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Three-pointed star is a tempting exec choice when new. But what shape is it in after 60,000 miles?
The latest Mercedes E-Class is simply bursting with gadgets. That’s fine when you have the backing of one of the manufacturer’s cast-iron warranties – but how does the car shape up after 60,000 miles of hard driving?
No matter how great your faith in technology, deep in the back of all our minds is a scepticism about invisible electronics. We put the E320 CDI through our gruelling stripdown test to see whether these fears are justified.
If the car was going to have problems, they were likely to arise on our test example – because the Eleg*ance-spec model we ran during the assessment was fitted with virtually every hi-tech toy Mercedes offers.
Its standard equipment tally included the Sensotronic Brake Control set-up (SBC), which sends brake signals electronically. But the car also came with massaging seats, parking sensors, Distronic distance control, a TV, sat-nav, automatic climate control, cornering lights and Keyless Go.
All of this kit ensured the E-Class was one of the most popular cars on the Auto Express fleet – and that’s before considering the appeal of its 225bhp 3.2-litre diesel engine. With 500Nm of torque, it delivers incredibly potent, yet refined performance.
Less convincing was the Airmatic air-suspension. This enables you to change the shock absorber settings, spring stiffness and ride height. For most owners, though, the model will be fine in normal mode. Many drivers liked the harder suspension setting at high cruising speeds, yet the majority of buyers will find it unnecessary.
Problem
It was a long time into the test before we encountered any issues with the Merc. The first, and only, serious fault occurred after 34,560 miles, when the car’s on-board computer displayed the message: “Battery protection, comfort functions temporarily disabled.”
We were able to continue our jour*ney, but the battery failed to recover and was eventually replaced by Merc*edes’ breakdown team. Yet while this could have raised any mistrust in the electronics, we needn’t have worried, as the E-Class was otherwise faultless.
Still, technophobes are likely to get a fright just by looking at the centre console screen. This is the centre of the COMAND cabin control system, and gives access to countless menus and sub-menus. You will really need to refer to the instruction manual to get the best out of the set-up – even if you are trying to do something as simple as setting the date and time!
According to Mercedes, there is around 2km of wiring in the E-Class. And, as with a computer, that simple remedy of turning it off and then on again is a useful trick when the warn*ing lights signal there’s a problem. On our car, the automatic oil level control proved the greatest irritant. Most of the time it demanded a one-litre top-up, when around half-a-litre of oil was more than sufficient.
Reliable
These minor quibbles aside, the Mercedes proved very reliable, and it comes as no surprise to find that it’s the upmarket vehicle of choice for many taxi drivers around the world.
Some owners have had problems with the Sensotronic Brake Control system, but they failed to materialise on our example. And since Mercedes issued a recall to repair the set-up, no new complaints have been reported.
The electronics on pre-2005 models are more fickle than on later versions of the E-Class, but the manufacturer changed the voltage control to get round this problem. Let’s just hope it won’t take Mercedes too long to sort out the differential seal, which is prone to oil leaks that will mess up garage floors and driveways.
We found the remaining electronic components trouble free, although second-hand buyers should inspect the multifunction display in the instrument panel. If any of the individual pixels fail, it could affect the screen, making messages illegible.
Both the engine and automatic gearbox performed impeccably, too, but pay attention to the ribbed drive belt, which is reputedly maintenance- free. It may need replacing after only 30,000 miles if it has been exposed to heavy stress and dirt. The belt on our car produced a twittering noise in cold weather, but this was frustrating, rather than actually harmful.
Otherwise, the Mercedes has been one of the strongest-ever performers in our stripdown test. If any car can persuade used buyers not to be wary of technology, it’s the E-Class.
Extra Info
Top form
It was clear before we even started dismantling the car that our E-Class was going to pass with flying colours. It completed our test with a virtually fault-free record. The interior has lasted well, too, with the tough materials and high-quality construction ensuring there’s little for second-hand buyers to fear.
Squeaky mirrors
Exterior mirrors were getting frail. They creaked as they folded flat against the door – although lubrication cured the problem.
Trim trouble
Retaining clips for the chrome trim in the boot have broken under strain, causing a rattle when on the move.
Brake check
The E-Class is a heavy and powerful car. Add an auto box, and its brakes take a battering, so make sure you inspect them.
VERDICT
Repair log
Customer complaints about early examples of the E-Class mostly related to the audio, sat-nav and phone systems. Mercedes claims these problems have been solved.
Some owners have been surprised at the force generated by the automatic tailgate. Whether it’s freezing cold, windy, or if the car is parked facing downhill, it will always shut. It’s the same with the rear doors. Because of their double seals, they require a strong shove, but oiling the hinges will help.
Test figures
The performance of our E320 CDI barely dropped off during the test. Its in-gear times were closely matched at the start and end of the assessment, too, which is impressive. As neither the engine nor gearbox showed significant signs of wear, the consistency in pace is no big surprise. And the fact it was always combined with superb refinement confirms the quality of the engineering.
Buyer Beware
o Battery life can be an issue on some cars, so check its condition closely.
o Comand cabin control system is complex – but still easier to use than BMW’s iDrive.
o Exhaust lasted well, although that could leave the next owner footing a big bill.
Mercedes E-Class | Used Car Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express
Very interesting (and encouraging) to see this newer, not built like they used to be, type of Mercedes-Benz do a good job in a test like this. My guess is that the new W221 would do even better.
M
and the engine is still strong and powerful
