Is this E500 a good idea?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
None yet : )
Is this E500 a good idea?
Hi from a noob.
I'm currently searching for a car, and found a 2004 E500 AWD sedan for sale from a local luxury used-car dealer. It's got 52,000 miles and appears to be in pristine condition. It is priced about $5k below typical dealer retail because its Carfax reports show that its owner had 4 accidents (!) in it, two in which the car sustained slight damage and 2 with moderate damage. This tends to not concern me, because the frame is solid and undamaged, and whatever repair work was done is completely invisible. I also remembered that my last new car was hit 3 times in the first month after I took it home from the dealership (rear-ended twice and once received a flying piece of metal to the hood
). Had I contacted my insurance company about those rather than fixing them myself, my wonderful little car would show a similar scary Carfax history.
So anyway, were you presented with a gorgeous E500 AWD sedan for which you could pay between 19k and 20k, would you buy it? And since I'd be financing the amount, are the maintenance expenses to be expected in the first three years prohibitive? I'm not so much concerned about wear and tear as I am about the AWD or the brake electronics requiring expensive repairs. It's out of warranty, obviously.
Sorry to post such a lengthy question, but I'd really like any opinions you can throw at me. My husband will appreciate the advice of this board overr whatever arguments I can make in favor of the car.
I'm currently searching for a car, and found a 2004 E500 AWD sedan for sale from a local luxury used-car dealer. It's got 52,000 miles and appears to be in pristine condition. It is priced about $5k below typical dealer retail because its Carfax reports show that its owner had 4 accidents (!) in it, two in which the car sustained slight damage and 2 with moderate damage. This tends to not concern me, because the frame is solid and undamaged, and whatever repair work was done is completely invisible. I also remembered that my last new car was hit 3 times in the first month after I took it home from the dealership (rear-ended twice and once received a flying piece of metal to the hood
). Had I contacted my insurance company about those rather than fixing them myself, my wonderful little car would show a similar scary Carfax history.So anyway, were you presented with a gorgeous E500 AWD sedan for which you could pay between 19k and 20k, would you buy it? And since I'd be financing the amount, are the maintenance expenses to be expected in the first three years prohibitive? I'm not so much concerned about wear and tear as I am about the AWD or the brake electronics requiring expensive repairs. It's out of warranty, obviously.
Sorry to post such a lengthy question, but I'd really like any opinions you can throw at me. My husband will appreciate the advice of this board overr whatever arguments I can make in favor of the car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 241
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
The warranty on the SBC brake system was extended to 10 years.
As with any car, warranty on emissions equipment is 8 yr/ 80K miles.
Others may follow up and dispute this, but IMHO if you have to ask about the cost of Mercedes maintenance you probably can't afford it. That's of course given the fantasy of many that "reliable" cars need nothing.
As with any car, warranty on emissions equipment is 8 yr/ 80K miles.
Others may follow up and dispute this, but IMHO if you have to ask about the cost of Mercedes maintenance you probably can't afford it. That's of course given the fantasy of many that "reliable" cars need nothing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Without knowing the mechanical history of a W211, I would not own one out of warranty. These cars are very expensive to fix. Very!
That said, my car is out of warranty and I'm rolling the dice with it. But I'm the 2nd owner and have driven it since it had 29K on the clock. I'm fully aware of it's mechanical history and I know that it's been a good car so dropping 4500.00 a warranty didn't seem beneficial to me.
Personally, I would pass. There are so many E500's out there, that you'll be able to find one at the price you want with a warranty. Especially considering gas prices and the current state of the economy.
That said, my car is out of warranty and I'm rolling the dice with it. But I'm the 2nd owner and have driven it since it had 29K on the clock. I'm fully aware of it's mechanical history and I know that it's been a good car so dropping 4500.00 a warranty didn't seem beneficial to me.
Personally, I would pass. There are so many E500's out there, that you'll be able to find one at the price you want with a warranty. Especially considering gas prices and the current state of the economy.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
None yet : )
Thanks for your responses! I was thinking that this car's Carfax history just made it a really good deal, but I'm open to the voices of reason.
What typically does goes south on these anyway? If I do find one with some warranty left, what should I have the dealer go over with a fine-tooth comb before the warranty expires?
What typically does goes south on these anyway? If I do find one with some warranty left, what should I have the dealer go over with a fine-tooth comb before the warranty expires?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
Thanks for your responses! I was thinking that this car's Carfax history just made it a really good deal, but I'm open to the voices of reason.
What typically does goes south on these anyway? If I do find one with some warranty left, what should I have the dealer go over with a fine-tooth comb before the warranty expires?
What typically does goes south on these anyway? If I do find one with some warranty left, what should I have the dealer go over with a fine-tooth comb before the warranty expires?
http://www.mbusa.com/care/warranty.do
Last edited by Untertürkheim; Apr 9, 2008 at 12:38 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
Actually, the first thing that came to mind about your prospective car is possible damage to the AWD system in the accidents.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
An MB rides like no other. These car's replacement parts are horrifically expensive when compared to the "Big 4" parts. A lube, oil & filter is over $100, but it is Synthetic & is only once a year not every 4 thousand miles. Alignment? $300. Brakes? Heh heh heh.
As long as you know in advance its gonna cost you more than say, a Caddy, you will enjoy the benefits of owning something special... and they are something special for a multitude of reasons.
So, as far as this used car goes, remember that the purchase price is only part of the cost of the vehicle.
Welcome to the club!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 957
Likes: 1
was '03 E320 - now - '04 S4
I agree with the majority here. I would go one step further.
Not to be an *** - but if you have to finance a 20K car it sounds like it might be a bit of a stretch for you. That could be a completely incorrect assumption and if it is I apologize in advance.
IMO this is definitely a car in which you might be facing some repair expenses.
Not to be an *** - but if you have to finance a 20K car it sounds like it might be a bit of a stretch for you. That could be a completely incorrect assumption and if it is I apologize in advance.
IMO this is definitely a car in which you might be facing some repair expenses.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
2013 E350 4MATIC
THis month I bought a 2005 e320 17.2K miles for 24K and it has 5 months of factory warranty left. The v8 is nice, but not that much faster than the 3.2 or 3.5 liter cars. Here in the San Francisco area the e500's are a little cheaper than the v6's, and I'm guessing due to the gas mileage.
You should be able to find a w211 that is accident free for a good price. I'd keep shopping IMHO.
-David
You should be able to find a w211 that is accident free for a good price. I'd keep shopping IMHO.
-David
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
None yet : )
I agree with the majority here. I would go one step further.
Not to be an *** - but if you have to finance a 20K car it sounds like it might be a bit of a stretch for you. That could be a completely incorrect assumption and if it is I apologize in advance.
IMO this is definitely a car in which you might be facing some repair expenses.
Not to be an *** - but if you have to finance a 20K car it sounds like it might be a bit of a stretch for you. That could be a completely incorrect assumption and if it is I apologize in advance.
IMO this is definitely a car in which you might be facing some repair expenses.
So all of you think that 4 fender benders, with possible replaced bumpers disqualify this car? I bow to the will of the majority...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
None yet : )
THis month I bought a 2005 e320 17.2K miles for 24K and it has 5 months of factory warranty left. The v8 is nice, but not that much faster than the 3.2 or 3.5 liter cars. Here in the San Francisco area the e500's are a little cheaper than the v6's, and I'm guessing due to the gas mileage.
You should be able to find a w211 that is accident free for a good price. I'd keep shopping IMHO.
-David
You should be able to find a w211 that is accident free for a good price. I'd keep shopping IMHO.
-David
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Apology accepted. Good heavens, I know the market's rough right now, but my investments are still outpacing the 5.15% rate that the bank will charge me to finance money!
So all of you think that 4 fender benders, with possible replaced bumpers disqualify this car? I bow to the will of the majority...
So all of you think that 4 fender benders, with possible replaced bumpers disqualify this car? I bow to the will of the majority...
For instance, a common problem is front ball joints at about 50K miles. Want to take a guess on how much that costs per side to fix? I just did one side recently and I think it was 650.00 or so. Multiply that times 2. Brake job? Try about 1100.00 at the dealer.
Since you're asking for opinions, I would pass on this one. Get a lower mileage one or one with an extended warranty and pay the extra couple of grand. You'll be happier in the long run.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
None yet : )
More so than just the 4 accidents, I would be weary of the lack of warranty PLUS the 4 accidents. As I said before, owning these cars without a net is not for the feint of heart. Especially a car that you have no knowledge of mechanical history.
For instance, a common problem is front ball joints at about 50K miles. Want to take a guess on how much that costs per side to fix? I just did one side recently and I think it was 650.00 or so. Multiply that times 2. Brake job? Try about 1100.00 at the dealer.
Since you're asking for opinions, I would pass on this one. Get a lower mileage one or one with an extended warranty and pay the extra couple of grand. You'll be happier in the long run.
For instance, a common problem is front ball joints at about 50K miles. Want to take a guess on how much that costs per side to fix? I just did one side recently and I think it was 650.00 or so. Multiply that times 2. Brake job? Try about 1100.00 at the dealer.
Since you're asking for opinions, I would pass on this one. Get a lower mileage one or one with an extended warranty and pay the extra couple of grand. You'll be happier in the long run.
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Grand Prairie Texas
'24 GLE53 AMG Coupe
I have come to trust the majority of opinions expressed on these boards. They guys are serious owners and MB enthusiasts....
I'm 'edumacated' everytime I logon....
I would pass on any vehicle woth any sort of moderate accident damage, whether it be a Benz or a Honda Civic....
Keep searching.....
I'm 'edumacated' everytime I logon....
I would pass on any vehicle woth any sort of moderate accident damage, whether it be a Benz or a Honda Civic....
Keep searching.....
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 612
Likes: 2
From: NY
'12 Mustang 5.0, '89 Supra Turbo, C55,
Secondly, I'll state some numbers for comparison:
E500=339ft/lbs torque @ 2,700 rpm
E350=258ft/lbs torque @ 2,400 rpm
E550=391ft/lbs torque @2,900 rpm
E500=302hp @ 5,600 rpm
E350=268hp @ 6,000 rpm
E550=382hp @ 6,000 rpm
E500 curb weight = 3,900 lbs
E350 curb weight = 3,740 lbs
I recommend one test drive both a V8 and V6 before committing to a purchase.
My 3.5 V6 6 spd. Maxima is quicker than the E350, but my E500 is faster anyday. MB V8's are brutal. The torque on the V8's are simply amazing and look at the low rpms where peak torque is achieved. Can you imagine AMG?
Sorry I veered off topic, but wanted to opine. To the OP, good luck in your search, and yeah, the folks here know their cars, and their advice is priceless.
