The 1996 Mercedes Benz E320, a vehicle purchased brand new as a demo model in August ’96, initially charmed its owners with its overall appeal and luxurious feel. Driven primarily for short commutes, this E320 seemed to be the perfect blend of comfort and prestige. However, as time progressed, a different narrative unfolded, one punctuated by recurring maintenance issues that began to overshadow the initial allure. Despite consistent, scheduled servicing at the dealership, the durability of certain components became a significant point of concern for the owners of this 1996 Mercedes Benz E320.
One of the most persistent problems encountered was with the window regulators. Within a mere month, two regulators failed. While the dealership eventually covered the second instance under warranty after initial resistance, the issue resurfaced again later. This recurring problem with window regulators became a source of frustration, especially considering the vehicle’s relatively low mileage.
Beyond the windows, the air conditioning system also proved to be problematic. By 56,000 miles, the A/C had failed, requiring intervention from the dealer under warranty, albeit after some initial delays in diagnosis. Compounding these issues, a head gasket failure occurred at 48,000 miles. Despite the car being five years old at that point, the owners successfully argued for a warranty repair, highlighting their proactive maintenance and the relatively low mileage.
Further adding to the list of grievances were widespread failures in the door locking system. All door locks ceased functioning, and the auto infra-red system malfunctioned, remaining unresolved even after dealer inspection. The driver’s side door lock also broke, forcing the owners to resort to using the trunk lock for vehicle access. A broken turn indicator dimmer stalk, with a substantial repair estimate, was another point of contention, leading to a DIY fix with super glue as a temporary measure. Another major A/C failure occurred at 62,000 miles, incurring a significant repair cost. Even a dead battery incident led to a radio security code issue, rendering the radio unusable due to a non-functional button.
Currently, several items on this 1996 Mercedes Benz E320 require attention, including the auxiliary cooling fan controller, mass airflow indicator, a recurring LR window regulator issue, a new radio, and the auto door locks and driver’s door lock. The estimated repair cost from the dealer for some of these items is substantial, painting a picture of escalating maintenance needs.
Cosmetically, the Black Opal paint, while initially beautiful, has suffered significant deterioration, particularly on the roof rails, roof, and trunk deck. Despite regular waxing, the finish has faded or developed orange peel. Minor rust has also appeared near the license plate housing, attributed to a sticky rubber seal around the trunk. Interior cracks in the dashboard vinyl, although replaced once under warranty previously, have reappeared, with the warranty not covering a second replacement.
In conclusion, while the 1996 Mercedes Benz E320 offered an initial experience of luxury and comfort, the ownership journey has been marred by a series of durability issues across various systems. From recurring window regulator failures to A/C and engine troubles, electrical and locking system malfunctions, and cosmetic deterioration, the list of problems has been extensive. This owner’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting potential long-term reliability concerns even with diligent maintenance and moderate usage of a 1996 Mercedes Benz E320.
