need advise on 2003 E320
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 811
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From: Bay Area
08' S550, 04' E320 4matic, 03' Acura TL-S 6 speed, 1968 Vespa P150
need advise on 2003 E320
I just added 2003 E320 to one of my option list and between the E320 I'm also looking for a 2000 and up GS400 and GS430. I had the GS400 before and I know I like the way it drives but I added the E320 to the list because the it's the newest body style and the feature seems to be pretty decent and comparable to the GS400 or maybe even more. Everyone seems to be telling me about the reliability issues of these benze. Can you 2003 < E320 owners give me your inputs.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: The OC
MY MB WAS LEMON'D
I have a 03 E320 and love it.... I haven't brought it in to the dealer for anything except for maintenance... I would definately recommend it before those other cars you listed....it's a BENZ and dont forget that
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 693
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From: Mansfield, TX
11 ML350W2 / 17 GLC300
I too am very happy with my '03 E320. I too have heard about some issues with the '03 but I haven't had any issues. You may read about brake problems and people talking about the brake feel. The brakes ARE sensitive! If you stomp on the brake pedal, you may get bruises from the seat belts. This is by design. This feature has saved us from an accident. The car WILL stop very quickly if you wish. For normal stopping I have learned to be a little more gentle with the pedal.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: The OC
MY MB WAS LEMON'D
Originally Posted by JimPurdy
I too am very happy with my '03 E320. I too have heard about some issues with the '03 but I haven't had any issues. You may read about brake problems and people talking about the brake feel. The brakes ARE sensitive! If you stomp on the brake pedal, you may get bruises from the seat belts. This is by design. This feature has saved us from an accident. The car WILL stop very quickly if you wish. For normal stopping I have learned to be a little more gentle with the pedal.
There is nothing wrong with good breaks
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 957
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was '03 E320 - now - '04 S4
My '03 was an early one and had a number of issues. None that left me stranded - but all annoying. Totally opposite of our Lexus.
I'm car shopping right now and M-B is not on my list. My wife is irked because I'm seriously thinking about an S4. She doesn't want any more German cars.
Good luck on your decision.
I'm car shopping right now and M-B is not on my list. My wife is irked because I'm seriously thinking about an S4. She doesn't want any more German cars.
Good luck on your decision.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Dedham MA
2015 C300
I have an '03 E320 and love it! Had a couple of early issues, but the car has run great ever since. As a first year model, there were some bugs that needed to be worked out, and some cars had a fair number of issues. I would ask to see the service records. My car has been service free for about two years, outside of normal maintenance and the TSB's - so as long as the car wasn't in/out of the shop for ongoing problems, I'd say go for it - you won't regret it!
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: By the City by the Bay, CA
2001 E320 (210.065), Brilliant Silver; 2002 Ducati ST-2, Arrest-me Red
I was all over the map, too, and then finally decided I just didn't want to drive a Japanese car, I wanted a Benz. If your bottom line is reliability then go with the Lexus, their ratings in that regard are superior. But in the end, I simply wanted to own and drive a Benz. If you're really struggling, do the old pro and con list and add it all up.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 311
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From: The OC
MY MB WAS LEMON'D
Originally Posted by Gregs210
I was all over the map, too, and then finally decided I just didn't want to drive a Japanese car, I wanted a Benz. If your bottom line is reliability then go with the Lexus, their ratings in that regard are superior. But in the end, I simply wanted to own and drive a Benz. If you're really struggling, do the old pro and con list and add it all up.
Me: "I drive a BENZ"
That's all you need to know..... those were my pros and cons... ha ha
