The Command navigation system came out in 2000, but it can be retrofitted back to 1998 models (E430. E320, E300). It cannot be retrofitted to 1997 models.


1998 E430's have the new engine design, and the crankshaft balancers are bad. They were redesigned in mid-year 2000. The engine in E420's does not have this problem.

The performance of the E430 is a little better - about a half-second quicker 0-60 mph, but we're still talking about a 6 second range 0-60, which is pretty darn fast.

I think '97 E420's and '98-'99 E430's are pretty darn similar - externally and internally they look exactly the same.

The big change is in model year 2000, where there were a number of changes: the instrument cluster and steering wheel were redesigned, front / side curtain airbags and rear door airbags become standard, the front and rear bumpers were redesigned (along with a new front air dam), the hood and grill were also subtely redesigned (which nobody seems to realize). An On-Star-like system became available, which requires a subscription.

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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".