Eich

I found a local internet-based dealer offering an '03 E320 for $18k. I spoke to him for 5 minutes and he offered it for $17k. I'm thinking of offering $16.5k.

The car is in excellent shape visually. Great body, great interior. It has 62k miles.

When I took it for a test drive, I noticed a bit of a rumbling sound in the front-left wheel area. I can feel it slightly. Seems like a worn bearing type of noise.

Obviously, this internet-only dealer buys from an auction and does nothing to the car to make it ready for sale other than posting an add on the internet.

Is there anything to be particularly weary of on an '03 E320 ? He said he'd let me take it to an independent dealer for evaluation.

Thanks

Blue_Monster

Having owned an 03 E320 for four years, I would tell you to stay far far away from that car. My car was in service 36 times during its 48 month lease. If I didnt have the warranty, there would easily be 35,000 worth of repairs done to the car. The first year model of any car is no good, especially the 03 E320.

Run, I tell you... Run

Eich

Wow, tell me how you really feel !

Thanks for the feedback...

Diesel Benz

We have to believe there are some unfortunate individuals, I'm wondering if the issues get multiplied when combined with a poor service shop. In some cases the owner could make things worse but it cannot be any major reason.

Anyway I would stress that all W211 cars built after 03/2003 are second year models. Production/sales started 03/2002!

Barry45RPM

I recommend looking for '05 and later 211.

Clinton Horn

I have one that is low option lease return. I bought it at 40 months old with 15,320 miles on the clock. I have owned it 24 months as of labor day. Total mileage is now 33,500. I had one minor service (under warranty) for a loose battery cable. It runs like a dream, has registered 31 miles to the gallon on the road, does not rattle or squeak, washes up like a new car and is an absolute pleasure to own. I do my own service. I will buy another one in a couple of years. Obviously, if you can get an 04 for similar money, go for it. $17K looks attractive. Several people here have 150K+ on 03's with no more than the normal service items. If you do your own work, they are not terribly expensive to own. I will not be attempting any tranny repairs or engine overhauls but pads, oil, air filters, plugs etc. are no worse than any other car.

Diesel Benz

I would recommend a new MY2009 one, or a face lift W211. I mean of course a new car would be a better choice, the issue is the compromise on cost. If one can afford an 05 or later, even face lift model without SBC brakes, that could be a lot better, likely a lot less miles too. But an older car would not have to be as bad as some examples truly are.

K-A

Dude, don't even consider it. Auction '03 with 62K Miles and vibrations is not going to be a fun experience after you sign the dotted lines.

Say you'll come right now and pick it up for $13K, after he says no, if you still want to pay low $$ and don't mind a indie Dealer car, search for an '05 with similar miles, you can get those for under $20K I think if you really look hard.

Eich

Thanks for all the quick responses !

Right now, my goal is to find something for around $16k to use as a daily driver to and from work. I only put 12 miles per day on the car and rarely drive it on the weekends.

Based on the responses, I think I'll look at something other than an '03 E320!

gaazmon

Ya, I've heard nightmares on any of the 03's (more on the 500's and 55's than the 320's but still). Go for an 04, I think they offered the best option choices and all.

FIDDY-SEVEN

I heard the same thing about the 03, but I purchased a used one ( CPO ) anyway. I bought it approximately 2 years ago and with 17,600 miles on it. Because I commute in it, I have racked up he miles to 56,000... So far the only problem I have had is a couple of blown speakers and the sunroof needed to be "re-calibrated". So far so good !! I have been loving every minute that I am in it. I do have to admit though that I do plan on upgrading to a 2009 E-350 in a few years or so. If I remember correctly, a lot 2003 owners stated that the problems they had was electrical and the integrated cell phone...

Geeves

2003 e270 with 42,500 miles - NO problems so far. Touch wood.

ruffrob

03,with 42K when obtained 01/09/07. Now almost 56k,and not one problem,maintenance is what you would expect, my second best car after my 94 Acura Legend.....

Musikmann

Based on most of what I've read, buying a 2003 W211 is risky. I would only buy one as a certified pre-owned from an MB dealer.

ruffrob

Musikmann is right, I got mine from Ray Catena in Union ,New Jersey,and they service it as well. Although their customer service leaves a lot to be desired.....

shadinator

We own a 2003 E320 and a 2006 E350.

In the 5 years we have owned the E320, we have replaced the drivers side seat motor (covered under warranty), the rear battery (not covered $400) and a couple of light bulbs (along with brakes, tires, oil etc). To date we havent had any other problems with the car. The build quality of the 03 is the same as the 06 in my opinion. However, it seems that a lot of others have had many problems with 03 mercedes.

Barry45RPM

I believe the build quality on all the 211's is great... after all, the guys on the assembly line will put it together time after time as well as humanly possible. With the early 211's, I feel the problem was with a bunch of parts that were either poorly sourced (to the lowest bidder), too cheaply made with poor quality control, or poorly designed.

Add to that the normal "learning curve" on a brand new design, which was admittedly an over reach for MB when you compare the desired content level of the 211 with the previous generations of E class...

MercFiveHundred

Did the dealer say what the rumbling noise was? I'm experiencing a similar issue.

lig

My '03 was the most troublesome new car I've ever owned.

I'm sure there are some fine ones out there but why take a chance?

Go with an '05+

Eich

Well this "Dealer" that I was dealing with is nothing more than an internet-based sales guy who buys cars at auction for next to nothing and sells them to the public for Next-to-nothing + a few thousand dollars. So, he doesn't really have any clue. But he did say that he thought it was wheel bearings and offered to have me take it to a mechanic to have it checked out before I made the purchase. He also said that regardless of what the problem was, he wasn't going to pay to fix it. The car was being sold as-is.

It is a beautiful car for sure - the ice blue color and tan interior. It was very well taken care of by the previous owner as there are no dings, dents, scrapes, interior dirt or wear. It really looks like a car that could be sitting on the lot of an MB dealer selling a Certified Pre Owned. But without that warranty, it sure makes me nervous to take a chance on it.

Eich

My main reason is price. I'm in a $$ saving mode right now. A few years ago, when I was single, I would have gone out and purchased an '08 with just a few miles on it. But now, I have a wife (expensive), a child (expensive), a house (expensive) and the values of homes in our area are such that most people are upside down on them (owe more than the house is worth).

I currently have a flawless '04 CLK 500 w/30k miles that I love and have zero problems with. I'm looking to sell it and purcase something a little older w/more miles so that I can pocket a few thousand dollars. That '03 E320 had me salivating because it looked as clean as my CLK.

lig

I really like the CLK's. Keep it and put the wife to work!

enr1co

The four doors should also be helpful with a child!

I was also seduced by the looks, cleanliness and attractive price of the 03' E320( w/47K miles) purchased 6 months ago. Being that it was a CPO car with 100K mile warranty finalized the decision as I figured that MBz had addressed/replaced any recall or failed items and would be covered thru warranty for any other issues.

The price seemed competitive, within budget and the dealer was willing to take my 2000 BMW 3 series (knowing in need of some $$$ upcoming maintenance and service) in trade for what I wanted ( after some haggling) so it came home with me. In addition, I had a good experience with a 89' CPO E class many moons ago.

I did have them replace the SBC suction hose per the latest revision under warranty ( thanks to Konigstiger) but otherwise have been pleased with the car overall. I just put 1100 miles on it this weekend driving from San Francisco to LA and San Diego and it made an otherwise bland drive down
the long interstate 5 a pleasurable one.

So, if you are still able to find a 03,04,05 E class within your budget that has you salivating, the CPO helps provides some piece of mind.

Good luck!

Eich

She already does. But she could get a 2nd job, right !

I can afford to keep the CLK if I have to but since I only drive 12 total miles per day, I can (should) sacrifice a little and get something a little older w/more miles to save some $$.

Eich

I agree with the peace of mind with CPO. But the trouble with CPO is the dealers mark them up a LOT. I wouldn't be able to sell my '04 CLK500 and get into any '03 E and save any money.

So, now I'm looking at all sorts of stuff: Infiniti G35, Audi A4, etc...