E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Just bought 03,e500.what should I expect

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Old 01-25-2012, 12:06 PM
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2003 E500
Just bought 03,e500.what should I expect

I just bought a 2003.E500 with 120000 kms. Few problems needs a right ball joint. And front rotors. I bought it from an auction and am not sure what other Mainteince I should be performing first. I want to kee this car for a long time. I'm a first time MB owner. Also their is a light that always appears when I start up. With the car raising up saying look at suspension basically. But it works fine. Any idea on that anyone?

Thanks I'd really appreciate the info/ help
Old 01-25-2012, 12:15 PM
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06' w211 E500 Sport
Welcome to the club!

The air-matic suspension may have a leak, which is common on the 03's.

I would just stop by a dealership, and get something tiny done such as an oil change. From there, they will inspect the whole car inside and out, (except for a compression test). And they will have a list of recommendations.

Hopefully they can match the vin into the computer to see all maintenance records.

But search around this forum, there are tons of links, DIY, and more...
Old 01-25-2012, 12:16 PM
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2003 E500
Thanks. Appreciate the help.
Old 01-26-2012, 01:31 PM
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yes i agree get it checked out but if you are handy you can do some of the stuff your self and look for alternatives to dealer prices for things such as brakes and pad for example. you can prob search the forum and find out a bunch on info.
Old 01-26-2012, 01:46 PM
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CLS550 4Matic, C43, E350, ML350
How much did you buy your E500 for?
Old 01-26-2012, 01:47 PM
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2003 E500
$9500
Old 01-26-2012, 01:49 PM
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How many miles? and what are options? I am selling mine so I know what to expect. A dealership is giving me 12k out right as a purchase...no trade in or anything.
Old 01-26-2012, 06:01 PM
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2003 E500
120000kms,V8,sunroof ( no pan),other then that fully loaded. And in great shape.
Old 01-27-2012, 12:12 AM
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seriously the only problems with E500 are airmatic? im coming from the W220 section, i feel like i had to take a free online class for my car (mbworld.org and benzworld.org search tool)

and all you e-classers have as problems is only airmatic???

should i switch? lol
Old 01-27-2012, 12:14 AM
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Yes we have airmatic problems but rarely. I am looking into a S55 but ABC has me worried cause that is a BIG cost if it fails!
Old 01-27-2012, 02:22 AM
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i have airmatic issues and the "electric consumers malfunction" issue.
Old 01-27-2012, 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Be500
I just bought a 2003.E500 with 120000 kms. Few problems needs a right ball joint. And front rotors. I bought it from an auction and am not sure what other Mainteince I should be performing first. I want to kee this car for a long time. I'm a first time MB owner. Also their is a light that always appears when I start up. With the car raising up saying look at suspension basically. But it works fine. Any idea on that anyone?

Thanks I'd really appreciate the info/ help
I recommend taking the car to a MB dealer for a comprehensive multi point inspection, they will look for everything and give you a nice list of all the areas that need to be addressed. The list and prices may be a bit scary at first, but you will find many you can handle and some dont really have to be done right away. May cost you an hours worth of labor, but at least you have an idea of what could go wrong and possible leave you on the side of the road....
Old 01-27-2012, 09:02 AM
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CLS550 4Matic, C43, E350, ML350
very true
Old 01-27-2012, 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by thesheikh
i have airmatic issues and the "electric consumers malfunction" issue.
thats usually comes on when the battery in the truck is getting weak.
Old 01-27-2012, 09:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Be500
I just bought a 2003.E500 with 120000 kms. Few problems needs a right ball joint. And front rotors. I bought it from an auction and am not sure what other Mainteince I should be performing first. I want to kee this car for a long time. I'm a first time MB owner. Also their is a light that always appears when I start up. With the car raising up saying look at suspension basically. But it works fine. Any idea on that anyone?

Thanks I'd really appreciate the info/ help
post photos
Old 01-27-2012, 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by dsm2925
post photos
Left a deposit on this E55

http://www.warrentonhighline.com/det...d-8238674.html
Old 01-27-2012, 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by djrabbi
At the $24.8k price??
Old 01-27-2012, 12:15 PM
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No lol.....They don't have it on the lot yet. I just left a deposit so no one swoops in. I am going to try to get it around 23k-24k
Old 01-27-2012, 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by dsm2925
thats usually comes on when the battery in the truck is getting weak.
What does the truck have to do with his car ?
Old 01-27-2012, 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by djrabbi
No lol.....They don't have it on the lot yet. I just left a deposit so no one swoops in. I am going to try to get it around 23k-24k
Ok, you scared me there for a moment.
Old 01-27-2012, 12:34 PM
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That is a very pretty car. Good luck.
Old 01-28-2012, 05:56 PM
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i wanted to add that you should change the transmission oil and filter regularly. every 40,000 miles
Old 02-05-2012, 07:05 AM
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E500
airmatic problems
Old 02-05-2012, 08:27 AM
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03 E500 and Corvette
2003 E500

Airmatic comipressor
Rear Air springs
Rear shocks ( 2 )
Front strut
ball joints
A/c blower motor
A/c hose
Ignition key
Door locks
Delamination of arm rest
3 sets of brakes in 110,000 miles

Airmatic expensiver Cost at dealer is about $9000 for the work shown.

Lets not forget total brake failure with the SBC and the flat bed to tow car to dealer. If not under warranty expect about $5000
Old 02-05-2012, 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by MercFiveHundred
i wanted to add that you should change the transmission oil and filter regularly. every 40,000 miles
My '04 the tranny fluid is "lifetime" and can't be drained. Isn't it the same on '03's ? I assume, because you mentioned it, that you've done the change ?

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