Most common 2000 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems
Share of the 34 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 →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E Class:
Sudden engine shut down
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…
Transmission malfunction
The petitioner alleges that coffee from a cup, placed in the cup holder, spilled onto the gear shifter and shut down the vehicle?s entire electrical system. The concern raised by the petitioner was investigated (sq01-010) and was closed after odi concluded that the facts did not demonstrate a safety-related defect.odi has subsequently received nine more complaints alleging fluid contamination of the transmission…
What 2000 Mercedes-Benz E Class owners say
Electrical system
My 2000 Mercedes e320 has inoperable displays for the gear, temperature, and time. I am very concerned about this because this is my wife's vehicle. With the display being defective, it is possible for an inexperienced driver to put the vehicle in the wrong gear because there is no visual verification at eye level, as is required on all cars. I have even been in the car with her and witnessed her putting the car in the wrong gear because she wasn't able to see the gear without looking down at the center console. Mercedes is aware of this design defect in the instrument cluster, but refuses to repair it without charging the customer. This defect hs been known for years and they even continued to install them after customers reported the defect to them by the hundreds. …
While driving the vehicle, a small amount of condensation dripped from a water bottle sitting in the center cup holder. Immediately, the widows went down startling me as to what was happening. The window became unresponsive and at this point was stuck in the down position. I was able to put the window up using the keyless remote. Later that day, the switch began to work the windows but the rear windows no longer work from the front switches nor does the left side mirror. Upon investigation, others have had this same issue proving a design flaw. The electronic circuitry positioned below the cup holder is not water proof and the slightest amount of water will short circuit the system. Others have had the entire transmission lock due to the water ingress. Mercedes Benz should provide repair under a recall and provide a repair that will water proof the circuits.
Engine & cooling
Tl contact owns a 2000 Mercedes Benz e Class 320 wagon which was purchased used in March 2003. He stated that while driving at speeds of less than 40 MPH, the contact thought he had run over something and there was a violent vibration in the steering wheel. Then, while making a left turn he could heard a grinding and thumping sound coming from under the vehicle. He then noticed the front passenger's side wheel was actually inside the wheel well. The vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer where they found the front passenger's side coil spring perch failed causing the front end passenger's side of the vehicle to collapse. The current and failure mileages were under 130,000. Updated 01/19/10 the air mass flow sensor and outer tie rod were replaced. The lower ball joints were worn and were replaced. The crank sensor was replaced. The engine was consuming large amounts of oil. …
Driver side engine mount broke while driving and as a result, the heat shield around the steering column bent from the engine rotating. This resulted in the aluminum shield jamming the steering column from turning. This occurred during a sharp corner and steering inputs to straighten the vehicle did not produce any results. Vehicle nearly crashed into oncoming traffic. New heat shield and motor mounts are being replaced. Old mount was kept. This is a well documented failure on Mercedes Benz e55 motors.
Body & structure
My 2000 e320 has excessive rust issues through out the entire body. I was told by Mercedes Benz of north America this is a common issue because of the use of a new water based paint used between 1997-2002 but because I am out of warranty and the car is over 10 years old they can not help me or offer me any further assistance with the issue. I have located online forums with consumers who own the same car as myself and have the same exact issues in the same places and received the same information from mbusa. The worst areas are in every wheel well causing the wheel wheels to buckle and chip into the suspension and break area and it has cause the frame of the car to severely weaken, in addition my rear trunk key hole area is rusting through and I was advised it will rust through and at that point the locking mechanism will come off and I will at that point need to replace the trunk lid …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mercedes e 320. The contact stated that every panel on the vehicle was rusted. The contacts personal mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle possibly would not pass inspection within a year. The contact stated that the dealer was unable to explain the cause of the rust, but the contact stated there was information online suggesting that the manufacturer May have used water based paint on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 82,000 and the current mileage was 129,000.
2000 Mercedes-Benz E Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 5.5L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E Class a good car?
Based on 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 E Class rates avoid: 2.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the E Class at the same age. It is one of the E Class years we suggest avoiding. 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz E Class?
The electrical system — 11 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the engine & cooling (7) and body & structure (5).
How many recalls does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E Class have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E Class. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 79,000 miles; 14% 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.