E 500 Problems(2003)love/hate
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: OCEANSIDE, CA
08 CLS 550
E 500 Problems(2003)love/hate
In the last 6 months since I purchased my 2003 E 500 I have had to bring the car back to the dealer 7 times. The latest was I could not start the car, lock the doors or open the trunk. I was on my way to an important meeting. It turned out to be the EIS computer had to be replaced. It ruined the whole day along with the next night going to the emmys with my loaner car with the dealer name plastered all over it. To date the driver rear door handle didn't work/R/R, Transmission Torque had to have a lock up adaptation, CD changer died twice,R/R both times,, radio died once R/R, front grill molding fell off while drivingR/R. creaking front seat, three keys, first two did not work with keyless go. I love this car but I am begining to hate it. I bought a MB for reliabilty. I could of bought a chevy if I wanted to go the dealer this often. I was told by some people that the 2003 E 500 has a lot of bugs. I am thinking of asking MB to buy it back and I will buy a 2004 model. Advice, comments. Thanks
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
2003 was the w211's intro year...definitely buggy. As a general rule of thumb, first generation cars are buggy for the most part.
MB fixed a lot of the problems in '04 as many member's with '04 w211's haven't had problems, if any, at all.
MB fixed a lot of the problems in '04 as many member's with '04 w211's haven't had problems, if any, at all.
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
I know that MB had said NAV would be included in the '03 w211's, but were shipped WITHOUT them, therefore MB did a buyback of '03 w211's without NAV and the owners got '03 or '04 w211's with NAV (forget which year, but I think '04 models).
You could try writing a letter to MBUSA as a first step. Were any repairs in for more than once for the same reason? Like repaired something then failed again, etc? Try checking your lemon laws in your state.
You could try writing a letter to MBUSA as a first step. Were any repairs in for more than once for the same reason? Like repaired something then failed again, etc? Try checking your lemon laws in your state.
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From: McLean, VA
S4
Originally posted by GDawgC220
I know that MB had said NAV would be included in the '03 w211's, but were shipped WITHOUT them, therefore MB did a buyback of '03 w211's without NAV and the owners got '03 or '04 w211's with NAV (forget which year, but I think '04 models).
You could try writing a letter to MBUSA as a first step. Were any repairs in for more than once for the same reason? Like repaired something then failed again, etc? Try checking your lemon laws in your state.
I know that MB had said NAV would be included in the '03 w211's, but were shipped WITHOUT them, therefore MB did a buyback of '03 w211's without NAV and the owners got '03 or '04 w211's with NAV (forget which year, but I think '04 models).
You could try writing a letter to MBUSA as a first step. Were any repairs in for more than once for the same reason? Like repaired something then failed again, etc? Try checking your lemon laws in your state.
if you purchased your car used, as far as I know you are SOL for getting your car replaced under lemon law unless you fight it really hard. If you purchased it new, you need to pursue it with your MB dealer, however, I believe the requirements include them having the car for 30 or 60 days??!!
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: OCEANSIDE, CA
08 CLS 550
It looks like I am sol. My car was an original nav buy back. I am the 2nd owner. I thought I was getting a great deal when I bought it.
When I went to the dealer this morning to pick it up from service I also had them print me a report showing all the service that has been done. In doing so I saw the previous owners numerous service trips on the computer screen. MB would not allow me to have that info but it showed this car has seen a lot of time in the service dept. I guess I could trade it in/ sell it or just keep putting up with the problems. Of course if I trade it in I will lose a ton of money. At the same time this is the greatest car I have ever owned. I like everything about it except of course that it is in service every few weeks. Oh well I have gotted used to driving around in the c240 loaner car, yea sure.
Thanks for your input
When I went to the dealer this morning to pick it up from service I also had them print me a report showing all the service that has been done. In doing so I saw the previous owners numerous service trips on the computer screen. MB would not allow me to have that info but it showed this car has seen a lot of time in the service dept. I guess I could trade it in/ sell it or just keep putting up with the problems. Of course if I trade it in I will lose a ton of money. At the same time this is the greatest car I have ever owned. I like everything about it except of course that it is in service every few weeks. Oh well I have gotted used to driving around in the c240 loaner car, yea sure.
Thanks for your input
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From: McLean, VA
S4
Originally posted by phahn
It looks like I am sol. My car was an original nav buy back. I am the 2nd owner. I thought I was getting a great deal when I bought it.
When I went to the dealer this morning to pick it up from service I also had them print me a report showing all the service that has been done. In doing so I saw the previous owners numerous service trips on the computer screen. MB would not allow me to have that info but it showed this car has seen a lot of time in the service dept. I guess I could trade it in/ sell it or just keep putting up with the problems. Of course if I trade it in I will lose a ton of money. At the same time this is the greatest car I have ever owned. I like everything about it except of course that it is in service every few weeks. Oh well I have gotted used to driving around in the c240 loaner car, yea sure.
Thanks for your input
It looks like I am sol. My car was an original nav buy back. I am the 2nd owner. I thought I was getting a great deal when I bought it.
When I went to the dealer this morning to pick it up from service I also had them print me a report showing all the service that has been done. In doing so I saw the previous owners numerous service trips on the computer screen. MB would not allow me to have that info but it showed this car has seen a lot of time in the service dept. I guess I could trade it in/ sell it or just keep putting up with the problems. Of course if I trade it in I will lose a ton of money. At the same time this is the greatest car I have ever owned. I like everything about it except of course that it is in service every few weeks. Oh well I have gotted used to driving around in the c240 loaner car, yea sure.
Thanks for your input
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Originally posted by phahn
I just discovered the w 211 forum. I will place my original post there. I still don't know what w 211 means but that is Ok.
I just discovered the w 211 forum. I will place my original post there. I still don't know what w 211 means but that is Ok.
W211 = 2003+ E-Class
Different body shape, chassis, engine, everything, even wheel confirguration - but both belong to the same class or family
Important to know when looking parts, especially aftermarket stuff 
...........although the E500 was not available (at least widely) for the W210.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
Re: E 500 Problems(2003)love/hate
My W210 E320 spends more time at shop/dealer during the last two year (since I bought it) than my 6 years ownership of the GS300
My W211 E320 spends more time at shop/dealer during the last two months that I've owned it than my last two years with the W210 E320.
Go figure !!!
Of course, both my ride on the W210/W211 is about zillion times better than the GS300. Look and handling is about 5000 times better. The W211 looks gorgeous, and the W210 looks timeless. The GS looks boring.
THe GS300 is about 3000 times more reliable than the Benzs though
To be honest, after the initial set of visit to shop/dealer, both my W210/W211 has no other problem, so far, and somehow I still would pick them any other car if I have to choose all over again.
My W211 E320 spends more time at shop/dealer during the last two months that I've owned it than my last two years with the W210 E320.
Go figure !!!
Of course, both my ride on the W210/W211 is about zillion times better than the GS300. Look and handling is about 5000 times better. The W211 looks gorgeous, and the W210 looks timeless. The GS looks boring.
THe GS300 is about 3000 times more reliable than the Benzs though
To be honest, after the initial set of visit to shop/dealer, both my W210/W211 has no other problem, so far, and somehow I still would pick them any other car if I have to choose all over again.
Originally posted by phahn
In the last 6 months since I purchased my 2003 E 500 I have had to bring the car back to the dealer 7 times. The latest was I could not start the car, lock the doors or open the trunk. I was on my way to an important meeting. It turned out to be the EIS computer had to be replaced. It ruined the whole day along with the next night going to the emmys with my loaner car with the dealer name plastered all over it. To date the driver rear door handle didn't work/R/R, Transmission Torque had to have a lock up adaptation, CD changer died twice,R/R both times,, radio died once R/R, front grill molding fell off while drivingR/R. creaking front seat, three keys, first two did not work with keyless go. I love this car but I am begining to hate it. I bought a MB for reliabilty. I could of bought a chevy if I wanted to go the dealer this often. I was told by some people that the 2003 E 500 has a lot of bugs. I am thinking of asking MB to buy it back and I will buy a 2004 model. Advice, comments. Thanks
In the last 6 months since I purchased my 2003 E 500 I have had to bring the car back to the dealer 7 times. The latest was I could not start the car, lock the doors or open the trunk. I was on my way to an important meeting. It turned out to be the EIS computer had to be replaced. It ruined the whole day along with the next night going to the emmys with my loaner car with the dealer name plastered all over it. To date the driver rear door handle didn't work/R/R, Transmission Torque had to have a lock up adaptation, CD changer died twice,R/R both times,, radio died once R/R, front grill molding fell off while drivingR/R. creaking front seat, three keys, first two did not work with keyless go. I love this car but I am begining to hate it. I bought a MB for reliabilty. I could of bought a chevy if I wanted to go the dealer this often. I was told by some people that the 2003 E 500 has a lot of bugs. I am thinking of asking MB to buy it back and I will buy a 2004 model. Advice, comments. Thanks
Last edited by zam2000; Jun 24, 2004 at 01:24 AM.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 55
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From: OCEANSIDE, CA
08 CLS 550
Thanks for the insight on the w 210 and w211. Also thanks for sharing your story about your MB. I am hoping all the bugs are worked out and I won't be in the shop again such as in your case. I was checking out the Lexus for its reliability but you are right they are boring next to the MB. Then again MB should, for the money we spend, build a car that is more reliable. People will spend money on a car they can depend on. If not they will find somewhere else to spend it and may never return. All a company really has in the end is their reputation.
By the way what is the forum trick to including pictures? I noticed a lot of people include their cars.
By the way what is the forum trick to including pictures? I noticed a lot of people include their cars.
?
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Hey, Don't Diss My Chevy!!
"I could of bought a chevy if I wanted to go the dealer this often."
The 2000 Chevy Malibu I bought for my daughter has NEVER been back to the dealer for repairs. It has about 30k miles. I lost count of how many times my W210 has been back. But like you, I put up with it because the M-B is so much fun to drive.
The 2000 Chevy Malibu I bought for my daughter has NEVER been back to the dealer for repairs. It has about 30k miles. I lost count of how many times my W210 has been back. But like you, I put up with it because the M-B is so much fun to drive.
