w211 2003 E500 reliability - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

apb · #1 02-22-2007, 11:39 AM

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...

ILUVMILS · #2 02-22-2007, 12:11 PM

Is the E500 still covered under factory warranty?

apb · #3 02-22-2007, 12:22 PM

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...

ILUVMILS · #4 02-22-2007, 10:33 PM

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.

Paul · #5 02-23-2007, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILUVMILS

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

deanyel · #6 02-23-2007, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

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

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.

mbdoc · #7 02-23-2007, 08:44 AM

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..

lkchris · #8 02-23-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

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..

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

mbdoc · #9 02-23-2007, 10:55 AM

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

Many people NEVER have OR want dealer service!