I am giving some thought to replacing my 97 E420 with 130K with a 03 E500.
The E420 is still driving like new and has been very reliable. Should I just drive the E420 to 200k and not look back, or would a E500 be a reasonable buy. The reality is that I do not want the maintenance of the E500 to exceed what I would expect on the E420...

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)

Is the E500 still covered under factory warranty?

I have not identified a car ... but if I look for one, I would like it to have another 6 months or so of warranty for peace of mind.... I am more interested in long term cost after say 7 years, 100k...

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)

If you're worried about the cost of keeping an '03 E-Class in good shape after seven years of service, you'll have to wait three years for the jury to return a verdict! The best advice I can give anyone considering the purchase of an early 211 is to make sure there is still some factory warrant remaining on the vehicle. Don't get me wrong, though. They're great cars. They drive nice. They look nice. But eventually, they'll need some attention that will require a trip to an MB dealer That's just the way it is.

I agree 100% I'm starting to get a few 211s that are out of warranty and so far just about eveything that can go wrong with them does. looking at the previous work orders from the dealer it would be a fiancial nightmare if they were out of pocket repairs. get a starmark if available. Good luck.
Paul

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Paul Roberts
Mercedes Centrum Inc.
Bellevue,WA.

The early 2003 W211's have "gateway" issues, many have never been repaired or re-flashed.

The SBC system will always be an issue...hope you have a friendly dealer..or independent with SDS..

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

But the SBC system now has a 10-year warranty.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

If you enjoy visiting visiting your dealer...fine!

Many people NEVER have OR want dealer service!

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Does Starmark still exist? The MB website shows only "certified pre-owned" which is up to 100k but a maximum of only 12 months of coverage.

When did they get rid, or did they, on the w211? Which model year no longer has the unit?

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)

I have a loaded sport 2003 E500. We just purchased an S550 and I kept the E500 because it's been a great car and it wasn't worth turning in for the current resale values. We did have the panoramic roof replaced years ago, due to a problem with the sunroof, but it was under warranty. We purchased the extended warranty but have not used it. Overall, it's been a good car for us.

Kevin
03 E500
04 SL500
08 S550

As an high end independant mercedes technician, let me just say if I were going to buy a 211, it WOULD NOT be an '03. The first year of production for most cars tend to have the most problems, the 211 being no exception. Any subsequent year would be better.