Mercedes E300 Overview
The 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Series is available in three models - 
E300 Diesel, E320 and E420. The sedans are manufactured in Sindelfingen, Germany, with a new standard five speed automatic transmission. 
The transmission has a second reverse gear for winter conditions. 

For 1997, all exterior paints are environmentally safe. The E300D and E320 sedans won the 1996 BOVY (Best Overall Value) award for Luxury cars. 
The E320 won the 1994-95 BOVY award for luxury models over $40,000 and the 1995 Best Import Car Value over $13,000.

http://www.intellichoice.com/1-12-1997-100003329-0/1997-mercedes-benz-e300-diesel-4dr-sedan.html

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W210

Engine 	Cyl. 	Power 	Torque 	Engine code 	Designation
3.0 24V D 	I6 	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) 	210 N·m (155 lb·ft) 	OM606 	E300 Diesel

Diesel for North American Market.

    * E 300 Diesel (I-6, 2.996 cm³ 3.0L, 100 kW/136 PS/134 hp) 1996-1997
    * E 300 Turbodiesel (I-6, 2.996 cm³ 3.0L, 130 kW/177 PS/175 hp) 1998-1999

In 1997, Mercedes installed in the E-class its electronically-controlled model 722.6 5-speed automatic transmission that first saw duty in 1996 
in the V8-powered W140 S-class models. The 722.6 transmission is now used in a number of Daimler-Chrysler vehicles.[2]  The 5-speed transmission was 
marketed as "sealed for life" however Mercedes dealers now recommend changing the fluid at regular intervals.

Chassis originally came with one of the following OEM wheel setups:

    * E300/E320: 16 x 7.5” ET41
Transmission

    * 5 speed auto 722.609 
    * Final drive ratio 2.82
    * 1st gear 3.59
    * 2nd gear 2.19
    * 3rd gear 1.41
    * 4th gear 1.00
    * 5th gear 0.83
    * Reverse gear 3.16
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1997 MERCEDES-BENZ - E300 DIESEL
City MPG: 23     Highway MPG: 30     Combined MPG: 26     Today's cost to drive 15,000 miles: $2353
Year: 1997
Make: MERCEDES-BENZ
Model: E300 DIESEL
Vehicle Class: MIDSIZE CARS
Engine Size: 3.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: 6
Transmission: L5
Drive System: RWD
Fuel Type: DIESEL
Four Door Interior Volume: 95 ft3
Four Door Luggage Volume: 15 ft3
Release Date: 960825

EPA Official City MPG: 26
City MPG (2008 computation method): 23
City MPG (before adjustments): 29
EPA Official Highway MPG: 33
Highway MPG (2008 computation method): 30
Highway MPG (before adjustments): 43
EPA Official Combined MPG: 29
Combined MPG (2008 computation method): 26
Combined MPG (before adjustments): 34
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Powertrain  	Details
Engine 	6-Cyl, Diesel, 3.0 Liter
Horsepower 	134 @ 5000 RPM
Torque 	155 @ 2600 RPM
Gas Mileage 	23 mpg City / 30 mpg Hwy
Bore x Stroke 	3.43 x 3.31
Compression Ratio 	22.0
Fuel Type 	Diesel
Fuel Induction 	Electronic Fuel Induction
Valve Train 	Dual Overhead Cam
Valves Per Cylinder 	4
Total Number Valves 	24
Transmission 	Automatic
Drivetrain 	RWD
Transfer Case 	-
Dimensions 	Details
Fuel Capacity 	21.1
Wheel Base 	111.5 inches
Overall Length 	189.4 inches
Width 	70.8 inches
Height 	56.7 inches
Curb Weight 	3538 lbs.
Tires / Wheel Size 	P215/55HR16
Rear Tires / Wheel Size 	-
Turning Radius 	37.1
Standard Axle Ratio 	3.46
Maximum Ground Clearance 	5.7
Maximum GVWR 	-
Maximum Towing 	Not recommended
Payload Base Capacity 	-
Head Room: Front 	37.6 inches
Head Room: Rear 	37.2 inches
Leg Room: Front 	41.3 inches
Leg Room: Rear 	36.1 inches
Shoulder Room: Front 	56.3 inches
Shoulder Room: Rear 	57.1 inches
EPA Passenger 	95.0 cu.ft.
EPA Trunk or Cargo 	15.3 cu.ft.