2001 or 2002 E430 problems
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2003 Range Rover
2001 or 2002 E430 problems
Looking at buying a 2001 or 2002 E430 Benz..Anything in particular that these model years had any problems with? Anything to look for when buying one? Any input would helpful.
Chris
Chris
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Philadelphia area
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I had my E320 4M from new in Oct 00 till this past Feb. It was excellent. Only area to look at is the cats, for bad welds on the seam and internal rattles. Other than that a few trivial itms like the brake light switch and the wire harness for the fogs.
#3
Member
I'm also looking for a E430 or E 320 1999 to 2002 vintage.
I'm wondering if anyone switched because of gas mileage to the 320 and is
the 4matic worth the additional price?
Thanks John
I'm wondering if anyone switched because of gas mileage to the 320 and is
the 4matic worth the additional price?
Thanks John
#4
Member
I've owned my 2001 E430 since new as well,,, nothing more than a few rattles inside that were easily fixed under warranty by the dealer. oh, and one computer problem that wouldn't allow me to reset the time on the clock, also under warranty. They are GREAT cars!!
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Philadelphia area
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Originally Posted by johnnydee
I'm also looking for a E430 or E 320 1999 to 2002 vintage.
I'm wondering if anyone switched because of gas mileage to the 320 and is
the 4matic worth the additional price?
Thanks John
I'm wondering if anyone switched because of gas mileage to the 320 and is
the 4matic worth the additional price?
Thanks John
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: TX
Posts: 620
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
13 Lunar Blue GL550, 06 Imola Red BMW X5 4.8is, 04 Gold Honda Ody
Originally Posted by Helmut430
I've owned my 2001 E430 since new as well,,, nothing more than a few rattles inside that were easily fixed under warranty by the dealer. oh, and one computer problem that wouldn't allow me to reset the time on the clock, also under warranty. They are GREAT cars!!
Did the rattle come from the rear right of the cabin? Do you know what they did to fixt it?
Trending Topics
#8
Super Member
I have the 4Matic and love it. The thing is a tank in snow. You practically have to floor it on snow to get the tires to break loose. I've had no issues whatsoever with the 4Matic system. From what I've read, the current generation 4Matic on the W210 is completely bulletproof. (The old W124 4Matic was an electronic and mechanical nightmare.)
#9
Member
yes, the rattle was in the rear, but in the headliner. a small clip that holds the sunroof wiring had come loose. All fixed by the dealer under warranty and based on what I read here, I have the BEST dealer in the country
#10
Other Rattles
1. Moonroof cover. To determine if this is the problem, move its position and check. Dealer added insulation.
2. Missing rear deck hold-down clip. Dealer replaced clip.
3. Headrest squeaked. Moving headrest up and down will cause it.
Best way to find the problem is to sit in the back and have someone drive you over your favorite bumpy road.
2. Missing rear deck hold-down clip. Dealer replaced clip.
3. Headrest squeaked. Moving headrest up and down will cause it.
Best way to find the problem is to sit in the back and have someone drive you over your favorite bumpy road.
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by livetodrive
1. Moonroof cover. To determine if this is the problem, move its position and check. Dealer added insulation.
2. Missing rear deck hold-down clip. Dealer replaced clip.
3. Headrest squeaked. Moving headrest up and down will cause it.
Best way to find the problem is to sit in the back and have someone drive you over your favorite bumpy road.
2. Missing rear deck hold-down clip. Dealer replaced clip.
3. Headrest squeaked. Moving headrest up and down will cause it.
Best way to find the problem is to sit in the back and have someone drive you over your favorite bumpy road.
#12
Wow, that's an old post, but anyway...
Yes, I was referring to the rear headrests. I suspect the dealer sprayed the mechanism with WD40. The squeak never returned.
The moonroof rattle over bumps was fixed by the dealer by installing foam pads in the headliner. They are not visible, so I don't know exactly what they did. It's been fine ever since.
Yes, I was referring to the rear headrests. I suspect the dealer sprayed the mechanism with WD40. The squeak never returned.
The moonroof rattle over bumps was fixed by the dealer by installing foam pads in the headliner. They are not visible, so I don't know exactly what they did. It's been fine ever since.
#13
Member
After 4 rear wheel drive MB's, I bought a 2000 E430 4Matic. I am continually amazed at its performance, which includes rainy days as well, and would not buy another Benz without it. I also test drove the E320 put preferred the power and smoothness of the V8. I get 23 mpg on the highway.
My only major complaint is that MB put low profile 17" wheels on all the 2000-2002 E430 models, not just the sport ones. The E320's and pre-2000 E430's have 16" wheels. I recently put on a set of Pirelli PZero Nero M&S tires which I am pleased to report are quiet and comfortable (finally).
I too had the headliner/sunroof rattles, some steering rack issues, a faulty brake light switch and fuel sending unit, and some a/c work, all covered under warranty.
My only major complaint is that MB put low profile 17" wheels on all the 2000-2002 E430 models, not just the sport ones. The E320's and pre-2000 E430's have 16" wheels. I recently put on a set of Pirelli PZero Nero M&S tires which I am pleased to report are quiet and comfortable (finally).
I too had the headliner/sunroof rattles, some steering rack issues, a faulty brake light switch and fuel sending unit, and some a/c work, all covered under warranty.
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by E430_4MATIC
After 4 rear wheel drive MB's, I bought a 2000 E430 4Matic. I am continually amazed at its performance, which includes rainy days as well, and would not buy another Benz without it. I also test drove the E320 put preferred the power and smoothness of the V8. I get 23 mpg on the highway.
My only major complaint is that MB put low profile 17" wheels on all the 2000-2002 E430 models, not just the sport ones. The E320's and pre-2000 E430's have 16" wheels. I recently put on a set of Pirelli PZero Nero M&S tires which I am pleased to report are quiet and comfortable (finally).
I too had the headliner/sunroof rattles, some steering rack issues, a faulty brake light switch and fuel sending unit, and some a/c work, all covered under warranty.
My only major complaint is that MB put low profile 17" wheels on all the 2000-2002 E430 models, not just the sport ones. The E320's and pre-2000 E430's have 16" wheels. I recently put on a set of Pirelli PZero Nero M&S tires which I am pleased to report are quiet and comfortable (finally).
I too had the headliner/sunroof rattles, some steering rack issues, a faulty brake light switch and fuel sending unit, and some a/c work, all covered under warranty.
Wow, that's an old post, but anyway...
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#15
There certainly is no better car in bad weather. You can drive in a pouring rain storm @ 80 mph and the car feels like it's on rails. I've had more than a few sensors go bad ( MAF, ECU,SAS, one for the brakes) and they weren't cheap, but otherwise the cars been great. Get the 430 or 500, you'll notice the difference in performance.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Multiple
I had a 2001 E-430 that I bought new and drove for 5 years. I had some of the usual problems reported with that series. Seat rails needed replacing due to movement and clicking when you went around corners, had the radio replaced when the volume control failed, and various suspension parts needed replacing very early (within the 1st 20,000 miles). Many have reported rust problems around bottom of doors and trunk lid, although I never had that problem (mine has always been garaged), and some have reported cracks in the dash panel covering. All of these have been pretty well documented on the various MB forums. At 32,000 miles a transmission seal leaked fluid into the harness feeding the Transmission Control Module causing the transmission to fail (that also is a somewhat common failure and has been documented on this forum). After that episode, I traded the car for a new Lexus LS-430, hoping for better dependibility and reliability and less time in the shop. Overall, I really liked the car...just too much time in the shop driving loaners.