buying a 2003 E500 this saturday - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

E_420 · #1 01-01-2008, 07:18 PM

Is there anything i need to know about this car? Well my dad is buying it. but ill just give him the info. Any serious concerns i should have? He nor i have ever owned an E500 so any parts that like are always going out? is it anything (performance wise) like my 1994 E420? like my E420 has 160k miles. Are the new MB as good as the earlyer models? ive head there not. $21,000, it has 50k miles silver with tan interior, V8, well here just see for your self. since this dealership doesnt do the whole negotiating thing it has a set price so the dealer is going throw in a fresh set of rubber, oh haha and also its going to behis 3rd day as a car dealer.lol he was so nervous on the phone. heres the link

http://www.luxurymotors.com/inv/search/inventory_detail.aspx?vehicle_id=16194&start_year=1950&end_year=2008&start_price=&end_price=40000&model=E+Class&make=Mercedes&color=&mileage=0&lesst=&dealer_id=&dealer=--+All+Locations+--&type=&keywords=

E_420 · #2 01-01-2008, 07:51 PM

Is there anything i need to know about this car? Well my dad is buying it. but ill just give him the info. Any serious concerns i should have? He nor i have ever owned an E500 so any parts that like are always going out? is it anything (performance wise) like my 1994 E420? like my E420 has 160k miles. Are the new MB as good as the earlyer models? ive head there not. $21,000, it has 50k miles silver with tan interior, V8, well here just see for your self. since this dealership doesnt do the whole negotiating thing it has a set price so the dealer is going throw in a fresh set of rubber, oh haha and also its going to behis 3rd day as a car dealer.lol he was so nervous on the phone. heres the link

http://www.luxurymotors.com/inv/sear...ype=&keywords=

Ferdman · #3 01-02-2008, 04:44 AM

I strongly recommend having a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) performed by a MB-trained tech so you have a professional evaluation of the car and know what expensive service items may be required immediately. A complete set of service records helps to determine if the car was serviced according to the MB service schedule. In my opinion it's best to buy a pre-owned MB from a MB dealer because the dealers sell CPO (certified pre-owned) vehicles.

Parrot of Doom · #4 01-02-2008, 05:52 AM

Google search "W211 valeo"

ILUVMILS · #5 01-02-2008, 12:18 PM

I wouldn't even consider an '03 W211, unless you're equipped to DIY. The Valeo radiators mentioned above are only the tip of the iceberg.

Hatterasguy · #6 01-02-2008, 12:20 PM

I'd only buy a MB this new CPO from the dealer. The dealer keeps all the good examples and whole sales the rest, so its a second rate example.

Jim B. · #7 01-02-2008, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILUVMILS

I wouldn't even consider an '03 W211, unless you're equipped to DIY. The Valeo radiators mentioned above are only the tip of the iceberg.

Are you suggesting that he get a code reader, and be able to diagnose and repair the electric and computer based faults that might sho up?

If so, don't you think a 1992-1995 E500/500E that was in mint condition (perhaps preowned by an internet forum such as 500Ectasy, would make a better choice for a shopper like that, with that budget?

Douge · #8 01-02-2008, 12:32 PM

I bought one new and would look for a newer model if you are going to spend the money.

Sensotronic brakes were terrirble, it had a bad suspension part that made it pull to the right . There was a TSB and bolt kit offered to fix that. Transmission ECU failed. The car was at the shop monthly. I loved how it drove but it was pretty problematic.

I think that car was about the height of the problems MB was experiencing in recent years and they did a lot of backpedaling with that car.

Hatterasguy · #9 01-02-2008, 01:10 PM

My uncles 2007 E350 has been flawless so far.

Texholdem · #10 01-02-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

My uncles 2007 E350 has been flawless so far.

Hey, no wonder it is just one year old at most, some cars that young have just been broken in

.

I would not have the $50K for similar beauty.

slk230red · #11 01-02-2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E_420

Is there anything i need to know about this car? Well my dad is buying it. but ill just give him the info. Any serious concerns i should have? He nor i have ever owned an E500 so any parts that like are always going out? is it anything (performance wise) like my 1994 E420? like my E420 has 160k miles. Are the new MB as good as the earlyer models? ive head there not. $21,000, it has 50k miles silver with tan interior, V8, well here just see for your self. since this dealership doesnt do the whole negotiating thing it has a set price so the dealer is going throw in a fresh set of rubber, oh haha and also its going to behis 3rd day as a car dealer.lol he was so nervous on the phone. heres the link

http://www.luxurymotors.com/inv/sear...ype=&keywords=

Did you price what a new 2007/2008 E500 would cost? A huge savings for a 4 to 5 year old Benz. Unless your dad is buying this car from Walmart, I don't understand what "this dealership doesn't do the whole negotiating thing" means. Everything is negotiable! Getting a new set of Michelin tires is a good start. Getting an oil change with Mobil 1, a transmission fluid and filter change, differential fluid change, and all filters changed would be another good thing to have included in the purchase price. What is the warranty? Will they provide you with a carfax report?
Have you checked with your local MB dealer for a similar car with a Starmark warranty? If your dad is worried about maintenance costs, he may want to consider a new Honda or Toyota.

Good luck, the car looks very nice.

Dave

beevly · #12 01-02-2008, 03:52 PM

2003 was the first year of the W211 --- I would stay away from it.

Douge · #13 01-02-2008, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

My uncles 2007 E350 has been flawless so far.

My buddy has one as well, no issues at all for 20K miles, quite the opposite of my experience. Also, his 350 is about as quick as was my 500.

iwrock · #14 01-02-2008, 07:52 PM

My ex-boss has a 2003 E500 that he bought new.

Never had any problems with it. Seems to be a well sorted car.

Hatterasguy · #15 01-02-2008, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Douge

My buddy has one as well, no issues at all for 20K miles, quite the opposite of my experience. Also, his 350 is about as quick as was my 500.

He bought his in June and probably has 8k miles on it so far, already drove it to FL and back in October. Only got 24mpg on the highway, maybe its not broken in enough yet? Or his lead foot...