High mileage E class
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 744
Likes: 144
From: Bay Area
W218 Stage 2, E85
I bought my E350 almost 2 years ago and I commute around 100-130 miles, on weekdays for work. 90% highway. I've had no issues what so ever so far. But it's only at 130k miles atm. Hoping to keep this for at least 3-5 more years and put on at least 250k miles, hopefully without any major maintenance required.
I gave away my camry and this is my only commuter :/ lol
I gave away my camry and this is my only commuter :/ lol
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2003 E500
I bought my 2003 E500 new from dealer in August 2002. 178,000 miles. 80% used for highway driving. Total cost of repairs in 15 years, excluding maintenance like oil, filters, brakes, battery and tires, has been less than $3k.
Standard dealer maintenance until end of warranty period, replaced front air suspension around 100k miles ($1200-1400 parts and labor), brakes replaced 2-3x, tires of course, had a free warranty replacement for broken speedometer, local shop maintenance since then consisting of synthetic oil changes, went back to dealer for standard maintenance 2x since warranty period just get any software updates, just had "lifetime" transmission service done at 176k miles $275 as well as motor mounts replaced $750, have rear shocks (not the air system, just shocks) on the schedule to replace ($800), car looks and smells like new on inside, leather great. AC fan system making a bit of a purring sound, worry that fan motor could beginning to age. Windshield washer fluid box leaks. May need a valve cover gasket ($400) and belt pulley ($175) soon.
Standard dealer maintenance until end of warranty period, replaced front air suspension around 100k miles ($1200-1400 parts and labor), brakes replaced 2-3x, tires of course, had a free warranty replacement for broken speedometer, local shop maintenance since then consisting of synthetic oil changes, went back to dealer for standard maintenance 2x since warranty period just get any software updates, just had "lifetime" transmission service done at 176k miles $275 as well as motor mounts replaced $750, have rear shocks (not the air system, just shocks) on the schedule to replace ($800), car looks and smells like new on inside, leather great. AC fan system making a bit of a purring sound, worry that fan motor could beginning to age. Windshield washer fluid box leaks. May need a valve cover gasket ($400) and belt pulley ($175) soon.
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 84
Likes: 20
18 GLC300 4M
125K and have learned from previous Benz ownership that you need to anticipate and budget for the important maintenance items, as well as the potential failures by staying in touch with this forum and having a good relationship with your dealer service rep. They can guide you towards the things that will become problematic and, if you are loyal to your dealer , over time, they will help you to get as much value as possible for your investment.
Mine has made sure that everything that was applicable to recalls is replaced and that has been a huge savings. Many owners despise the dealer repair route, but for me it has been the least expensive way to keep my car in perfect condition.
As to the budget advice, you have to accept the reality that you did not want to own another Honda or ford , you wanted the best engineered and safest auto made, and that is MB. So research on anticipated ownership costs and maintenance schedules is your responsibility. If you know what the costs are going to be then you will be ready. Of course, if you buy a non certified car from a corner lot or a private owner that has no verified service records, then you are not going to get much sympathy from those who have and enjoy owning high mileage benz of any vintage.
Mine has made sure that everything that was applicable to recalls is replaced and that has been a huge savings. Many owners despise the dealer repair route, but for me it has been the least expensive way to keep my car in perfect condition.
As to the budget advice, you have to accept the reality that you did not want to own another Honda or ford , you wanted the best engineered and safest auto made, and that is MB. So research on anticipated ownership costs and maintenance schedules is your responsibility. If you know what the costs are going to be then you will be ready. Of course, if you buy a non certified car from a corner lot or a private owner that has no verified service records, then you are not going to get much sympathy from those who have and enjoy owning high mileage benz of any vintage.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
150k is not high mileage even for gasoline engine when it is
break-in mileage for diesel MB.
I took pictures doing headgasket replacement on 603 engine (1987 diesel)
Close to 300,000 miles on it, most of it on dino oils and cylinder walls still have honing marks.
Meaning they are still in break-in stage.
break-in mileage for diesel MB.
I took pictures doing headgasket replacement on 603 engine (1987 diesel)
Close to 300,000 miles on it, most of it on dino oils and cylinder walls still have honing marks.
Meaning they are still in break-in stage.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 46
From: dmv
2009 E550 2000 Honda civic mash n' go
123k 09 second owner 
tpm light is on
oil filter housing was leaking
rear diff side seal
ball joints
odds and ends tbh
if you take care of it, it takes care of you
tpm light is on
oil filter housing was leaking
rear diff side seal
ball joints
odds and ends tbh
if you take care of it, it takes care of you
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 265
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 28
Likes: 3
From: South Carolina
04 E320
Originally Posted by S70Houston
EXACTLY my thoughts, guess it was not really the salesman who was/is the "idiot"!!!!!!!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 265
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
NEVER buy a car without doing your homework prior! Unless you are prepared to pay for all kinds of repairs and services which may be needed.
Maybe your ex husband bought you this car car for a reason???
Last edited by S70Houston; Feb 25, 2017 at 09:05 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
2014 S550
2003 E500
My car sounds like the one below. I have 181,000 miles on it the only difference is I had the bad radiator leaking into my trany and that all had to be replaced at 110K, and out of warranty. The dealer treated me real well. NO air shock replacement yet.
Hoping to get at least 250K out of it.
The car still feels and rune great!
Hoping to get at least 250K out of it.
The car still feels and rune great!
I bought my 2003 E500 new from dealer in August 2002. 178,000 miles. 80% used for highway driving. Total cost of repairs in 15 years, excluding maintenance like oil, filters, brakes, battery and tires, has been less than $3k.
Standard dealer maintenance until end of warranty period, replaced front air suspension around 100k miles ($1200-1400 parts and labor), brakes replaced 2-3x, tires of course, had a free warranty replacement for broken speedometer, local shop maintenance since then consisting of synthetic oil changes, went back to dealer for standard maintenance 2x since warranty period just get any software updates, just had "lifetime" transmission service done at 176k miles $275 as well as motor mounts replaced $750, have rear shocks (not the air system, just shocks) on the schedule to replace ($800), car looks and smells like new on inside, leather great. AC fan system making a bit of a purring sound, worry that fan motor could beginning to age. Windshield washer fluid box leaks. May need a valve cover gasket ($400) and belt pulley ($175) soon.
Standard dealer maintenance until end of warranty period, replaced front air suspension around 100k miles ($1200-1400 parts and labor), brakes replaced 2-3x, tires of course, had a free warranty replacement for broken speedometer, local shop maintenance since then consisting of synthetic oil changes, went back to dealer for standard maintenance 2x since warranty period just get any software updates, just had "lifetime" transmission service done at 176k miles $275 as well as motor mounts replaced $750, have rear shocks (not the air system, just shocks) on the schedule to replace ($800), car looks and smells like new on inside, leather great. AC fan system making a bit of a purring sound, worry that fan motor could beginning to age. Windshield washer fluid box leaks. May need a valve cover gasket ($400) and belt pulley ($175) soon.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Near Sublimity, OR
S430 99K, , E320 Wagon 130K, E420 249K(Sold), 240D (Sold)
Just bought this wagon Friday, not high mileage yet, but plan on getting there as I keep & maintain my cars for a long time.
04 E320 wagon, serviced on time for 129k miles, Repairs were:
Brakes/Rotors: Rear 33k, 78k, 112k; Front 48k, 89k,112k; Heater core s/o valve 2X; Climate control blower regulator; Passenger ext. mirror; Steering rack; Engine & Trans Mounts 48k & 68k; Repl Driver's leather seat cover & center console cover; Aux battery & Main battery; Repl leaking bushing during trans svc at 68k; Pneumatic pump for dynamic seats, switches for same 2X; Power tailgate pump & latch assy; R&R broken steer wheel clock spring assy;
Ball joints 89k; Reseal R&L valve covers 84k, 110k; Replace SBC pump 98k; Upholster sun roof & replace passenger sun visor 107k; R&L rear air bag struts 89k, power steering pump 115k.
Most of this, except brakes, was under warranty as original owner bought 3 yr extension effective when original warranty expired. Many of us would have done the servicing and lots of these repairs ourselves for substantial savings. Don
04 E320 wagon, serviced on time for 129k miles, Repairs were:
Brakes/Rotors: Rear 33k, 78k, 112k; Front 48k, 89k,112k; Heater core s/o valve 2X; Climate control blower regulator; Passenger ext. mirror; Steering rack; Engine & Trans Mounts 48k & 68k; Repl Driver's leather seat cover & center console cover; Aux battery & Main battery; Repl leaking bushing during trans svc at 68k; Pneumatic pump for dynamic seats, switches for same 2X; Power tailgate pump & latch assy; R&R broken steer wheel clock spring assy;
Ball joints 89k; Reseal R&L valve covers 84k, 110k; Replace SBC pump 98k; Upholster sun roof & replace passenger sun visor 107k; R&L rear air bag struts 89k, power steering pump 115k.
Most of this, except brakes, was under warranty as original owner bought 3 yr extension effective when original warranty expired. Many of us would have done the servicing and lots of these repairs ourselves for substantial savings. Don
Last edited by ollo; Apr 24, 2017 at 02:12 AM. Reason: add info
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 301
Likes: 29
From: S. W. Washington State
2008 E320 BlueTec, 1980 300 SD
Sorry, but that is more repair then I would expect for a car with only 129,000 miles in my opinion.
Last edited by arto_wa; Apr 24, 2017 at 09:13 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 265
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Near Sublimity, OR
S430 99K, , E320 Wagon 130K, E420 249K(Sold), 240D (Sold)
What I thought at 1st also, but car is very clean/solid & drives like new & has new tires. Upon reading thru slips I see that the elderly owners frequently brought car in for "there's a noise", "slight oil smell" or some general complaint that ____(fill in blank) not working like when new. Dealer would then do some kind of warranty work + sell tires, alignment, battery, fluid flush, trans service etc. Certainly way more work done than on our S class, which only had the leaking Trans bushing fix & O2 sensors plus the usual tires, brakes, battery and seat trim over 17 yrs & 98k. It also still looks/drives as new. The W211 leather doesn't seem to last as well as the S class (duh) because our leather only needed a touch up on drivers seat. Time will tell I guess. Don
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 46
From: dmv
2009 E550 2000 Honda civic mash n' go
hahahaha a 2004, probably built in 2003, so 14 year old vehicle. That's extensive to you? Seems Very feasible for a vehicle that was 75k brand new 14yo's and 129k miles. But that's just me! Bet you it still drives like it did new. With the exception of sub frame bushings i'm sure it rides like new and also any air components that are original more then likely need to be replaced. but in theory, warranty pays for all of that, so this owner says.
Post vin recent wagon purchase owner
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 46
From: dmv
2009 E550 2000 Honda civic mash n' go
What I thought at 1st also, but car is very clean/solid & drives like new & has new tires. Upon reading thru slips I see that the elderly owners frequently brought car in for "there's a noise", "slight oil smell" or some general complaint that ____(fill in blank) not working like when new. Dealer would then do some kind of warranty work + sell tires, alignment, battery, fluid flush, trans service etc. Certainly way more work done than on our S class, which only had the leaking Trans bushing fix & O2 sensors plus the usual tires, brakes, battery and seat trim over 17 yrs & 98k. It also still looks/drives as new. The W211 leather doesn't seem to last as well as the S class (duh) because our leather only needed a touch up on drivers seat. Time will tell I guess. Don
THESE ARE THE CARS YOU WANT TO BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 257
From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
Glad to hear that people are having good luck. I'm currently thinking about picking up a higher mileage 2008 E350 to replace my beater Dodge Durango as a DD. Only problem is the car isn't really local, but the dealer can bring it if I commit to buy.
I haven't had many issues with my 2007 E63 in the 8 months that I've had it.
I haven't had many issues with my 2007 E63 in the 8 months that I've had it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 46
From: dmv
2009 E550 2000 Honda civic mash n' go
But are you even reading the repairs? Like it looks bad on paper to a novice or in-experienced automotive human being, not trying to name call. But when you actually see what's being replaced/repaired you can tell the car is in great shape. Couple that with the fact a elderly couple owned it and ALSO all the non safety related, interior repairs. When a consumer spends money at a dealer on extensive interior issues you can almost guarantee the vehicle is pristine, especially a elderly couple.
I look at history on Mercedes Benz vehicles for a living. All i'm going to say is do homework on anything Euro, vehicle that interests you. You can determine really quick based off what dealership, work done, unnecessary work done, mileage, and zip codes of ownership and within minutes can determine whether a car is nice or not.
BUT! This only occurs if vehicle is taken to dealership. Only dealership work is true data, and still then you can't believe everything you see. But elderly couple throws a red flag. A good red flag.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 257
From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Near Sublimity, OR
S430 99K, , E320 Wagon 130K, E420 249K(Sold), 240D (Sold)
I look at history on Mercedes Benz vehicles for a living. All i'm going to say is do homework on anything Euro, vehicle that interests you. You can determine really quick based off what dealership, work done, unnecessary work done, mileage, and zip codes of ownership and within minutes can determine whether a car is nice or not.
