I have 2 MBs:
1997 E320 (black opal pearl) and a 2002 e430 (obsidian)

--the E320 was purchased in 2006 w/65k--a Texas and Hawaii car, and no rust anywhere. It required the 60k service, new belts, and repairs for a couple of minor oil leak issues, and new Michelins. I am now at 94k, and recently had new front brakes and the front lower-control-arm bushings replaced, and will now have the O2 sensors replaced along with new motor and tranny mounts. The car drives like a dream. I was always partial to the in-line 6. It is driven daily.

--the E430 (Special Edition) came from Ebay in June 2009 w/45k (a local "I" dealer in Patterson NJ)...he was asking 16,500 and I finally agreed to 16,250--I did not drive or see the car until it arrived at my front door--it had a serious vibration problem and the electronic key was partially dead. My repair guy told me that the front ball joints were loose (however, it did pass inspection)...soooo, I had my repair guy install new motor mounts, and another repair guy do the ball joints and new plugs/wires--I also switched out the 17" chrome rims for 16" alloy (from an older s500) and installed Michelin Primacy 215/55-16 h94....(my repair guy told me that he had seen many '02 type e430s with ball joint problems--I laid it to the harder, skinny tires and big wheels, ergo I switched.) The E430 now drives so smoothly and quietly that I am sometimes unaware that the engine is actually running. This 430 is a California car, and that is how I rationalized the higher price.....I call it my "Super Car"--it does not have 4WD, parktronic, or heated seats. I am 70 years old and expect to drive this car for many many years.

To be honest, I am at a loss as to which car I prefer more....after the 2002 model I have no interest in MBs of any ilk.....I especially dislike the interiors.

I drove a 1994 190e for over 222k miles--gave it away to a local school when I got the e320 in '06.

 

for a 2002 E430 and more into it after purchase to make it drivable can in no instance be rationalized
Don't buy ebay
Research the market
You could have had a California mint condition E55 with lower miles for thousands less.
Last and not directed specifically at you. Why are people not inspecting cars?
Having to spend more money after purchase to make them Justified?
And paying over 16k for cars that have not sold for 16k in over 4 years?
Boggles my mind

 

First off: I specifically <b>did not/do not want an AMG</b>, nor did I want a 4WD. I got what I wanted: a clean, low milage, proper color, rust free E430.

Yes, one does take a chance on Ebay, I agree, and I was disappointed that the seller was not forthcoming about the "drivability" of the car.... BUT, I made it drivable for a small amount of money and the car is almost 99% squeaky clean and mint.

I drive in a reasonable manner, and my being an old fart makes me more careful than the average dude, thus no need for "Z" rated, hard tires. And the most important point is: I am a happy camper--I have lost way more money on lesser rides.

Time is money in my book and I looked for many months for the car that I wanted and was unable to find the low mileage, snow-free climate that I desired. This car was accessible and the transaction went smoothly....plus I was not in a position to drive to the car's location for a "test" drive....

as I said: I am a happy camper.

 

What did you do with the 17 inch rims? Still have them?

 

4 10 spoke staggered slk350 rims
17 inch 245 rears 225 fronts brand new michelin pilots for sale. All brand new.

 

Need to ressurect this thread. I would like to buy a 2001 e430 in new england area. Edmunds and kbb are pretty far apart these days. Best one ive seen so far has 118,000 , clean exterior, fair interior( small rip in passenger seat,instrment cluster lost clock,outside temp,gear.ding near light switch), mechanically runs great all work has been done, biege/tan. Asking $8000. Seems a little high to me, but cant quite get a handle on what i should pay. E430 are not as common as e320. What do you guys think? Oh lord wont you help me.

 

Just to give you the idea, I just got my 01 E430 Sport package with 73,000 miles from San Francisco for $9,400. Exterior has some scratches, interior is very good cosmetically. All maintenance was up to date. Regarding clock and other reading on the instrument cluster can most likely be because of burnt light bulbs that make those LCD hard to read. Another common problem would be lost pixels which can most likely be fixed. You can check for DIY on Benzworld.org. It's not to hard to do, but sometimes you don't get all the pixels back. In that case you may choose to send it out for refurbishing.