MotorDeets

1997 Mercedes-Benz E320: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320: 0 recalls, 63 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
63owner complaints
4mention a crash
20best combined mpg
1997 Mercedes-Benz E320
Photo: Phalinn Ooi · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Suspension32
Seat belts10
Airbags7
Electrical5
Transmission & drivetrain5
Engine & cooling4
Body & structure4
Visibility (wipers, glass)1

What owners describe

The 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 has 63 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 16 E320 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 73). Complaints peaked in 2002 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 115,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (45 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (37 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.2 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive182520Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?

Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (32), seat belts (10), airbags (7).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.2 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other E320 years

1994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009