Mercedes-Benz E-Class: '03-'06

The E-Class mid-luxury series dates back to the mid-1980s and has traditionally been one of the most popular Mercedes-Benz models. Before its redesign for the 2007 model year, the last update was for 2003. At the time, it was introduced as the E320 with a 221-horsepower V6, while the E500 came with a 302-horsepower V8. A 469-horsepower E55 AMG was a mid-2003 addition and wagon models were added in 2004. At the same time, all-wheel-drive, called 4MATIC in Mercedes-Benz parlance, became optional, (but standard on all wagons) while the E320 turbo-diesel sedan further expanded the lineup in 2005. The E320 received a new 268-h.p. 3.5-litre V6 for 2006 and was renamed E350.

The E-class represented one of the more popular vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz luxury-car garage, selling around 200,000 units a year, worldwide. The 2003-'06 E-Class came with significant engine and suspension upgrades over the previous version, giving it responsive handling similar to that of its high-end German, British and Japanese counterparts. Performance choices ran from mild to outright strong with the 469-horsepower AMG model. Inside, there was plenty of room for five passengers with a commensurate amount of trunk space (especially the wagon). The E-Class also provided a superior level of safety content as well as occupant protection.

For fuel economy, the E320 turbo-diesel is a solid choice, returning up to 5.9 l/100 km on the highway. However, the E500's 302-h.p. V8 is more in keeping with luxury-car standards, while the 469 galloping ponies in the E55 AMG sedan and wagon is fun, but excessive for most drivers. Anyone looking to shift an E-class for themselves is simply out of luck. (BMW and Audi offer comparable manual-transmission models.) Note that repair costs can be somewhat pricey, particularly where the turbo-diesel engine is concerned.

If you have the means, a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes an excellent buy. Most examples have been well treated and frequently serviced under the ownership of professional types and executives who tend to coddle their gadgets and toys. As an added benefit, your pre-owned E-Class was designed to be one of the safest vehicles on the road.

Engines: 3.2-litre SOHC V6 (221 h.p.); 3.5-litre DOHC V6 (268 h.p., 2006); 3.2-litre DOHC I6 turbo-diesel (201 h.p.); 5.0-litre SOHC V8 (302 h.p.); 5.4-litre SOHC supercharged V8 (469 h.p.). Transmissions: Five-speed automatic; seven-speed automatic (opt., 2006). Layout: Front-engine, rear-/all-wheel drive. Body: Four-door sedan; four-door wagon.

A used E-Class is an expensive proposition, even with the usual depreciation dialed in. It will cost $3,000-$5,000 extra for a wagon , or the awd option, while a turbo-diesel will add around $2,000 to the price.

The low end of a given price range represents higher-mileage, low-option vehicles.

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