Purchased brand new in August 1996, a 1996 Mercedes Benz E320 seemed like the epitome of luxury and German engineering. With only 63,000 miles and a strict dealer service schedule, one would expect premium reliability. However, this owner’s experience reveals some common issues that prospective buyers and current owners of a 1996 Mercedes Benz E320 should be aware of.
Recurring Window Regulator Failures
One of the most frequent issues encountered was with the window regulators. Within a short period, two regulators failed. While the dealership initially covered the second failure under warranty after some negotiation, the problem recurred, highlighting a potential weakness in the window regulator design of the 1996 Mercedes Benz E320. DIY repairs may become necessary to manage these ongoing issues.
Air Conditioning System Problems
The air conditioning system presented significant problems. By 56,000 miles, the AC failed, and despite earlier dealer diagnoses, the issue wasn’t resolved until it worsened. Another major AC failure occurred at 62,000 miles, resulting in substantial repair costs. These repeated AC issues suggest potential vulnerabilities in the 1996 Mercedes Benz E320’s climate control system, requiring careful inspection and maintenance.
Engine Head Gasket Concerns
A serious engine issue arose with a bad head gasket at 48,000 miles. Although repaired under warranty due to its early detection, this incident raises concerns about the head gasket’s durability in the 1996 Mercedes Benz E320, even with regular servicing. Potential buyers should be mindful of this potential engine weakness.
Door Lock System Malfunctions
The door lock system also proved unreliable. All door locks ceased functioning, and the auto infra-red locking system failed without a dealer-identified solution. Furthermore, the driver’s side door lock broke, forcing reliance on the trunk lock for vehicle access. These widespread lock failures indicate a systemic problem within the 1996 Mercedes Benz E320’s security and access mechanisms.
Paint and Body Deterioration
Despite regular waxing, the Black Opal paint exhibited significant deterioration, particularly on the roof rails, roof, and trunk deck. This included fading and orange peel. Minor rust was also observed around the license plate housing due to a problematic trunk seal. These paint and body issues suggest potential weaknesses in the 1996 Mercedes Benz E320’s exterior finish and corrosion resistance over time.
Interior Dashboard Cracking
Cracked dashboard vinyl is another recurring problem. While replaced once under warranty at 36,000 miles, it cracked again by 48,000 miles, with no further warranty coverage. This indicates a susceptibility to dashboard cracking in the 1996 Mercedes Benz E320, potentially due to material or design flaws.
Other Noted Issues and Repair Costs
Additional issues included a broken turn indicator dimmer stalk and radio security code loss requiring repair. Current repair needs listed by the owner include the auxiliary cooling fan controller, mass airflow indicator, and door lock repairs, with an estimated dealer repair cost of $2,800 for some of these items.
Conclusion: Reliability Considerations for the 1996 Mercedes Benz E320
This owner’s experience with a 1996 Mercedes Benz E320, while positive in terms of driving experience, highlights significant concerns regarding long-term reliability and durability. Recurring issues with window regulators, air conditioning, door locks, paint, and interior trim, alongside engine head gasket concerns, suggest potential widespread problems for this model year. Prospective buyers should thoroughly inspect these areas and factor in potential maintenance costs when considering a 1996 Mercedes Benz E320. While dealer servicing was consistently performed, it did not prevent these issues, indicating inherent design or component weaknesses that owners may encounter.
