Purchased brand new in August 1996, this 1996 Mercedes E320 (W210) has been a beloved vehicle in our household for years. Driven primarily for short commutes and meticulously serviced at the dealership according to schedule, it has only accumulated 63,000 miles. While the overall driving experience and feel of the car remain enjoyable, a number of durability issues have surfaced over time, leading to unexpected repairs and costs. This review offers an honest look at the ownership experience, highlighting both the positives and the recurring problems encountered.
Persistent Window Regulator Problems
One of the most frequent issues has been with the window regulators. Within a short period, two regulators failed. While the dealership initially covered the second failure under warranty after some negotiation, the problem has recurred, requiring a DIY repair for the left rear window. This seems to be a common weak point in the 1996 Mercedes E320 design.
Air Conditioning System Failures
The air conditioning system has also presented significant challenges. A major AC failure occurred at 56,000 miles. Although the dealership had previously diagnosed a potential issue at 40,000 miles, they were unable to pinpoint the exact cause until the problem escalated. After pressure, the repair was eventually covered under warranty. However, this was not an isolated incident, as another substantial AC breakdown happened again at 62,000 miles, resulting in a significant $900 repair bill. Reliability of the AC system is definitely a concern for 1996 Mercedes E320 owners.
Head Gasket and Engine Concerns
At 48,000 miles, a bad head gasket was diagnosed. Despite the car being five years old at the time, warranty coverage was successfully negotiated for this repair. While this issue was resolved under warranty, it raises questions about the long-term engine durability of the 1996 E320, especially considering the relatively low mileage and consistent dealer servicing.
Door Lock System Malfunctions
The central door lock system has completely ceased to function. The auto infra-red locking system is also broken, and the dealership was unable to identify the source of the problem, leaving it unrepaired. Adding to these issues, the driver’s side door lock is also broken. Currently, accessing and securing the vehicle requires using the trunk lock, a significant inconvenience and security concern.
Minor Annoyances and Costly Repairs
Other problems have included a broken turn indicator dimmer stalk. The estimated repair cost from the dealer was a hefty $900. Instead of paying this expensive fee, a temporary fix with super glue has been employed, requiring re-application every few months. Furthermore, after a battery replacement, the radio lost its security code. The current code requires the number ‘6’ button, which is no longer functional, rendering the radio unusable.
Current Repair Needs and Dealer Estimates
Several items currently require attention on this 1996 Mercedes E320. These include:
- Auxiliary Cooling Fan Controller
- Mass Airflow Indicator
- Left Rear Window Regulator
- New Radio
- Auto Door Lock
- Driver’s Door Lock
The estimated repair cost from the dealership for the items excluding the window regulator and door lock (marked with an asterisk as DIY repairs are planned) amounts to a substantial $2,800.
Paint and Interior Quality Issues
Beyond mechanical and electrical problems, the 1996 Mercedes E320 has also exhibited issues with paint and interior trim. The Black Opal paint, while initially beautiful, has significantly deteriorated on the roof rails, roof, and trunk deck. This deterioration manifests as fading to white and severe orange peel, despite regular waxing. Minor rust has also appeared where the license plate housing meets the trunk, caused by a sticky rubber seal. Inside, the dashboard vinyl has cracked. While it was replaced once under warranty at 36,000 miles, it cracked again at 48,000 miles, and further warranty replacement was denied.
Conclusion: Love and Frustration with a 1996 Mercedes E320
Despite the numerous issues and recurring repairs, there remains an appreciation for the overall driving experience and design of the 1996 Mercedes E320. However, the ownership experience has been marred by a series of durability problems affecting various systems, from window regulators and air conditioning to engine components and cosmetic elements. Potential buyers of a 1996 Mercedes E320 should be aware of these common issues and factor in potential maintenance and repair costs. While the car offers a classic Mercedes driving experience, long-term reliability appears to be a significant consideration for this model year.
