Devilish

Hello Everyone,

The subject is the question. I was wondering what are the problems that people have on their 2003 E320. Please let me know and let me know if you still have those problems or if they have been fixed.

Thank you

jim256

One instance of a replaced Gateway module controlling the Tele-Aid and SRS, that was in the first week, and a defective battery (bad cell) about 13 months into it. It is now 18 months old, 14k miles. Really good dealer service, excellent fit and finish in all areas, only one overnight at the dealers for the Gateway to come in. An excellent car.

jdhoang

My current 2003 e320 still experiences some occasional static from HK stereo. My heated steering wheel has been out of commission for almost two months. Dealer supposedly ordered a replacement steering wheel, but I can't believe it's taking this long to get here. The acceleration is jerky which I hope can be fixed by flashing the ECM the next time I bring my car into the dealer.

My pre-Nav replacement vehicle had some electrical problem that was fixed by replacing some gateway(?).

X72

My car is a 2003 E 320. The only options are metallic paint, sunroof, and the premium sound system.

Tele-Aid Warning light. The Tele-Aid control module was replaced. The software has been updated. I still get a warning light occasionally.

I am on my 2nd replacement radio. I have had the software updated. I have had the audio gateway updated. The radio still very infrequently will not operate (it just won't turn on). Prior radios have tended to have problems when used for several hours on a long drive (wouldn't eject a CD, wouldn't be able to turn on and off the radio, wouldn't recognize a CD). My car has only the single CD player. After installing this last radio, I now have a rattle in the dash. I haven't had the static that others have mentioned on this board. I rarely listen to AM, so I have no comment on that either.

When applying the brakes, it felt like one caliper would grab before the others. Disassembly and re-assembly of the calipers solved this.

Car pulled slightly to the right. I ignored this until too late. I noticed uneven tire wear. Alignment done at my expense (it is free only up to 12k miles). Car tracks beautifully now. My car does not have the air suspension.

SBC brake noise dampening solution was applied. It is still noisy, but it is acceptable to me.

Difficulty in modulating brakes when coming to a stop. I have read this has been addressed in later build cars. I have learned to live with it.

Have had problems with the rain/light sensor. Last complaint was that the light sensor was not working (car thought it was night all the time). That was fixed but now the rain sensor is not sensitive enough. Will at times let a lot of water build up on the windshield. I end up just pushing on the stalk for a manual wipe. I will complain about this next service.

One of my headlamps burned out. I replaced it on my own. The headlamps also needed to be adjusted upwards. The car has halogen lamps, not the Xenon lights.

Stone interior. Difficult to keep clean. My solution it to use an auto interior/rug cleaner often and rubber floor mats. Permanent solution for me, get a darker colored interior next time.

Steering wheel leather not only dicolored, but was disintegrating. Steering wheel replaced under warranty.

Paint chipping and windshield pitting. Believe this is par for the course for all cars now. Does anyone know if the non-metallic paints are more chip resistant?

I love the M-B cruise control stalk. I can fine tune the speed. But we had a Benz before, so I am used to this arrangement. This is possibly an issue if you are getting your first Benz.

We also have a 2003 Lexus ES 300. I find the car to be less attractive than the Benz. The transmission is syrupy, but I don't mind it although I have read of people that hate it (I think it is like the SBC brake issue, some people don't even notice it, and some hate it). I use synthetic oil in the Lexus. I don't anticipate any of the engine oil gelling problems in this car based on what I have read. No gunk is building underneath the oil cap. A few of the Lexus/Toyota V6's have had severe engine oil gelling. The Lexus requires more frequent oil changes, however that has been the only service it has required. The Lexus cost $20k less than the Benz.

I like the Benz. I accept the issues that it has. It will be harder for me to justify getting another one unless most of the electrical/computer glitches are worked out.

By the way, I want to thank all the people that post to this board. It has been quite helpful to me. I am posting now in the hopes that this will be of benefit to others.

William in Miami, FL
2003 E 320, car has 35 k miles, build date 11/02

konigstiger

SOFTWARE
Check for latest Audio gateway version

ENGINE
Bulletin P-B-07.00/28 – ECM
Bulletin S-B-54.21/101- ECM
Bulletin P-B-07.00/28e – ECM

BRAKES
Bulletin P-B-42.46/27A – Install pulsation damper for SBC
- Noisy brake pump
Bulletin P-B-42.10/33 – Replace brake disks
- Front wheel brake shutter during braking

WHEEL ALIGMENT & TIRE BALANCING
- Install camber/caster kits if vehicle drifts to either side

ENGINE TICKING
- Replace purge valve (part # 00-470-35-93) to fuel injection system

TRANSMISSION
- Replace electronic control module/unit if not shifting smoothly

WINDSHIELD WIPERS
- Replace if skipping or noisy

ENGINE COOLING FAN
- Replace assembly if loud or vibration heard

michael10128

thanks for the injector tapping TSB...mine is definitely tapping and making me nuts...i thought it was engine mounts but its not.. i tested based on other forum feedback

michael10128

my tapping is very loud when i kickdown or have hard acceleration, do you think that is the injector system???

how did your sound and when did it tap?

GDawgC220

This is true of most if not all MB's...the paint is softer so it's more apt to be chipped when hit my objects when driving

Though, the new Nano-paint is suppose to be more resistant to chipping

I think it's the same metallic or non-metallic.

konigstiger

Ticking was heard only while in park, with windows open, and in a confined area such as my garage. Though no longer annoying, I still hear ticking but not as loud with the replacement valve.

HELL ONA HARLEY

Actually, The new "nano" paint is not chip resistant at all... It's only to help protect against light scratches and swirl marks that are comonly seen on black and other darker colored cars... Its also more fade resistant and is designed hold a shine longer than regular paints. Chipping will always be a problem, not only for MB, but all auto makers. This is a common problem with water based paints... And unfortunatly, all auto makers are using them.

GDawgC220

I know it's not totally resistant to chipping, but from what i've read in articles, it's harder to chip than the paints on MB's now. So it's like a harder paint surface as opposed to the soft paint surface on our cars now.

HELL ONA HARLEY

Obviously I'm reading different sources of info than you.... But I think we can all agree, water based paints SUCK.....

glojo

I hate to disagree with you, so I will be tactful and recommend you do a search under the heading 'nano'. Several members have commented on the protection that this new coating has given. One member travelled on grit covered roads which would have resulted in quite a lot of damage to there previous 210 Mercedes-Benz with its softer water based paint.

Obviously no paint can totally prevent chipping, but this new technology is a vast improvement on what was previously offered.

As Mork famously used to say, "Nano, nano"

John

michael10128

my ticking is more pronounced on accleration. did you have a problem asking the dealer to do it.. i dont like letting the dealer touch my car.. it always has to go back for a second appointment..

konigstiger

No ticking on acceleration either before or after repair. As far as your dealer's service, I would ask that a manager or tech road test the car with you to better understand and diagnose your problem.

Trooper2196

My transmission has an intermittent fault when pulling away it sometimes changes up to top gear to fast missing the lower gears and the kickdown does not work so im stuck in high gear, I can change to a lower gear by using the tiptronic but it does not cure the fault. Then driving another time the gear changes are perfect and smooth and the kickdown is ok. It does change to a low gear when stopped but the fault can return on accelerating. Any ideas on this fault? Its a 320 CDI 2004.

konigstiger

10 years, had a 03 e320 back then. Anyway, first step retrieve fault codes may be speed sensors or solenoid(s) to valve body. No fault codes when was ATF replaced. See post + attachments here https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post6201383

L&N Caravan

On the same subject, I have the following 2003 E320 4matic wagon parts for sale if needed for your rides:


- 4 head rests, dark grey with light grey piping
- center console with all switches
- spare wheel (tire mounted on rim never touched ground)
- STAR repair disk (looking to trade for 2007 E350 4matic wagon Star repair disc - don't want any money)
- multi-disk CD player with amp from trunk
- navigation CD's
- MAF sensor
- other stuff


steve sratta@mindspring.com