Thoughts/opinions requested: 2003 E500
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 202
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From: Huntington Beach, California
2002 C230 Coupe
Thoughts/opinions requested: 2003 E500
I'm actually mostly in the W203 forums, but I've been thinking about buying a 2003 E500 that I saw over the weekend. It was built in 09/2002 and has:
-Panorama Roof w/solar cells
-Sport Package
-88K miles
-Rear sunshade
As far as I can tell, it has bi-xenons, but does not have the Harmon Kardon sound system. The color is Brilliant Silver with grey interior.
Is there anything I need to look-out for with this car? The used car dealer is very aggressive with pricing and caught my interest by offering the car to me at $19K.
Bob
-Panorama Roof w/solar cells
-Sport Package
-88K miles
-Rear sunshade
As far as I can tell, it has bi-xenons, but does not have the Harmon Kardon sound system. The color is Brilliant Silver with grey interior.
Is there anything I need to look-out for with this car? The used car dealer is very aggressive with pricing and caught my interest by offering the car to me at $19K.
Bob
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
I have a 2003 E500 with 55000km and it has been a headache to say the least. Radiator has design defect which leads to coolant in tranny which means bye bye tranny. Do a search on E-class transmission problems in MBworld or on google should be able to find info on it. So basically transmission, and torque converter replaced. Bunch of electrical problems on mine and also the SBC brakes are not to my liking and constantly needs to be checked to make sure nothing fails. Had brake warning twice already. Wouldn't consider another E-class but if you must than maybe get the updated one should have less problems hopefully.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
Rieger: I have a 03 E500 with 38,000 miles; bought it local MB Dealer in 10/05 as certified used car. I just had the problem with the transmission fuid line linkage break in the radiator and transmission fuid got into the transmission. I only noticed it when the car would shutter a little going up hills and took it to the Dealer two weeks ago. They replaced radiator and torque converter and flushed radiator and transmission fluids. Go operates fine now and my extended warranty paid for everything. My question is how do I know the trasnsmission isn't damaged and will go out after my two year extended warranty has expired? Any advice?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 41
Tesla Model S P100D
I would get the dealer that did your repair to "ceritify" that your transmission was in no way affected by the leak. Get it in writing so that if you have problems later, you have better options for recourse.
When did MB fix the cause of this? Are only 2003 models affected by the leakage issue?
When did MB fix the cause of this? Are only 2003 models affected by the leakage issue?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 536
Likes: 4
From: Orlando, Florida
**SOLD***2003 E500
I just sold my 2003 E500.
Mine had 80,100 miles, panorama moonroof with solar cells, heated seats and steering wheel, keyless go, multi-contour seats, Harmon Kardon, Rear Sunshade, and factory Motorola V60 kit with Bluetooth puck. My car was a headache in the early years, however the last year and a half not bad. I had three out of pocket expenses in the last fifteen months that helped me decide to sell it. One air strut, one reservoir tank for the fuel purge system, two fuel tank O-rings, 2 front lower ball joint and trust arms that were leaking. All in all, three separate visits at $700-800 a pop, and one tow in due to the strut.
That was enough for me to say, it's time to get something newer and under warranty. I sold it for $20,500.00 and both of us were very happy.
My opinion would be to pass on the 2003-2006. My 99 E430 (W210), was much less trouble and I would probably look for a clean low mileage 2002 (W210) before I jumped into the early 211's. I am currently looking for a 212, however I might have to go BMW E60, as the 212's are scarce in V8's and I am cheap.
Randy B
That was enough for me to say, it's time to get something newer and under warranty. I sold it for $20,500.00 and both of us were very happy.
My opinion would be to pass on the 2003-2006. My 99 E430 (W210), was much less trouble and I would probably look for a clean low mileage 2002 (W210) before I jumped into the early 211's. I am currently looking for a 212, however I might have to go BMW E60, as the 212's are scarce in V8's and I am cheap.
Randy B
I'm actually mostly in the W203 forums, but I've been thinking about buying a 2003 E500 that I saw over the weekend. It was built in 09/2002 and has:
-Panorama Roof w/solar cells
-Sport Package
-88K miles
-Rear sunshade
As far as I can tell, it has bi-xenons, but does not have the Harmon Kardon sound system. The color is Brilliant Silver with grey interior.
Is there anything I need to look-out for with this car? The used car dealer is very aggressive with pricing and caught my interest by offering the car to me at $19K.
Bob
-Panorama Roof w/solar cells
-Sport Package
-88K miles
-Rear sunshade
As far as I can tell, it has bi-xenons, but does not have the Harmon Kardon sound system. The color is Brilliant Silver with grey interior.
Is there anything I need to look-out for with this car? The used car dealer is very aggressive with pricing and caught my interest by offering the car to me at $19K.
Bob
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 4
From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
I'm actually mostly in the W203 forums, but I've been thinking about buying a 2003 E500 that I saw over the weekend. It was built in 09/2002 and has:
-Panorama Roof w/solar cells
-Sport Package
-88K miles
-Rear sunshade
As far as I can tell, it has bi-xenons, but does not have the Harmon Kardon sound system. The color is Brilliant Silver with grey interior.
Is there anything I need to look-out for with this car? The used car dealer is very aggressive with pricing and caught my interest by offering the car to me at $19K.
Bob
-Panorama Roof w/solar cells
-Sport Package
-88K miles
-Rear sunshade
As far as I can tell, it has bi-xenons, but does not have the Harmon Kardon sound system. The color is Brilliant Silver with grey interior.
Is there anything I need to look-out for with this car? The used car dealer is very aggressive with pricing and caught my interest by offering the car to me at $19K.
Bob
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,461
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From: Baltimore MD
MB, BMW
i've been told by both owners i know around me and mechanics to avoid 03-05 E-class. it seems like 2007s are much better though. so if you have the $, get a 07 otherwise buying a 2002 W210 wouldn't be a bad idea either.
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
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2003 E500 Brilliant Silver Sport Package Pan Roof. Tint Euro Comand Euro Lights
Posted a year ago but if anyone else reads this eventually and has the same question about buying a 2003 E500. The miles on the car stated above are waaaaaaaaaaaay to high for the year. That's why it was cheap. FYI
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 384
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e500
My basic opinion is to skip the $19k 88k mile 03 E500 unless he REALLY wants it. If the latter is the case, there is not much any of us can really do to talk him out of it.
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Grand Prairie Texas
'24 GLE53 AMG Coupe
My opinions differs from somma the others.
My '03 hasn't giving me ANY problems until yesterday (from airmatic strut).
My car has 58K miles on it runs like a dream.
I guess when it comes to buying ANY car, there's a chance the car you buy might be more prone to repairs. As far as I know, all US Es are built at the same plant.
I'ono what to tell ya....
My '03 hasn't giving me ANY problems until yesterday (from airmatic strut).
My car has 58K miles on it runs like a dream.
I guess when it comes to buying ANY car, there's a chance the car you buy might be more prone to repairs. As far as I know, all US Es are built at the same plant.
I'ono what to tell ya....
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 187
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Really? E550s? I am assuming he wants the V8 since he is asking about the E500. Also, since he was interested in the 19k price, I am not sure he wanted to almost double his price to get something newer.
My basic opinion is to skip the $19k 88k mile 03 E500 unless he REALLY wants it. If the latter is the case, there is not much any of us can really do to talk him out of it.
My basic opinion is to skip the $19k 88k mile 03 E500 unless he REALLY wants it. If the latter is the case, there is not much any of us can really do to talk him out of it.
Nickel
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Really? E550s? I am assuming he wants the V8 since he is asking about the E500. Also, since he was interested in the 19k price, I am not sure he wanted to almost double his price to get something newer.
My basic opinion is to skip the $19k 88k mile 03 E500 unless he REALLY wants it. If the latter is the case, there is not much any of us can really do to talk him out of it.
My basic opinion is to skip the $19k 88k mile 03 E500 unless he REALLY wants it. If the latter is the case, there is not much any of us can really do to talk him out of it.
Nickel
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 16
From: NY
2014 E550; 2003 E500
High fives. I think it's listed a 5.7 secs. The great thing about the e500 is that most members have seen 26mpg's highway.
