CalsonicSE

First post. I'm in the market for an '03 e320. The one I'm looking at has 58k miles and sport package. The seller says the car also has the harman kardon system - how can I tell?

Also, is there anything I should be wary of when buying a '03 e320 (i.e. known issues, etc.)?

Thanks!

lig

I would really recommend not getting an '03 based upon my experience. If you can swing an '04 you'll have a better chance of getting a more reliable car.

The problems with my car were mainly electronics. Those kinds of things don't get better with age - and they do get expensive in a hurry.

If you can - get the VIN and have a Service Advisor give you the service records of the car.

I'd rather have a nice W210 E55 than an '03 W211 personally.

HELL ONA HARLEY

L.O.L... Go easy on the guy lig... Not all 03's are lemons and the ones that were are probably fixed by now. yea, I know about your issues, but there are members here that have 03's in possesion that are happy campers.



Look at the speakers on the front doors, there you will see the HK name. You can also hit the sound key on the "comand" screen and look for the "logic7 surround" in the options.
Good luck with your decision

CalsonicSE

If I end up getting the car, I'll definitely getting an extended warranty. Shouldn't that help?

lig

I just happen to love the E55 - and those W210s are really dropping in price.
There are some really nice rather low mileage ones out there in the mid-high 20s now!

I'm sure that if he can find an '03 E320 that checks out well from the dealer it'll be fine if it's had all the upgrades/recalls/TSBs done but with hindsight - I'd take the W210 AMG instead.

Happy New Year, HOH!

p.s. just read the post about the extended warranty - IIRC Starmark specifically *excluded* most of the electronics. Make sure that your warranty covers it.

Flash Gordon

I definitely agree with lig regarding the 2003 model. I had visited my dealer many times and I have a file about 1/2" thick. Get a 2004 or newer model. The price is not that much different. As for extended warranty, why buy a car with known issues and get a extended warranty for it! This is like buying an extended warranty for Yugo! You ask for 2003 owners' opinions and this is mine.

CalsonicSE

Thank you all for your replies. Very helpful and much appreciated.

So the issues with the 2003 w211's have been pretty much fixed with the 2004's? Apart from this, any issues with 2004's?

Darn, the car looked so pretty, too...

HELL ONA HARLEY

You too lig...

Nickc0844

I bought mine used as well and the stealer told me it had HK, but I did not see the logo on the outside of the speaker covers. However, it does have the Logic7 Surround as my Harley friend pointed out.