mercedes-Benz E300D and E320 receive the driver-adaptable five-speed automatic transmission. The E-Class also has a smart sensor to determine if anyone is sitting in the passenger seat and to determine whether or not to deploy the airbag. The E420 can be had with a Sport Package.

Pros:
  • Beautiful nose, light-hearted design, rock-solid construction, and the panache of owning a Mercedes. What more could you want?
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 62.00
  • What a wonderful car - the E420 - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    By -

    A lot of the reviews here seem to be based on whether you get a good one or bad one. But I think your odds of getting a "good one" are generally good. Perhaps the "bad one" people are more vocal. I didnt intend to buy a car to fall in love with when I happened to buy the E420, but wow, have I fallen head over heals. This is an amazing piece of engineering. I would say that the one I bought was in about the worst shape, but I still found the car amazing. I just put on new shocks, engine mounts, cats, and OMG this car is like brand new and better than I could have imagined. Just writing about it makes me want to go out for a drive.

  • Whats Wrong with the 97 Mercedes 320? - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    By -

    I enjoy my car on the highway but in the city, the gas mileage is terrible. The car is designed so that the heat only comes in from the sides and not from the front which makes it cold in the winter. The center dash contains the windows buttons and trunk buttons and will short out if you have spillage. The leather is not the best either. It is hard. In addition, the car is hard to drive since it is only power assisted. There is only a cassette in the car. The styling is beautiful. It looks very much like some of the newer cars. I purchased it used with 38 thousand miles.

  • One of the Best Cars Ever Owned! - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    By -

    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!

  • 1997 E320 - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    By -

    Very nice and still feels updated even at 5 years old. MB put features on this 1997 car that are just now showing up on 2002 Japanese and American vehicles. Ride, power and comfort are a perfect blend between sport and high end luxury. Safety is of upmost importance and all you need is in this car.

  • 97 e320 awsome car - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    By -

    This is a Nice car and fun to drive I have had it for 3 years and abuse it on cornering and accelerating. Engine and suspension have not failed! Of course their are some repairs, water pump fuel pump and minor things that might be expensive.. But this is not a car for the poor. I love this car and I installed a turbo and engine has not failed at 190,000 miles... Its not what the car is worth if you love the car their is no price.

  • My dream car - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    By -

    I always wanted an E320 MB. My dream materialized in April of 2002. This is my first of many MB purchases. MB will be the only brand of car I will drive going forward. I totaly love the car, and so does my family and friends. My E320 MB is definitely a head-turner!!! Coming from a Honda civic, Im in awe. I recommend this vehicle to all.

  • Great Ride - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    By -

    I acquired this car about a year ago with 62K. I knew the previous owner and its service history. Immediately had overdue maintenance performed by indy mechanic for about $700 (vs. dealer who wanted $1500). Have since put 12K on car with no new problems, and averaging over 25 mpg in mixed driving. The car is not without issues: LR window motor doesnt work, drivers mirror needs replacement. These are common problems with these cars. Essential to have service complete service history before purchasing one of these cars.

  • Great Design - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    By -

    I purchased this car as a certified pre-owned 12years ago, it was my first Mercedes. Until you have owned one for a period of time, you can not appreciate the brand and what Mercedes about. Over the years, we have made some costly repairs rear seal replacement and transmission replacement, but the car now has 257K on it and when compared to newer cars, I will still take my chances with this car. I have given it to my daughter as a first car, we considered a trade for new more up to date car, only problem we could not find a better safe first time car. Find a knowledgable Mercedes mechanic and enjoy a great car.

  • My experience w/ E320 - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    By -

    I find that finding someone who wont 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 arent 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.

  • Severely disappointed - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    By -

    Bought this car used from the original owner in 2002, with only 16,000 miles on it, and thought "what could go wrong with such low mileage". Plus my intention was to only drive this car to and from work, which averages about 8,000 miles/year. Well, first the electrical wires to the drivers side front headlights kept "coming lose", which cost $400.00 to fix. Then the A/C went out, along with oil leakage and transmission problems, which totaled to $5,000.00. I wish I have stayed with buying Toyota or Subaru, which are far more reliable.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reviews By Year:
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