E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

2003 E320 Questions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Aug 6, 2010 | 01:23 PM
  #1  
bud4ya's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
2003 C32 AMG, 2003 E39 M5
2003 E320 Questions

Hey guys wondering if you can help me out with a couple questions. I am in the market for a 2007 E350 4Matic for the wife. I just stumbled across a 2003 E320 non 4Matic. Now I know the E320 will not be a plush as the E350 but it seems like a pretty good deal. I just hate to get another nice car for the wife to drive the two boys around. I would like something that I will not be so ticked off when it gets a scratch or two or something spilled in it.

The E320 is a one owner (Older Guy) it has 32k miles on it and clean title. If I could get the car for $15k-16 does that sound like a very good deal?

The main concern I have is how it will go in the snow. I would of course put dedicated snows (Good Ones) or if suggested studded snows. Just hate the loud noise of studs when road is clear.

Do you think with snows the E320 would go ok? Or should I stick to the 4 Matic? I just thought at $15k or so I really don't care where she parks the car or if the kids eat in it.

I live in the NE so we do get a lot of snow and have a steep drive.

Last edited by bud4ya; Aug 6, 2010 at 01:34 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2010 | 02:06 PM
  #2  
gaazmon's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
really have the car checked out. in general, the 03s where horrendous. if you want to save some money go for a late model 04 or even 05. also the 03s don't have COMAND, just a regular audio system, so you can't add on navigation later and doesn't have AUX plug input for mp3 players.

the biggest issue would be if it has the old radiator (and crimping), made by valeo. just do a search around here and you'll know what i mean.
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2010 | 02:09 PM
  #3  
bud4ya's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
2003 C32 AMG, 2003 E39 M5
I do remember reading about the radiator. I will ask if that has been replaced. It does have Nav now which is probably old maps anyway.

This helps TY

Originally Posted by gaazmon
really have the car checked out. in general, the 03s where horrendous. if you want to save some money go for a late model 04 or even 05. also the 03s don't have COMAND, just a regular audio system, so you can't add on navigation later and doesn't have AUX plug input for mp3 players.

the biggest issue would be if it has the old radiator (and crimping), made by valeo. just do a search around here and you'll know what i mean.
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2010 | 03:34 PM
  #4  
kevinC's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I've been looking for a used E320. One of the service advisors at the local dealer cautioned me to stay away from the 2003-2006 E. He liked the 2000-2002 models and the 2007 and later.
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2010 | 03:44 PM
  #5  
bud4ya's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
2003 C32 AMG, 2003 E39 M5
TY for the input most have highly suggested the 2007 E350 4Matic. May just have to bite the bullet and get her that and just not be a freak about parking and eating in the car

Originally Posted by kevinC
I've been looking for a used E320. One of the service advisors at the local dealer cautioned me to stay away from the 2003-2006 E. He liked the 2000-2002 models and the 2007 and later.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 07:06 PM
  #6  
kelvindickenson's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Huntington, NY
e320
I have a 2003 e320 without 4matic that I have owned for 2 years. Bought it used from an independent dealer with 1 owner and 28,000 miles. I now have 82,000 miles on it and have enjoyed every one of them. The handling in snow is superb (I live in New York) as is the handling in all weathers. In addition, the 320 is more economical than the 350 powerplant - I get 30 mpg on highway trips.

The only downside is that the 2003 is the first model year of the 211 and so it is not generally viewed as being reliable by MB dealers. I have not had any major issues that can not be explained by 82,000 miles of wear and tear

Good luck
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2010 | 09:17 AM
  #7  
Clinton Horn's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
2003 E320
We have an off lease purchsed in 09/2006 with 15K
Currently 52K
Low optioned car
Tires- $650
Oil and filters- probably $320
Tranny fluid $85
Tranny filter $30
Both batteries $175
One trip to the dealer for a warranty repair (loose battery cable)

It has been a pleasure to own and drive
No idea what it is like in the snow and no plans to find out
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2010 | 09:59 PM
  #8  
Dexion's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
03 E320, 03 Lexus RX300
Most of the 03 problems have been fixed/replaced... I have an E320 and do not have a single problem, 3000 miles on it so far. Got it at 73,150 and just hit 76,000 miles.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

 Verdad Gallardo

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:22 PM.

story-0
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-2
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-3
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-04 10:24:38


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

Slideshow: From problematic air suspensions to early dual-clutch transmission issues, these specific models and years stand out as the least dependable modern Mercedes vehicles.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-26 18:08:10


VIEW MORE