2002 Mercedes-Benz E320

Introduction

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its combination of comfort, performance, and technology. It comes with a powerful V6 engine that produces 221 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The E320 is praised for its responsive handling, spacious interior, and luxurious amenities. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of issues that owners have reported.

Engine

• M112 3.2L V6
  • Intake Manifold Flap Position Sensor Failure Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold flap position sensor can fail, leading to rough idling, poor acceleration, and increased fuel consumption. Solution: Replace the intake manifold flap position sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found
  • Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Valve Failure Description/Symptoms: The camshaft adjuster solenoid valve may fail, causing reduced engine power, rough idling, and increased fuel consumption. Solution: Replace the camshaft adjuster solenoid valve. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 722.6 5-Speed Automatic
  • Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure Description/Symptoms: The transmission control module (TCM) can fail, leading to transmission slipping, erratic shifting, and loss of power. Solution: Replace the transmission control module. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+ Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Failure Description/Symptoms: The valve body within the transmission may fail, causing delayed or harsh shifting, slipping, and loss of power. Solution: Replace the valve body. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200 Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Upper Control Arm Bushings Failure Description/Symptoms: The front upper control arm bushings may wear out, causing excessive tire wear, uneven tire wear, and a clunking noise while driving. Solution: Replace front upper control arm bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700 Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Mounts Failure Description/Symptoms: The rear shock absorber mounts may fail, leading to a bumpy ride, suspension noise, and reduced handling stability. Solution: Replace the rear shock absorber mounts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Central Electrical Module (CEM) Failure Description/Symptoms: The central electrical module (CEM) can fail, causing a variety of electrical issues, including the inoperative starter, intermittent electrical components, and battery drain. Solution: Replace the central electrical module. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
• Xenon Headlight Ballast Failure Description/Symptoms: The xenon headlight ballast may fail, causing intermittent or flickering headlights. Solution: Replace the xenon headlight ballast. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Drainage Tube Clogging Description/Symptoms: The sunroof drainage tube may clog, leading to water buildup inside the vehicle. Solution: Clean or replace the sunroof drainage tube. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuator may fail, causing the door to become inoperable. Solution: Replace the door lock actuator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Pixel Failure Description/Symptoms: The pixels on the dashboard may fail, causing missing or distorted information. Solution: Replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+ Recalls: None Found
• Rear Seat Recliner Mechanism Failure Description/Symptoms: The rear seat recliner mechanism may fail, causing the seat to be inoperable. Solution: Replace the rear seat recliner mechanism. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found

Summary

While the 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 is a well-regarded luxury sedan with some notable strengths, it has been known to have several common issues. The most serious and expensive of these include transmission control module failure, camshaft adjuster solenoid valve failure, and central electrical module failure. Other issues, such as sunroof drainage tube clogging and dashboard pixel failure, are less severe and less costly to fix. Overall, it’s important to be aware of these potential issues when considering this vehicle and factor in the cost of potential repairs.