E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Looking to buy a used E Class

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Old Sep 30, 2006 | 04:21 AM
  #1  
taek's Avatar
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From: arcadia
05 Scion tC, 06 Infiniti m35
Looking to buy a used E Class

I just have a question...

Are there big differences between 2003 and 2004? any big drawbacks on the 2003? Anything that might make me not want a 2003?

Does anybody know the true power between the E320 and E350? noticeable difference? E350 worth the extra thousands?

Thanks in advance.
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Old Sep 30, 2006 | 05:42 AM
  #2  
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Oh trust me the power is worth the few extra grand for the E350. I had an E320 and an E350. Going to the E350 was night and day. You get a more responsive engine and transmission with the same gas mileage (high 20's and even looow 30's when conservative).

Trust me the E350 is the way to go.
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Old Sep 30, 2006 | 06:01 PM
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From: arcadia
05 Scion tC, 06 Infiniti m35
are there any major problems for the e320?

thanks mb fanatic for the fast response!
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Old Sep 30, 2006 | 10:30 PM
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I wouldnt say there are many major problems with the E320. It has plenty of power and of course the comfort creatures of a fine luxury sedan.

Try to avoid early 2003 models since they had quite a few problems. Get an 2004+
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Old Sep 30, 2006 | 11:25 PM
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'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Perhaps you know this, but the E320, with a 5-speed transmission, was the E-Class 6-cylinder gas offering in model years 2003 through 2005 (in North America) .The E350, with a 7-speed transmission, didn't arrive until model year 2006. The differences between a 2003 and 2004 E320 are relatively minor. One notable difference is that the 2004 (and maybe some late 2003s) have a more advanced audio unit, with a larger display. If you're an iPod person, you can get a kit from the dealer to integrate your iPod into the audio system of a 2004 or later, but not a 2003.

Our early (9/02) E500 has been quite reliable, actually, but we may be lucky in that respect. Many people here have reported problems with their '03s. FWIW, Consumer Reports gives the '03 and '04 the same overall reliability rating - bad - but gives the '04 a better rating in several reliability categories.
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Old Oct 2, 2006 | 03:05 AM
  #6  
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From: arcadia
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Originally Posted by DWP
Perhaps you know this, but the E320, with a 5-speed transmission, was the E-Class 6-cylinder gas offering in model years 2003 through 2005 (in North America) .The E350, with a 7-speed transmission, didn't arrive until model year 2006. The differences between a 2003 and 2004 E320 are relatively minor. One notable difference is that the 2004 (and maybe some late 2003s) have a more advanced audio unit, with a larger display. If you're an iPod person, you can get a kit from the dealer to integrate your iPod into the audio system of a 2004 or later, but not a 2003.

Our early (9/02) E500 has been quite reliable, actually, but we may be lucky in that respect. Many people here have reported problems with their '03s. FWIW, Consumer Reports gives the '03 and '04 the same overall reliability rating - bad - but gives the '04 a better rating in several reliability categories.
very helpful very helpful thanks man!!

my next question is probably how you can tell between an early 2003 and a late 2003?
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Old Oct 2, 2006 | 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by taek
very helpful very helpful thanks man!!

my next question is probably how you can tell between an early 2003 and a late 2003?
I think you can tell by looking at the size of the COMAND screen. If it is narrow then it is the older model and I think the newer ones have the "full size" screen.
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Old Oct 2, 2006 | 08:35 AM
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sold - w211 e320, f250, rx7 race car
Originally Posted by WEBSRFR
I think you can tell by looking at the size of the COMAND screen. If it is narrow then it is the older model and I think the newer ones have the "full size" screen.
Early 03 COMAND with tape player right below the screen. You can also check the build date located on the bottom inside of the driver door pillar. Mines a 1/03 build.
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