Back2Benz

what's up with all these '04 E500's 4Matics all over ebay??!! ....I've been reading that '03's have issues, but are the 4Matics problematic also? thanks from noob

Barry45RPM

Don't forget that they would be coming off lease now.

Back2Benz

maybe just timing..but there is like one non-4Matic and 8 4Matics...probably just timing I guess...

BTW...how did you like your 04 E500?....I might be in the market for one (was also considering an older E55, but a newer car might be better, especially if I can get it with warranty)

cyclerider

Are you sure you want Barry to answer that?

Back2Benz

uhh...probably not anymore ...I'll just check his posts

Barry45RPM

To be fair to you I have to tell you that I was absolutely tortured by my 2004. It had a RO file at least an inch thick if you squeezed all the ROs together tightly. It started at 6 weeks & never relented. Always something different. Thats why I have an '07 now, which seems to be really great. But like I said. There are a bunch of guys here who got their cars & had only routine maintenance needs. My SA said that a Good E, should be in once a year for scheduled maintenance & maybe 1 other time for a problem. (Brake jobs not included, thats driver & milage dependent, recalls obviously not included.)

The 211s are stunning compared to the 210s... real 21st century cars. My Dad's '01 210 looks like a TAXI in comparison. Very typical old MB styling. No CD, a Casette deck. Crappy sounding Bose radio. The E 500s are as fast as you'll ever need, quiet, refined, and beautiful. If an E is what you want go for the 211, try for at least an '04 with Harmon Kardon Stereo, Comand, Bixenon Lights & Sun Roof at a minimum. Other than NAV, these options don't get a trade in guy any more money, but as a buyer, you will really like them. The headlights are absolutely superb. They're around. So many people lease them. Its not hard to find one and live near a few different dealers. Its even worth a road trip to another area that has a few dealers. Its fun & you'll have a wider choice. Once you have the car its yours, & the shopping fades away.

Barry45RPM

To be clear... I'm not down on the Brand. I love my car. I'm certainly not down on my Dealer or MBUSA. Both have been really good to me, and always try to keep me a satisfied customer. I wouldn't want to cast a "Don't buy MB" shadow on anybody. I had the chance to buy something else, I chose to drive another MB E Class 8 Cyl RWD. I don't regret my decision. Happy Camper Here! Have the dealer run all the ROs on the car you are interested in. If you plan to keep it after the Factory Warranty, its a really good idea to have an Extended Warranty.

Back2Benz

thanks for the update....I'd love to get an 04 E500...just hope I get the "right one" when the time comes