The Mercedes 300E is a boxy sedan first introduced by Mercedes Benz in 1986. Production lasted until 1995, when it was replaced by the all new W210 E-class models. The E-class series continues to exist today. The 300E was originally priced around $40,000 when new.
Performance
The earliest versions of the Mercedes 300E featured a choice between a four-speed automatic transmission and a five-speed manual transmission. The five-speed was one of the few manual transmissions produced for the U.S by Mercedes. However, the automatic was so popular that finally the company discontinued the manual version.
The standard engine was a 3.0 L with 177 horsepower up until 1992. Then, a new inline-six engine was incorporated, boosting horsepower up to 217. This new engine improved fuel economy as well as horsepower and featured variable valve timing.
The original 300E could go from 0-60 in 8.3 seconds, while the newer version made it in a flat 8 seconds. Though not sports car fast, this sedan is nothing to scoff at. Fuel economy was about 19 miles to the gallon in town and 25 miles to the gallon on the highway.
The 300E was a rear wheel drive, something that greatly appealed to the public at the time of production.
There was also a second version of the Mercedes 300E, called the 300E 2.6 or the 260E, which featured a smaller 2.6 L engine. For obvious reasons, it was less popular than the more powerful 3.0 L. Yet another version came out called the 300D, which was diesel-powered and featured a turbo engine.
Details
Certain luxury details were included in the Mercedes 300E, including power windows, rear defrost and bucket seats that remember the passenger’s favourite position. The interior was elegantly upholstered in leather.
A power sunroof and tinted windows made the 300E appear and feel even more luxurious and mysterious. Automatic climate control keeps the interior comfortable, along with the air conditioning system.
Other fancy details include self-cleaning headlights (washers are built-in) and remote trunk release. At the time, these were considered state-of-the-art technologies and added to the price of the basic vehicle.
Very little changed in the way of standard features over the lifetime of the Mercedes 300E. They stuck with what was good and with what worked.
No doubt about it, the Mercedes 300E was designed to impress the public. The amazingly high sales year after year prove that the company knew what it was doing. Even today, ten years after the demise of the line, the cars are still in circulation.
Safety
Dual airbags (the passenger side airbag was optional in early models, but standard by 1995) and anti-lock brakes were available in the Mercedes 300E, although many more recent safety innovations like traction control, side airbags and stability control didn’t yet exist.
As a Used Car
Since the Mercedes 300E was discontinued a decade ago, nearly all models in existence are well-used. Surprisingly, the 300E still has a good following and consumers are still interested in buying the second-hand versions.
In general, the vehicle has stood the test of time, needing few part replacements and even models dating back to the 80´s are in fine condition still. The leather interior has stood up well against years of use and the solid wood grain trim in the interior of older models is doing well.
Performance is even more important and those who still own a version of the 300E claim that it is unabated by the passing of time. Even after 200K, this car runs smoothly and with the same vigour as in its glory days.
An average consumer rating of nearly 9.0 is proof that this vehicle is still a great car. Many consider it to be superior to the current versions. The phrase “they don’t make them like they used to” could easily be applied here. For this reason some buyer actually looks for older working models that are likely to last longer than a newer car.
What critics have to say?
The fun driveability of the Mercedes 300E was a big hit among testers and consumers. The big engine offers plenty of power for those who need it, while the basic construction keeps everything safe and stable enough for family driving.
