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Wikipedia: Mercedes-Benz E-Class
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History
The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Mercedes-Benz E-Class page on 26 September 2017, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of executive cars manufactured by German automaker Mercedes-Benz in various engine and body configurations produced since 1993, marketed worldwide across five generations.
Before 1993, Mercedes-Benz offered the same category of car under a non-unified naming structure. The E initially stood for Einspritzmotor (German for fuel injection engine); a new feature in volume production vehicles at the time that the E-Class first appeared, with the E as a suffix to the engine nomenclature (e.g. 230 E) in the 1960s. It was not until the launch of the facelifted W124 in 1993 that the E was used as a prefix (i.e., E 220) and the model referred to officially as the E-Class (or E-Klasse). At this time all Mercedes cars used fuel injection and the company felt it was no longer necessary to add this as a distinguishing feature. All generations of the E-Class have offered either rear-wheel drive or Mercedes' 4Matic four-wheel drive system.
Historically, the E-Class is Mercedes-Benz' best-selling model, with more than 13 million sold by 2015. The First E-Klasse series was originally available as four-door sedan, five-door station wagon, 2 door coupe and 2 door convertible. From 1997 to 2009, the equivalent coupe and convertible were sold under the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class nameplate; which was actually based on the mechanical underpinnings of the smaller C-Class while borrowing the styling and some powertrains from the E-Class, a trend continued with the C207 E-Class coupe/convertible which was sold parallel to the W212 E-Class sedan/wagon. With the latest incarnation of the E-Class released for the 2017 model year, all body styles share the same W213 platform.
Due to the E-Class's size and durability, it has filled many market segments, from personal cars to frequently serving as taxis in European countries, as well special-purpose vehicles (e.g., police or ambulance modifications) from the factory.
First generation (W124; 1993–1995)
The "E-Class" name first appeared in with the facelifted W124 in 1993 for the model year 1994 (the W124 was introduced in 1984 but continued with the older naming convention until 1993, when all Mercedes-Benz models switched to a new system, e.g. E 320 instead of 300 E). The diesel versions continued to be the fuel economy option over the four and six-cylinder gasoline engines, and the gasoline V8 engines (available after 1992) increased gasoline power outputs further. Four-cylinder gasoline models were not marketed in the United States. The V8 powered sedans/saloons were named 400 E/500 E from 1992–1993, and E 420/E 500 after 1993. Likewise, the 3.0-litre cars (e.g. 300 E) were also re-badged to E 320 with the new 3.2-litre M104 engines and naming rationalization of 1994. For the diesel models the name change was less elegant, with the 250 D becoming the E 250 Diesel for example.
Sedan (W124), Coupé (C124), Convertible (A124) and Estate (S124) body configurations were offered.
From 1991 to early 1995 Mercedes offered a limited production sport version of the W124 sedan, created and assembled with help from Porsche. This was called the 500 E (E 500 after 1993).
Second generation (W210; 1995–2002)
The W210 E-Class, launched in 1995, brought the mid-size Mercedes firmly into the upper end of the luxury market. In September 1999 the W210 E-class was facelifted. This included visual, mechanical and quality improvements over the earlier versions.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1996.
While the W210 sedan was replaced by the W211 in 2002, the wagon version continued to be sold until March 2003 until the W211 wagon was available.
Third generation (W211; 2002–2009)
Launched in 2002, the W211 E-Class was another evolution of the previous model. Before North American sales began, the car was shown in the 2002 movie Men in Black II.
The W211-based W219 CLS-Class 4-door coupé was introduced as a niche model in 2005, primarily to attract a younger demographic.
The W211 E-Class was facelifted in June 2006 for the 2007 model year to address quality and technical issues raised by earlier models, Sensotronic was dropped, while Pre-Safe (w/o brake support) was made standard. The largest factory built engine in the E-class range is the E500 (badged E550 in the U.S.) which had its engine size increased from 5 litres to 5.5 litres in 2006 along with the facelift. There is also an AMG model badged E63 AMG and other tuning house installations.
In 2007 the diesel version of the E-Class was rebadged from CDI (Common rail Direct Injection) to Bluetec. While in some of the other Mercedes-Benz diesels urea injection was added, in the W211 E-Class the Bluetec name was only adopted to prevent confusion in the diesel lineup.
Fourth generation (2009–2016): Sedan and wagon (W212)
The W212 replaced the W211 in 2009 (as a 2010 model). Official photos of the W212 were leaked on the internet on 9 December 2008 ahead of its 2009 Geneva Motor Show unveiling. Scans of a leaked brochure were posted onto the internet in January 2009, detailing the whole E-Class range including the new E 200 CGI and E 230 CGI with direct injected forced inducted engines. New features included a blind spot monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, Pre-safe with Attention Assist and Night View Assist Plus. In the United States the E-Class was priced nearly US$4,600 less than the previous model. The E-Class coupe is built in Bremen using the W204 C-class platform. The W212 estate was also announced and available from November 2009. The W212 cabriolet was announced 11 January 2010 at the North American International Auto Show for sale in March 2010 in Europe and in May 2010 in the United States.
In 2013 (for the 2014 model year), the E-Class was comprehensively facelifted. Daimler invested close to €1 billion into the development of the extensive refresh, making it likely the most expensive mid-life facelift in the history of the automobile. The front fascia was heavily restyled, giving it a more aggressive look compared to the pre-facelift model. The biggest change was the singular front lights replacing the twin headlamp design (marking the end of Mercedes's dual headlamps use) with LED DRLs. In addition, the rear fender and back door sheet metal was changed to carry the rear wheel well character line straight forward. The rear tail lamps were also redesigned. The facelift was meant to make it more appealing to younger customers, who prefer its newer rivals (Audi A6 (4G) and BMW 5 Series) for their more modern looks. Most of the engines remained unchanged from the previous model. The Coupé and Cabrio shared a more aggressive, swifter look than the sedan, with a more svelte front fascia and a sleeker bonnet. Although not an all-new model, majority of the auto world have stated that the updated design and several changes make the car more than a regular mid-cycle refresh. On a family portrait of several generations of the E-Class side by side by Mercedes-Benz for the unveiling of the W213 E-Class, the W212 facelift was the only mid-cycle refresh featured in the image.
Fourth generation (2009–2016): Coupe and convertible (C207)
The 2009 E-Class Coupé was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and went on sale in May 2009.
The C207 E-Class coupe is based on the W204 series C-Class platform. The C207 E-Class shares its wheelbase with the W204 sedan. The axle tracks are within a tenth of an inch of each other, and are about two inches narrower than the front and rear tracks of the W212 E-Class sedan. While the W212 E-Class sedan is built at the Sindelfingen plant, the E-Class C207 coupe is built in the Bremen plant alongside the W204 C-Class. Mercedes-Benz is defensive about this relationship, clarifying the original reports by reporting that the C207 shares approximately 60 percent of its mechanical components with the W212. However, this includes powertrain and other technologies that are shared with the E-Class but does not alter the fact that the fundamental structure is W204 derived. Motor Trend, along with other media outlets reported that the coupe "feels nothing like the new E-Class sedan" to drive.
The A207 cabriolet was unveiled January 11, 2010 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, USA. It went on sale March 27, 2010 in Europe and in May 2010 in the United States.
Fifth generation (W213; 2016–present)
The fifth generation E-Class was unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. The next generation E-Class has design cues from the larger W222 S-Class and the smaller W205 C-Class. While the W212 E-Class has tighter surface and harder edges, the new model is curvier and more flowing.
Engine options for the W213 E-Class will see a major update, thanks to the switch to inline-6 engines from the current V6 engines, along with a new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines, codenamed OM654, and existing four-cylinder petrol engines.
The W213 E-Class is the second most technologically advanced Mercedes after the new S Class. The E Class received the latest in autonomous driving technology for use at highway speeds, capable of piloting itself up to speeds of 130 mph (210 km/h) for up to 2 minutes. The system uses a complex array of motion sensors, radars and cameras to scan the road ahead, and requires the driver's hands to be placed on the wheel at all times.
The E-Class was chosen as the winner in the Executive Car category at the 2016/17 ContractHireAndLeasing.com Car of the Year awards, and was also chosen as the overall Car of the Year.
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A207 2013 Geneva International Motor Show Photo ©2013 Norbert Aepli, Switzerland This photograph is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license. View photo of Mercedes-Benz E-Class (A207) at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show - 3.5MB |
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C207 2013 Geneva International Motor Show Photo ©2013 Norbert Aepli, Switzerland This photograph is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license. View photo of Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C207) at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show - 2.8MB |
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2013 Geneva International Motor Show Photo ©2013 Norbert Aepli, Switzerland This photograph is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license. View photo of Mercedes-Benz E-Class at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show - 3.9MB |
| Date | Document Name & Details | Documents |
|---|---|---|
| October 2010 | Models 204, 207, 212 Model Year 2010, Model 207.4 Model Year 2011 Check Power Steering Line Connection Fitting Mercedes-Benz USA NHTSA Recall 10V459000 |  PDF - 378KB - 8 pages |
| October 2010 | Safety Recall #2010100002 Power Steering Line Connection Fitting Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 10V459000 | PDF - 108KB - 2 pages |
| 4 October 2010 | NHTSA Recall 10V459000 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | Recall Page - 1 page |
| 4 October 2010 | Part 573 Defect Information Report From: Frank J. Diertl & R. Thomas Brunner, Mercedes-Benz USA To: Daniel C. Smith, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 10V459000 | PDF - 324KB - 3 pages |
| 5 October 2010 | Recall Campaign Power Steering Line Connection Fitting, Models 204, 207, 212, Model Years 2010 - 2011 Mercedes-Benz USA NHTSA Recall 10V459000 | PDF - 108KB - 2 pages |
| 8 October 2010 | Power Steering Pump From: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration To: Frank J. Diertl, Mercedes-Benz USA NHTSA Recall 10V459000 | PDF - 28KB - 3 pages |
| 25 October 2010 | Part 573 Defect Information Report Amended and Updated Information for 10V-459 From: Frank J. Diertl & R. Thomas Brunner, Mercedes-Benz USA To: Daniel C. Smith, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 10V459000 | PDF - 122KB - 3 pages |
| 31 March 2011 | NHTSA Recall 11V213000 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Engine and Engine Cooling National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | Recall Page - 1 page |
| 31 March 2011 | Part 573 Defect Information ReportFrom: Frank J. Diertl & R. Thomas Brunner, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC To: Claude Harris, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 660KB - 3 pages |
| 8 April 2011 | Model 212, Model Year 2011 Check Vibration Damper, Replace if Necessary Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 1.0MB - 7 pages |
| April 2011 | Safety Recall # 2011030004 Vibration Damper Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 358KB - 2 pages |
| 1 April 2011 | Recall Campaign - Check and Replace the Vibration Damper, Model 212 Year 2011 From: Thomas Brunner, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC To: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 454KB - 2 pages |
| 4 April 2011 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns Frank J. Diertl & R. Thomas Brunner, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 10V459000 | PDF - 67KB - 2 pages |
| 5 April 2011 | Vibration Damper Ring Separation From: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration To: Frank J. Diertl, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 78KB - 3 pages |
| 8 April 2011 | 49 CFR Part 573; Recall of Mercedes-Benz E-Class (212) Vibration Damper From: R-Thomas Brunner & Stephen Kraitz, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 106KB - 1 page |
| 3 May 2011 | Model 212, Model Year 2011 Check Vibration Damper, Replace if Necessary Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 187KB - 5 pages |
| 6 July 2011 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns R. Thomas Brunner & Stephen Kraitz, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 10V459000 | PDF - 70KB - 2 pages |
| 6 July 2011 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 70KB - 2 pages |
| 30 September 2011 | NHTSA Recall 11V496000 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Fuel System, Diesel National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | Recall Page - 1 page |
| 30 September 2011 | Part 573 Defect Information Report From: Frank J. Diertl & R. Thomas Brunner, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC To: Claude Harris, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V496000 | PDF - 522KB - 3 pages |
| 3 October 2011 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns R. Thomas Brunner & Stephen Kraitz, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 10V459000 | PDF - 35KB - 2 pages |
| 3 October 2011 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 35KB - 2 pages |
| 5 October 2011 | Recall Update - Replace Diesel Fuel Filter, Models 164, 164.8, 212, 251 Model Year 2011 and Model 221 Model Year 2012 From: Thomas Brunner, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC To: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals NHTSA Recall 11V496000 | PDF - 42KB - 1 page |
| 14 October 2011 | Diesel Fuel Filter From: Ric Willard, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration To: Frank J. Diertl, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V496000 | PDF - 46KB - 3 pages |
| 18 October 2011 | Recall Update - Replace Diesel Fuel Filter, Models 164, 164.8, 212, 251 Model Year 2011 and Model 221 Model Year 2012 From: Thomas Brunner, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC To: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals NHTSA Recall 11V496000 | PDF - 129KB - 1 page |
| 15 November 2011 | Part 573 Defect Information Report Update From: Frank J. Diertl & R. Thomas Brunner, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC To: Claude Harris, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V496000 | PDF - 37KB - 2 pages |
| 23 November 2011 | 49 CFR Part 573; Recall of Mercedes-Benz Diesel Fuel Filter To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration From: R-Thomas Brunner & Stephen Kraitz, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V496000 | PDF - 2.2MB - 14 pages |
| 5 January 2012 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns R. Thomas Brunner & Stephen Kraitz, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 10V459000 | PDF - 43KB - 2 pages |
| 5 January 2012 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 43KB - 2 pages |
| 5 January 2012 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns NHTSA Recall 11V496000 | PDF - 43KB - 2 pages |
| 10 April 2012 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns R. Thomas Brunner & Stephen Kraitz, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 10V459000 | PDF - 42KB - 2 pages |
| 10 April 2012 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 42KB - 2 pages |
| 10 April 2012 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns NHTSA Recall 11V496000 | PDF - 42KB - 2 pages |
| 3 July 2012 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 71KB - 2 pages |
| 3 July 2012 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns NHTSA Recall 11V496000 | PDF - 71KB - 2 pages |
| 3 October 2012 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V213000 | PDF - 38KB - 2 pages |
| 3 October 2012 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns NHTSA Recall 11V496000 | PDF - 38KB - 2 pages |
| 7 January 2013 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns NHTSA Recall 11V496000 | PDF - 43KB - 2 pages |
| 2 April 2013 | Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Report Quarterly Report Defect Notification Campaigns NHTSA Recall 11V496000 | PDF - 46KB - 2 pages |
| Date | Article | Author/Source |
|---|---|---|
| 8 March 2003 | New High Tech E-Class Could Boost Mercedes-Benz US Sales  | John Birchard, VOA News |
| 18 September 2009 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Luxury Sedan | James Flammang, autoMedia.com |
| 16 October 2009 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Luxury Sedan Test Drive | James Flammang |
| 24 October 2012 | Mercedes-Benz W124 estate - an appreciation  | Matt Hubbard, Speedmonkey |
| 12 December 2012 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz E Class photos | Matt Hubbard, Speedmonkey |
| 2 January 2013 | New Mercedes E-Class headlight design announced for 2013 | Mercedes-Benz Hertfordshire | Mercedes-Benz Hertfordshire |
| 7 January 2013 | New Mercedes-Benz E Class Coupe and Cabriolet | Matt Hubbard, Speedmonkey |
| 23 March 2014 | Mercedes-Benz E Class Radio Installation Instructions | Miklas Kristoffersen |
