2003 E500 145k miles
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 849
Likes: 45
From: ATL
2017 GLS 550
Looking too buy 2003 E500 145k miles what are the less known gotchas
OK so I am looking at an E500. It has 145k miles has had 3 owners 1st owner was a corporate lease that put majority of miles on it. 2nd owner might have been dealership. Per Carfax it looks like it was dealer serviced until about 133k miles.
Just wanted to see what I should look out for? I am going to take it to an Indy German specialist for a PPI. Not my preferred garage but it is about 100 miles away.
It is highly optioned
Dynamic seats
Heated/Ventilated Seats
Keyless go
Distronic
Command
Seems the only options it doesn't have are parktronic and Pano
I do most my own wrenching just wanted to see if you guys could point me at the gotchas with the W211s
Obviously SBC and Airmatic are big ones. But I guess I am looking for the less obvious.
Just wanted to see what I should look out for? I am going to take it to an Indy German specialist for a PPI. Not my preferred garage but it is about 100 miles away.
It is highly optioned
Dynamic seats
Heated/Ventilated Seats
Keyless go
Distronic
Command
Seems the only options it doesn't have are parktronic and Pano
I do most my own wrenching just wanted to see if you guys could point me at the gotchas with the W211s
Obviously SBC and Airmatic are big ones. But I guess I am looking for the less obvious.
Last edited by thtguy; Dec 25, 2015 at 10:06 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Really SBC and airmatic are the only big concerns besides the electronics such as the keyless go door handles. The 722.6 5 speed and the M113 engine are very reliable if serviced properly. My advice would be make sure the transmission has been serviced every 39K as well as proper oil used at oil changes.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 849
Likes: 45
From: ATL
2017 GLS 550
Looks like dealer serviced until about 12k miles ago so should have had the normal trans services and 10/40 euro Mobil 1. At 130k it had one or both front struts replaced(per Carfax). I know some dealers don't like to give service histories on cars for privacy reasons. But was thinking of calling the primary servicing dealer and see if they have records of the SBC being replaced and when.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,443
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From: Merkville the galaxy of Stars
'99 CLK/05 E500 WAG
FWIW make sure you have all the correct headrests...The MHI CONNECTOR /PUK in the armrest.
I didn't upon purchase of my E500 wagon, but it my be small, but now you're armed!!
GL
I didn't upon purchase of my E500 wagon, but it my be small, but now you're armed!!
GL
