1997 Mercedes-Benz E320: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320: 0 recalls, 63 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

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, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (32): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (12), noise or vibration (7).
- Seat belts (10): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), warning light on (2).
- Airbags (7): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), fire / smoke (2).
The 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 has 63 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 16 E320 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 73). Complaints peaked in 2002 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 115,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (45 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (37 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
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 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?
Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (32), seat belts (10), airbags (7).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.2 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 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.