Most common 1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems
Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz E Class complaints by model year
Best E Class years: 1995, 1996, 2008. Years to avoid: 2003, 2000, 1997, 1998, 2001. Compare all years →
1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls (1)
Air bags › Side/window
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A wrong clamp May have been installed on the window air bag units.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the window air bag units and, if the wrong or incorrectly installed clamp is found, the entire unit will be replaced.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class:
Front suspension coil spring ejection
Odi has focused this investigation on assessing the risks posed by a separated spring as (1) a road hazard and (2) the potential for vehicle control to be compromised after the front coil spring has been ejected from its intended position in the vehicle.both risks are associated with corrosion, flexing, and fracture of the upper front suspension mounting bracket.time-in-service failure rates are notably higher in…
Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all Mercedes-Benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures…
What 1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class owners say
Suspension
Purchased a used 1999 Mercedes Benz e300 turbo diesel end of feb 2006 with 92,494 miles from a Jaguar/Land Rover dealer. Traded in a 1985 Mercedes Benz 300 turbo diesel. Brought car to the mechanic that does all my work to have all fluids changed and the car checked. Mechanic called to recommend I not drive the car until the left front spring cap was replaced. I visited the mechanic and viewed the left front spring cap. When the mechanic put his finger on the left front spring cap his finger nail chipped off flakes of metal it was enough to convince me not to drive the car until it was repaired. My concern was that the left front wheel would come off and caused a serious accident including possible deaths if the spring cap parted and the spring came off at highway speeds. I paid my mechanic to install a new front spring cap to prevent a failure. …
I own a 1999 Mercedes Benz e55 amg (w210). After parking the car while grocery shopping, I returned and found the front of the vehicle much lower than normal. Upon further inspection, the driver's side front coil spring and two other parts were found lying under the vehicle. I moved the vehicle slightly to look for additional broken parts and was able to drive home at 15 MPH, making only very minor turns (for approximately 1/4 mile). Upon inspection with the wheel off, the upper spring perch had become almost completely separated from the frame rail, severed the ABS sensor wire (which caused several warning codes related to the ABS, bas and ESP braking systems), and had also chipped the inner rim of the wheel and put a very large slash near the bead of the tire. I had just inspected the passenger side the week prior while changing a flat tire, and witnessed no corrosion/rust whatsoever. …
Body & structure
Purchased a used 1999 Mercedes Benz e300 turbo diesel end of feb 2006 with 92,494 miles from a Jaguar/Land Rover dealer. Traded in a 1985 Mercedes Benz 300 turbo diesel. Brought car to the mechanic that does all my work to have all fluids changed and the car checked. Mechanic called to recommend I not drive the car until the left front spring cap was replaced. I visited the mechanic and viewed the left front spring cap. When the mechanic put his finger on the left front spring cap his finger nail chipped off flakes of metal it was enough to convince me not to drive the car until it was repaired. My concern was that the left front wheel would come off and caused a serious accident including possible deaths if the spring cap parted and the spring came off at highway speeds. I paid my mechanic to install a new front spring cap to prevent a failure. …
I own a 1999 Mercedes Benz e55 amg (w210). After parking the car while grocery shopping, I returned and found the front of the vehicle much lower than normal. Upon further inspection, the driver's side front coil spring and two other parts were found lying under the vehicle. I moved the vehicle slightly to look for additional broken parts and was able to drive home at 15 MPH, making only very minor turns (for approximately 1/4 mile). Upon inspection with the wheel off, the upper spring perch had become almost completely separated from the frame rail, severed the ABS sensor wire (which caused several warning codes related to the ABS, bas and ESP braking systems), and had also chipped the inner rim of the wheel and put a very large slash near the bead of the tire. I had just inspected the passenger side the week prior while changing a flat tire, and witnessed no corrosion/rust whatsoever. …
1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 23 / 32 / 26 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 E Class rates average: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the E Class at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class?
The suspension — 9 complaints, 69% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front. Next are the body & structure (4) and transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many recalls does the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class, the most recent from October 14, 1998 (side/window). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz E Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1996 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2000, 1997, 1998 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz E Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 99,000 miles; 11% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.