Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 1999 - 2003 reliability review

The Mercedes E-Class is a lot of car for the money

What should I look for in a used Mercedes-Benz E Class?

Unlikely as it sounds, this vintage of E-Class can suffer from rust around the front wheelarches. It doesn't affect every car, but it's a common enough problem for it to be worth your while having a good look and peering underneath the plastic wheelarch trim.

The engines are rugged units and will cover incredible mileages if they're serviced on the button, so the most important thing to look for is a full service history at either a Merc dealer or recognised specialist.

And, while you're about it, look at the service file to see if the front suspension bushes have been changed, as they need replacing every 60,000 miles. Also look at the front tyres to make sure they are wearing evenly.

Finally, there have also been a few minor electrical niggles reported, but nothing that is not easily fixed.

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Mercedes-Benz E Class 3.2 E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr

Mercedes-Benz E Class

3.2 E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr

£1,499

Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS 3.0 E320 CDI Avantgarde G-Tronic 4dr

Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS

3.0 E320 CDI Avantgarde G-Tronic 4dr

£1,895

Mercedes-Benz E Class 3.0 E280 CDI Elegance G-Tronic 4dr

Mercedes-Benz E Class

3.0 E280 CDI Elegance G-Tronic 4dr

£1,990

Mercedes-Benz E Class 2.1 E220 CDI Avantgarde 4dr

Mercedes-Benz E Class

2.1 E220 CDI Avantgarde 4dr

£2,000

Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS 3.2 E320 Avantgarde 4dr

Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS

3.2 E320 Avantgarde 4dr

RRP £34,070

£2,195

Mercedes-Benz E Class 3.2 E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr (Euro 4)

Mercedes-Benz E Class

3.2 E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr (Euro 4)

£2,395

Mercedes-Benz E Class 2.7 E270 CDI Elegance 4dr

Mercedes-Benz E Class

2.7 E270 CDI Elegance 4dr

£2,495

Mercedes-Benz E Class 3.0 E280 Elegance G-Tronic 4dr

Mercedes-Benz E Class

3.0 E280 Elegance G-Tronic 4dr

£2,689

Mercedes-Benz E Class 3.0 E280 CDI Avantgarde G-Tronic 4dr

Mercedes-Benz E Class

3.0 E280 CDI Avantgarde G-Tronic 4dr

£2,995

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Stuart Milne, digital editor

Name: Stuart Milne

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