The Mercedes-Benz 300 spans 1981–1993 with 11 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers up to 26 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Mercedes-Benz 300 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1993 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mercedes-Benz 300 VIN — every digit explained
Every Mercedes-Benz 300 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Mercedes-Benz and the country it was built in (real Mercedes-Benz codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this 300.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- GermanyW1H · W1K · W1N · W1W · W1Y · W1Z
- USA1MB · 4JG · 55S · WD0 · WD8 · WDW
- Argentina8BR · 8BT · 8BU
- Brazil9DB
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your 300, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz 300 have?
The Mercedes-Benz 300 has 11 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1993. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1993 Mercedes-Benz 300 recalls 1
Visibility
What's wrong. IF ONE OF THE HEADLAMP WIPER ARMS BECOMES MISALIGNED, THE WIPER BALDE CAN LODGE IN THE GROOVE UNDER THE HEADLAMP. IF THE WASHERS ARE ACTIVATED WITH THE WIPER BLADE IN THE MISALIGNED AND LODGED POSITION, THE WASHER PUMP WILL RUN CONTINUOUSLY EXPELLING ALL AVAILABLE FLUID.
Risk. PUMP OPERATION IN THE ABSENCE OF FLUID CAN CAUSE THE PUMP TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP WASHER PUMP ON THESE VEHICLES.
1992 Mercedes-Benz 300 recalls 1
Visibility
What's wrong. IF ONE OF THE HEADLAMP WIPER ARMS BECOMES MISALIGNED, THE WIPER BALDE CAN LODGE IN THE GROOVE UNDER THE HEADLAMP. IF THE WASHERS ARE ACTIVATED WITH THE WIPER BLADE IN THE MISALIGNED AND LODGED POSITION, THE WASHER PUMP WILL RUN CONTINUOUSLY EXPELLING ALL AVAILABLE FLUID.
Risk. PUMP OPERATION IN THE ABSENCE OF FLUID CAN CAUSE THE PUMP TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP WASHER PUMP ON THESE VEHICLES.
1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 recalls 2
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. DUE TO HEAT EFFECTS, THE THROTTLE BUSHING LOCATED ON THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK, CAUSING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE TO SEPARATE.
Risk. IF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE SEPARATES, THE ENGINE WILL RETURNTO IDLE SPEED, AND REMAIN AT IDLE, WITH NO ACCELERATION ABILITY. LOSS OF ENGINESPEED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ANACCIDENT.
Fix. REPLACE THE THROTTLE BUSHING WITH A NEW BUSHING MADE FROM MORE HEAT-RESISTANT MATERIALS.
Visibility
What's wrong. IF ONE OF THE HEADLAMP WIPER ARMS BECOMES MISALIGNED, THE WIPER BALDE CAN LODGE IN THE GROOVE UNDER THE HEADLAMP. IF THE WASHERS ARE ACTIVATED WITH THE WIPER BLADE IN THE MISALIGNED AND LODGED POSITION, THE WASHER PUMP WILL RUN CONTINUOUSLY EXPELLING ALL AVAILABLE FLUID.
Risk. PUMP OPERATION IN THE ABSENCE OF FLUID CAN CAUSE THE PUMP TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP WASHER PUMP ON THESE VEHICLES.
1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 recalls 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components
What's wrong. BOLTS USED FOR THE BRAKE STRUT SUPPORT DO NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY BREAK.
Risk. THE FAILURE OF THE BOLTS MAY RESULT IN A DETERIORATION OF VEHICLE STEERING AND BRAKING WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. REPLACE HEX NUT BOLTS WITH BOLTS THAT MEET SPECIFICATIONS.
Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner
What's wrong. UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE PRERESISTOR FOR THE AUXILIARY FAN MAY MELT, POSSIBLY IGNITING THE PRERESISTOR.
Risk. THIS RESULTS IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE THAT WOULD BE HAZARDOUS TO OCCUPANTS.
Fix. REPLACE THE PRERESISTOR WITH VERSION HAVING A METAL COVER.
Tires:sidewall
What's wrong. LEFT FRONT AND LEFT REAR TIRES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY A WORN CHAIN DRIVE OF THE CONVEYOR SYSTEM.
Risk. DAMAGED OR CUT TIRES COULD FAIL DURING USE AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT WITH POSSIBLE INJURIES.
Fix. REPLACE DAMAGED TIRES WITH TIRES OF THE SAME BRAND NAME.
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. DUE TO HEAT EFFECTS, THE THROTTLE BUSHING LOCATED ON THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK, CAUSING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE TO SEPARATE.
Risk. IF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE SEPARATES, THE ENGINE WILL RETURNTO IDLE SPEED, AND REMAIN AT IDLE, WITH NO ACCELERATION ABILITY. LOSS OF ENGINESPEED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ANACCIDENT.
Fix. REPLACE THE THROTTLE BUSHING WITH A NEW BUSHING MADE FROM MORE HEAT-RESISTANT MATERIALS.
1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 recalls 1
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. DUE TO HEAT EFFECTS, THE THROTTLE BUSHING LOCATED ON THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK, CAUSING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE TO SEPARATE.
Risk. IF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE SEPARATES, THE ENGINE WILL RETURNTO IDLE SPEED, AND REMAIN AT IDLE, WITH NO ACCELERATION ABILITY. LOSS OF ENGINESPEED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ANACCIDENT.
Fix. REPLACE THE THROTTLE BUSHING WITH A NEW BUSHING MADE FROM MORE HEAT-RESISTANT MATERIALS.
1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 recalls 1
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. DUE TO HEAT EFFECTS, THE THROTTLE BUSHING LOCATED ON THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK, CAUSING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE TO SEPARATE.
Risk. IF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE SEPARATES, THE ENGINE WILL RETURNTO IDLE SPEED, AND REMAIN AT IDLE, WITH NO ACCELERATION ABILITY. LOSS OF ENGINESPEED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ANACCIDENT.
Fix. REPLACE THE THROTTLE BUSHING WITH A NEW BUSHING MADE FROM MORE HEAT-RESISTANT MATERIALS.
1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 recalls 1
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. DUE TO HEAT EFFECTS, THE THROTTLE BUSHING LOCATED ON THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK, CAUSING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE TO SEPARATE.
Risk. IF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE SEPARATES, THE ENGINE WILL RETURNTO IDLE SPEED, AND REMAIN AT IDLE, WITH NO ACCELERATION ABILITY. LOSS OF ENGINESPEED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ANACCIDENT.
Fix. REPLACE THE THROTTLE BUSHING WITH A NEW BUSHING MADE FROM MORE HEAT-RESISTANT MATERIALS.
Best and worst years for the Mercedes-Benz 300
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mercedes-Benz 300 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz 300 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Mercedes-Benz 300 — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Mercedes-Benz 300 specifications & dimensions
The 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300 measures 188″ long on a 110″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,560 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Mercedes-Benz 300 window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 188″ | 69″ | 60″ | 110″ | 3,560 lb |
| 1990 | 184″ | 69″ | 55″ | 107″ | 3,505 lb |
| 1987 | 188″ | 69″ | 60″ | 110″ | 3,671 lb |
| 1981–1984 | 187″ | 70″ | 55″ | 107″ | 3,422 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Mercedes-Benz 300 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 300 holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 112 cu ft of passenger volume and 42 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Mercedes-Benz 300 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz 300 get?
The Mercedes-Benz 300 returns up to 26 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,000/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300 (3.2L 6-cyl) gets 19 mpg combined and costs about $4,050/yr to fuel, emitting 468 g/mi CO₂ — about $9,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 300 | 17 | 22 | $4,050 | 468 | — | 3.2L 6-cyl | |
| 1992 300 | 18 | 23 | $3,850 | 444 | — | 2.6L 6-cyl | |
| 1991 300 | 17 | 22 | $4,050 | 468 | — | 2.6L 6-cyl | |
| 1990 300 | 16 | 21 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1989 300 | 16 | 20 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1988 300 | 16 | 20 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1987 300 | 22 | 27 | $3,250 | 424 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1986 300 | 21 | 24 | $3,550 | 463 | — | 3L 6-cyl |
The 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300 (3.8L 8-cyl) gets 15 mpg combined and costs about $4,150/yr to fuel, emitting 592 g/mi CO₂ — about $9,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 300 | 15 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.8L 8-cyl |
The 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300 (2.5L 5-cyl) gets 26 mpg combined and costs about $3,000/yr to fuel, emitting 392 g/mi CO₂ — about $4,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 300 | 23 | 30 | $3,000 | 392 | — | 2.5L 5-cyl | |
| 1992 300 | 23 | 29 | $3,150 | 407 | — | 2.5L 5-cyl | |
| 1991 300 | 23 | 30 | $3,000 | 392 | — | 2.5L 5-cyl | |
| 1990 300 | 23 | 30 | $3,000 | 392 | — | 2.5L 5-cyl | |
| 1985 300 | 19 | 23 | $3,700 | 485 | — | 3L 5-cyl | |
| 1984 300 | 21 | 23 | $3,550 | 463 | — | 3L 5-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the 300 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this 300's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Mercedes-Benz 300 have? Power & range
The Mercedes-Benz 300 is offered with 3 powertrains — 3.2L 6-cyl, 3.8L 8-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.2L · 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Premium |
| V8 | 3.8L · 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | — | Regular |
| 5-cyl | 2.5L · 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Diesel |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz 300 cost to own?
A Mercedes-Benz 300 tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this 300 loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $15,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the 300 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Mercedes-Benz 300 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 300 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Mercedes-Benz 300 last?
A well-maintained Mercedes-Benz 300 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Mercedes-Benz 300’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 300’s VIN free →All Mercedes-Benz 300 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mercedes-Benz 300 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 300 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1992 300 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1991 300 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1990 300 | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1989 300 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1988 300 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1987 300 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1986 300 | 0 | — | |
| 1985 300 | 0 | — | |
| 1984 300 | 0 | — | |
| 1983 300 | 0 | — | |
| 1982 300 | 0 | — | |
| 1981 300 | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the 300?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mercedes-Benz 300.
How many recalls does the 300 have?
11 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1993. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Mercedes-Benz recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the 300 get?
Up to 26 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a 300 last?
A well-maintained 300 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 300 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the 300 is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Mercedes-Benz 300 warranty?
New Mercedes-Benz models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Where is the Mercedes-Benz 300 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 300's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Mercedes-Benz may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a 300 weigh?
The 300's curb weight is around 3,560 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the 300 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.