Considering an '03 E320 or E500. Help!
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Joined: May 2003
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Considering an '03 E320 or E500. Help!
I am currently own an '03 BMW X5 4.4 SAV. I am looking to purchase an '03 E320 or E500 to replace my wife's '01 E320. Having seen a few problems here and there posted on this board, I am wondering if I should purchase the 2003 or wait for 2004 when MB (hopefully) irons out all of the bugs experienced in first-year models. Would you think the '03 CLK320 or CLK500 will have fewer problems than the '03 E320 or E500?
Any help you guys could provide will be greatly appreciated. My wife's E320 has been trouble-free since we bought it in July 2001 (knock on wood!) I am hoping the new E320 will provide her similar experience.
TIA.
Any help you guys could provide will be greatly appreciated. My wife's E320 has been trouble-free since we bought it in July 2001 (knock on wood!) I am hoping the new E320 will provide her similar experience.
TIA.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 391
Likes: 18
From: Nashville, TN
2013 G550
Unfortunately, you hear too much about the complaints here.
What you should know (in one line): The New E is a GREAT car with some minor early release issues that were addressed. That said, I still wouldn't order the Nav system!
The new E Class is a GREAT car. Drives well, performs well, etc. It is also a total differenet car than your current E. Much sportier, even more solid ride, nicier, more modern interior, more youthful, and more technology.
If your wife is not ultra power hungry, the base E320 has plenty of power and true car nuts aside, the adjustable sport suspension is an expensive option most will never use.
They are apparently upgrading the engine on the E320 from 3.2L to 3.5L. That is probably a nice improvement but also means that you will be able to get a better deal on the 3.2L if they make that change in the 03 model year.
The alignment, and other minor issues, on the early build 03's should be all taken care of at this point. Either way, knowing the issues lets you know what to check when you take delivery.
The commonly reported problems are:
Alignment - Easy Camber bolt fix
Engine Clicking Sound - Easy, Motor Mount fix
Navigation - Major, Ongoing issue!
Based on some of the reported discounts, this is a great time to buy. Good luck
What you should know (in one line): The New E is a GREAT car with some minor early release issues that were addressed. That said, I still wouldn't order the Nav system!
The new E Class is a GREAT car. Drives well, performs well, etc. It is also a total differenet car than your current E. Much sportier, even more solid ride, nicier, more modern interior, more youthful, and more technology.
If your wife is not ultra power hungry, the base E320 has plenty of power and true car nuts aside, the adjustable sport suspension is an expensive option most will never use.
They are apparently upgrading the engine on the E320 from 3.2L to 3.5L. That is probably a nice improvement but also means that you will be able to get a better deal on the 3.2L if they make that change in the 03 model year.
The alignment, and other minor issues, on the early build 03's should be all taken care of at this point. Either way, knowing the issues lets you know what to check when you take delivery.
The commonly reported problems are:
Alignment - Easy Camber bolt fix
Engine Clicking Sound - Easy, Motor Mount fix
Navigation - Major, Ongoing issue!
Based on some of the reported discounts, this is a great time to buy. Good luck
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: NC
'03 Mercedes E320
I agree with Skymast's analysis. I had a '98 E320, a C320 in between, and now a new E320. The V6 has been good for me on two prior cars so I had no desire to try the V8. Also, I tend to stay away from things like air suspension which might have teething problems, and that's included with the V8. I had only one return during the first week for an alert message, and it was resolved overnight with a computer part. It did not affect drivability. Nothing since. Mine is a September build, a fairly early example, and the fit and finish are outstanding. I don't have any road pull issue, and the 320 engine sounds like the last two, very quiet.
I'm extremely happy with it, and it is an entirely different car than the W210. When I look at the W210 interior as well as the exterior now, I realize how much MB has improved what, at the time, was an exceptionally nice looking car.
I have read a few articles off this board that indicate the engine will remain a 320 in 2004, stating that MB will only certify the 3.7 350 for the ML now. Time, or your dealer, will tell.
I'm extremely happy with it, and it is an entirely different car than the W210. When I look at the W210 interior as well as the exterior now, I realize how much MB has improved what, at the time, was an exceptionally nice looking car.
I have read a few articles off this board that indicate the engine will remain a 320 in 2004, stating that MB will only certify the 3.7 350 for the ML now. Time, or your dealer, will tell.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2003 E320
Welcome, SilverX5!
I strongly prefer the styling of the E-Class over the CLK--obviously a matter of personal preference. My car has been trouble free in the 3 months that I have had it. It has plenty of power. I was coming from an S-Class V8 Mercedes and was concerned about scaling down to a V6, but I haven't regretted my choice at all (however I admit to missing the extra storage space I had in the trunk and interior). I consider myself to be at least making an effort to be environment friendly, and the E320 is me doing my part for the environment. I am amazed at the gas mileage I get from this car! I also enjoy the money I'm saving on insurance, because my premium would have gone crazy the minute the horsepower went over 300!
I LOVE my E320!
I strongly prefer the styling of the E-Class over the CLK--obviously a matter of personal preference. My car has been trouble free in the 3 months that I have had it. It has plenty of power. I was coming from an S-Class V8 Mercedes and was concerned about scaling down to a V6, but I haven't regretted my choice at all (however I admit to missing the extra storage space I had in the trunk and interior). I consider myself to be at least making an effort to be environment friendly, and the E320 is me doing my part for the environment. I am amazed at the gas mileage I get from this car! I also enjoy the money I'm saving on insurance, because my premium would have gone crazy the minute the horsepower went over 300!
I LOVE my E320!
Last edited by rickyfanmdr; May 3, 2003 at 01:39 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 926
Likes: 0
From: VA
03 E320, sport package, moon roof, sound upgrade, brilliant silver, charcoal leather, heated seats..
The E500 is fast. However, if most of your driving is in congested urban areas, like mine, the extra horsepower is wasted, IMHO.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,915
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco
Honda Accord EX V6
i'm suggesting that if you really need an extra power of HP then go for E500. but if you just dont need the HP go for e320 its cheaper and probably with e320 you can put a lot of options. Or not just wait for E55 and buy that car if your really care bout the HP
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 56
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From: Portland, OR
2006 Acura RL
I'll add one more plus to the 320. I drove a 500 and a 320 in the same day. I felt the 320 handled a little better. Its lighter up front and snaps through twists a little smoother than the 500. The 500's extra weight up front makes it slightly more ponderous.
Nevertheless, the 500s punch is very satisfying. You hit that gas and it moves - quickly.
However, when I had an E430, i very rarely made use of that punch. Which is what led me to get an e320. As satisfying as the low-end grunt of a 500 is, you will probably rarely make full use it.
I have a e320 sport, and its wonderful. Definitely get the Airmatic DC. Its worth it.
__________________________________________________ _
Andrew Plato
2003 E320 Sport, Jade Black / Charcoal
E2, E3, butt warmers, trunk finger smasher,
in-dash CD gobbler, bi-xenon blinders
Nevertheless, the 500s punch is very satisfying. You hit that gas and it moves - quickly.
However, when I had an E430, i very rarely made use of that punch. Which is what led me to get an e320. As satisfying as the low-end grunt of a 500 is, you will probably rarely make full use it.
I have a e320 sport, and its wonderful. Definitely get the Airmatic DC. Its worth it.
__________________________________________________ _
Andrew Plato
2003 E320 Sport, Jade Black / Charcoal
E2, E3, butt warmers, trunk finger smasher,
in-dash CD gobbler, bi-xenon blinders
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,677
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From: California
i535
I remember some discussion here where was stated that price difference for equaly loaded 320 and 500 is something like $5K. I think it's so funny money for advantages of great power of E500. Having more power i s very important in areas where you have heavy traffic and you should able to fill holes very fast.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 22
From: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Porcelain Bus
The price difference is about 10,000 dollars after all is said and done. The decision in my mind is made by the answer to the following question. Do you love to drive fast and find it difficullt not to? If so, then you NEED the 500. After driving the E500 for a few weeks, I knew I needed the E55.
