2003 E500

Oct 11, 2012 | 12:57 PM

prh1976

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

2008 C350 Sport Sedan

2003 E500

Hi,

I'm thinking of purchasing a low mileage (55k) 2003 E500 sedan. Does anyone have any words of advice or caution? Are there other years I should be looking at?

Thanks

Paul

Oct 11, 2012 | 10:04 PM

bkhk

Junior Member

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

From: Perth, Australia

2006 E500

Hang on to your C350. A 2003 car will seem old by comparison and could be a $ pit.

Oct 12, 2012 | 02:29 PM

PlatinumPi4u

Member

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 169

Likes: 0

From: Socal

06' w211 E500 Sport

I concur. It would be best to go for an 06+ because there were several reliability problems with the 03 04 05s, specifically with the airmatic suspension.

Oct 12, 2012 | 04:54 PM

Lefix

Member

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 92

Likes: 0

From: SoCal

2003 E500

Maybe we should ask why you want to get rid of the 08 C350 and get a older E class?

Oct 12, 2012 | 07:52 PM

vettdvr

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 3,254

Likes: 15

From: Louisiana

03 E500 and Corvette

Don't buy it

Oct 15, 2012 | 03:49 PM

Flash Gordon

Super Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 723

Likes: 32

From: Central Jersey

2003 E500, 2004 G35X

This model year is a disaster!

Oct 15, 2012 | 10:58 PM

06E5004ME

Member

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 216

Likes: 2

From: Bristol, CT

06 S211 E500 4Matic

Definitely go for the later models. I did not encounter major problems in my 1+ year of ownership of 140k+ miles E-Class. My car did not fall under any of the w211 recalls, which shows that the major problems have been addressed in later W211s.

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Oct 17, 2012 | 10:36 AM

WHTEVO

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 1,477

Likes: 1

From: Colorado

07' SL65, 04' E55, 03' Evo8, 08' GSXR, DSM's...

I personally would stay away from the 03's. You'll find many differences and reason in this forum.

Aaron

Oct 17, 2012 | 01:27 PM

#10

gaazmon

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 3,085

Likes: 59

From: Los Angeles

2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry45RPM

Go '07 and later. I'd run away, frankly.

Oct 17, 2012 | 08:42 PM

#11

fila0220

Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 398

Likes: 7

From: Queens NY/ Ft Lauderdale FL

W211 E63

i had a 2003 with 105k miles, weird weird car, seats creaked, airmatic acted funny, SBS failure (but was covered by warranty lifetime apparently) I liked it tho, it was a strong car and pulled strong, even at 100+k miles, but my 2008 is on a whole different level. It feels smoother and feels nimbler. I'm not even mentioning the 5.5L engine.

Oct 17, 2012 | 10:18 PM

#12

C280 Sport

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 3,820

Likes: 584

From: NY & FL

MB’s of all kinds.

Try and find a 06 and newer 211. I would trade a 204 for a 211 in a second! I am in the same boat right now expect I am looking to get rid of a w203 for a w211. For everyone asking why do this(go from a newer C down to a E) go take one out as a loaner and live with it for a week and you will see what we mean