1999 Mercedes-Benz E320
Introduction:
The 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 is a luxury sedan powered by a 3.2L V6 engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. It produces 221 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The E320 is praised for its refined interior, comfortable ride, and impressive performance, but it does come with some potential issues to consider.
Engine
- M112 3.2L V6 Engine: Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, rough idling, engine overheating Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 Recalls: None Found
Cam Position Sensor Failure: Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough idling, reduced power Solution: Replace cam position sensor Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found
- M113 3.2L V6 Engine: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic Transmission: Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Wear: Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, shuddering, or delayed engagement Solution: Replace torque converter Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500 Recalls: None Found
4-Speed Automatic Transmission: None Found
Suspension
Front Lower Control Arm Bushings Wear: Description/Symptoms: Noises from suspension, uneven tire wear Solution: Replace control arm bushings Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600 Recalls: None Found
Rear Shock Absorber Mount Wear: Description/Symptoms: Bouncing or rattling suspension, reduced handling Solution: Replace shock absorber mounts Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found
Electrical
Battery Drain: Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after short periods of time Solution: Identify and fix electrical component causing drain Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause Recalls: None Found
Alternator Failure: Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical system problems Solution: Replace alternator Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 Recalls: None Found
Exterior
Sunroof Drain Plugs Clogged: Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into interior through sunroof Solution: Unclog or replace drain plugs Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 Recalls: None Found
Interior
Climate Control Malfunction: Description/Symptoms: AC or heater not working properly Solution: Diagnose and repair climate control system Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the issue Recalls: None Found
Power Window Regulator Failure: Description/Symptoms: Windows not operating properly Solution: Replace power window regulator Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 is generally a reliable vehicle, but it does have some potential issues that buyers should be aware of. While the engine and transmission are generally sturdy, there are some known problems with intake manifold gaskets, cam position sensors, and torque converter lock-up clutches. The suspension can also experience wear in the control arm bushings and shock absorber mounts. Electrical issues such as battery drain and alternator failure have also been reported. In the interior, climate control malfunction and power window regulator failure are common. The severity of these issues varies, and the cost to fix them can be significant. However, many of these issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and prompt repairs.