E320 Electrical Problems? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

guyever · #1 04-13-2004, 05:58 PM

I read somewhere that the E320's have a higher than normal electrical failure problem. Am still considering buying a 98 (71,000 miles) and just today noticed a couple of problems. I turned on the fog lights and the right one didn't light. OK, I figured it's just a blown bulb. This afternoon I turned on the headlights and again got a bulb failure message. This time it was the small light (don't really know what you call them) adjacent to the right large headlight. It came on when I put on the bright lights. Out when I dimmed them. What I am trying to figure out is this evidence of an electrical problem or just coincidence that all this happened in a short period of time.
Really appreciate your help, regards
Guy

Southern · #2 04-13-2004, 06:10 PM

Other than a few blown bulbs and a bad electrical contact on the right rear tail light, my 98 E320 has had no other electrical problems.

The only items (non maintenance) that I had to replace are the mass flow meter and harmonic balancer.

Others have had to replace the right rear window regulator but mine is original.

guyever · #3 04-13-2004, 08:10 PM

Ray,
Thanks for your reply. Carol Stream huh. Seems like my wife has a credit card that I mail payments to Carol Stream. Cool name.

You said that you had a problem with a bad electrical contact on a rear lamp and I wonder if that is what I have, but on the front lamps. Went out and checked things again and now the lamp lights. I hate those intermittent problems. Tried to duplicate conditions when I first noticed problem, but no luck.
Thanks again,
Guy

Southern · #4 04-13-2004, 09:57 PM

Guy,

FYI - Carol Stream is the daughter's name of the founder (Jay Stream) of Carol Stream.

You mentioned that the small light adjacent to the right large headlight only came on with the bright lights. This might be the high beams which only come on with the bright lights. There is another bulb in the small light fixture which comes on with the parking lights. It is the driving light and is much dimmer than the high beams. I had to replace my driving light and found out that only the Mercedes dealer carried these bulbs. If I recall the bulb was under $5.

I find it easier to measure the voltage at the socket to see if the power is going to the socket. This will help narrow down the cause of the problem.

haYnBenz · #5 04-14-2004, 04:45 AM

Guy,

Maybe it was just my experience, but my 1998 E320 wagon was the reason I am now driving a BMW......

I have owned almost half a dozen MBs and love the make but, the only car to ever, ever leave me stranded was my 1998 E320. It had about 60,000 miles on it and was a Starmark vehicle purchased used from the dealer at 48,000 miles. Maybe it was just it's time, but in my opinion, being stranded once because my car wouldn't start is one thing. But to have the situation happen three trimes and all three times have the dealer tow and replace something different, I lost all faith in the car. Sensor this, sensor that, infrared ignition key replaced, crankshaft position sensor replaced.......it was endless. It was my one and only bad taste in a Benz.

Otherwise I loved everything about the car. Handling, ride, stereo, performance, functionality, ergonomics, and technology. Regrettably, in the end, it's most favorable attribute was the 100k Starmark warranty - which received copious use. In my book, dependability is key. The only other car to come close in lack of dependability was my 1996 XJ6. Even that however, never left me stranded. After stalling, it started right back up - and it only happened once.

Like I said, I am a diehard MB fan and it pains me to relate my experiences. As a matter of fact, I am planning on purchasing another E320 although it will be the old body (1995). That was the best car MB ever made. I love the make but have been very disappointed with some of the newer models. They just don't seem to be as "tight" as the older cars. I detail cars on the side and have had the pleasure of piloting many different makes and models of cars. While each has its own positive attributes depending on its intended market segment, I always end up comparing the car against one of my old Benzs - they truly are the benchmark.

If you decide to get the S210 or W210 body style, or any other car, I hope you will make it a Benz and I wish you happy motoring......