Mercedes-Benz E-Class:(W210): 1996-2002

With four elliptical headlamps, the 1996 E-Class (W210) set the styling trend for Mercedes models into the 21st century. Underneath the dramatic new aerodynamic skin, the wheelbase grew 1.3 inches over the W124’s and overall length was up 2.2 inches. The engineering itself was rather familiar. There were still double wishbones doing the suspension work up front, and a multilink system holding up the rear.

For ‘96, the new W210 E-Class models offered in the U.S. were the E320 with the 3.2-liter, DOHC six from the outgoing W124 making 217 horsepower, and the E300D with the carryover 3.0-liter diesel six. The W124 E320 coupe and convertible carried over for the time being.

The 1997 model year saw the introduction of a new driver-adaptive five-speed automatic for the E320 and E300D. Additionally, Mercedes added a sport package to the options list for the E420 — included within it were 17-inch wheels and Z-rated tires, foglights and various cosmetic touches. All models got a smart sensor that could detect the presence of a front passenger and decide whether or not to deploy the airbag in a crash.
Major changes to the W210 for ‘98 began with a new 3.2-liter, SOHC, three-valve V6 replacing the former straight six in the E320, the station wagon body returning as an E320 and the E300D gaining a turbocharger and intercooler. The boosted diesel was impressive with a 30-percent increase in horsepower and a massive 57-percent increase in torque. Beyond all that, the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system was back as an option.

A new side curtain airbag system came with the 1999 E-Class, but the more enticing development was the new AMG-engineered E55 sport sedan. Using a hand-assembled 5.4-liter version of the SOHC, three-valve V8, the E55 was engorged with 349 horsepower. It was fast and gorgeous hunkered over its 18-inch AMG wheels, and it was the most expensive E-Class ever. Also this year, the E420 became the E430, as its V8 was a new 4.3-liter mill, though output was unchanged.

The diesel disappeared again as the 2000 model year started and the “Touch Shift” system (that added a manual-shifting scheme to the five-speed automatic gearbox) debuted. A revised front end and interior appeared in ‘02 as well.

With a new E on the way, 2001 and 2002 were relatively quiet years for the car. But you could get a new sport package for the E320 that included lower body cladding and larger wheels and tires.

History Of Mercedes-Benz E-Class

In 1994 a new class name assigned to the Mercedes Benz W124 generation engine configuration, the E Class, was trotted out. In 1994 there were four Mercedes Benz E Class models, the E320, E420, E500 and the E300D. Both the Mercedes E420 and E500 were available only in sedan style; the E320 was available as a sedan, coupe or wagon, and the E300D was a diesel fuel model.

The 1995 Mercedes Benz E-Class vehicles saw little change from the previous year’s models which had been popular and successful. The only significant change in ‘95 was the discontinuation of the E500, which had been test marketed within the confines of limited production. 1996, however, brought about the next generation of E Class.

The second generation of the Mercedes E-Class, the W210, was first produced in 1996 and manufacturing continued until the upgrading of the W210 in 2002. The power and performance of the W210 were almost identical to the W124. The need for a new ‘E’ class generation was attributed primarily to a surprisingly shocking and appealing Mercedes body style make over. The new 1996 E320,E300D, E320 Coupe and the E420 Sedan all now saw an increase of 2 inches in overall length and a 2 plus inch longer wheel base to accommodate a completely new and superbly designed aerodynamic body style. The most intriguing new exterior feature may very well have been the four very striking elliptical headlights.

Between the introduction of the second generation of E Class in 1996 and the introduction of the third generation in 2003, the W210 saw a variety of changes and enhancements. Sport package options were offered and an E55 sport sedan was added to the E Class family of automobiles; enhancements in technology were incorporated into various components and safety features, all wheel drive was offered, and intuitively developed and appropriately performance based engines continued to see impressive positive growth