E430 new car reliability?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
E430 new car reliability?
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
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
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: new york
2000 E 430
E 430 long term update
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.
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.
Out Of Control!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 21,014
Likes: 2
From: CA, NV, CO
Re: E430 new car reliability?
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!
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!
Originally posted by 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
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
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: new york
2000 E 430
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!
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!
Out Of Control!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 21,014
Likes: 2
From: CA, NV, CO
bcapp
lol!!
lol!!
Originally posted by 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!
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!
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 139
Likes: 1
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
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
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks all!
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
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
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 500
Likes: 1
From: NYC
C32 AMG, C300 Sport
a few angry volvo owners
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: S. Florida
'01 E55 AMG - Brilliant Silver (very rare)/ Charcoal, K2a
Re: Thanks all!
Originally posted by LarryW
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.LW
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.LW
So Larry, did you take delivery yet?
Let us know your impressions ... especially in comparison to the Volvo!
Regards,
