im looking to buy a mercedes e class series anywhere from 97-2000 are these good cars?

I've owned 5 W210 chassis car's from those years and I have to say, they are NOT of Mercedes former build quality. Yes, they do have a few electrical issues. The instrument clusters go bad ($500), strut perch's can rust out (not safe) and the wiring harness' have a tendency to loose contact and fail. Why Mercedes doesn't stand behind their cars and fix this issues for the current owners is beyond belief. I use to buy a car a year from them, but now, I haven't bought a car from them in 7 years. Why? Because they aren't the same car company any more!

When they "merged" with Chrysler, it became evident that Mercedes was going down hill and fast. In the meantime, Chrysler was selling like there's no tomorrow. The 300 series cars from Chrysler were based on the MB chassis. At least Chrysler got the engine right and didn't farm out their wiring harness' to china!

I keep seeing more and more cheap parts on Mercedes cars. The seats are no longer full leather, the wood is now plastic and the suspension was designed to last only 5 years.

Who would buy one of these terrible cars any more?

I've had better luck and reliability with Jaguar, and that's not a good statement for either company.

No, I won't buy a Japanese car like a Lexus or Acura. They just don't have any soul. For me, I think it's time to go to BMW. The last, true German made, built, designed and engineered car company left!

Sorry Benz, but you suck!

Yes. Electrical problems really crop up in the newer model post 2002, not in the years you reference.

The E Class w210 (the model made then) is a VERY good car. The engines are bulletproof, and they are rock solid cars.

There are a few problem areas. Check the motor mounts and MAF sensor on the V-8 engines (it is prone to failure).

Also, window regulators can go out easily. Lastly, check for rust under the trunk handle and window trim. The body design traps water in these areas and they can rust.

The only electrical issues common are the pixels on the dash screen blowing out, so check that as well.

Otherwise, they are great cars -- much better than the model that followed it, which is a total lemon until 2007.

Generally speaking, Mercedes WERE very good cars in this era, but more recently are not. Electrical problems and over-engineering means most cars built between about 2001-2005 are bad news -- from the S class down to the C.

Mercedes Built of quality of now is shabby, Mercedes Built of old pre 90 is like the best in the world this is all beacuse Mercedes weren't making enough money....they still spend 1Million pounds a day researching but they wont use that money to improve built quality......235 parts all made by the lowest bidder.

Go with 2000. Earlier models had some problems with transmission. It was fixed in 2000.

I have a 2000 E320 and have absolutely no problems with it.

These weren't Mercedes best effort at making a car, but that said "it ain't not Honda either!

If you find one that an independent benz mechanic says is above average for it's age buy it. (Make sure the check they electrical systems.)

good luck

Mercedes has one of the worst reliablity ratings of all major makes right now. So unless you got money to burn and you don't mind loaners I'd steer clear.

You can hardly go wrong when buying a Mercedes....I think they are one of the best made cars.

My Father always bought Mercedes, and they never gave him any trouble.

Yeah I have a 2000 e class it's fast, safe, stylish, and safe nothing else needs to be said.

I'm not gonna say either/ or .... but go to this website http://www.edmunds.com/mercedesbenz/eclass/2000/co...

that will give you a clue

um they are mercedes after all. Of course, there great cars. Syleish, comfortable, and safe. Not the best price range however, but if you can afford it, go for it.