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2004
Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Starts at:
$48,075
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New 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn 3.2L
    Starts at
    $48,075
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn 3.2L
    Starts at
    $50,550
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 3.2L 4MATIC
    Starts at
    $50,575
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn 3.2L 4MATIC
    Starts at
    $53,050
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 5.0L
    Starts at
    $56,325
    16 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 5.0L 4MATIC
    Starts at
    $58,825
    16 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn 5.0L 4MATIC
    Starts at
    $59,950
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 5.5L AMG
    Starts at
    $78,550
    14 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Notable features

Available supercharged engine
New seven-speed automatic
RWD or 4WD
Sedan and wagon body styles
Available diesel sedan for 2005

The good & the bad

The good

Performance in E500 and E55 AMG
Handling
Refinement and quietness
Reputation
Resale value

The bad

Complicated controls
Prices
Fuel economy of V-8

Expert 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

A long, late-night drive home is not nearly so troubling with the proper car, and recently that car was the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 4Matic. The E-Class is the midsized Mercedes sedan, larger than the C-Class, smaller than the S-Class.

If there’s a serious problem with the E500, it’s that it’s so nicely executed that I can’t imagine why I would spend an extra $22,000 or so for the $86,970 Mercedes S500 4Matic.

Yes, the E500 4Matic isn’t cheap, with a base price exceeding $58,000 and a total price as tested of $65,200.

The S-Class is about a foot longer than the E-Class, but the E seems very much the right size: plenty of room in the back seat, a big trunk and small enough to navigate city traffic. The 4Matic feature is Mercedes’ name for all-wheel-drive, meaning all four wheels are powered, not just the rear wheels, as on non-4Matic Mercedes models.

The 4Matic adds about $2,500 to the price of the regular E500, and it also means that you must forgo the E500’s neat seven-speed automatic transmission for a five-speed automatic. But the extra grip that all-wheel-drive provides, particularly on slick pavement, is worth it.

With no options, the E500 4Matic is exceptionally well-equipped, with leather upholstery, walnut trim, an air-controlled suspension, 17-inch tires and alloy wheels and a 10-speaker stereo with CD player. The safety equipment included is even more extensive: side and side-curtain air bags, an electronic anti-lock braking system with brake assist, electronic stability control, the TeleAid emergency communications system (similar to General Motors’ OnStar) and a security system.

Options included a $950 Harman/Kardon stereo upgrade, a $1,410 appearance package, $1,500 for a sunroof and rear- and side-window blinds, $780 for upgraded front seats, and $490 for a push-button “electronic trunk closer.” The E500 4Matic also gets hit with a $1,300 “gas guzzler” tax, though fuel mileage – 16 miles per gallon in the city, 20 mpg on the highway – isn’t horrible.

On the road, the E500 is quiet and rock-solid. Seats are excellent. Two quibbles: The “speed sensitive” power steering lacks feel, and although the overall weight of about 3,800 pounds isn’t excessive, the car feels much heavier in sharp corner. On a long, late-night drive home, though, not much of that matters.

The E500 4Matic is a car for all seasons.

Base price: $58,050.

Price as tested: $65,200.

EPA rating: 16 mpg city, 20 highway.

Details: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive luxury sedan with a 5.0-liter, 302-horsepower V-8 with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class review: Our expert's take
By

A long, late-night drive home is not nearly so troubling with the proper car, and recently that car was the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 4Matic. The E-Class is the midsized Mercedes sedan, larger than the C-Class, smaller than the S-Class.

If there’s a serious problem with the E500, it’s that it’s so nicely executed that I can’t imagine why I would spend an extra $22,000 or so for the $86,970 Mercedes S500 4Matic.

Yes, the E500 4Matic isn’t cheap, with a base price exceeding $58,000 and a total price as tested of $65,200.

The S-Class is about a foot longer than the E-Class, but the E seems very much the right size: plenty of room in the back seat, a big trunk and small enough to navigate city traffic. The 4Matic feature is Mercedes’ name for all-wheel-drive, meaning all four wheels are powered, not just the rear wheels, as on non-4Matic Mercedes models.

The 4Matic adds about $2,500 to the price of the regular E500, and it also means that you must forgo the E500’s neat seven-speed automatic transmission for a five-speed automatic. But the extra grip that all-wheel-drive provides, particularly on slick pavement, is worth it.

With no options, the E500 4Matic is exceptionally well-equipped, with leather upholstery, walnut trim, an air-controlled suspension, 17-inch tires and alloy wheels and a 10-speaker stereo with CD player. The safety equipment included is even more extensive: side and side-curtain air bags, an electronic anti-lock braking system with brake assist, electronic stability control, the TeleAid emergency communications system (similar to General Motors’ OnStar) and a security system.

Options included a $950 Harman/Kardon stereo upgrade, a $1,410 appearance package, $1,500 for a sunroof and rear- and side-window blinds, $780 for upgraded front seats, and $490 for a push-button “electronic trunk closer.” The E500 4Matic also gets hit with a $1,300 “gas guzzler” tax, though fuel mileage – 16 miles per gallon in the city, 20 mpg on the highway – isn’t horrible.

On the road, the E500 is quiet and rock-solid. Seats are excellent. Two quibbles: The “speed sensitive” power steering lacks feel, and although the overall weight of about 3,800 pounds isn’t excessive, the car feels much heavier in sharp corner. On a long, late-night drive home, though, not much of that matters.

The E500 4Matic is a car for all seasons.

Base price: $58,050.

Price as tested: $65,200.

EPA rating: 16 mpg city, 20 highway.

Details: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive luxury sedan with a 5.0-liter, 302-horsepower V-8 with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety review

Based on the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
5/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years old or less / less than 75,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles
Dealer certification
164-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.4 / 5
Based on 38 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.5
Value 4.1
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

It’s a pretty badass car to be honest. Get necks

I bought the Mercedes e500 for a good deal with 112,000 miles. put a new battery in the back it has power but the engine won’t turn on any idea what it might be?
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Superb High Quality

I purchased my (1 prior owner) 2004 Mercedes Benz E500 4Matic Sport in early 2008. It had been a Executive Lease vehicle. The styling, technology, and accessories (fully loaded) are equivalent to new cars of today, so there's nothing lost on this jewel of a luxury sedan with full panoramic power roof. The diamond metallic silver color sparkles. I'm always getting positive comments about what a great car it is. For a car that's now 17 yrs old, it still looks new.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
46 people out of 47 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available in 3 trim levels:

  • 3.2L (4 styles)
  • 5.0L (3 styles)
  • AMG (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class owners.

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. 86.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 38 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.1
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.2

Mercedes-Benz E-Class history

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