MotorDeets

Mercedes-Benz E320 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every E320 from 1994 to 2009: 1,164 owner complaints and 21 recalls across 16 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2005 (231), 2003 (214), 2004 (203). Best fuel economy: 27 mpg combined (2006).

Mercedes-Benz E320
Photo: Mike McBey · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Fuel & propulsion255
Electrical202
Brakes162
Fuel system116
Airbags109
Suspension103
Engine & cooling71
Transmission & drivetrain65

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199401119
199509620
199604519
199706320
199803721
199908321
200004421
200103821
200202321
2003221420
2004220320
2005323120
200644127
200741726
200831026
20093826

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mercedes-Benz E320.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Mercedes-Benz E320?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2005 (231), 2003 (214), 2004 (203).

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz E320 had?

Across 1994–2009, NHTSA lists 21 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).