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2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320

All Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211 trims (2003–2009) → All Mercedes-Benz E-Class generations →
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – front Unverified
Photo: Mercedes-Benz W211 FL E 280 Iridium Silver Metallic (1) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the W211 (W211, 2003–2009); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: Mercedes-Benz W211 FL E 280 Iridium Silver Metallic (1) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS (W211) China (5) by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: Mercedes Benz E320 Side View (cropped) by Arewell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: Mercedes-Benz E 500 Elegance (W 211) – Heckansicht, 13. Mai 2011, Velbert by M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: Mb e500 023 by Dr. Thomas Bastian, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 is a 221-hp 3.2-liter V6 with an automatic 5-spd and rear-wheel drive. It is rated at 20 mpg combined.

It makes 221 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque at 3000-4800 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (20 mpg combined).

The E-Class measures 189.7 inches long on a 112.4-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Engine
Engine Type3.2L V6 (M112)
Displacement3.2 L
Horsepower221 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque232 lb-ft @ 3000-4800 rpm
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd
Fuel Economy
City17 MPG
Highway24 MPG
Combined20 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium Gasoline
Dimensions & Weight
Length189.7 in
Width71.7 in
Height57 in
Wheelbase112.4 in

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Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-DR. w/SAB

Recalls

No recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS.

466 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS

Owner Complaints

466 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS (15 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 16 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Fuel/Propulsion System145
Service Brakes134
Fuel System65
Gasoline64
Hydraulic41
Electrical System37
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jan 23, 2025 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but the pedal was stiff. The vehicle was taken…”
Nov 30, 2024 · Fuel/Propulsion System
“I inherited my dad's 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 when he passed away last year. He kept the car in pristine condition. About a month ago while driving it, I noticed a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin…”
Jul 15, 2024 · Service Brakes
“The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-320. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the braking system became inoperable. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated after the…”
Jul 15, 2024 · Service Brakes
“MB USA is not honoring Recall 2005110001 for 25 years per NHTSA Bulletin. The Mercedes Benz Representative said that the recall is closed for a 2003 car, but which should not be closed until 2028 for…”
Apr 21, 2024 · Suspension
“Air suspension in the rear suddenly failed making it impossible to drive, also triggered a red warning of "stop, car too low"”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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