e500 annual costs of maintenance and repairs....?
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e320 cdi, maybe?
e500 annual costs of maintenance and repairs....?
I'm taking a strong look at an e500 wagon, they seem like damn nice cars
I am aware of the SBC issues and airmatic junk, I've found some bulletins on how to disable the SBC system without using STAR and plan to convert from air shocks to koni FSDs for comfy ride without body roll
But, how much does your 03-06 e500 cost you per year on average? Including expensive repairs.
Bonus points if you do everything DIY, which is what I plan to do for almost everything, even if I'm having a hard time finding diy tutorials for the e500
I am aware of the SBC issues and airmatic junk, I've found some bulletins on how to disable the SBC system without using STAR and plan to convert from air shocks to koni FSDs for comfy ride without body roll
But, how much does your 03-06 e500 cost you per year on average? Including expensive repairs.
Bonus points if you do everything DIY, which is what I plan to do for almost everything, even if I'm having a hard time finding diy tutorials for the e500
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From: Athens, GA USA
2011 E63, 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 v8, 2013 GMC Denali XL, 1965 Ford Mustang, 2005 Merc. E500
Lower ball joints may be a needed repair and transmission service every 40k which cost about 300.00. It is really a solid car with the exception of the SBC and shocks. You may want to keep the airmatic and use Arnott lifetime shocks.
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e320 cdi, maybe?
Last edited by joekitch; Feb 12, 2015 at 07:25 PM.
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From: Athens, GA USA
2011 E63, 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 v8, 2013 GMC Denali XL, 1965 Ford Mustang, 2005 Merc. E500
I did the front on my E500. Not bad, the trick for the front is to do both sides at same time and disconnect the sway bar so the lower arms can drop way down. The original rear air shocks on my e500 are still perfect.
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'03 SL55 AMG | 2021 AMG GLE 63s Coupe
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e320 cdi, maybe?
however you CAN look for submissions that are just the v8, and they seem to be pretty darn dependable since almost no engine problems arise
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From: Athens, GA USA
2011 E63, 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 v8, 2013 GMC Denali XL, 1965 Ford Mustang, 2005 Merc. E500
My e500 has 140k miles on it and I did need a drive shaft center bearing and support. So when it was replaced I also had the front and rear flex disc replaced. As far as engine, transmission and rear diff. not a single problem. No problems with the electronics either.
Last edited by homeofstone; Feb 12, 2015 at 10:13 PM.
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e320 cdi, maybe?
My e500 has 140k miles on it and I did need a drive shaft center bearing and support. So when it was replaced I also had the front and rear flex disc replaced. As far as engine, transmission and rear diff. not a single problem. No problems with the electronics either.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Athens, GA USA
2011 E63, 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 v8, 2013 GMC Denali XL, 1965 Ford Mustang, 2005 Merc. E500
It is a DIY with the right tools. My hobby is cars so it was not a big job.The rear section of exhaust does have to be removed. New exhaust seals will be needed Use oem parts. The bearing will need to b pressed on. Took me about 3 house total. Can't remember cost.
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e320 cdi, maybe?
that's actually really darn good
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e320 cdi, maybe?
what kinds of big repairs were there during your ownership? i'm pretty warry of the 03 models, i'd probably get a late 05
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From: Athens, GA USA
2011 E63, 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 v8, 2013 GMC Denali XL, 1965 Ford Mustang, 2005 Merc. E500
Not the biggest job. The front arnott air shocks took about 8 hours. Shocks were not difficult, it was just a lot to take a part and put together and triple checking everything. I have a compressor in my basement shop and air ratchets and air impact wrenches as well as battery powered wrenches and specialty tools for Mercedes and BMW so jobs go faster than using only hand tools.
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Ignition switch
Front airmatic
Rear airsprings
Airmatic compressor
SBC brakes
Lighter inside ash tray
Door locks
Battery control Module
Alignment needed camber bolts
Tilt steering coupling
Starter
Transmission/Engine mounts
Transmission leaking
and the list goes on, The car has been gone 3 yrs and I don't remember all of the issues, just glad someone else owns it. I had a 100,000 warranty but I also paid a lot. My $$ was if you had to pay out of pocket to understand owning a non warranty car. That was my Last Mercedes, it cured me after paying about $65000 for the car.
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e320 cdi, maybe?
Heater water valve,
Ignition switch
Front airmatic
Rear airsprings
Airmatic compressor
SBC brakes
Lighter inside ash tray
Door locks
Battery control Module
Alignment needed camber bolts
Tilt steering coupling
Starter
Transmission/Engine mounts
Transmission leaking
and the list goes on, The car has been gone 3 yrs and I don't remember all of the issues, just glad someone else owns it. I had a 100,000 warranty but I also paid a lot. My $$ was if you had to pay out of pocket to understand owning a non warranty car. That was my Last Mercedes, it cured me after paying about $65000 for the car.
Ignition switch
Front airmatic
Rear airsprings
Airmatic compressor
SBC brakes
Lighter inside ash tray
Door locks
Battery control Module
Alignment needed camber bolts
Tilt steering coupling
Starter
Transmission/Engine mounts
Transmission leaking
and the list goes on, The car has been gone 3 yrs and I don't remember all of the issues, just glad someone else owns it. I had a 100,000 warranty but I also paid a lot. My $$ was if you had to pay out of pocket to understand owning a non warranty car. That was my Last Mercedes, it cured me after paying about $65000 for the car.
daaaayum
well, i'll make sure to avoid any low mileage 2003s.....or anything earlier than a 2005 for that matter
