1999 E320 right front upper coil spring mount almost completely rusted away from frame. This problem is frequent on this model and can cause a serious loss of vehicle control under a failure condition. The left coil spring cap is fine, as it is in most cases I've researched. - I found this problem just before it broke while replacing the front brakes, and this parts failure requires removal and replacement of the affected area and parts. The repair is ~$550 and is a must to use the car safely. - Mercedes Benz certainly knows about this safety issue and has failed to at least notify owners of this model that users expect to last for decades. This is not a "normal" problem.

- Oxford, OH, USA

While driving car on a local Excursion of approximately 30 miles, I noticed that the steering wheel no longer lined up strait. Toward the end of the trip, I noted what seemed like steering irregularities, then a rubbing/ whining noise coming from the front left. After arriving home after dark, I could smell hot rubber. Also the left front tire was hot to the touch. The next morning, I removed my front left tire to inspect the area. I found the end of the lower control arm cracked open from the bottom and bent upward. The control arm is hollow and appeared to have rusted from the inside out, which apparently caused the failure. The lower ball joint was bent inward and the drivers side front of the car was lower than the passenger side. During my travels, I had not hit any bumps to cause such damage. Had this broken all the way through, I would likely have lost control of the vehicle. I feel very lucky. After an online search, I found two other incidents of this happening in this model Mercedes. Also, my independent Mercedes repair shop has seen this failure before.

- Folly Beach, SC, USA

Front spring perch: This component is heavily corroded. It started to separate from the body work. Spring is noticibly bent and touching the struts which is causing grinding and vibration. Spring is very close to falling off which will cause the front end of the car to drop which I believe is very dangerous if the part fails while driving especially in the highway. Please have Mercedes Benz issue a recall regarding this matter. I would hate for people to lose their lives if it's something that could've been prevented.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Mercedes Benz E320. While driving 5 mph, the body of the vehicle collapsed on the tire when the spring perch that's connected to the spring assembly failed. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who stated he was not sure if he could repair the vehicle and he had to order the repair parts. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000. Updated 8/29/11 updated 09/21/11

- Uniontown, PA, USA

Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) September 12, 1998 I purchased a 1999 E320W.] I am the only owner of the car. The car is driven leisurely. To date, it only has 92,000 miles on it. I have been regularly obtaining the a & B maintenance services. The electrical system has been malfunctioning for months and mb allegedly can't diagnose it; and I have been using an excessive amount of oil. A second opinion mechanic said it is oil slugging which was recalled but mb won't honor. He also said my engine / motor now needs to be replaced. There is also an intermittent scraping on the passenger side. During all of the services to mb they never told me about the recall nor provided service to ensure that my car was not affected. They said it was not a total recall but a case-by-case situation and I am not eligible. I am very fearful when I am driving. Each time I go out I fear what might happen. I do not have the funds to pay for a engine. Please help me. I can provide a timeline of the history of my vehicle which with hindsight looks like I purchased a lemon. The second opinion mechanic informed me of the recall/class action but mb concealed the information. The locks were inoperable and the key would not come out of the ignition, the check engine light illuminated, the serpentine belt, ball joints, tie rod ends were all replaced. The fuel sensor level was replaced. There was a shimmy in the suspension. The dealer replaced the tires and left rim. The valve stem was leaking, the left rear window was inoperable. The crankshaft position sensor was replaced. All of the dashboard lights intermittently, but regularly turn into line bars. The tail light circuit board and the right rear tail lamp, right front head light and left front parking bulbs were had to be replaced updated IVOQ 05/27/10.

- Round Lake, IL, USA