E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

2003 E320 Questions

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Old 08-06-2010, 01:23 PM
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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; 08-06-2010 at 01:34 PM.
Old 08-06-2010, 02:06 PM
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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.
Old 08-06-2010, 02:09 PM
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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.
Old 08-06-2010, 03:34 PM
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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.
Old 08-06-2010, 03:44 PM
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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.
Old 09-16-2010, 07:06 PM
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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
Old 09-17-2010, 09:17 AM
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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
Old 09-18-2010, 09:59 PM
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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.

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