Any idea how much all of this may cost? (03 E500)
Sometimes I have the luck I guess... I recently purchased an 03 E500 that's just turning 80,000 miles. I love the car, but as you'll see below, it needs a few things. Any ideas what this may cost at the dealership to do?
Replace damaged small top fill radiator hose. (runs parallel to top radiator hose) Check, or replace thermostat. Car runs 100 and max is 95. Maybe a cooler thermostat? Check motor mounts- can feel a twisting at harder starts.* Fix rough idle or miss.* Fix mild roar car makes when driving. Feels like a wheel bearing? Sbc *pump oils, flush. Engine filters replace plus oil change Replace air filters plus cabin air Alignment 4 wheel needed wheel slightly turned Fog lamp bulbs changed (keep passenger side as a spare) Third brake light replaced (I have oem replacement) Check valve cover gaskets Replace cigarette lighter socket Replace swivel cup holder (have oem replacement Brake flush. All four corners. Check brakes Sticky feeling start button on shifter knob (something spilled in it I'm sure) Check shock and air suspension. Car leans in turns in both sport modes, and has brand new perf tires. Power steering fluid. If smells burnt, vacuum, and replace fluid. Replace drivers door handle (I have part) Change trans oil Remove old phone from center console that's outdated. |
Did anyone ever do maintenance according to the FSS before buying?
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At a dealership, I think it will cost around what you likely paid for the vehicle.
Find a reputable independent mechanic and prioritize the repairs needed. |
Efive, sounds like I'm trading soon if I can't get this done with as you mentioned, a local Mercedes guy.
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If you live any where near salt water donate the car to a fish farm association.
You will get a better IRS deduction for a donation than if the car got stolen. |
E500 has it right, but there's a third way. There are some things that either require dealer attention or it's best to have the dealer do them, but a lot of things on your list can be handled by a DIYer. Oil change, filters, bulb replacement, lighter socket, etc. If you're willing to get your hands dirty, you'll save a ton. First things first, though. Get the idle, motor mounts, and road noise checked out and, if they're as expensive to fix as they could be, Plutoe may have a good idea. In any event, this will be a learning experience for you--the meaning of PPI being the start.
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With all those things, sell the car lol. Most of the stuff you can do yourself though
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Greatly appreciate the advice! This car might stay or go at this point. I like it, love the power, etc., but am finding this car wasn't taken care of from the beginning.
If I were to sell it, I'd have to fix the motor mounts as when you step on the gas, it's obvious a mount is broken. If I trade it, I'd have to do the same as the dealer would find it on their arou d the block test drive. I've got 13,000 in it plus new Nitto tires, newly evacuated a/c, new freon at dealership, etc., had it detailed flawlessly. Kelly blue book hits it around 15k private party, and close to 13k trade. Any ideas what selling price for quick sale if I decide to do that? Thanks again guys! |
Your not getting 13k trade in. I had a 2003 E500 also with around 85k on it. Private value was 16,700 and trade in was 13k also. Dealer offered $7000 for trade in and my car looked and felt BRAND new.
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ya really isn't worth with how much it's gonna cost (unless you find a good indy and do some of that stuff urself, but even still, there will be more to come). I'm debating about keeping my car but between new tires, new brakes and rotors, motor mounts, spark plugs and wires. and still the car would have the rocking problem at low speeds, the gas leak issue (very common on the w211s), and a non-operative pano roof :nix: and on top of that lord knows how long till i start having airmatic issues :(
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you can fix so many of those little things yourself in one day if you are semi-handy with cars.
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Break it up for spare parts and sell them on ebay
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My 2 cents and then some....
Originally Posted by desired_speeds
(Post 5290331)
you can fix so many of those little things yourself in one day if you are semi-handy with cars.
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wow, so sorry to hear about all those issues. I wish you would have seen my car for sale. Where are you located at? I have very good independent mechanic that always worked on my e500...and if there was something he couldn't fix or didn't know what was wrong, he would have a mercedes mechanic come by to his shop to take a look at it.
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Originally Posted by NiwPix
(Post 5290924)
wow, so sorry to hear about all those issues. I wish you would have seen my car for sale. Where are you located at? I have very good independent mechanic that always worked on my e500...and if there was something he couldn't fix or didn't know what was wrong, he would have a mercedes mechanic come by to his shop to take a look at it.
Thinking about selling her. Just want to find one someone who has actually maintained without paying too much. My Wife says the 03 E500 is a grandpa car, :( but I disagree. I found a 4 matic recently that was a "deal," but since I'm in FL most of the time, I can't justify dropping 2k on the inevitable 4matic differential. I do, however, need to drive in the snow at times with family in the north east, so tough call. I'm open to suggestions. I really want to fix this car as I like it well, but don't want to waste $ if I can avoid it. |
Originally Posted by leap
(Post 5291875)
My Wife says the 03 E500 is a grandpa car, :( but I disagree
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Originally Posted by leap
(Post 5291875)
I found out the driver's motor mount is broken ( common), but ordered both sides to be safe. I may have both replaced, or just the broken one.
Thinking about selling her. Just want to find one someone who has actually maintained without paying too much. My Wife says the 03 E500 is a grandpa car, :( but I disagree. I found a 4 matic recently that was a "deal," but since I'm in FL most of the time, I can't justify dropping 2k on the inevitable 4matic differential. I do, however, need to drive in the snow at times with family in the north east, so tough call. I'm open to suggestions. I really want to fix this car as I like it well, but don't want to waste $ if I can avoid it. |
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