The Mercedes-Benz 420 spans 1983–1991 with 1 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers up to 30 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 420 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1983 to 1991 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mercedes-Benz 420 VIN — every digit explained
Every Mercedes-Benz 420 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 420.
- 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 420, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz 420 have?
The Mercedes-Benz 420 has 1 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1983–1991. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1990 Mercedes-Benz 420 recalls 1
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.
Best and worst years for the Mercedes-Benz 420
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mercedes-Benz 420 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz 420 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Mercedes-Benz 420 — 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 420 specifications & dimensions
The 1988–1991 Mercedes-Benz 420 measures 208″ long on a 121″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,913 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 420 window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988–1991 | 208″ | 72″ | 57″ | 121″ | 3,880 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Mercedes-Benz 420 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 420 holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 100 cu ft of passenger volume and 15 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 420 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 420 get?
The Mercedes-Benz 420 returns up to 30 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,600/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1991 Mercedes-Benz 420 (4.2L 8-cyl) gets 15 mpg combined and costs about $5,150/yr to fuel, emitting 592 g/mi CO₂ — about $14,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 420 | 14 | 17 | $5,150 | 592 | — | 4.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1990 420 | 14 | 17 | $5,150 | 592 | — | 4.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1989 420 | 14 | 17 | $5,150 | 592 | — | 4.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1988 420 | 14 | 17 | $5,150 | 592 | — | 4.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1987 420 | 14 | 17 | $5,150 | 592 | — | 4.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1986 420 | 14 | 17 | $5,150 | 592 | — | 4.2L 8-cyl |
The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (2.2L 4-cyl) gets 30 mpg combined and costs about $2,600/yr to fuel, emitting 339 g/mi CO₂ — about $2,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 420 | 26 | 35 | $2,600 | 339 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 420 | 26 | 35 | $2,600 | 339 | — | 2.2L 4-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 420 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this 420's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Mercedes-Benz 420 have? Power & range
The Mercedes-Benz 420 is offered with 2 powertrains — 4.2L 8-cyl, 2.2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 | 4.2L · 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Premium |
| 4-cyl | 2.2L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-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 420 cost to own?
A Mercedes-Benz 420 tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used 420 is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. 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 420 loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $13,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the 420 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 420 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 420 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Mercedes-Benz 420 last?
A well-maintained Mercedes-Benz 420 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 420’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 420’s VIN free →All Mercedes-Benz 420 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mercedes-Benz 420 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 420 | 0 | — | |
| 1990 420 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1989 420 | 0 | — | |
| 1988 420 | 0 | — | |
| 1987 420 | 0 | — | |
| 1986 420 | 0 | — | |
| 1985 420 | 0 | — | |
| 1984 420 | 0 | — | |
| 1983 420 | 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 420?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mercedes-Benz 420.
How many recalls does the 420 have?
1 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1983–1991. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Mercedes-Benz recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the 420 get?
Up to 30 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a 420 last?
A well-maintained 420 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 420 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the 420 is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Mercedes-Benz 420 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 420 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 420'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 420 weigh?
The 420's curb weight is around 3,913 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the 420 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.