So I am finally getting my 2007 SLK within weeks...

in the meantime, my daily driver is a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE, (my 2004 C230 Sport Sedan was totalled last year)

In the near future (maybe 2007?), I would like to trade in my Grand Am for a new Mercedes. I was thinking of getting a 2008 C-class, or maybe a 2007 S-class... but I figured I could get a good deal and save a few bucks by getting a 2003 E500 instead.

Anything I should be aware of, if I get a pre-owned certified 2003 E500 as my daily driver? I've seen very low prices in the $35k range for a low-mile car...

Thanks in advance!

 

Familiarize yourself with relevant recalls:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/145960-w211-recalls.html

W211 issues:

Transmission (7-speed):
Bulletin P-B-27.60/61d JUN06 Rough Shift Quality – addresses any mechanical causes and performs shift adaptations.

Transmission (5-speed):
P-B-27.55/50f MAR06 Harsh engagement possibly followed by droning/buzzing noises during acceleration (1200 – 2500 rpm). This may be caused incomplete adaptation of the torque converter, the transmission EGS ECU software, or glycol contamination of the automatic transmission fluid.

Common Airmatic suspension problems:
(1) P-B-32.22/15 MAR03 Low ride height at one or more suspension points after the vehicle has been parked at cold temperatures – the affected air strut is replaced.
(2) P-B-32.22/32 AUG05 Sporadic knocking / rumbling noise from front left of vehicle when driving over rough roads – the compressor bracket is replaced.

MBUSA modifications:
(1) P-B-42.10/48 JUL04 Increased wear rear brake pads (part # A004420 44 20).
(2) P-B-42.10/51e FEB06 Squealing or grinding noise from the front brakes, even when the brakes are not applied – replace pressure retaining springs, piston damper, pads.
(3) P-B-82.30/366b JAN06 Windshield wipers chattering / noisy – replace wiper blades and wiper arms need to be adjusted to windshield angle (tool W211 589 02 21 00).
(4) P-B-82.62/387 SEPT04 Poor sound quality in Harman/Kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound – replace Audio Gateway and update software.
(5) P-B-33.15/16a JAN06 Steering wheel twitch (side to side during slow speed braking) – replace torque strut bushings (part # A211 333 11 14).
(6) P-B-82.62/499 MAR06 AM Radio interference – remove wiring to left, front brake wear sensor (eliminated).
(7) Drifts right: Install left & right “Camber/Caster Bolt Kits” including new alignment to correct for road crown.

Playing mp3s:
As long as the vehicle has COMAND the dealer simply needs to update the software. That it to say for early production 03 the vehicles were equipped with a cassette player in the head unit and optional CD changer. I believe these vehicles cannot be modified however I’m not certain. For later 03 vehicles equipped with a head unit that has a single CD (COMAND) rather than a cassette player it can be made to play mp3s by updating the head unit software.

 

Oh wow.. thanks for all the info!

Feel free to make other recommendations...

If I can keep pulling up my income, I will go for a new S-class, but if not, I may just have to settle for a new C-class, which is ok, as I am a short guy. :-)

 

BTW, your URL appears to be truncated.. I tried this instead:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=145960

 

Look for a CDI and enjoy the torque and fuel economy. Have you driven one?

 

Good advice, IMHO!

In any event, I'd try to avoid an '03. That was the first model year of the W211 platform and had lots of issues. Subsequent model years have become more reliable.

Good luck - they're enjoyable cars, especially the diesels.

 

I've had mine for about 45 days now and absolutely love it! I did have it serviced (under warranty) for all the recalls, and everything seems to look good.

I purchased mine from Select Auto Luxury here in Atlanta (and big on ebay), but also strongly considered Malone's Auto's (all inventory is pulled from MB USA post-lease website).

Good luck!

 

I had my 05 E500 for 6 months and I had absolutely NO PROBLEM w/it at all and logged 11K happy miles.

 

nope, i have not driven a CDI... the only E-class I've been is my former boss' E55 AMG.. awesome car, but obviously slurps more gas than a CDI does...

on a related note... is Bluetec the new CDI?

 

Yes.

 

I purchase a 2003 with very low miles in the 30's and to be honest, I feel this car is a steal at these prices. I have had only routine service. I get about 20 MPG in normal back roaddriving. The one thing which is a little bothersome is that the breaks sweak. I am negotiating with the dealer to see if they will swap them out. It is not going well....

 

Sounds like a good deal...!

Believe it or not, I once got 37mpg while driving down I-95 overnight from northern Virginia heading towards VA beach. This was on my 2004 C230 Sport Sedan.

Uh oh.. not such a good deal after all.. I can't stand squeaky brakes.. especially not on a Benz!! I would rather pay for the replacement if all options were exhausted...