Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have experienced side air bag deployments in the absence of a crash.
Risk: Inadvertent side air bag deployment could cause personal injury to the seat occupant.
Sell your 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class for cash
The 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a midsize car that came with a choice of 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl and 4.2L 8-cyl engines. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1997 E-Class in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
Mercedes-BenzE-CLASS1997
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class at a glance
| Body style | Midsize Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl, 4.2L 8-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 5-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Diesel, Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 16–23 city / 23–30 highway / 18–26 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,700–$4,550 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 392–494 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 3 configurations: E300 Diesel, E320, E420 |
| Age | 29 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 29 years old, most of a 1997 E-Class's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a midsize car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 E-Class. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the suspension, typically around 102,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class recalls
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Common 1997 E-Class problems
Owners have filed 114 complaints about the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with NHTSA. 5 reports involved a crash and 4 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 9 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Suspension102,000 mi
- Suspension148,000 mi
- Seat Belts146,000 mi
- Suspension113,000 mi
- Electrical System152,000 mi
- Air Bags135,000 mi
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 31 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
Unmotivated Reaction from Park Assist - model series 213 facelift / 238 facelift with option code 235 (active par- king assist) and option code 501 (surround view system)
Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 2 defect investigations covering the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Front suspension coil spring ejection
Odi has focused this investigation on assessing the risks posed by a separated spring as (1) a road hazard and (2) the potential for vehicle control to be compromised after the front coil spring has been ejected from its intended position in the vehicle.both risks are associated with corrosion, flexing, and fracture of
Inadvertent side impact airbag deploymen
There is no summary currently available
Selling a 1997 E-Class: questions
How much is a 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1997 E-Class that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1997 E-Classs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 1997 E-Class with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1997 E-Class?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1997 E-Class today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.