Which Benz Do You Recommend? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

RandyL · #1 07-05-2007, 05:41 PM

Hello All,

Time has come to upgrade from my '96 C220 to a newer Benz. The C-class is a little too small for my tastes and was looking at the various E-class models.

I'm giving myself a budget of $27,000 for a nice used MB. Also looking for as new a model this budget will allow. I see a lot of 2002 & 2003 E320's in this range but was wondering if there might be other models I'm overlooking.

So what model would you recommend for around $27k, and are there common problems of certain models I should know about before I buy?

Jim B. · #2 07-05-2007, 05:53 PM

The 2000-2006 were dark years for quality control, compared to what came before, so it would be best to buy a certified pre owned one from a Mercedes dealer with the longest and most comprehensive extended guarantee you can get.

The W211 brake-by-wire was exceedingly troublesome, gave Mercedes so much warranty trouble it has been discontinued:

Sensotronic Brake Control (sbc) concerns

super SEC · #3 07-05-2007, 06:20 PM

I have a '99 E55 and it has been very reliable. The only time it has been in the shop for the last 80,000 miles, other than routine maintenance, is due to a failed crank position sensor at 113,XXX miles.

The Swede · #4 07-05-2007, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by super SEC

I have a '99 E55 and it has been very reliable. The only time it has been in the shop for the last 80,000 miles, other than routine maintenance, is due to a failed crank position sensor at 113,XXX miles.

X2

Ocean View · #5 07-05-2007, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

The 2000-2006 were dark years for quality control, compared to what came before, so it would be best to buy a certified pre owned one from a Mercedes dealer with the longest and most comprehensive extended guarantee you can get.

The W211 brake-by-wire was exceedingly troublesome, gave Mercedes so much warranty trouble it has been discontinued:

Sensotronic Brake Control (sbc) concerns

That's why I bought an 07'

The new brakes by the way are fantastic. I made it a point to test it out before I bought my car.

Hatterasguy · #6 07-05-2007, 07:42 PM

2002 E320/430's are pretty bullit proof. E55's seem to be pretty good as well.

The Swede · #7 07-05-2007, 07:56 PM

A customer's wife has a new CLS 550. He told me it's been in the shop 16 times, mainly for transmission issues.

Hatterasguy · #8 07-05-2007, 07:58 PM

Who really needs seven speeds... IMHO the old 722.6 is good enough.

The Swede · #9 07-05-2007, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Who really needs seven speeds... IMHO the old 722.6 is good enough.

Yeah. I doubt Mercs latest offering will feature stellar reliability. Hi end luxo cars are too complicated. If you want comfortable reliability, get a loaded Camry.

DslBnz · #10 07-05-2007, 10:05 PM

There is something to be said about a transmission that never has to fish through lower gears every time there is a 0.0001 % grade.

I think the 722.3x was the best ever. 4-speeds, no overdrive, but simply purpose built. No fishing allowed.

nate300d · #11 07-05-2007, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Swede

A customer's wife has a new CLS 550. He told me it's been in the shop 16 times, mainly for transmission issues.

I know of someone who has had his CLS towed to the dealer several times. SHAME!!

Austin85 · #12 07-05-2007, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyL

Hello All,

Time has come to upgrade from my '96 C220 to a newer Benz. The C-class is a little too small for my tastes and was looking at the various E-class models.

I'm giving myself a budget of $27,000 for a nice used MB. Also looking for as new a model this budget will allow. I see a lot of 2002 & 2003 E320's in this range but was wondering if there might be other models I'm overlooking.

So what model would you recommend for around $27k, and are there common problems of certain models I should know about before I buy?

BUy it now's

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-Mercedes-CLK320-Cabriolet-Leather-Orthopedic-Seats_W0QQitemZ150134386188QQihZ005QQcategoryZ31853QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

ON this one the drivers seat is like driving around sitting in Willie May's baseball glove......

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VERY-RARE-230-SL-W-302-V-8-ENGINE-GARAGED-FLORIDA-CAR_W0QQitemZ130131398318QQihZ003QQcategoryZ6315QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

'92 600SEL 5,389 orig. miles:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1992-MERCEDES-BENZ-600-SEL-ONLY-5-389-MILES_W0QQitemZ200124134781QQihZ010QQcategoryZ6333QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hatterasguy · #13 07-05-2007, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DslBnz

There is something to be said about a transmission that never has to fish through lower gears every time there is a 0.0001 % grade.

I think the 722.3x was the best ever. 4-speeds, no overdrive, but simply purpose built. No fishing allowed.

Except that you have to smack them over the head for a bloody kick down. The modern stuff reads your mind and does it one its own. Drive a new 3 series lately? Kick down, you just have to think it and bam. With the 722.4 you either have to floor it and engage the switch, or almost floor it and pray.

TheDon · #14 07-05-2007, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Swede

A customer's wife has a new CLS 550. He told me it's been in the shop 16 times, mainly for transmission issues.

-drive in reverse- .. -slam into D-... makes for awesome burn outs

The Swede · #15 07-05-2007, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

-drive in reverse- .. -slam into D-... makes for awesome burn outs

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
When I was in h.s., me and my buds would do neutral drops in dear old Dad's Audi 5000 turbo. By 90k miles, it was beginning to slip. Traded it just in time...