Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mercedes-Benz 300E or the Mercedes-Benz 300E?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Mercedes-Benz 300E is cheaper to maintain — about $15,075 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 3.0L I6 and the 3.0L I6 M103?

Across 32 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Mercedes-Benz 300E or Mercedes-Benz 300E?

The Mercedes-Benz 300E has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The Mercedes-Benz 300E has 0 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1989 Mercedes-Benz 300E vs 1995 Mercedes-Benz 300E

Specifications

Year

1989

1995

Engine

3.0L I6

3.0L I6 M103

Drivetrain

RWD

AWD

Transmission

automatic

Fuel

gas

Powertrain

Engine output, acceleration, top speed, handling, braking — and Nürburgring if either car ran one.

Horsepower

—hp

177hp

Torque

—lb-ft

188lb-ft

0–60 mph

—

9.8s

Quarter Mile

—

17.3s @ 80 mph

Top Speed

—

130 mph

Skidpad

—

60–0 Braking

—

70–0 Braking

—

MPG · City

—

MPG · Highway

—

MPG · Combined

—

Curb Weight

—

3,450 lb

Performance specs synthesized from manufacturer figures and instrumented magazine tests (Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Road & Track). MPG from EPA fueleconomy.gov. Numbers flagged as "low confidence" by AI generation are conservative estimates from related platforms.

Cost of Ownership

5-Year Maintenance

$27,359

0.46 $/mi

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$12,284

0.20 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEMercedes-Benz 300E — Saves you $15,075 over 5 years (55% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

0.5 hrs$1,380 / 5yr

Head Gasket Failure and Piston Ring Wear

— hrs

— hrs$1,750 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

1.6 hrs$640 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

1.6 hrs$620 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.3 hrs$470 / 5yr

Engine Wiring Harness Deterioration

— hrs

— hrs$715 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

1.0 hrs$330 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr

12V battery

0.5 hrs$275 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

6.5 hrs$320 / 5yr

3.9 hrs$203 / 5yr

Transmission and Engine Mount Collapse

— hrs

— hrs$520 / 5yr

Cabin air filter

0.4 hrs$255 / 5yr

Spark plugs

1.2 hrs$260 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$230 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.5 hrs$210 / 5yr

0.7 hrs$270 / 5yr

Water pump

3.5 hrs$226 / 5yr

3.3 hrs$215 / 5yr

Coolant flush

1.2 hrs$230 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$200 / 5yr

Oxygen sensor

2.0 hrs$210 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

4.6 hrs$185 / 5yr

Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks

— hrs

— hrs$358 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

0.4 hrs$180 / 5yr

Alternator

2.5 hrs$169 / 5yr

2.0 hrs$150 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

2.5 hrs$174 / 5yr

2.0 hrs$144 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

0.6 hrs$125 / 5yr

0.8 hrs$155 / 5yr

Fuel System Issues (Distributor and Fuel Pumps)

— hrs

— hrs$280 / 5yr

Power Window Regulator Failure

— hrs

— hrs$260 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.7 hrs$125 / 5yr

Starter motor

2.5 hrs$115 / 5yr

2.0 hrs$100 / 5yr

Climate Control and HVAC Blend Door Issues

— hrs

— hrs$210 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

Ignition coil

1.0 hrs$92 / 5yr

Thermostat

1.5 hrs$93 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$67 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.

Fluid Capacities

Mercedes-Benz 300E

brake · MB 331.0

coolant10.00 qt · MB 325.0

engine_oil5.50 qt · MB 229.5

power_steering1.00 qt · MB 236.3

rear_diff2.00 qt · API GL-5

transmission_auto10.00 qt · MB 236.14

washer3.50 qt · All-season or winter-rated

Mercedes-Benz 300E

brake · DOT 4+ Brake Fluid

coolant10.00 qt · Mercedes-Benz Coolant (Blue)

engine_oil5.50 qt · Mercedes-Benz 229.5 5W-40

front_diff1.50 qt · 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil

power_steering1.00 qt · Pentosin CHF 11S

rear_diff2.00 qt · Mercedes-Benz Diff Fluid 75W-85

transfer_case2.50 qt · Transfer Case Fluid

transmission_auto10.00 qt · Mercedes-Benz ATF 134

washer3.50 qt · Windshield Washer Fluid

The Verdict

🏆

THE WINNER

1995 Mercedes-Benz 300E

3.0L I6 M103

Mercedes-Benz 300E is cheaper to maintain (saves ~$15,075 over 5 years)

Based on objective maintenance and recall data. Driving feel, looks, brand loyalty, and ownership experience are separate (and very valid) considerations.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.