It all goes to market specs. The rear assist antennas were deleted on '95 on all markets except in the U.S. The headlight wipers were standard only on a few selected markets (including the U.S.), everyone else had to fork additional money to get them.

The headlight change main difference can be noticed as follows: standing in front of the driver's side headlight, with all lights on, pre-95 cars would have the fog light appear as a small triangle on the left side of the unit. Low and High beams would lit combined in a big rectangle to the right. Post-95 cars would have the high beam appear on a small triangle on the left side (where the fog light used to shine before). Low Beam would lit as a small rectangle on the upper right side, and the fog light would lit as a small rectangle on the lower right side (under the low beam). The projection lens design was also changed.

You are right about the infrared system, it changed early on '97 models for all markets (excluding U.S.) and in '98 of the U.S.

Another cheap touch done in most markets addressed the rear trunk handle. First it was chromed, later models had a flat-black painted handle.

Another difference would be the odometer and daily mileage counter, pre-94/95 cars had a regular counter while post 94/95 cars had an electronic reading reading display.

Most of the early faults found in the early prodution cars were taken care of by the end of 93/early 94. 1995 models on are excellent cars, although all models are quite expensive to repair compared to other M.B. series. The problems with the 350SD engine have been widely discuss in this and other forums.


A. Rosich
S320, 1998
E320T, 1995