1996 E320- good cars?
 

I think this is the first year for this body style, so I am wondering about the 1st year problems. What trouble spots do these cars have? I have located one of these at a local car lot. Actually- it is the same carlot I bought my Lexus at. It is a light gold color and it is in like new conditions. They are asking $12,995 for it. One of my main concerns is that according to the IIHS crash tests- this car did not fair as good a most Mercedes- which is disappointing. The safety cage is still reported as good, but there is more roof buckling than I would like to see. The later E-Class was greatly improved.
Here is the IIHS test on this car. Compare it with the new 01-04 C-Class and 03 Lexus LS430. Note how much better others car.
The C-Class was very impressive. Hardly ANY damage.

96-00 E-Class:
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/97005.htm#4

03 E-Class:
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0308.htm

01-04 C-Class: (EXCELLENT)
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/00033.htm

01-04 LS430 (Lexus)
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0101.htm

03 ES300 (Lexus)
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0207.htm


Any info appreciated.

I don't know to much about these cars but they seem to be mostly problem free. Look at the top of this page for the crankshaft balancer sticky. Other than that the battery is under the back seat and in could cause the floor to rust. I know of one MS member who had this problem. This car had the M104 I6 I think that was also used in the 1994 and 95 E320. Like any MB good service records are important. I wonder if this car has the FSS system? Looking for something newer 86560SEL? You know 12k will get you a really sweet 560SEL! :D

The '96 E320 has the inline 6 M104 and the 4 speed transmission from the 94' and '95 cars (probably the same lousy traction control system too). I love my engine and tranny in the '94 wagon. They are known to have (HFM) wiring harness break down, head gasket issues (the '96 might have been corrected by then), OVP relay problem, and throttle actuator problems. You don't say how many miles on the car but I have 210,000 miles on the wagon and have had all these things fixed and it runs so quiet I can't hear it at idle. The '96 has rack and pinion steering where the '94 and '95 have recirculating ball - much different feel on the road. The '96 has bigger tires too and a much better climate control system. Sounds like a good price. I suggest you get an inspection done and check all those issues to start if you are serious about the car.

This engine was also used in the 1993 300E (3.2) and 300E 2.8.

The transmission also was used first in 1993.

The engine wiring harnesses were fixed in the 1995 model year, so it will not be a problem on the 1996 or 1997 E320.

This engine was used up until 1999 in the S320, and I think it is a fabulous engine, even better than the current M113 V6.

Thanks for the replies. Good information. I think I will pass on this car, as I really prefer a S-Class. Thanks again.