The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a popular luxury vehicle, underwent a redesign in 1996. For those considering a 1998 E-Class Mercedes, understanding its safety features and crash test performance is crucial. This article delves into the safety aspects of the E Class Mercedes 1998, based on evaluations conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Specifically, this rating applies to models manufactured between January 1997 and February 2000.
The IIHS conducted a 40 mph frontal offset crash test on a 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 420, which represents the structural enhancements made to the e class mercedes 1998 and similar models within the specified production timeframe. The test aimed to assess the vehicle’s crashworthiness and occupant protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | A |
| Structure and Safety Cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/Foot, Left | G |
| Leg/Foot, Right | G |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | P |
The table above summarizes the crash test ratings for the 1998 Mercedes E-Class based on the IIHS evaluation criteria. An “Acceptable” (A) overall evaluation indicates a good level of protection in this type of frontal offset crash. Notably, the structure and safety cage of the e class mercedes 1998 received a “Good” (G) rating, the highest possible, signifying robust structural integrity during the impact.
Action shot from the frontal offset crash test performed on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
In terms of driver injury measures, the e class mercedes 1998 demonstrated “Good” protection for the head, neck, and chest regions. Lower extremities, including the left and right leg/foot, also received a “Good” rating, indicating effective energy absorption and minimization of potential injuries in these areas during a frontal crash.
View of the Mercedes E-Class after the crash test, demonstrating the integrity of the occupant compartment.
However, the evaluation for “Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics” was rated as “Poor” (P). The IIHS noted that the dummy movement was not well controlled during the crash. Specifically, the dummy’s head hit the window sill during rebound, and there was excessive upward movement of the steering wheel. Furthermore, the driver door opened late in the crash sequence. While this door opening did not significantly affect dummy movement in this particular test, the IIHS emphasized that it is an undesirable outcome. In real-world crashes, a door opening could pose a risk of partial or complete occupant ejection.
Close-up of the footwell padding in the Mercedes E-Class, a safety feature to mitigate leg injuries.
Despite the issue with the driver door opening and dummy kinematics, the structural performance of the e class mercedes 1998 was commendable. The occupant survival space was maintained well, even with some buckling observed in the roof rail. This structural integrity is a significant factor in overall crashworthiness.
Image showing the opened driver-side door of the Mercedes E-Class post-crash, a noted concern in the safety evaluation.
For a more detailed technical understanding, the measurements recorded during the crash test are provided below.
Technical Measurements: Occupant Compartment Intrusion
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CF97005 |
| Footwell Intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 14 |
| Left (cm) | 19 |
| Center (cm) | 17 |
| Right (cm) | 13 |
| Brake Pedal (cm) | 15 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement | |
| Left (cm) | 5 |
| Right (cm) | 3 |
| Steering Column Movement | |
| Upward (cm) | 10 |
| Rearward (cm) | 3 |
| A-pillar Rearward Movement (cm) | 9 |
Technical Measurements: Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CF97005 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 305 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | 29 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 2.0 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 19 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.37 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | 35 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – Left (kN) | 5.5 |
| Femur force – Right (kN) | 3.2 |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | 5 |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | 2 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.33 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.43 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) | 0.6 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) | 0.6 |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 76 |
| Right | 68 |
Conclusion
Overall, the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class demonstrates a strong structure and good occupant protection in frontal offset crashes, achieving an “Acceptable” overall rating from IIHS for models manufactured within the specified timeframe. While there were concerns regarding dummy kinematics and door opening during the test, the fundamental structural integrity and injury measures for critical body regions were rated as “Good.” This information is valuable for anyone considering the safety of a 1998 E-Class Mercedes.
