2004 C230K vs. 2003 E320

Dec 11, 2013 | 07:55 PM

kmorton54

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2004 C230K

2004 C230K vs. 2003 E320

I am thinking of trading in our 2004 C230K for a used 2003 E320. The E320 has 87,836 miles and a full Carfax service history (20 items) and I am going to buy it from the original Mercedes Dealer it was purchased back in 2003. Is the E320 going to be more problematic that the W203 C series. Newbie to forum would like to know.

Dec 11, 2013 | 10:58 PM

trioxin

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I'd have the transmission checked at that mileage .. It's so bloody expensive to repair, 4k at least. May want to have the ATF tested. If it's clean of metal particles and Coolant and it shifts smooth between 20 and 65 your good. IMO if you buy have it changed every 25k miles.. usually around $200 at a reputable transmission shop.. not at the dealer unless you want to spend 2-3 time that. Also in a test drive check ball joints by driving slow over bumps.. like abruptish speed bumps.. the clunk will be very apparent if theres a problem. It should take bumps and ride noticeably smoother than your C series... if it doesnt it likely needs work. I haven't had engine issues in either of the E500(114k) I have nor the E320(155k) I had before that. Others may have experience with that. My opinions come from owner experience with E series over the last 10 years.. I'm 100 percent mechanically stupid. Also I've never had issues with electronics.. radio.. electric windows.. seats.. heating/AC at this point.. knock on wood!

Last edited by trioxin; Dec 11, 2013 at 11:01 PM.

Dec 12, 2013 | 12:47 PM

kmorton54

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2004 C230K

The 2003 E320 CarFax history shows car has been extermly well maintained at the Mercedes Dealership where it was purchased with regular scheduled maintenance (A/B) including transmission fluid/filter changes every 40K, brake rotor and pads replaced plus the following list of parts replaced under warranty:
Transmission computer module replaced
Transmission Valve Body replaced
Sunvisors replaced (twice)
Computer Module replaced
Alternator/Generator replaced
Interior trim replaced
Battery replaced
Front Strut Bearings replaced
Lower ball joints replaced
Mirrors replaced
Spark plug wires replaced
Engine Mounts replaced
Lower control arm bushings replaced
Drive belt(s) replaced

I asked about having the SBC replaced, Dealer said E320 was inspected and SBC was functioned per spec. I am thinking about replacing the SBC with a new one as part of the deal. Have a local Mercedes Shop that services my 2004 C230K, owned by two former Mercedes Benz master techs review the carfax and the agreed Car well maintained. Will also invest in a used car maintanance Insurance (extended warranty in other states but insurance in CA).

Would you buy this E320?

Dec 12, 2013 | 05:44 PM

trioxin

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Sounds like the problems i've read on these forums were covered and/or maintained. I don't have any experience with the SBC(yet). Like I said i'm mechanically stupid and hopefully some others with experience will join this thread but it does sound good of course depending on the price.. I'm guessing with the mileage and year you should be paying ~12k or less.

Dec 13, 2013 | 12:03 PM

kmorton54

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2004 C230K

Quote:

Originally Posted by trioxin

Mercedes Dealer is asking $9,995.00. I am going this Sat the 14th to look at the car if it is still for sale. I am going to have the dealer replace the SBC unit for $1517.00 as part of the deal if I buy the car.

Dec 16, 2013 | 10:54 PM

dewana421

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From: west palm beach USA

E320 2004 model Silver sedan

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmorton54

Did you get the car?
I can give you some info on the SBC pump. Just got mine replaced at the dealer.

Dec 16, 2013 | 11:12 PM

kmorton54

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2004 C230K

Quote:

Originally Posted by dewana421

Did you get the car?
I can give you some info on the SBC pump. Just got mine replaced at the dealer.

After looking at the 2003 E320, very disappointed in the cheap plastic interior. My C230K inside door handles are made of metal, the E320 are made of plastic with the chrome flaking off on both front doors. Cheap plastic on arm rests and center console and on and on. The E320 was a very nice drive being more quiet and softer riding at the expense of handling. Mercedes Dealer keep offering me more for my 2004 C230K trying to get me to buy the E320. Finally after getting the sales manager to admit the 2003, 2004 are not as nice as the 06 E350. I am going to wait to find a 2007 or 2008 that I can afford.