Bought my 1st E-class and have some questions
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, Hawaii
2003 E500
Bought my 1st E-class and have some questions
Hi, Newbie here. Just purchased my first Mercedes E-Class. Until now i've been a hard core Audi, and BMW person so am now ready to try a Mercedes. A few questions.
The car I bought is a 2003 E500W with only 14K miles on it.
1. What does the "W" signify? I have no clue
2. Is there any websites that can show all the technical specs and options that were available on this car for this year? I have no idea what it comes with and the dealer doesn't either. (not buying from an Mercedes Dealer).
3. Anything I should watch out for or check on? Any advice is appreciated as I know nothing about this model car.
4. I have this Brake Service Message on? What is that about? Anything to worry about? I don't have time yet but will take it to the dealer soon. Is it safe?
5. I hear a slight ticking noise from the engine? Anything to worry about?
Thanks in advance! I actually have a million and one more questions but will try to search for the rest.
The car I bought is a 2003 E500W with only 14K miles on it.
1. What does the "W" signify? I have no clue
2. Is there any websites that can show all the technical specs and options that were available on this car for this year? I have no idea what it comes with and the dealer doesn't either. (not buying from an Mercedes Dealer).
3. Anything I should watch out for or check on? Any advice is appreciated as I know nothing about this model car.
4. I have this Brake Service Message on? What is that about? Anything to worry about? I don't have time yet but will take it to the dealer soon. Is it safe?
5. I hear a slight ticking noise from the engine? Anything to worry about?
Thanks in advance! I actually have a million and one more questions but will try to search for the rest.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 809
Likes: 74
From: Dallas, TX
2008 E63 wagon (1 of 62)
Hi, Newbie here. Just purchased my first Mercedes E-Class. Until now i've been a hard core Audi, and BMW person so am now ready to try a Mercedes. A few questions.
The car I bought is a 2003 E500W with only 14K miles on it.
1. What does the "W" signify? I have no clue
The car I bought is a 2003 E500W with only 14K miles on it.
1. What does the "W" signify? I have no clue
2. Is there any websites that can show all the technical specs and options that were available on this car for this year? I have no idea what it comes with and the dealer doesn't either. (not buying from an Mercedes Dealer).
3. Anything I should watch out for or check on? Any advice is appreciated as I know nothing about this model car.
4. I have this Brake Service Message on? What is that about? Anything to worry about? I don't have time yet but will take it to the dealer soon. Is it safe?
5. I hear a slight ticking noise from the engine? Anything to worry about?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Some 2003s had a problem with engine mounts that resulted in a ticking/clicking sound. I don't recall if the problem was limited to E320s or extended to E500s. My E500 hasn't had any engine mount problems, although it did have the audio problem that r_f mentioned (fixed under warranty).
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, Hawaii
2003 E500
Thanks for the replies guys. I'm still trying to find out which forums have the best participation, seems like this one is pretty good.
I'll check on the ticking sound to see where its coming from.
What kind of Audio problems are we talking about? Sounded pretty good to me!
Thanks in advance guys...keep em coming! And nice to meet you all!
I'll check on the ticking sound to see where its coming from.
What kind of Audio problems are we talking about? Sounded pretty good to me!
Thanks in advance guys...keep em coming! And nice to meet you all!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
They were early production problems. As each one appeared MB scrambled (at that time) to find a cure or fix for the problem. Its not like there is a chronic single problem or defect.
Also in '03 there was some factory substitutions of the audio system originally planned to be in the E Class when the car was made available for purchase. By this time that has all been sorted out.
Which Audio System in the car depends on when the car was built, and if the previous owner swapped it out for a different factory unit design Audio System.
Also in '03 there was some factory substitutions of the audio system originally planned to be in the E Class when the car was made available for purchase. By this time that has all been sorted out.
Which Audio System in the car depends on when the car was built, and if the previous owner swapped it out for a different factory unit design Audio System.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 5
From: Houston
2020 E450 Coupe, 2022 Porsche Macan, 2001 Porsche 911
Also, regarding your question about the "W", I think you meant about the W or S switch on the gear shift console. "W" stands for Winter transmission mode, which makes you take off in second gear to keep from slipping - and "S" stands for Standard transmission mode.
You will really like this site, it's very helpful!
You will really like this site, it's very helpful!
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Dallas, TX
sold - w211 e320, f250, rx7 race car
Time for new brake pads although with only 15k miles that's a little early, someone might have been brake happy. The brake pads have sensors that tell the car when they get low (this could be front or back giving you the signal, take the wheels off to tell). While you are at it, change the rotors. They are not designed to be turned. There are a ton of threads on here about brake jobs, how to do it, cost, etc. It's an easy fix. Good luck.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
The descriptions I've seen of the problems with '03 audio systems varied, but they usually involved the system unexpectedly turning itself off, and then sometimes restarting. In the case of our '03, after a few months the audio took to going silent with a blank display and then restarting itself every three minutes or so. If you have that problem, you'll know it. If you don't, it's very possible that the problem has been fixed on your car. It's a one-time fix that involves an upgrade to the audio system firmware and/or replacement of something called the "audio gateway."
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, Hawaii
2003 E500
Thanks guys, the place I bought it from will check it for me and have it fixed (brake problem). Ironically I bought the thing from a Lexus dealer as I was originally going to buy a Lexus GS350 but couldn't afford $50K so bought this baby for $29K.
I also noticed now that I have a scratch on the windshield (actual a cluster of many scrathes in one area like some one used sandpaper in just one spot). I need to have that fixed...suggestions?
This forum is great! Lots of interaction. Is this the best forum you guys use? Any other recommendations?
I also noticed now that I have a scratch on the windshield (actual a cluster of many scrathes in one area like some one used sandpaper in just one spot). I need to have that fixed...suggestions?
This forum is great! Lots of interaction. Is this the best forum you guys use? Any other recommendations?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Thanks guys, the place I bought it from will check it for me and have it fixed (brake problem). Ironically I bought the thing from a Lexus dealer as I was originally going to buy a Lexus GS350 but couldn't afford $50K so bought this baby for $29K.
I also noticed now that I have a scratch on the windshield (actual a cluster of many scrathes in one area like some one used sandpaper in just one spot). I need to have that fixed...suggestions?
This forum is great! Lots of interaction. Is this the best forum you guys use? Any other recommendations?
I also noticed now that I have a scratch on the windshield (actual a cluster of many scrathes in one area like some one used sandpaper in just one spot). I need to have that fixed...suggestions?
This forum is great! Lots of interaction. Is this the best forum you guys use? Any other recommendations?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, Hawaii
2003 E500
Nice to meet you too! So no Local peeps on these forums huh?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 293
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From: Austin, TX
'13 E550 W4
1. Make sure to get all of the "recall" work done by Mercedes.
2. Get the brakes fixed ASAP. All warnings in the dash cluster are real. Depending on the length of time that warning has been there, you could be riding on no brakes right now...
3. Have fun with your new car.
2. Get the brakes fixed ASAP. All warnings in the dash cluster are real. Depending on the length of time that warning has been there, you could be riding on no brakes right now...
3. Have fun with your new car.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: West Michigan
2007 E63
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 311
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From: The OC
MY MB WAS LEMON'D
Brakes...
Did you purchase this from a dealership? If so, was it "certified"... if it was certified, demand they fix the brakes for you free of charge... according to their "certification of used cars", the brakes need to be (i think) at least 70% in order for them to be able to certify the car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
This is where he got it...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, Hawaii
2003 E500
Senior Member
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From: HI transplant in Seattle
2024 G63, 2021 X7M50i
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 154
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From: Walnut Creek, CA
2018 Macan, 2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, 2024 G63
I got my car from a Lexus dealership and my windshield had a crack at one end.
Although, they did install a new windshield at no cost.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, Hawaii
2003 E500
Whoa, just found a small crack...rock damage I think? that I just had plugged for $60 of my own money. I wonder if the Dealer will pay me back for this?
I know, maybe Lexus does this to all Mercedes it sells? haha
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, Hawaii
2003 E500
Got the Brake service light thing checked out today. They said it was some kind of a faulty switch? Not sure exactly what it was since it was explained to me from the mechanic through the dealer to me. Either way, they intalled a new one and the light now longer comes on. They said they will set up an appointment for me to have the 3-recall issues done as well.
All is good BUT...... now my Stereo is acting up!! I heard about this!
Basically it got all staticy today while I was driving, and then I couldn't turn it off...finally it got so bad and some message came on saying "can not connect to stereo" or somthing like that?? I turned off the engine and restarted the car, and it was back to normal......what is that all about? Is this something the dealer will fix???
Thanks for all the help guys..
All is good BUT...... now my Stereo is acting up!! I heard about this!
Basically it got all staticy today while I was driving, and then I couldn't turn it off...finally it got so bad and some message came on saying "can not connect to stereo" or somthing like that?? I turned off the engine and restarted the car, and it was back to normal......what is that all about? Is this something the dealer will fix???
Thanks for all the help guys..
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Got the Brake service light thing checked out today. They said it was some kind of a faulty switch? Not sure exactly what it was since it was explained to me from the mechanic through the dealer to me. Either way, they intalled a new one and the light now longer comes on. They said they will set up an appointment for me to have the 3-recall issues done as well.
All is good BUT...... now my Stereo is acting up!! I heard about this!
Basically it got all staticy today while I was driving, and then I couldn't turn it off...finally it got so bad and some message came on saying "can not connect to stereo" or somthing like that?? I turned off the engine and restarted the car, and it was back to normal......what is that all about? Is this something the dealer will fix???
Thanks for all the help guys..
All is good BUT...... now my Stereo is acting up!! I heard about this!
Basically it got all staticy today while I was driving, and then I couldn't turn it off...finally it got so bad and some message came on saying "can not connect to stereo" or somthing like that?? I turned off the engine and restarted the car, and it was back to normal......what is that all about? Is this something the dealer will fix???
Thanks for all the help guys..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
There was a well known Audio Gateway update that goes back to the '03's & early '04s that will eliminate the problem. Tell the service department exactly as you described it here.
