Item: Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate 2002 - 2006
Rating: 4
Author: Steve Huntingford

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Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

E CLASS

The Mercedes E-Class Estate is an upmarket, comfortable estate car that's also very practical

Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate 2002 - 2006

It is expensive to buy - but second-hand prices are high because it's an excellent car and there's plenty of demand for it.

That will work in your favour when you resell, because the E-Class estate holds its value very well, and you shouldn't underestimate the importance of its sluggish depreciation. When you flog it on, it will repay the initial premium it commanded - and probably more besides - compared with less prized estates.

The fuel bill on diesels (35-38mpg) and smaller petrols (30mpg) is reasonable, while insurance costs will be lower than for a BMW 5 Series, similar to an Audi A6 Avant's and higher than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/v70/estate/used-review/n741">Volvo V70</a>'s.

However, service costs are less competitive - the BMW will be slightly cheaper, the V70 and A6 noticeably less.

However, you can hack the labour bill by as much as half by going to a specialist independent instead of a Mercedes dealer, according to Warranty Direct.

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The Mercedes E-Class Estate is an upmarket, comfortable estate car that's also very practical


The E280 (from '05 onwards) gets our vote. It's smooth, quiet, economical and has just the sort of strong mid-range response you need for serious load-lugging.

On that score, the E200K supercharged petrol and E220 CDI diesel lose out. Besides, there's no great penalty going for the E280 diesel, as it isn't that much heavier on fuel than the E220 diesel. For pre-'05 cars look for the 270CDI.

The E320 CDI diesel looks promising on paper, but it's a little thirstier and doesn't give that great a boost in performance. More to the point, it isn't as quiet as it should be.

Among the petrol engines, the 3.2 V6 and 5.0 V8 are genuinely rapid and very tempting if you can stomach the higher running costs. The E55 AMG is insanely fast: 0-60mph in less than five seconds; flush to skint takes only slightly longer.

Trim levels kick off with Classic and spiral up through Elegance and Avantgarde to range-topping Sport. Avantgarde gives all you need, in our view.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

There are some terrific estates at most price ranges. The humble Skoda Fabia Estate offers cavernous space for not much cash at all, for example.

Further up the price range, another of our perennial favourites is the Skoda Superb Estate;&nbsp;it’s great to drive and as practical as most people should ever need. Meanwhile, for serious mile-munching ability and a premium, well-finished interior, it’s hard to look beyond the BMW 5 Series Touring.

The E-Class signals Mercedes' determination to rid itself of the reputation that 'it doesn't make 'em like it used to'. The cabin is solidly screwed together and should be rattle-free.

There are few reported mechanical faults so far, but the E320 CDI can very occasionally suffer starting problems. Instead, owners generally suffer from small and niggling - but wide-ranging - electrical glitches.

Often, they are faults with the software, with the automatic gearbox being a particular case in point. So, if you're consdering a car with an automatic gearbox, ensure that it shifts smoothly.

Also, check that the engine has a constant idle and picks up power willingly. If not, the ECU (the engine's electronic brain) may need attention.

Such gremlins should be covered under Mercedes' three-year unlimited-mileage warranty, and many cars will have had them ironed out. Either way, a full service history is absolutely vital - and ensure that the very precautionary brake-related recall checks have been carried out.

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Behind those swish, upmarket looks is a practical, working estate. The Mercedes E-Class Estate's loadbay is huge - far bigger than that of an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/estate/review/n17864">Audi A6 Avant</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/estate/review/n34">BMW 5 Series Touring</a>. You're unlikely to need more than its 690 litres in everyday use, but when you do, the rear seats fold flat to free up a gargantuan 1950 litres.

The quality of the roomy cabin shines through, and most drivers should find it easy to make themselves comfortable behind the wheel. All the controls are well sited and operate with a satisfying action.

Ultimately, it's handling isn't a match for the 5 Series, but it's surefooted and tidy nonetheless. In town, too, it's surprisingly practical for such a big car, with a lovely tight turning circle. However, the E-Class wagon really excels on motorways, where it chomps through the miles in complete, refined hush.

It's almost completely silent, except for the E320 CDI engine, which is noisier than you'd like if you rev it hard.

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Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate 2002 - 2006 review

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Find out how much the Mercedes E-Class 2002 - 2006 costs to run, covering expected MPG, servicing costs and insurance costs.

It is expensive to buy - but second-hand prices are high because it's an excellent car and there's plenty of demand for it.,That will work in your favour when you resell, because the E-Class estate holds its value very well, and you shouldn't underestimate the importance of its sluggish depreciation. When you flog it on, it will repay the initial premium it commanded - and probably more besides - compared with less prized estates.,The fuel bill on diesels (35-38mpg) and smaller petrols (30mpg) is reasonable, while insurance costs will be lower than for a BMW 5 Series, similar to an Audi A6 Avant's and higher than a Volvo V70's.However, service costs are less competitive - the BMW will be slightly cheaper, the V70 and A6 noticeably less.However, you can hack the labour bill by as much as half by going to a specialist independent instead of a Mercedes dealer, according to Warranty Direct. 

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Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate 2002 - 2006 review

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