MotorDeets

1996 Mercedes-Benz E320: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320: 0 recalls, 45 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
45owner complaints
6mention a crash
19best combined mpg
1996 Mercedes-Benz E320
Photo: Phalinn Ooi · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Suspension19
Electrical12
Airbags5
Body & structure5
Engine & cooling4
Steering3
Equipment2
Fuel system2

What owners describe

The 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 has 45 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 16 E320 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 73). Complaints peaked in 2007 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 11 years old, at a median of 110,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (96 complaints, 0 recalls), 1997 (63 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.2 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive172419Premium

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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

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

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

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

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 manual
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
Check 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 manual

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FAQ

Does the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?

Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (19), electrical (12), airbags (5).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 get?

EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other E320 years

1994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009