I believe 1993 is sort of a hybrid model between the 92 and the 94-95. They all have wood trim, though, which I believe arrived in all E-classes in 90 or 91.

1993 received R134 refrigerant and the interior upgrades: passenger side airbag (you lose the glove box), the armrest with the flip-up storage compartment, and the locking compartment with the sliding wooden door underneath the armrest (to provide storage for the lost glove box).

94-94 models got the exterior upgrades: redesigned grill section of the hood (trust me, the hood shape is exactly the same! It is the grill section only that's different), front and rear bumpers completely painted; the rear center formerly black portion of the rear bumper also wraps around completely instead of extending to just the corners of the bumper, European style headlights, almost clear corners, and tail lights that are clear and red (no amber), and trunk that has a chrome strip beneath the Mercedes star symbol instead of the black plastic strip.

I believe the 92-93 also have the same engine size (4.2 liters) even though the numbers are 400E. I've also read that horsepower numbers changed, although I can't really verify that for sure.

I don't think there is anything wrong with any of the model years at all. They all have the timing chain issue and weak rail guides, though.

I'd get a 93 or newer to get the new R134 refrigerant to avoid conversion issues.

While I like both the new and the old hood / grill treatments, everyone seems to be unanimous that the new headlights look soooo much better.

I'd therefore look for a 94-95 model, but if I found a clean, low-mileage, good deal on a 93, I'd buy it and purchase real Bosch or Hella European headlights and clear corners.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".