Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
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1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Overview
E-Class Consumer Sentiment
Owners give this generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class (1996-2002) a 4.5 out of 5 rating, which is higher than most, and 90% recommend it. These figures are based on 538 consumer reviews, like these:
What Owners are Saying About the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
"Awesome Car: Most dependable"
"This Mercedes still is an eye catcher today. Incredibly comfortable on long trips. So solid, so safe and So dependable. Bullet proof engine."
"So much fun. So reliable. A classic!"
"Totally worth the money. We are hard on cars and our Mercedes E320 is lasting through all the wear and tear. The repair cost vs the mileage is remarkable. Our air is out and not worth fixing, but I would drive cross country on a cool day in a minute... No worries! I expect it to work past 300,000 miles just keep up with oil changes."
"Classy old friend"
"Bought at 19 years old - 1 owner - 62k on the clock. Have driven it daily for 2 years (admittedly not the best in the snow) and have just garaged her. No more winters!!! Highly reliable, stately, easy to drive and great on gas. I plan to keep this car “forever” now it’s no longer my daily driver. If you’re looking for a strong, capable, classy car for not much money, consider it. Any old car needs stuff (I’ve done steering rack, ac compressor, battery, etc) but the materials, fit and finish are better than most new cars. Get one or give one. But only if it will be appreciated!"
Overall 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quality
User sentiment suggests the overall quality of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is above average for its class. Owners rated the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class quality a 4.6 out of 5.
1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reliability
The 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class receives an average consumer rating of 4.5 overall and a 4.6 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.
Favorite 1996 E-Class Features
According to drivers of the 1996 E-Class, here are some of its best features:
- Safe, Solid and Dependable
- Fun to drive. Classic look. Great paint.
- Smooth, easy to drive, great on gas, classic.
- Reliability, looks, ambiance
- Great pleasure in driving it. Safety.
1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MPG by Trim
1996 E-Class E 300D Sedan 4D - city 24 MPG - hwy 32 MPG
1996 E-Class E 320 Sedan 4D - city 17 MPG - hwy 24 MPG
1996 E-Class Safety
1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety Features
- Child Door Locks: Not available
- Child Seat Anchors: Not available
- Driver Airbag
- Passenger Airbag
New Mercedes-Benz E-class Deals and Incentives
3.99% APR | 36 months
Get 3.99% for 36 months on a new 2026 E 450 4MATIC Wagon.
$889 /mo | 36 months | Due at Signing
Lease a new 2026 EQE 320 4MATIC SUV for $889 a month for 36 months with $6,503 due at signing.
1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
KBB.com Consumer Reviews
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1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Styles
1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Depreciation
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1996 Mercedes-Benz E-class Annual Depreciation
Year | Vehicle Depreciation* | Resale Value | Trade-In Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | - | $2,886 | $1,173 | ||
2022 | $73 | $2,813 | $849 | ||
2023 | $146 | $2,667 | $752 | ||
2024 | + $39 | $2,706 | $721 |
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2-Year Forecasted Depreciation
*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.
1996 Mercedes-Benz E-class Depreciation
Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.
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Specifications
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
Curb Weight | 3538 lbs. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 95.0 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 17.2 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 37.6 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 41.3 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 5.7 inches | ||
Overall Length | 189.4 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 inches | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 15.3 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 37.2 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 111.5 inches | ||
Width with mirrors | 70.8 inches |
Exterior
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Moon Roof/Sun Roof | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 4 doors |
Fuel Economy
City | 24 mpg | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Highway | 32 mpg | ||
Combined | 27 mpg |
Mechanical
Drivetrain | RWD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
Recommended Fuel | Diesel |
Performance
Horsepower | 134 @ 5000 RPM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Torque | 155 @ 2600 rpm | ||
Engine | 6-Cyl, Diesel, 3.0 Liter | ||
0 to 60 | 12.3 seconds | ||
Top Speed | 126 mph |
Warranty
Basic | 4 years / 50000 miles | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 4 years / 50000 miles |
Entertainment
Interior
Seating
Technology
1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety
Safety Features & Technology
Compare to Similar Vehicles
 Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |  New 2025 Audi RS 3 |  New 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 |  New 2026 Porsche Panamera | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A | $39,095 | N/A | |
| KBB.com Rating | N/A | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 | |
| Consumer Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | N/A | |
| Fuel Economy | City 24/Hwy 32/Comb 27 MPG | City 20/Hwy 29/Comb 23 MPG | City 151/Hwy 120/Comb 135 MPGe | N/A | |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gas | Electric | Gas | |
5 Year Cost To Own 5-Year Cost to Own includes out of pocket expenses like fuel and insurance, plus the car’s loss in value over time (depreciation). | N/A | N/A | $56,959 | N/A | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years or 50000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | |
| Horsepower | 134 @ 5000 RPM | 401 @ 6500 RPM | 149 HP | 348 @ 5400 RPM | |
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Diesel, 3.0 Liter | 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | Electric Motor | V6, Twin Turbo, 2.9 Liter | |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | RWD | RWD |
1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rankings
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