Retro Cars Wiki
Advertisement

Like arch-rival BMW, Mercedes-Benz often created a broad range of models out of one basic car by bolting in a variety of equipment and drivetrains. The midsize E-Class was the perfect example. As the best-selling Mercedes-Benz of all time, the E-Class sold more than 2.5 million units on the road by early 1996.

Year-to-year changes[]

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Discontinued
300D 2.5T 4DR Sedan E300D 4DR Sedan 1999
300E 2.6L 4DR Sedan 300E 2.8L 4DR Sedan E320 4DR Sedan 2005
300E 3.0L 4DR Sedan
300TE 4DR Wagon E320 4DR Wagon N/A E320 4DR Wagon 2005
N/A 400E 4DR Sedan E420 4DR Sedan E430 4DR Sedan 2002
N/A 500E 4DR Sedan E500 4DR Sedan N/A E55 AMG 2006
300CE 2DR Coupe E320 2DR Coupe N/A 1995
N/A 300CE 2DR Convertible E320 2DR Convertible

1991[]

The E-Series, also known as the W124, started off in the '90s with completely differently named models. There were sedan, wagon and coupe versions.

The 2-door coupe was called the 300CE, the 4-door sedan consisted of the 300D 2.5, 300E (in either 2.6 or 3.0-liter versions), and the 4-door station wagon as the 300TE. The 300CE Coupe had an innovative 24v I6 shared with the 300SL. The 300E and 300TE were both available with 4Matic all wheel drive.

1992[]

Two new V8 models, the 400E and 500E, were introduced in 1992.

1993[]

A new 300CE Cabriolet convertible was added in 1993. The 300E, TE and CE coupe now came with the new 3.2 I6. Final year for 4Matic, now only availaible with the old 3.0L I6. The 300E 2.8 replaces the 300E 2.6.

1994[]

For 1994, prices ranged from $41,000 to more than twice that for cars that looked very similar. This meant that E-Class cars, depending on how they were equipped, competed with a wide range of models, including the BMW 540i and 740i, Jaguar XJ6, Lexus LS 400, Infiniti Q45 and Audi A6/S6. The coupe and convertible competed with the Lexus SC 300/400 and Jaguar XJS.

First up in the 1994 lineup was the E320, which used a 3.2-liter gasoline-burning inline-six, also with dohc and 4-valve heads. The E320 was available not only as a 4-door sedan (replacing the 300E), but also as a station wagon (replacing the 300TE), a coupe, and a convertible (both replacing the 300CE). There were also two E-Class V8s. The E420, which replaced the 400E, had a 275-hp 4.2-liter dohc V8. The top-line E500 was a high-performance, limited-production hot rod that could outrun many expensive sports cars. Not only did it have a 315-hp 5.0-liter V8, but flared fenders and heavy-duty suspension, wheels, tires, gearbox and axles. The E500 ceased production in late 1994, but continued selling through spring 1995.

1995[]

Other than the lack of any changes for 1995, a new model was introduced after skipping one model year: the E300 Diesel, which was powered by a 3.0-liter 24-valve dohc naturally aspirated diesel inline-six, replacing the old 300D 2.5 Turbo. Thanks to innovative Mercedes-Benz technology, it has been emissions-legal in all 50 states. In addition, Mercedes has raised the prices on all of its E-Class models by $1000 to $1700 for 1995.

1996[]

For 1996, the E-Class has been completely reengineered and redesigned. Most noticeably, it has been given an unusual quad oval headlight treatment that is very different from the face of the smaller C-Class and larger S-Class. The classic Mercedes grille remains, in updated form. Under the new bodywork is a mix of old and new mechanicals. It is available with three existing engines: as the E300 Diesel, powered by a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder; as the E320, which uses a 3.2-liter gasoline inline Six; and as the E420, with a 275-hp 4.2-liter V8 and 5-speed automatic transmission from its bigger siblings. The 6-cylinders make do with a 4-speed automatic. There is no convertible or wagon model for the '96 model year.

The big news is underneath, where variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering and larger wheels and tires make the car more responsive in turns. The front suspension is also new, and the body structure is stronger yet lighter, with more interior space. Other important new features include door-mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger in addition to the dual front airbags, a dual-zone climate-control system and optional high-intensity headlights. Electronic seatbelt tensioners and new mechanical seatbelt force limiters hold occupants firmly in their seats while reducing the chance of chest injury during an impact.

1997[]

In early 1996, the E420 went on sale as an early 1997 model.

Retail prices[]

As of September 22, 1993:

  • $42,500 (1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 4DR Sedan)
  • $46,200 (1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 4DR Wagon)
  • $51,000 (1994 Mercedes-Benz E420 4DR Sedan)
  • $61,600 (1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 2DR Coupe)
  • $77,300 (1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 2DR Convertible)
  • $80,800 (1994 Mercedes-Benz E500 4DR Sedan)

As of June 9, 1994:

  • $41,000 (1995 Mercedes-Benz E300 Diesel 4DR Sedan)

As of August 18, 1994:

  • $43,500 (1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 4DR Sedan)
  • $47,500 (1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 4DR Wagon)
  • $52,500 (1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 4DR Sedan)
  • $63,000 (1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 2DR Coupe)
  • $79,000 (1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 2DR Convertible)

As of October 11, 1995:

  • $39,900 (1996 Mercedes-Benz E300 Diesel)
  • $43,500 (1996 Mercedes-Benz E320)
  • $49,900 (1996 Mercedes-Benz E420)

Specifications[]

4DR Sedan[]

Model years Trim level Transmission Cylinders Engine Size Drive MPG Horsepower
1995 E300D 4-speed automatic I6 3.0L RWD 26 City/32 Highway 134
1994 E320 4-speed automatic I6 3.2L RWD 19 City/25 Highway 217
1995 E320 4-speed automatic I6 3.2L RWD 20 City/26 Highway 217
1994-1995 E420 4-speed automatic V8 4.2L RWD 18 City/24 Highway 275
1994 E500 4-speed automatic V8 5.0L RWD 16 City/19 Highway 315

4DR Wagon[]

Model years Trim level Transmission Cylinders Engine Size Drive MPG Horsepower
1994-1995 E320 4-speed automatic I6 3.2L RWD 18 City/24 Highway 217

2DR Coupe[]

Model year Trim level Transmission Cylinders Engine Size Drive MPG Horsepower
1994 E320 4-speed automatic I6 3.2L RWD 19 City/25 Highway 217
1995 E320 4-speed automatic I6 3.2L RWD 20 City/26 Highway 217

2DR Convertible[]

Model years Trim level Transmission Cylinders Engine Size Drive MPG Horsepower
1994-1995 E320 4-speed automatic I6 3.2L RWD 18 City/23 Highway 217

Gallery[]

Video Clips[]

Advertisement