2004 Mercedes-Benz E320

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 is a popular luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, elegant styling, and advanced features for its time. The E320 is equipped with a 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 221 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2004 E-Class include a 2.6L Inline-4 cylinder, a 5.0L V8, and a 5.4L AMG V8. All engines were paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the car’s smooth ride and build quality. Common complaints include electronic issues and the cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

3.2L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The MAF sensor can fail, causing rough idling, poor acceleration, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter issues can cause shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The valve body can wear out, leading to hard shifting, delayed engagement, or failure to shift.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: If equipped with Airmatic air suspension, the air struts can leak, leading to a sagging suspension, especially overnight. The air compressor can also fail.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air struts and/or the air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per strut, $400 - $800+ for the compressor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint and Control Arm Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn ball joints and control arm bushings can cause clunking noises and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints and/or control arms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per corner
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Pixelation
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels in the instrument cluster display can fail, making it difficult to read information.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Central Locking System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The central locking system can fail, causing doors to not lock or unlock properly.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the faulty components, such as the door lock actuators or the central locking module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per door/component
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows may fail to operate correctly or at all due to a faulty regulator.
  • Solution: Replace the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop on the rocker panels, fenders, and around door handles, especially in areas with harsh winters or salty conditions.
  • Solution: Repair the rust damage and repaint the affected areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per panel
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can become stuck or fail to open/close properly due to a faulty motor or damaged tracks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor and/or tracks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 is a comfortable and stylish vehicle, but it is prone to certain issues that can be costly to repair. Electrical problems, suspension issues (if equipped with Airmatic), and oil leaks are common concerns. The transmission can also experience issues as the car ages. While some issues are relatively minor, others can be expensive to fix, particularly those related to the air suspension and transmission. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to identify any existing or potential problems.