Buying a used Mercedes-Benz E320 (1996-2002)

The all-new W210 series E-Class Mercedes-Benz arrived in January 1996 with claims of a $3.5 billion budget or three-and-a-half times the VE Commodore investment of a decade later.

Benefits included lighter construction, improved fuel efficiency, better safety levels and a boost in cabin space and comfort but much of this budget also went into slashing costs and the number of parts.

After several early glitches, it is proving far more reliable than its C-Class stablemate despite an increase in throwaway, non-repairable assemblies.

The first M104 in-line six-cylinder examples were the last of their kind after a new V6 range replaced them in August 1997.

While Mercedes-Benz was careful not to vary the 165kW power and 315Nm torque figures, the new V6 subtly changed the E320's character when it was 50kg lighter.

After this series was the first with the new oval headlight look, it was facelifted late in 1999 with a sleeker, smoother front, standard ESP across the range, sequential manual shift auto function and side repeater lights in the external mirrors.

The W210 series ended in August 2002 for a bargain-priced combination of safety, space, prestige and low fuel costs with reasonable performance.

PRICES
Early 1996-97 in-line six-cylinder examples with more than 100,000km start at $25,000, the first 1997 V6 models start in the low $30,000 range while the later 1999-2002 facelifted version spans the $40-60,000 range.

CHECKPOINTS
Later V6 engines have twin plugs per cylinder for extra replacement costs for plugs and other componentry but genuine plugs should last at least 45,000km. Cheaper airflow meters can fail every 60-70,000km compared to long-life item in previous model.

Shift solenoids inside auto transmission are a failure item and can dictate a full overhaul costing thousands.

Long oil change intervals which can sometimes blow out to 22,500km are too long for this level of complexity in city use. Hydraulic lifters are sensitive to oil type and will clatter if they don't pump up fully. Variable cam actuator can leak oil, also a product of poor or dirty oil. Unusual front oil leak in the V6 can be traced to the oil feed plate and can be fiddly to repair. Poor quality oil will generate a series of major problems.

Crisp suspension tuning hence a soft tyre compound is critical to avoid excessive roar and ride harshness on coarse sealed surfaces. Some wild aftermarket wheel and tyre combinations destroy sophistication. 

The top two rear suspension bushes rarely wear but the rest require routine replacement. Regular four wheel alignments are essential to monitor bush wear. Early rack and pinion steering had rack leaks but since rectified.

Watch out for damaged bumper corners, poorly matched plastics and damaged grille. Front bumper grilles snapped and detached on early cars but since fixed.

Check the operation of every accessory, especially the climate control air-conditioning, sunroof and electric seats. Air-cond button can stop working on an annual basis but is usually a computer glitch that can be cleared.

A Mercedes-Benz specialist who can provide an estimate of repairs before you hand over the money may be more useful than a general check.