Mercedes Benz E Class Generation 1 (1996–2006)

Mercedes Benz E Class Generation 1 (1996–2006) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Mercedes Benz E Class — body generations

Generation Produced Facelift
Generation 1 1996–2006 —
Generation 2 2007–2009 —

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the E Class

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Engine Years in this model Also used in VIN builds ⓘ
Mercedes Benz 3.0L 6-cylinder 1995–2026 23 models 97
Mercedes Benz 3.5L 6-cylinder 2005–2016 12 models 60
Mercedes Benz 5.5L 8-cylinder 1999–2016 14 models 35
Mercedes Benz 2.0L 4-cylinder 2017–2026 16 models 23

About this generation

The W210 E-Class launched in January 1995. The W210 made major changes compared to the earlier version of the E-class, including four large oval headlights, which gave Mercedes an updated image intended to attract more younger buyers and women. The new E-Class was longer and wider and offered significantly more interior room but was still considered mid-size. In September 1999, the W210 E-class was facelifted. This included visual, mechanical, and quality improvements over the earlier versions.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class was Motor Trends Import Car of the Year for 1996. While the W210 sedan was replaced by the W211 in 2002, the wagon version continued to be sold until March 2003 when the S211 wagon returned the S210 wagon.

Source: Wikipedia — Mercedes-Benz E-Class — Second generation (W210; 1995), CC BY-SA.

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Year Recalls Complaints Most reported
2006 0 536 Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

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