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Mercedes E-Class (2002-2009) Buying Guide

Mercedes E-Class (2002-2009)
Mercedes E-Class (2002-2009)Mercedes E-Class (2002-2009)Mercedes E-Class (2002-2009)Mercedes E-Class (2002-2009)Mercedes E-Class (2002-2009)Mercedes E-Class (2002-2009)Mercedes E-Class (2002-2009)Mercedes E-Class (2002-2009)Pictures shown may not represent exact model specified

by Richard Dredge

Prestige comes no more highly regarded than with a Mercedes; perceived as a cut above rivals Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Lexus, the E-Class sums up everything that's great about the world's oldest car maker. Comfortable, well-equipped, safe and practical, the E-Class saloon makes a superb family car. Opt for one of the amazingly capacious estates and you get all this plus one of the biggest load bays available anywhere.

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Key Dates 
6/02The third-generation E-Class saloon arrives.
8/02The 476bhp 5.4-litre V8 E55 AMG debuts.
5/03The E-Class estate goes on sale.
11/04The E350 supersedes the E320.
6/05The E280 replaces the E240 and the E280CDi supersedes the E220CDi.
7/06A facelifted E-Class debuts, with fresh bumpers and lights along with extra equipment. The E63 AMG also arrives.
Checklist 
  • Buy an auto, as selling on a manual car can prove tricky. Also go for a car with leather.
  • Some early cars were badly made; check very carefully before buying.
  • The E320CDi's fuel pump can leak diesel onto the cooling system pipes, requiring new pump and pipes.
  • The E320CDi's fuel injectors can fail within 60,000 miles; replacements are costly. The injectors can also seize into the cylinder head, requiring a costly new cylinder head.
  • The transmission oil cooler of automatics is sited in the radiator matrix; failure can lead to the transmission being destroyed.
  • Listen for tinkling as the revs rise on an E320CDi; this points to failure of the ceramic matrix in the catalytic converter.
  • The front springs can break, allowing the car to collapse.
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