LarryW

I'm looking for some feedback on the reliability and new car problems of the E430.

We're getting rid of my wife's 2001 Volvo V70 T5 nightmare. That car has been nothing but a problem since day one: in the 18 months we've had it, its spent 55 days at the shop on 9 different occasions. And its still not right! Thank you Smythe Volvo. Well, we've had enough, and that piece of garbage with 13K miles is gone. Send me an email if you're interested in the gory details.

I've always been a fan of the E-Class and was ready to head down to the dealer and buy an E430 Sport (or maybe E55?) today when I heard some distressing news: a friend is less than happy with his. Lots of trips to the dealer to fix everything from the small annoyance to the serious safety flaw.

Is this just a fluke? When you bought your new E-Class, how many trips to the dealer were needed to get it right? Any gotchas I should be aware of before we park one in our garage. Last thing I want right now is to dump another problem-child car on my wife.

Thanks all!
LW

bcapp

I have had 2000 E 430 since Jan 2000 and it's a great car.

Of course with any new car there are small annoyances that you have to deal with. I had to have the alignment adjusted early on, fix a driver's seat problem and get a computer malfunction fixed. All were relatively minor inconveniences. Best of all Benz gives you a loaner car, it's fixed right away and they take good car of their customers.

One of the car magazines (Car and Driver or Road and Track I think) just did a long term wrapup on the 1996-2000 E Class and said great things about the car. The 2001 and 2002 models are basically the same so your experience should be similar. Maybe someone on this site can find and post the link.

Good luck.

JamE55

LarryW

Got my E55 back in sept of last year and so far no problem at all and rides like the wind!! I love it! If you're gonna get one get the 55!! Exclusive car. Not something you see very ofter on the streets except when there's an MB gathering!

bcapp

Larry

If the car is for your wife save the $16K and get her the E 430 (or the E 320 and save $21K). If you get her the E 55 and she drives anything like my wife, you'll worry every time she pulls out of the driveway!

JamE55

bcapp

lol!!

jnjrowland

I came out of a Volvo nightmare as well - my problem was an S80-T6 which had a problem they said "live with it". I left the Volvo on the last service trip, the number escapes me, and went straight to the MB dealer next door.

Got a 2000 E-320 and I love it. Only problems were a fuel sending unit causing gas gauge to not read completely full and the front wheels were balanced. That's it, the rest of the time is enjoyed driving.

Good luck with your choice.

JR

LarryW

I'd like to thank everyone for the comments.

We just returned from the dealer where we purchased a silver E430 Sport with all the toys.

As it wasn't ready for delivery, so we'll have to wait until Monday to be rid of the Volvo.

We didn't take the dealer installed CD changer. Any recommendations for aftermarket changers or, ideally an MP3 player like the very cool Phatbox (www.phatbox.com)?

Thanks again.
LW

elvanker

The only problem with my 2001 silver E430 Sport was when my wife broke the cupholder-now she's only allowed to drive the 99 ML430.

vinmanc32

I too am a Volvo owner (S80 T6) and although I had some problems with the car, they were minor and didnt have any effect on the car or driving, what so ever. they were annoying though, since most of them were emmissions related. The tranny went after about 6K but after the replacement, it was fine. Im gettin rid of mine in about two weeks, which is three months earlier than the lease end date but I just received a new AMG and dont need 3 cars. After this MB, I dont think I will buy anything else again. These cars are solid as a rock and wonderful to drive.

KWiK

I'm in the middle of MB buying mine back under the "Lemon Law".

Drew

Congrats on your new purchase ... and Welcome to the Forum!

So Larry, did you take delivery yet?

Let us know your impressions ... especially in comparison to the Volvo!

Regards,