Hi, I am looking at buying an E500 to replace my E39 535i sport, probably looking around 2005 year made, are there any regular wear out items to be aware of (i.e. we have a W124 wagon which the Accumulators for the rear suspension last about 80000k's) I am really thinking about the air suspension components but anything else to look at would be helpfull. Cheers, Chris..

 

Do yourself a favor and get a 2007 instead. No sbc brakes. They look better (facelift) and if you don't want to have air suspension issues, get a E350.

 

I hear what you're saying, I could do with a bit more grunt, I've test driven an E350 and against my 535i M sport it didn't stand up, but an E500 which I've yet to test drive might just do the trick, it's just a case of weighing up the odds to go that way, if it is anything like our W124 wagon is on quality etc. then I'll be well happy - that is here to stay..

 

2007-2009s are dam good cars if you have the budget for it. Step up to a 550 from a 350 and it will definitely hold it's own against your 535i.

 

I went from a 360hp 550i to a 274hp e350. Not a big deal IMHO. Going from a 300hp 535i to a E350 should be even less of a deal. You will not miss the 26hp as much as you may think.

 

You have less HP, but now you are driving a BENZ!!!!!!!!

 

If you don't play "boy-racer" you don't need the HP.


Just stand on the throttle and let him pass you.
Somewhere between 90 and 125 he will lose his nerve and you can smile and wave as you drive by.

 

Hey guys, somewhere along the line this thread went missing, it's not about 'boy racers' but what to look for with regular wear out items, such as suspension parts etc..as per my original email..

 

I owned an E500 from new and my list is too long to make.

Hot water control valve
ignition switch
(SBC you are aware of)
(airmatic same)
Battery Control Module failure
Pulling right requiring suspension work
Ball joints failing @ 65000 miles

Some will say I got a lemon, I would say it won't happen again as I won't buy another MB.

Just be aware of what it is you are buying and research each item.

 

An E500 has airmatic suspension standard. The air struts do fail at some point, and can actually render the car undriveable. There is really no way to inspect or predict the remaining life of a strut. Just make sure the car sits level and rides properly. At dealer prices, rear strut replacement is roughly $2K. Front is less. Arnott makes aftermarket parts that are much less expensive. DIY is possible on these.

Other than that, SBC brakes. Again, nothing you can do to predict this. You just need to have enough money available to repair it at any time.

The engine and drivetrain in the E500 are very solid and reliable.

 

Thanks guys, it's all about making an informed decision and the more info the better, in the ten years plus we have had the W124 we have been very fortunate in nothing major, although it will need a new head gasket sometime soon and it has never let us down. Considering insurance to cover major items when I buy it if I go down the E500 track.

 

I've destroyed 535s with the E550, go with the facelift E550.

 

I've been looking at getting an E350 myself and most of what I've read seem to say to stay away from anything earlier than 2006, 2007 and later are better. 2007 is also when they dissolved the Chrysler Merger and things got better afterwards. I think E500 may also have the balance shaft spocket issue. Only kind of insurance you could get is an extended warranty, but I'm sure it's going to be pretty expensive. In terms of prices, I'd rather spend the money on a latter model than on an older one and getting an extended warranty.

 

The E500 does not have the balance shaft problem. Only the E350 and E550 have it.

 

Get a 550i instead of a Benz. You will have a better handling car and more options for tuning and aftermarket parts.

 

Um the M273 V8 in the E550 doesn't have a balance shaft

 

OK, I guess you are technically correct. The m273 has an idler shaft in the same location as the m272 balance shaft. And the v8 has the same problem with the teeth wearing. But repair is much less expensive, I suppose that is why the problem is not as well known.

 

Well people, has been a little time since last on the forum due to pressing work matters, I have bought myself an 05 E500 with AMG 19's in brilliant silver, actually looking for black but the silver car got me and 130,000 k's full history(we'll see how that pans out) SBC just been replaced which was my main worry, so far so good. Had worries about the ride with 19's but that is not an issue - very happy after the BM it is probably not quite so sharp as the BM but no regrets, just got to get used to all the little differences. Thanks for the feedback from everyone.

 

congrats man! best of luck