sonors

Saw an ad for a 2003 E500. Did a bunch of research on it and plan to schedule a test drive. I just noticed in one of the pictures of it that is an E550. Can't find anything as far as specs and book values etc. What are the differences between these two?

Roop94

Well, as far my knowledge goes, E500 came thru 03-09 and E550 was the lineup that started in 2010.

E500, w211, came with what 302 hp and E550, w212, has just a little below 400hp. Idk about the mileage of E500 but E550's like 24mpg on highway, city should be around 18-19mpg.

those numbers are from top of my head, but im sure E550 was started in 2010 and the numbers i provided are 98% correct with a little +/-

sonors

I thought maybe they had the wrong year in the ad but I did a VIN check and it says it's an E500 but the badge on the trunk in the pics says E550.

cetialpha5

They're just playing games with the badges. E550 came out for the 2007 model year, 2006 was the last year for the E500. Major flags on both are the airmatic and SBC brakes. I think early 2003 models all had horrible problems, but that might have been mostly on the E320. But I think build quality and other problems are still associated with the E500. Even early E550's had engine problems but that was fixed by 2008. I think one other major problem was bad radiators where the coolant leaked into the transmission cooling lines and that toasted the transmission. 2003 was the first year and that was probably the worse, they did get a little better in later years, but still had their fair share of problems probably til 2008/2009, at least on the W211.

cetialpha5

Oh and SBC will probably cost anywhere from $1200-$2k to repair. The reman units are in the $800 range plus labor to install. They used to be 2-3k at the dealer. They also reach a certain threshold and then you only have 1/10 of the normal braking power so when it goes, a somewhat instant failure. Airmatic is expensive, about 1k per corner at the dealer, but aftermarket ones are about $500 each plus labor. If both those are done, then you might be ok. When it fails, you come out to find the car sitting on the ground and it can't be driven. E320's didn't have airmatic as standard, but some might have it as an option, but they all had SBC up til the 2007 model year. I'd dig a little deeper and get at least a 2007+ car, just checking the VIN to make sure you don't have one with some early problematic engines.

sonors

So this is basically an E500. I've read a ton about the Sensotronic and Airmatic. As far as other possible issues with an 2003, it has 132000 miles so isn't it possible that most issues have already been resolved? The car has been well maintained and I would certainly have a PPI done. If it checks out OK I would consider it for the right price knowing I may looking at a few grand for the brakes and shocks at some point.

cetialpha5

Yes at that mileage it's possible. If it has been at the dealer, you can get a VMI from them when you scheduled the PPI. There's another thread out there about $100 off a $200 service. That could be handy when doing the PPI.

sonors

Just re-read your post. This is a private seller. Are you saying they're putting an E550 badge on an e500? I came across a post earlier today that said the 2003 E550 has more HP than a 2003 E500. Still a little confused.

cetialpha5

I think you are confused on the years. There was no E550 in 2003. E550 started in 2007 and lasted til 2014. The seller is just playing around by putting the wrong badge on it. They mind as well stick an S550 badge on it. The E500 was from 2003-2006.

sonors

I get it now. Just can't believe anyone would disguise an E500 as an E550. What's next, slapping the Mercedes star hood ornament on a Honda? Makes me think I shouldn't even bother looking at it.

cMazara

Maybe they changes the trunk and got one from 2007, the trunk has the big chrome part?

cetialpha5

The hood ornament is somewhat impressive. I think it's the same for the C, E and S class and probably a bunch of other ones too. They've designed all their hoods so that it's at the right angle once you put the star on it. I snapped mine off during one bad winter when I got a little too aggressive with a snow brush.

sonors

You nailed it Cetialpha5. The car was purchased by an older gent in his 80's who babied it. When he passed away his grandson kept it. The grandson gave me the number of the indie mechanic who serviced it and he told me that the kid had him badge it with the 550. I saw it today and it also has AMG badging on the other side of the trunk. I asked the seller(the grandson who looks to be in his thirties) what it was all about and he seemed a bit embarrassed about it. The car looks no more than 5 years old and drove very well. Not a door ding as far as I could tell. Nice handling and you could hardly tell the engine was on when sitting at idle. The only problem is the passenger power seat doesn't work. Recent service includes Mass Air-Flow Sensor, Brakes, and Battery. Additional recent service includes a new Timing Belt, Motor Mounts, Valve Covers, Suspension Compressor, and new Back-up Battery. It also received the suggested 100K mile maintenance. It's as close to original owner as you can get. Is it worth taking a gamble on a car this old with this many miles? What would be a good price for it?