1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review
Price Estimate: $143 - $232

Mercedes-Benz E-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz E-Class types
- Sedan
- Diesel
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Beautiful nose, light-hearted design, rock-solid construction, and the panache of owning a Mercedes. What more could you want?
Cons
- Hmmm... I'd like it more if Mercedes-Benz gave me one to keep.
What’s new
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.
For sale nearby
12 listings
- 116,813 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- MANDG Automotive (89 mi away)
- Leather seats
- Power sunroof
- Keyless entry
- power Seats - Front
- Alarm Security Syste...
Close
Located in Mason, OH
UP FOR SALE IS A 1997 MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS E320 !!! AUTOMATIC, LEATHER SEATS, POWER WINDOWS, KEYLESS ENTRY, POWER DOOR LOCKS, POWER SUNROOF, CRUI...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (18 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBJF55F1VA389650
Stock: 1066
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-08-2025- 117,100 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Auto Haus (397 mi away)
- Remote keyless entry
- Heated door mirrors
- Power passenger seat
- Security system
- Front dual zone A/C
Close
Located in Yorktown, VA
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 320 Brilliant Silver Metallic RWD 5-Speed Automatic 3.2L I6 CARFAX One-Owner.Auto Haus Peace of Mind We Offer a fast and ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (18 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBJF55F8VJ028853
Stock: W13752K
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-25-2025
Vehicle overview
Mercedes-Benz introduced an all-new E-Class for 1996, sporting a distinctive countenance, larger dimensions, door-mounted side-impact airbags and more standard equipment. First out of the blocks was the E320, equipped with a 217-horsepower, 3.2-liter inline six; and the E300 Diesel. Later in the year, an E420 V8 was released, putting 275-horsepower to the ground through the rear wheels.
Styling follows familiar Mercedes themes, but the front end of the E-Class is quite a departure from previous Benz models. Round headlamps, available with new gas-discharge technology, contain low beams as well as parking lights and turn signals. Smaller inner lights serve as high beams. Fog lamps are integrated into the bumper covers. The result is a crisp retro look that gives the E-Class a large dose of personality and presence.
Occupants are treated to a automatic climate control system that can be set for driver and passenger comfort, and filters dust, pollen and odors from the air. The usual burl walnut trim covers the instrument panel, and E320 models come with standard leather seating. A three-position memory feature is standard on all models, and it positions the driver's seat, steering wheel, headrests and side-view mirrors for up to three different drivers. Cupholders are provided front and rear.
E-Class is equipped with improved antilock brakes, new standard traction control systems, child-safety locks on the rear doors, dual airbags and new inflatable restraints in the doors. E420 models can be ordered with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which helps drivers keep the car under control in hazardous conditions. An infrared remote security system is standard.
The revamped E-Class should compete very well with the new BMW 5-Series and the Lexus LS400. Its understated elegance, newfound personality, and superb engineering will prove to be an irresistible blend of attributes in the luxury car class.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E420 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$198/mo for E-Class E420
E-Class E420
vs
$160/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(55%)
4(24%)
3(15%)
2(5%)
1(1%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
My experience w/ E320
4.13 out of 5 starsStewmeistr, 03/16/2009
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 4dr Sedan
I find that finding someone who won't take advantage of you while fixing these cars is a very rare find. My suggestion is to get a code reader and diagnose problems yourself. Goto an online store like Az autohaus to buy parts or ebay and get parts to put on yourself. Most aren't tough, but will save you alot of money. Known problems are air mass sensors($), 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.
1997 E300 Last Best Mercedes built
5 out of 5 starsRob webber, 03/18/2016
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E300D 4dr Sedan
Probably the most underrated diesel out there. 3liter straight 6 Fastest diesel before that cdi/bluetec bullshit (don't buy into those imo) my 1997 E300 NA diesel is fast off the line even for non turbo and is reliable as hell(one less thing to go)
Gets 1050km per full tank with shell v power and additive. Big and safe car with side airbags, Esp and abs. The interior is mint and at … 220,000km the seats aren't even broken in to lol. What more could you ask for get one before the go up in price which they will cause all the previous diesel benzs sky rocketed in price. OM606 is the best last engine and no maintenance is required, powerful and proven at this point in age. Just look for a rust free one and you can't lose. Finally a cheap costing easy to use high output Mercedes for diesel enthusiasts. W210 for life.
Fantastic car
4.63 out of 5 starsluckysharkey, 02/09/2015
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E420 4dr Sedan
Just bought the car a week ago and I am very happy. Even with 275k miles on it, it still runs like new. 20 years later it still has more style then most cars going down the road. great gas millage as well, for a 90's car.
One of the Best Cars Ever Owned!
3.63 out of 5 starsArtmeus, 06/09/2009
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 4dr Sedan
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 E-Class Highlights
Sedan
E420
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $198/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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