2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class User Reviews

Pros

Was expecting good residual value when trading in

Cons

Horrendous service bills and horrendous reliability

I've had my E320 cdi for three years, three weeks, and during that 3 weeks out of warranty the engine has completely seized and the dealers say I need a new one, AY MY COST!! (this week they've since offered to pay half but I also pay all labour..approx cost is more than the whole car is worth). I have been having overheating trouble over the last 3 months, the car has been in the dealer garage 5 times since then. They said the fuel pipes were porous and leaking. (Fuel economy halved but they said there was nothing wrong with the engine). Smoke occasionally appeared from under the bonnet etc etc and on a 70 mile drive in to London the whole engine shut down, apparently overheated and ruined, with no warning signs from the computer. Needless to say, this is just the start ofa major battle with Mercedes U.K. and Germany. My advice? Don't ever consider a Mercedes again. The quality in recent years has gone down the pan, and the service too....read morehide

Pros

More than enough power. Quality interior and exterior. Most fun to drive.

Cons

Gas mileage is 15.5 average

This is the most fun you can have for less than $100k. Where else can you get a four door with luxury and performance. Best car I have ever owned.

Pros

Fuel economy, acceleration, 13000-mile oil changes, lifetime roadside assistance, excellent traction

Cons

very few options can be added after purchase

I have had this car for 7000 miles in the northeast and in the winter, my big fear was traction control as my previous vehicle was a front wheel drive Volvo. I travel up a mountain to get to one of my clients, I had on several occasions not been able to make the trip with the Volvo, the Mercedes rear wheel drive has not hesitated once, and on one occasion their driveway was all ice. Comfort features far exceed Volvo, and most of the other vehicles I looked at before this purchase. Service is incredible, I have had a orientation tour of the service department after purchase and received a gift bag, they show you how to drive up to automatic doors and have someone greet you at your vehicle, they show you the parts and quality that goes into the oem, and engineering that went into it. Unheard of at any other dealership I have ever been to. All in all the only other vehicle I would give a fair shake to is BMW, but as my salesperson said to me once you buy a Mercedes we've got you. I laughed at the time but now I have to say she was right....read morehide

Pros

good miles, bad seats, extremely bad service

Cons

extremely rough riding and bad seats bad service

good mileage, mercedes nedds 10 times better service or will end up broke, horrible apperance and needs better engine and lower maintenance of vehicle

Pros

POwerfull engine, handles well, standard shift alternative can be fun

Cons

have had two flat tires in first 9000 miles, on standard tires.

i dirve in new york city, have had two flats. Never had a problem with my S Class cars in this regard. MBZ took no responsibility for the replacements costs. Also had to replace my computer system after 4000 miles. I feel unsafe taking long trips as a result.

Pros

good looks, advanced features (distronic etc)

Cons

electronics highly unreliable, expect it to be in the workshops regulalry, wipers noisy

windshield wipers very noisy, rain sensor dodgy, multiple electronic failures, battery drains often, brake failures. Be prepared for hundreds of dashboard warnings to have the car inspected. SRS airbag faults. Spares not easily available.

Pros

nice powerfull engine

Cons

hard shifting while driving in low gear

Had ac unit malfunction at 5000 miles,recall for breaks and electric regulator.Overall this is no longer the "legend" Mercedes Benz.This is just avarage product.

Pros

Great car. Quite expensive for a V-6

Cons

Seats are not very comfy for a seda n at this price level.

Needs better seats for the price of this car. My wife and I paid 55000 for this car and I expected better seats. Our hummer has great comfy seats and Mercedes needs to upgrade there seats.

Pros

It looks like a million bucks, dream to drive when it works

Cons

Horrible quality, constantly in shop, lip service customer service

I bought an E320 18 months ago. Today I dropped it at the dealer for a 6th visit to attempt to repair the dynamic seats, and damage done while they repaired the navigation system for the 5th time. The Sensotronic Brakes failed a month after I bought it, it was out of service for 11 days waiting for a part to be FedEx'ed. I love driving this car, it is a total dream when it works. But the dealers inability to repair it has me looking to get out. I have downloaded the paperwork to file with Consumer Protection for lemon law assistance. With the car out of service for approx. 45 days before today, and as many as 6 attempts to repair things I think that will be a shoe in. MB has been a joke it working with me on this. I contacted them for assistance in getting the dealer to actually fix the car while they had it, then to talk with someone about repurchase. Mercedes is not what they used to be. If you want style and don't care if it is any more reliable than a Chevy great, otherwise look at anything but. Don't forget you can get an Acura TL for $35, a new 350 will run almost 2 times that. Hummm?...read morehide

Pros

Excellent, stylish solution to high gas prices

Cons

Moderate acceleration problems

I purchased a brand new 2005 E 320 CDI about a month ago and it has been nothing but trouble. Within a few days the car was "shuttering" when moderately accelerating between 15 and 20mph. I took it back to the dealer and was told it was because I was driving in the "comfort" mode and I should be driving in the "sport" mode. Not buying that, but trying it anyway, I took it back for a few days. No doubt within a few miles it starts again. I bring it back and they can find no diagnostic problem. I am told there is something wrong, but they don't know what it is. I tell them I don't want to be driving a car with a big question mark over it with a potential hazzard. They scratch their heads and then decide it needs all of the software reloaded. "Now" it's fixed they say and return the car. I warn them that if it happens again, it will be their car. Well, it does. Here's the clincher...they find me an exact brand new replacement and swap the cars out. You guessed it, same problem on this one! I bring the new one back and they now say they have the first vehicle fixed. They want me to test drive it for the day while they "fix" the "newer" car. They supposedly installed a new computer and everything is resolved. I take this vehicle for the day and it turns out being just as bad as it was previously.

I love the car and especially the gas mileage but what is up??? Anybody have any ideas?...read morehide