In addition, the 5-speed automatic transmission introduced +/- gate positions for semi-manual control of the gearbox, marketed as "Touch Shift."

Exterior changes included a revised front with a steeper rake, similar to the CLK, and restyled bumpers and lower body trim.

Sedans received new taillights, and the wagon's tailgate was revised, moving the CHMSL from the base of the rear window to directly above it.

The final W210 production included the E 320 and E 430 special editions released in two exterior colours - quartz silver (limited edition), obsidian black, and with Xenon lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and black maple walnut trim.

This new Mercedes-Benz M112 engine produced 165 kW (224 PS; 221 hp) and 315 N⋅m (232 lb⋅ft) of torque and offered a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) of 6.9 seconds.

In North America, the range also features two diesels, including both non-turbocharged (1996–1997) and turbocharged (1998–1999) 3.0 litre straight-six units, that were internally designated as OM606.

1Electronically limited 2Sold only in Greece, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia and Hungary 3Power is rated at 120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp) for the Belgian market for vehicles built between 08/1997-05/2000 4Sold only in Portugal 5A 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) version with biodiesel-compatibility is available for fleet sales 6Power is rated at 100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) for the Belgian market for vehicles built between 07/1999-03/2002 7Sold only in Italy and Portugal 8Torque is rated at 400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft) between 1,800-2,600 rpm for vehicles with automatic transmission The W210 E-Class carried over the 4-speed 722.4 and 722.3 automatic transmissions along with the optional 722.5 5-speed automatic, all from the previous generation W124 E-Class.

The 5-speed transmission was marketed as "sealed for life"; however, Mercedes-Benz dealers now recommend changing the fluid at regular intervals.

This model was assembled in Affalterbach under the one man one engine philosophy, only available in left hand drive European markets although many were exported to Japan from new.

There was also an option for the M119.980 V8 that was bored out to 6.0L and increased power to 381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp) the cars these were fitted to were designated as the E 60 and came in sedan and wagon varieties.

A limited edition 6.3L version, also badged E 60 AMG were built in 1996 generating 405 PS (298 kW; 399 hp) and 454 ft⋅lbf (616 N⋅m) of torque.

Engine Transmission Performance The 2001 model year E 55 was a rare version of the W210 E 55 AMG, of which only 653 units were produced in 2001.

Suspension After model year 2000 Bilstein gas shock absorbers and progressive-rate springs were added with larger, solid stabilizer bars.

Steering Wheels and tires (tyres) Dimensions and weight Options available Power adjustable front seats, power tilt & telescoping leather-covered AMG sport steering wheel, leather upholstery, leather shift knob, 5 speed automatic transmission, Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability System (ESP), automatic climate control with charcoal filter, heated front seats, heated rear seats (European models), front and side airbags, power windows, metallic paint, xenon HID headlamps.

Rare options were Parktronic (sonar parking sensors on front and rear bumpers), COMAND navigation 2000-2002 (CD based map) with integrated single CD player AM/FM/Weather band in dash radio with steering mounted controls, remote trunk mounted 6 disk CD player, Mercedes Tele-Aid satellite/cellular communication (2000-2002) cooled/heated vented seats, voice control radio/navigation and built in cellular telephone.

- no sunroof - driver's glass with partial opening, all other windows are fixed - Full reinforced structure and suspension to hold extra weight - SLS (self leveling rear suspension) - Microphone with external speaker (optional) - Users manual includes a Special Protected Vehicles B4/B6 booklet.

Rather than using the clutches and couplings of the earlier design, Mercedes opted to use three open differentials: front, centre, and rear.

Mercedes-Benz USA issued Service Campaign #2005-020003[29] which included inspection of the part and replacement if necessary at no cost.

Blower Motor Regulator - If this part fails, the climate control fan will not operate faster than approximately 50% power.

The perches are spot welded to the chassis, and factory coated in a weatherproof mastic to stop their rusting, however in some rare occurrences, water gets behind the mastic causing the perches to rust and eventually to fail - leading to collapse of the suspension.

In response to this problem, the manufacturer would in some cases change or repair the affected panels under warranty or good will.

This was due to problems introducing water-based paint technology within the German automobile industry, between the years 1998–2002.