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MERCEDES-BENZ
E-CLASS (1995 - )
CAR
MODEL:
MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS (1995 - ) |
TYPE:
4-Door Saloon, 5-Door Estate. |
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SIZE:
(Estate) 4816 x 1799, (Saloon) 4795 x 1799
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RELIABILITY:
Just keep your Mercedes-Benz history up to date and your E-class should run to
very high mileage. |
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| VERDICT:µµµµµ |
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HISTORY:
OCT 1995 New E-Class rear wheel
drive Saloon range launched: E200 (16 valve 136 bhp); E230 (16 valve 150 bhp);
E250 Diesel (20 valve 113 bhp); E280 (24 valve 193 bhp); E300 Diesel (24 valve
136 bhp); and E320 (24 valve 220 bhp). All models except E320 have 5-speed gearbox
or optional 4 speed automatic transmission with cruise control (standard on E320);
E280 and E320 also available with optional 5-speed automatic. All models have
electronic traction control system, independent double wishbone front and multi
link rear suspension, anti-lock brakes and power assisted steering. Classic models
have electric windows, heated electric mirrors, front airbags, central locking
and tinted glass. Elegance and Avant-garde models have electric glass sunroof,
front central arm rest, door exit lights, automatic dipping rear view mirror and
alloy wheels (10-hole on Elegance, 5-hole on Avant-garde). Avant-garde models
have sports suspension and blue tinted glass. JUN 1996 AMG E36 Saloon (272 bhp)
launched in limited numbers. E280 Classic, Elegance and Avant-garde models launched.
Revisions: all models have side airbags; E280 and E320 have standard 5 speed automatic
gearbox plus cruise control; Elegance versions of E200, E230 and E250 D have larger
alloy wheels. JUL 1996 Estate range launched in UK. MAR 1997 E280 V6 (204 bhp)
and E320 V6 (225 bhp) Saloons launched to replace previous straight-six E280/E320
models. Revisions: improved ASR traction control, 'Brake Assist' system and standard
radio/cassette player on all models. Standard air conditioning on E280/E320, with
sunroof now optional. APR 1997 E300 TD (177 bhp, 5-speed automatic) Elegance and
Avant-garde Saloons and Estates launched in UK. E320 V6 automatic Estates launched
in UK. AUG 1997 E240 V6 (170 bhp, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic) Saloons
and Estates. DEC 1997 E430 V8 (279 bhp, 5-speed automatic) Elegance and Avant-garde
Saloons and Estates launched with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) combined
traction control and braking system. JUN 1998 Revisions: E200 has air conditioning;
all Saloons have third (middle) rear head restraint and three-point seatbelt;
Elegance and Avant-garde models have folding electric mirrors, headlamp washers
and rain sensitive screen wipe system; E430 has metallic paint and standard leather
seats. E55 AMG Saloon and Estate (354 bhp) launched (Specialist models). DEC 1998
E220 (123 bhp) common rail diesel available in Saloon models only.
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COMMENTS:
The current E-class is the definitive executive Mercedes. You know exactly what
you are going to get: reliability, build quality, space and fantastic residuals.
The Estate is the size of a Small house whilst the wonderful Saloons are quality
conservative and just ooze class. Luxury cars are usually packed with gadgets
that are extra on other models but it is not extravagant electronic gizmos such
as satellite navigation that are the talk of the Club Class lounges now - SAFETY
is the buzz word! You get what you pay for, in a recent research laboratory test
the E-Class tested came top of its class, anything else would have been a surprise.
From 70 mph, the E-Class came to a halt in a little more than 45 meters, some
30 meters less than quoted by the Highway Code for this speed. Models are absolutely
"bristling" with the ESS 5.5 AMG EST a special child detector for the passenger
seat so the airbag inflates accordingly! |
P e r f o r m a n c e D e t a i l s
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Engine
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BHP
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MPG
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Fuel
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Ins
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Service
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0-60
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Top
Speed
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| 2.0i
16v/4 |
136
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34
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UL
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13
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9000 Miles
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11.3 Secs
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126 m.p.h
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2.3i 16v/4 |
150
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33
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UL
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14
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9000 Miles
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10.5 Secs
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134 m.p.h
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2.4i 24v/V6 |
170
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27
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UL
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14
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9000 Miles
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10.2 Secs
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138 m.p.h
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2.8i 24v/6/V6 |
193-204
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27
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UL
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15
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9000 Miles
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9.1 Secs
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143 m.p.h
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3.2i 24v/6/V6 |
217-225
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28
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UL
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16
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9000 Miles
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7.9-7.8
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143-146
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4.3i 32v/V8 |
279
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25
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UL
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19
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9000 Miles
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6.6 Secs
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155 m.p.h
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2.5D/5 |
113
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40
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Diesel
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13
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9000 Miles
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15.3 Secs
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20 m.p.h
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3.0D/TD/6 |
136-177
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38
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Diesel
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14
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9000 Miles
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13.1-8.9
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127-137
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