The Jury

I ran across the E500 I have been wanting today. Black on black 2003 very clean. 94k though, little high. He wants $15k for it.

When I was looking for my S500 I learned about horrible problems with the air suspension, is the E500 setup to use this suspension?

Anything aside of the norm I should be looking for (norm being bad brake switches throwing dash lights, bad MAF's, etc....)

Benz-O-Rama

Yep, the E500 uses the same airmatic suspension. If it were me, I'd steer away from the 2003's for a couple of reasons.

1. First year of the W211 and has been the most problematic.
2. 5sp tranny. With the 2004+, you get the great 7sp.

MB didn't really get it right until 2006, if you can swing one of those. Those cars are just about perfect, IMO.

The Jury

Ah crap. I figured they used the same suspension. The "kid" at the car lot was like "the suspension is fine" because I had asked since the car looked like was lowered 3 inches. I outta go back and get his attention tomorrow for that lie.

I knew it was squatting, but couldn't confirm it had air suspension until tonight when I got back. Man, it was black on black, clean, nice..... I hate to walk away, but I can't handle a car that rides like a log.My CLK is meticulously maintained with not a single flaw, I have a mild OCD about my Benzo's.

Damn, well that's that. Have to find another one around here and pay some markup.

Thanks.