slk55lvr

I purchased this car in October 2004, and was/is thrilled with it's ride, comfort, and ability in bad weather ( nothing feels safer than this car in a pouring rain storm!). Regrettably, I have not gone a single month (out of 9) without it requiring some sort of repair or maintenance, either. I've replaced 5 different sensors, 3 different bulbs, both brakes and rotors....its a long list.
In addition to all of that, this car has required a quart of oil every 1500 miles. I'm curious to hear other peoples experiences with this model ( e430 4matic). Does yours use oil like this? have you had to replace a bunch of sensors? The car only has 55,000 miles on it ( bouth with 37,000) and it feels like its falling apart in front of my eyes. It can't stay this bad, can it?

Arnie

Sorry to hear that, man. For a while I was considering upgrading from my current '94 E320 to '01-02 E430. But the more I read the messages on this board, the more I realize that Mercedes in the last about 8 years became an expensive Yugo. So, I don't even know where to go from here. Lexus GS 430 sounds more and more attractive.

liz

same situation with my 02 e-320 4 matic. so sad.

slk55lvr

I was planning on upgrading this one in a couple of years to the CLS, and now I feel like you do. How did they let it get so bad?

sosh

Had my 01 E320 4Matic from Oct 01 till Feb 05 and replaced it with a new 05. My experience with the vehicle was excellent and it was traded at 35000 miles. Only problem of any consequence was the replacement of both CATs. Could be that the one you purchased had not been properly maintained. Brakes are a consumable item so that can't be blamed on the car. Hopefully for you it will settle down when you catch up on the maintenence.

sbarsap

That's ironic, I bought my 01 E430 sport in Oct/04 too. I haven't had any major problems with it. It's been to the dealer a couple of times. Once for the brake light switch & SRS light being on, the next for the squeeky steering wheel sound. The car had 26K miles when I bought it and was still under warr.

JimE430

I have a 2000 E430 (not 4 Matic) and I am very pleased, no problems. I have noticed that on the threads of people thinking of buying cars, everyone says they are paying too much. My 2000 with options cost over $55,000 new. I bought it used for much less, but nowhere near where this forum thinks it should be. You get what you pay for, and if you shop price only, then you get trouble. (this applies to any car) I bought mine Starmark cert. and would do the same again. I could have paid over 10,000 less, but at what cost down the road? Think about it, if you are paying $25,000 for a world class luxury car with less than 50K on it, you have to wonder. ( just an example, dont know what you paid) Also if you bought a car that needed brakes, you should have known. A lot of people are down on the dealers (steelers) Why? You really think "Gus" at the corner gas station has a clue about a Tiptronic transmission? If you only use a Trained, Certified MBZ Mechanic once, use them "before" you buy that used car. The money spent will be well worth it down the road.
JMO

E430_4MATIC

My 2000 E430 4Matic been maintained by the book, at MB dealers since new. At 62,000 miles, it does not use any oil between changes.

I also have had to replace the brake light switch, MAS and SRS sensors, the fuel sending unit and have had some a/c work: all covered under warranty.

slk55lvr

I'm glad to hear there are some positive stories out here, but many of the items you've mentioned we're also covered during my initial inspection.

1. The brakes went bad due to the master cylinder leaking, which was not occuring when we inspected the car before purchase.
2. This car was purchased at a Mercedes benz dealership--non certified.


My issue with the whole thing is this dealership had the car for nine months, so thay had to be aware of most of its failings, particularly the burning oil. If they would rather pawn off a car with $10,000 in repairs to a new customer, would you ever want to buy a car from that organization again?

One other point. Should ANY car with only 35,000 miles and 3 years old that has been fixed under warranty the whole time have these kind of issues?


I have a 2000 E430 (not 4 Matic) and I am very pleased, no problems. I have noticed that on the threads of people thinking of buying cars, everyone says they are paying too much. My 2000 with options cost over $55,000 new. I bought it used for much less, but nowhere near where this forum thinks it should be. You get what you pay for, and if you shop price only, then you get trouble. (this applies to any car) I bought mine Starmark cert. and would do the same again. I could have paid over 10,000 less, but at what cost down the road? Think about it, if you are paying $25,000 for a world class luxury car with less than 50K on it, you have to wonder. ( just an example, dont know what you paid) Also if you bought a car that needed brakes, you should have known. A lot of people are down on the dealers (steelers) Why? You really think "Gus" at the corner gas station has a clue about a Tiptronic transmission? If you only use a Trained, Certified MBZ Mechanic once, use them "before" you buy that used car. The money spent will be well worth it down the road.

slk55lvr

$8,000 worth of repairs in the first 15 months of ownership ( this was from another thread)??? Let's face it, this is not our fathers Mercedes Benz...

I'm not familiar with the CPO you speak of, however we have a 99 E320 Wagon
I bought used last year. When I set out to buy a wagon I decided that it would be bought from an MB dealer as I wanted to load up on as much Starmark as I could due to the repair history's I heard owners were seeing on the W210.

In short, I'm damn glad I did as we have had about 8K in covered Starmark repairs in fifteen months of ownership. We love the car, and we're hoping that when our Starmark coverage lapses in April of 07, most of the major repairs will have been taken care of on MB's dime.

BenzVince

That stinks when you're facing with a lot of repairs. I'm sorry to hear that, i don't have any issues with my E320

JimE430

2. This car was purchased at a Mercedes benz dealership--non certified.


My issue with the whole thing is this dealership had the car for nine months, so thay had to be aware of most of its failings, particularly the burning oil. If they would rather pawn off a car with $10,000 in repairs to a new customer, would you ever want to buy a car from that organization again?


No you would not! However, the dealers dont drive the cars they have around to find problems. Your car was probably a trade in, and after a quick look (air in the tires) it was put it on the lot. They would not know (or care) about the problems as it is being sold "as is" Not all dealers are the same, and quite a few understand the concept of keeping a customer happy. Hope it works out.

slk55lvr

I hope it works out too. The dealership I'm using for repairs has been excellent so far, and the car is terrific ( when malfunction lights are off!). The selling dealership, however, had the car for 9 months and 2,500 miles ( I checked), so they'll never be anything but thieves in my eyes.

Helmut430

I'm sorry to hear what you've been throught too, slklvr, but I agree with JimE430. just because you buy from a dealer , it doesn't garranty that you will get a "perfect" used car. I may be getting old and senile , but my 2001 E430 has been a joy from the day I bought it new . Perhaps i should count my lucky stars or something, but I've had no problems witht he car , save a few rattles that were fixed under warranty during the first 4 years of ownership. No, these cars arent the "tanks" of Mercedes past, but they are a dang sight better than anything else there is to choose from. Hope you luck with your 430 changes , and quickly!

Dema

I believe E430 is almost problem free car. I had more problems with my Lexus than with MB. I know it looks weird but it happened for me and I am far not lucky.