DecodedCars2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl turbo, 3.2L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 23 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2005 midsize car (20.6 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 36 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (3.2L 6-cyl turbo, 3.2L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl and 5.4L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (23 city / 33 highway), 31% better than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E320 Cdi Diesel | 3.2L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 27 | +31% | $3,550 | 377 |
| E320 | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 20 | -3% | $4,100 | 444 |
| E320 (Wagon) | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -2% | $4,100 | 444 |
| E320 4matic | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -8% | $4,350 | 468 |
| E320 4matic (Wagon) | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 19 | -7% | $4,350 | 468 |
| E500 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -13% | $4,550 | 494 |
| E500 4matic | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -22% | $5,150 | 555 |
| E500 4matic (Wagon) | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | -22% | $5,150 | 555 |
| E55 AMG | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -27% | $5,500 | 592 |
| E55 AMG (Wagon) | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -27% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Audi A6 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Lexus GS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Lexus ES | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Cadillac CTS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Volvo S80 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other E-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 E-Class | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 E-Class | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 E-Class | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 E-Class | 27 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 E-Class | 26 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 E-Class | 26 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 E-Class | 26 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 E-Class | 26 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 E-Class | 25 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 E-Class | 25 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 E-Class | 25 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 E-Class | 23 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →