Table 1 shows three common structure related problems of the 1997 Mercedes Benz E320.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Structure problems | |
| Frame And Members problems | |
| Body problems |
Car (1997 e 320 with 90k miles) was in for routine 90k maintenance and mechanic found cracked spring perch assembly. Dealer called to tell me it must be fixed, car is unsafe to drive and that a fatal crash could result at high speeds. But told me that because car is out of warranty, they will not pay for it. Later told me they will pay for half as part of "goodwill warranty. " half??? what if there was a crash due to this? what if I had not brought it in for routine service? I was told by an unnamed source at the dealer that they see "tons of these problems with the e class, from 1996-2000 models. " he also said that there should be a recall on the affected e class. Another service manager told me that they have no idea when the other one could break. But that they would not proactively replace it before it shows signs of trouble. He basically told me that I should take the 50% goodwill warranty and shut up or they would pull the offer off the table!!! unbelievable that a company like Mercedes Benz would tolerate that kind of customer abuse from a punk service manager. I thought I would be a lifelong mercedes customer, but after this horrible customer service, I will never buy another. Too bad, because the loaner car I am driving while my repair is being done is a fantastic car (I'm in the market for a new one) and I'd buy one tomorrow if it were not for this. Instead, I will be buying a Lexus. Mercedes should be very concerned about safety with this well-documented problem instead of protecting corporate profits. Shame on you Mercedes Benz. This is bad business.
The spring perch on the front passenger side already collapsed due to rust, and the drivers side spring perch is about to collapse any minute according to a local body shop.
* left front substrate to which the coil spring perch mounts is badly rusted and the spring is about to come off under pressure of the cars weight, thereby endangering myself and the general public. The car was towed to feldmann imports, a mercedes-benz dealer at 4901 american blvd west, bloomington , mn 55437 (952) -641-7908 and can be inspected there. * if the spring perch loosens any further, the coil spring would shoot off and likely interfere with the steering system, fuel lines and any number of other components on the vehicle, also there have been reports of the spring going out of the car under pressure and hitting other objects. * yes, my car was in for another matter at lamettry's collision center, of eden prairie, mn for a (minor dent) and (braden) of lamettry's said upon inspection of the spring perch that the car was undrivable and could not be fixed. * feldmann imports is currently looking at my car and feldmann said that I should call mercedes-benz USA which my brother-in-law walter anderson did for me and is waiting for a call back. * there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptom's of the problem prior to the discovery by lemettry's, in fact, feldmann import's inspected my car 12 times over the years with no mention of this serious condition. Upon searching the internet and other sources I believe that it is incumbent upon the NHTSA to issue a recall on all these cars, there are several different models that use this thin wall substrate mercedes-benz has out on the road that must be endangering the lives and property of the owners and the public at large.