i was thinking about buying an 04 e500 with 60,000 miles. i live in socal so i wanted to know a good price for one. because i found one for 16,000 but i think it is salvaged.

 

You "think" it is salvage? That must be declared on the title. If you buy a car w/ salvage title you better understand everything that was done to the car. Even at a measly 302 horsepower it is a powerful car, and you have to certain that all the systems work to control the car. Most banks won't loan on a salvage title and if they do you will have to put substantial money into the deal, and you will take a big hit on resale. I know a couple of guys who have bought salvage benzes, but they are skilled mechanics. They bought the cars for the long haul, keeping them for years.

 

Salvaged, Nah... knock off $500 and your good. Nice, fun car, it kicks A$$, but be ready to baby sit the hell out of that car, more recalls, TSB, than I knew exsisted. This series and year very problematic. But if I had to do it all over again, I would. I love it. (just want to paint a very realistic image)

 

i live in so cal and i know people who bring benzes that are salvaged that isnt a realistic price for salvage your looking from 10-13 thousand not 16... for 17 you can get a clean title e500 look around ... dont rush!

 

I just sold my 05 E500 with 60K
wholesale.. $16.5K ... and it was flawless.

I wouldn't own one of these out of warranty....unless you know how to work on one or you have a guy who gets you parts at wholesale...

if you buy one... don't buy anything previous to 06.

 

After owning a 2003 E500 I would not buy a 2004 E car. The reliability reports clearly show 2007 is a better choice but still only Fair in my book based on #'s.

 

Dont let people who are not willing to deal with problems scare you. If the price is good, then go for it. With that being said, i would say stay away from salvage/rebuilt cars. Reason is, Im pretty sure most dealerships wont take a salvaged/rebuilt car for trade in, and selling a salvaged/rebuilt is not only more difficult, chances are you will be losing money.

But.... if the price is cheap, its in acceptable condition for the money you are paying and youre willing to do your own maintenance, then i say go for it

 

What? You don't buy ANY car to deal with problems. Maintenance and a few problems OK. But for the 03 and 04 E's, you can't get past the fact that a vast majority of owners have had countless and serious problems - especially the E500's and the glycol contamination in the tranny fluid.

For the OP, take your chances but don't let us tell you we told you so.

 

agreed, but like i said as long as the price reflects the potential problems in the future, then its worth it happy friday everyone

 

That being said, you shouldn't be paying anymore than $9K-$10K for an '03-'04. Don't get me wrong, I love my '03 E500, but I bought mine too with only 63,000 miles and in the 8,000 miles I've put on it, I have already had to replace ALL 4 of my airmatic struts (Dealer cost: $1,800/each - Front two I smartened up and bought thru Arnott and did myself) and a plethora of other suspension ball joints and bushings.

Once again, I love my car, but if I would have known the reliability issues and costs involved with it, I would have spent the extra and gotten a newer model.

If you get an early model W211, be prepared to spend a lot of time on here looking for "fix it" threads.