questions about E500s
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03 mustang cobra, E500
questions about E500s
hey guys, ive found a great deal on an E500 that i would like to pick it up for a daily driver. but the only thing that worries me, is i have never heard anyone say anything about mercedes being reliable, and expensive repair bills.
i am a ford mechanic, so im not too worried about fixing things, its just i work on cars all day, i dont want to have to worry about fixing my own all the time.
basically im asking im asking if the e500 is a fairly reliable car. i know im asking a somewhat bias group of people, but im hoping for an honest answer. even if its like, "i have 150k on mine and no major problems yet"
i am a ford mechanic, so im not too worried about fixing things, its just i work on cars all day, i dont want to have to worry about fixing my own all the time.
basically im asking im asking if the e500 is a fairly reliable car. i know im asking a somewhat bias group of people, but im hoping for an honest answer. even if its like, "i have 150k on mine and no major problems yet"
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
The general consensus is to stay away from the '03 and '04's. More problems in those years. Personally, I have not had any major issues in my '03. You may be a mechanic, but a lot of mercedes diagnosis requires the use of STAR. For example, you can fix something or replace something, but if you don't recode it via STAR, it won't work, so keep that in mind.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
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03 mustang cobra, E500
The general consensus is to stay away from the '03 and '04's. More problems in those years. Personally, I have not had any major issues in my '03. You may be a mechanic, but a lot of mercedes diagnosis requires the use of STAR. For example, you can fix something or replace something, but if you don't recode it via STAR, it won't work, so keep that in mind.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,907
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
Certain things will need to be recoded by STAR, not all. I just wanted to point it out since you brought up the matter of saving cost on maintenance. In regards to the '04 problems, I can't recall. Never really paid attention since I didn't experience problems, but a quick search here should bring it all up for you.
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03 mustang cobra, E500
thanks, looks like the only problem im found was with the air suspension. i wasnt even aware they had air suspension? just out of curiosity, how do you lower your cars? new bags? i was hoping for springs honestly, so i could just throw on some nice sporty lowering springs
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: SOCAL
E500 & ML500
thanks, looks like the only problem im found was with the air suspension. i wasnt even aware they had air suspension? just out of curiosity, how do you lower your cars? new bags? i was hoping for springs honestly, so i could just throw on some nice sporty lowering springs
There are a couple methods on lowering the e500 with air suspension.
1. Electronic lowering module (most expensive)
2. Star method
3. lowering links
3. Washers method (least expensive).
Do a search on each, and it'll bring up lots information
Last edited by wampa; Sep 15, 2010 at 01:33 AM.
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03 mustang cobra, E500
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Mercedes Benz E500 4MATIC
Hi I have one....
Transfer case can be an issue on some models if you choose 4matic.... engine seals will leak and need to be resealed or replaced....once not all the time.... had to replace right front airmatic shock....trans o ring connector for electrical may leak...if so replace with revised part... If I were you I would just replace all fluids for starters...oh check out rims they can get bent easily... other than that I use it for DD works out for me
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I have an 04 E500 4Matic and yeah things break and go wrong and I have had to replace a rear airmatic shock and my pump along with some aditional niggling things. I have a bad driver's side SAM right now that needs to be replaced and as pointed out it is not plug and play. It will need to be programmed with STAR once installed. I have 80,000 miles and my 5.0L runs very strong (new plugs), burns no oil and I hope will run forever. My car is highly optioned with heated/ventilated drive dynamic seats, HK stereo, COMMAND with NAV, Parktronic, etc. and is a joy to drive. It easily gets 24mpg on the road and I will drive it until it blows up 
Since you are a FORD guy I have a mustang as well. 1969 Mach 1, 390 w/Shaker Hood, 4Spd Toploader all original. I guess I just like v8s
Since you are a FORD guy I have a mustang as well. 1969 Mach 1, 390 w/Shaker Hood, 4Spd Toploader all original. I guess I just like v8s
Last edited by RA72825; Sep 15, 2010 at 05:01 PM. Reason: add
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
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From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
I would add 05s to the "one's to watch out for" list ...
everything that could go wrong on my car did... luckily it was under warranty..
everything that could go wrong on my car did... luckily it was under warranty..
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 685
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From: Palm Coast, Florida
2019 E-450 Wagon
I drive a 2004 E-500 Wagon with most of the available options installed and 81,000 miles on the clock.
Bought it a year ago and had a few leaks from engine/tranny, collapsed motor mounts and few other fairly minor problems (But expensive at the MB Dealer)
Had to fix all of the above to the tune of about $3,100.00 before they would write an aftermarket "Easy Care" Warranty.
Under the warranty, I have replaced 2 front air struts and a heat exchanger blowing hot air to the aft A/C outlet: About $4,300.00 @ the MB dealer.
Also the small battery bad to be replaced on my nickel = $250.00.
These cars are really complex compared to a Ford and if something does go wrong it will cost big.
That being said, I enjoy my E-500 and have no regrets buying it.
(Bought it on ebay for $50K below new sticker price anda few $K below Blue Book, a good deal overall despite initial repairs out of my pocket)
Bought it a year ago and had a few leaks from engine/tranny, collapsed motor mounts and few other fairly minor problems (But expensive at the MB Dealer)
Had to fix all of the above to the tune of about $3,100.00 before they would write an aftermarket "Easy Care" Warranty.
Under the warranty, I have replaced 2 front air struts and a heat exchanger blowing hot air to the aft A/C outlet: About $4,300.00 @ the MB dealer.
Also the small battery bad to be replaced on my nickel = $250.00.
These cars are really complex compared to a Ford and if something does go wrong it will cost big.
That being said, I enjoy my E-500 and have no regrets buying it.
(Bought it on ebay for $50K below new sticker price anda few $K below Blue Book, a good deal overall despite initial repairs out of my pocket)
