Pre-Facelift Models (‘96-’99)

The pre-facelift models include the very first W210 that rolled off the assembly line. Mercedes introduced the W210 to the North American market in the 1996 model year. Mercedes positioned the car at the higher end of the market compared to its W124 predecessor.

The “pre-facelift” models were unchanged cosmetically during their 1996 to 1999 production run. Almost all the changes between 1996 and 1999 involved the drivetrain and certain safety features.

I explain the differences between the pre- and post-facelift models in the next section.

1996 Models

For 1996, Mercedes offered two models: the E300 Diesel and the E320. Both engines were carried over from the 1995 W124 models bearing the same name. Mercedes installed in the 1996 E-class its tried-and-true model “722.3” four speed automatic transmission.

Although there are no specific problems endemic to the 1996 cars, it’s generally best to shy away from the first year of a new car model so that all the bugs can be worked out.

The Auto Channel: 1996 E320 Road Test

1997 Models

In 1997, Mercedes reintroduced the E420, powered by the 275 HP 4.2L M119 V8 found in the larger S-class. Mercedes replaced in all of the E-class models the four speed automatic with its new “722.6” electronically-controlled five speed automatic transmission. The new five speed transmission featured much smoother operation, winter/sport modes, and an overdrive gear that improved fuel economy by about 1 MPG. By lowering the RPMs at highway speed, the overdrive gear should give a quieter ride and increase engine life.

The E420 was only produced one year in the W210 body. Because of its very limited production, certain model-specific parts like ignition and engine control computers can be difficult to obtain. Fortunately, there are not very many parts unique to the E420. Body parts are generally shared with the E300 & E320, and most engine-related parts are shared with the S420.

Edmunds: Full Test: 1997 E420

1998 Models

The only major update of the pre-facelift models occured in 1998. In 1998, Mercedes changed every available engine:

The E300 Diesel sprouted a turbo, with 177 HP and 244 ft-lbs, making it the E300 Turbodiesel.

The 3.2L M104 inline 6 engine in E320 was replaced by the 3.2L M112 SOHC V6 ngine. The V6 provides power and better fuel-efficiency. The V6’s flatter torque curve guarantees better acceleration in city traffic.

The 4.2L M119 V8 engine in the E420 was replaced by the 4.3L M113 V8 and renamed E430. Like the V6, this engine offers a flatter torque curve and better fuel economy than its predecessor.

Mercedes launched its second generation 4Matic full-time, proactive all wheel drive option. The troublesome first generation was discontinued in 1993. The new 4Matic all wheel drive has proven to be completely trouble-free and a wonderful asset in inclement weather. The 4Matic system avoids complicated clutches, locks, and couplings. Instead, it depends on three open differentials (front, center, and rear) and an upgraded version of the electronic traction control system found in the rear wheel drive cars. This highly sophisticated, yet simple, all wheel drive system can move with car even when only one wheel has traction.

The 1998 E-class also received several of Mercedes new safety features. These technologies include the Brake Assist and the BabySmart systems. Mercedes researchers discovered that most drivers do not brake hard enough, soon enough in their initial reaction to an impending crash. Brake Assist detects “panic” braking and provides maximum braking power to shorten stopping distance in an emergency situation. The BabySmart passenger airbag system works with a special Mercedes car seat. When the BabySmart car seat is installed in the front seat, the passenger airbag automatically disables to protect the baby in the event of a crash.

Mercedes SmartKey

Finally, the snub-nosed electronic SmartKey replaced the traditional mechanical key. The combination keyfob/remote entry/key promises to protect against theft and confuse valets. After each use, the SmartKey reprograms itself with a different security code. The rotating code prevents someone from figuring out how to clone the computer inside. Aside from the security benefits, the SmartKey works just like any regular key, except that it’s lot more expensive to replace.

1999

In 1999, Mercedes released the E55 AMG. The 349 HP 5.5L handbuilt AMG engine blasts the E55 from 0 to 60 in less than 5.5 seconds. AMG massaged the suspension and body trim to provide handling and looks to match the ferocious straight-line acceleration.

Forseeing that things quickly get out of hand, Mercedes equipped all E-class models with full side curtain airbags.

Mercedes also changed how the trunk-mounted CD changer attaches to the stereo head unit in the dash. For 1999, the head unit and CD changer are connected through the car’s fiber optic network. This really makes no difference to the owner, except that the fiber optic connection makes it impossible to reuse the factory CD changer with an aftermarket head unit, or vice versa.