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

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1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Values and Prices

Style	Trade-In Value	Private Party Value	Fair Purchase Price
E 300D Sedan 4D	-	-	-
E 320 Sedan 4D	-	-	-

Values above are based on "Good" condition vehicles. Values and prices are based on national averages and typical mileage for this model, but they can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. Valid through 9/15/2026.

Trade-In Value

Trade-In Value is the amount you can expect to receive this week when trading in your vehicle at a dealership.

Private Party Value

Private Party Value is the fair price you can expect when selling your car to an individual, not to a dealer.

Fair Purchase Price

Fair Purchase Price shows what others in your area are actually paying for this vehicle.

1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Depreciation

A 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has depreciated $230 or 8% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $2,583 and trade-in value of $674.

Historical

Forecast

1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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1996 Mercedes-Benz E-class Annual Depreciation

Year	Vehicle Depreciation*	Resale Value	Trade-In Value
2022	-	$2,813	$870
2023	$70	$2,743	$799
2024	$24	$2,719	$752
2025	$136	$2,583	$674

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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

Premium Radio
CD Player

Interior

Power Windows
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel

Seating

Leather Seats
Dual Power Front Seats
Power Driver's Seat

Technology

Cruise Control

1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety

Safety Features & Technology

Child Door Locks: Not available
Child Seat Anchors: Not available
Driver Airbag
Passenger Airbag

Compare to Similar Vehicles

	Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class	New 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6	New 2026 Kia EV4	New 2026 Volvo ES90
		See Details	See Details	See Details
Price	N/A	$39,095	N/A	N/A
KBB.com Rating	N/A	4.6	4.4	N/A
Consumer Rating	4.5	4.2	N/A	N/A
Fuel Economy	City 24/Hwy 32/Comb 27 MPG	City 151/Hwy 120/Comb 135 MPGe	N/A	N/A
Fuel Type	Diesel	Electric	N/A	N/A
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	$65,836	N/A	N/A
Seating Capacity	5	5	N/A	N/A
Basic Warranty	4 years or 50000 miles	5 years or 60000 miles	N/A	N/A
Horsepower	134 @ 5000 RPM	149 HP	N/A	N/A
Engine	6-Cyl, Diesel, 3.0 Liter	Electric Motor	N/A	N/A
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	N/A	N/A

1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rankings

Rank	Vehicles	HP
#1	2026 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG S-Class	791
#2	2025 Bentley Flying Spur	771
#3	2026 Tesla Model S	670
#4	2026 Audi S e-tron GT	670
#236	1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class	134

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FAQs

Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 1996 a good Sedan?

Owners of the vehicle give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. To find out if the 1996 E-Class is the right car for you, check out the pros and cons, trims, specs and options at Kelley Blue Book.

What is the MPG for a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class gets 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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