The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a symbol of luxury and performance, underwent a significant redesign for the 2003 model year. It’s important to note that 2003 E-Class models manufactured after December 2002 incorporated structural enhancements aimed at bolstering occupant protection in frontal offset crashes. These crucial changes are applicable to the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, ensuring enhanced safety for drivers and passengers. To verify the manufacturing date of a specific vehicle, you can typically find this information on the certification label located on or near the driver’s side door.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rigorously evaluated the crashworthiness of an E-Class equipped with these structural improvements. The assessment involved a 40 mph frontal offset crash test against a deformable barrier, simulating a real-world collision scenario.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics Dummy movement was reasonably well controlled. During rebound, the dummy’s head moved partway out the open window and hit the B-pillar and window frame. | A |
Action shot from the frontal offset crash test.
The crash test results revealed a “Good” overall evaluation for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The vehicle’s structure and safety cage also earned a “Good” rating, indicating robust protection of the occupant compartment during a frontal offset crash. Analysis of driver injury measures showed “Good” ratings across all categories: head/neck, chest, and legs/feet (both left and right). This signifies a low risk of significant injuries in these critical body regions in a similar crash scenario for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and similar models within the specified build date range.
Post-crash test, the dummy’s position relative to the steering wheel and instrument panel demonstrated that the driver’s survival space was exceptionally well maintained. This is a crucial factor in minimizing injury risk during a severe frontal impact.
During the rebound phase of the crash, the test dummy’s head made contact with the B-pillar and window frame, as indicated by smeared greasepaint. However, it’s important to note that head acceleration from this contact was measured as low, mitigating potential head injury.
Measurements of forces on the dummy’s legs and feet were also low. This data suggests that significant injuries to the lower extremities were unlikely in this type of frontal offset crash for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Technical Measurements
Detailed technical measurements from the crash test provide further insights into the vehicle’s performance.
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF0308 |
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 3 |
| Left (cm) | 7 |
| Center (cm) | 9 |
| Right (cm) | 4 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 5 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | 0 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | 1 |
| Rearward (cm) | -2 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 1 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF0308 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 230 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | 40 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.4 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 24 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.30 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 35 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 2.8 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 2.4 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.45 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.71 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 1.7 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 3.8 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 48 |
| Right | 60 |
These measurements quantify the minimal occupant compartment intrusion and low driver injury measures, reinforcing the “Good” safety rating of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in this frontal offset crash test scenario. This data is valuable for prospective buyers prioritizing safety in their vehicle choice.
