I'm looking to purchase E320 and I need your advice
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
CLK320
I'm looking to purchase E320 and I need your advice
I'm looking to purchase 2003 Mercedes E320 with 107,000 miles on it. Is it worth it to buy Mercedes with this milage? Is there is any problems that usually comes up after 100,000?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,182
Likes: 15
From: Northern VA
W211
what is your budget for getting a mercedes? i would try and get a lower mileage benz if possible. Unless all maintenace is up to date and all the wear/tear items have been replaced, you may be okay w/100k miles benz.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
'04 E320 Wagon
The maintenance history is the real thing to get. If it's been maintained properly and had some of the more problematic items fixed, that's probably an OK deal. If they can't give you the maintenance history or if it's not in really good condition, you probably should walk away from it. At the very least, get a CarFax report and ask a MB dealer to pull a report based on the VIN.
These are great cars, but they're complicated and the things that tend to break are expensive. The E320 doesn't have the Airmatic suspension, which removes one guaranteed problem. But there are others, like the SBC system, a radiator leak that can destroy the transmission, tie rod bushings, and a bunch of electronic things that can make you question your sanity.
I bought my '04 E320 wagon about 6 months ago, and I absolutely love it. But I did a lot of reading on this board before I bought it so I was pretty well-informed about what to look for. One piece of advice I read here that stuck with me was, "There's no such thing as a cheap Mercedes." You need to plan on spending money on repairs and maintenance to keep it going, and for a car over 100k that cost is going to go up over time.
Your best bet is to take the car to a dealer for an inspection and ask them what they think will need to be done over the next 6 months - 1 year. Then you can decide if it's a good deal or not.
I'm not trying to be discouraging - I really hope you find a good car. But these aren't Corollas or even the W123/124 Benzes of the past. It's important to know that when you buy one so you're not disappointed or have a bad experience.
These are great cars, but they're complicated and the things that tend to break are expensive. The E320 doesn't have the Airmatic suspension, which removes one guaranteed problem. But there are others, like the SBC system, a radiator leak that can destroy the transmission, tie rod bushings, and a bunch of electronic things that can make you question your sanity.
I bought my '04 E320 wagon about 6 months ago, and I absolutely love it. But I did a lot of reading on this board before I bought it so I was pretty well-informed about what to look for. One piece of advice I read here that stuck with me was, "There's no such thing as a cheap Mercedes." You need to plan on spending money on repairs and maintenance to keep it going, and for a car over 100k that cost is going to go up over time.
Your best bet is to take the car to a dealer for an inspection and ask them what they think will need to be done over the next 6 months - 1 year. Then you can decide if it's a good deal or not.
I'm not trying to be discouraging - I really hope you find a good car. But these aren't Corollas or even the W123/124 Benzes of the past. It's important to know that when you buy one so you're not disappointed or have a bad experience.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
i've said it so many times: just stay away from the 03s. ya there are people that have had great luck with them, but man i am not a lucky person lol 
if your on a budget best to find an 05, but an 06 would be even better. an 04 would still have many issues.
honestly if i knew what i knew know, definitely would not have touched anything less than an 07
if your on a budget best to find an 05, but an 06 would be even better. an 04 would still have many issues.
honestly if i knew what i knew know, definitely would not have touched anything less than an 07
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2008 MB E350
I had an 03 or 04 320 wagon and HATED it...I had a 2002 C320 wagon, which I adored, but was too tight for our family (or so I convinced myself)...I decided to pay and extra $3000/year for the E320..
While the room was nice, and seats great there were a number or problems:
1. Brakes were awful...some type of brake by wire(?) system...even the service reps at MBZ complained about them.
2. Underpowered, especially compared to the 2008 E350 sedan I replaced it with...that car I loved!
3. NAV is terrible, as is entire audio/phone interface...8 years later, MBZ still hasn't figured it out!
My wife had an old (like 1973) 280...really enjoyed the car, but it was $$$$ to fix. I would be really careful buying any used german car...if you get a lemon, you'll end up paying more than a brand new one!
While the room was nice, and seats great there were a number or problems:
1. Brakes were awful...some type of brake by wire(?) system...even the service reps at MBZ complained about them.
2. Underpowered, especially compared to the 2008 E350 sedan I replaced it with...that car I loved!
3. NAV is terrible, as is entire audio/phone interface...8 years later, MBZ still hasn't figured it out!
My wife had an old (like 1973) 280...really enjoyed the car, but it was $$$$ to fix. I would be really careful buying any used german car...if you get a lemon, you'll end up paying more than a brand new one!
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 202
Likes: 1
From: Mercer Island, WA
E500 "The Diplomat" W211
Usually the car will get a major overhaul at about 80-90k miles. If it has been properly taken care of you should be good to go.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
