SClassDreamz

Buying a Benz in 2 weeks, got it narrowed down to a few choices, BUT I need all of your input. SO, Check out these links and let me know which you would go with and why! I can't decide cause I love all 3, but I am sorta leaning towards the black 04 that only has 49,000 miles on it! Alright y'all break it down for me- ready, set? GO!!

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-fo...-benz-e-class/

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-fo...-benz-e-class/

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-fo...-benz-e-class/

cetialpha5

To me, they were all horrible, but the later years were probably slightly better than the earlier years. But they all had SBC and they all had airmatic which can be expensive to repair, have at least an extra $2-3k on you when those go. Or find one that had them replaced. And none of your links work.

SClassDreamz

Okay thanks! I will steer clear of the #500's in that case and look at some E320's or such. And darn, I apologize- I am new here and still figuring out how to post stuff.

SClassDreamz

I just fixed the links- they should work now. Okay, so here are 2 options that are not 500's. Do you think these are better bets?

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/31587621

http://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for...-benz-e-class/

Thanks again! I am REALLY glad I running these options by other Mercedes people- definitely helps to avoid buying a mistake!

cetialpha5

Don't get me wrong, they can be cheap due to the age of the cars, but if you go through the old threads, they had a lot more potential problems than the later face lifted models. Plus things did get better over time. Only one of your links work, the other one doesn't. Can't tell much about that other one because it doesn't mention the VIN in the link. Normally you use this site to see what options it has:

https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Mercedes-Benz

Can't really tell from the pictures what it has. Looks like a standard P1 package, no P2. Just depends what you're looking for. If you like bixenons, look for one with the P2 package, you really can't retrofit anything in these cars after the fact.

SClassDreamz

I am not sure why the links aren't working! They work for me when I try them. I think I fixed it now, try again cause the second one is a 2012 E350. I am also looking at a 2004 S500 4matic with 58,000 miles. While I know they issues with airmatic and whatnot- with the low mileage and great service history, I shouldn't have to pay crazy amounts to maintain it. I have up to 10k in reserves for repairs.

cetialpha5

Oh yeah, the 2012 would be nice. They went with direct injection engines in 2012 so they made 302hp instead of the 268hp in the 2006-2011. Only drawback is changing the plugs at 60k, got to take off the intake manifold to get at them as they went to a 60 degree block instead of 90 in the previous years. That link still doesn't work. Bluetooth is also problematic in the older models, you'd probably have less problems in 2010+. Didn't work for music in 2007-2009 but at least most voice calls worked.

arto_wa

OK but not much of a problem at least in my 2008 E320
The Bluetooth music was an easy fix with used $54.99 Car Pro Bluetooth Receiver from eBay vendor.

Plug & play.

Strigoi

Go with a 2007 or newer unless you want an E55.

Flash Gordon

Absolutely right, I had a 2003 E500 and during the first 2 years, I had almost one inch file on warranty service! In addition, the airmatic will cost you 1K per corner to replace! Not to mention the problematic SBC unit which is another grand. I sold the lemon in 2012 before airmatic and SBC problems surfaced. Stay away!

Agent-A01

1k per corner?

Not even close.

I did both my rear airbags with arnotts, spent $500 for the pair and replaced them both in less than 2 hours.

The fronts are even easier to do.

You can't factor in the cost of getting screwed price wise from a dealer

Strigoi

You also can't just assume that people are going to work on their cars themselves. It makes sense to give realistic numbers for what a part would cost installed. That $1,000 (or more) per corner is what most places charge.

2MERKS

As mentioned by members its a read, research, and read again deal! Not being in a rush is also key when deciding which yr to choose. I'd say options make a difference too, records, and maintenance is really big. The 04 model is older , but it could have all the maintenance up to date, but while the 05 and 06 could be a ticking time bomb. So i hope its a good references, and starting point. 05 because I have one lol. GL.
2merks

F1Fan

I would recommend getting the v8 instead of the v6. This car works best with a torquey v8. Neither of the v6s (3.2L or 3.5L) have enough torque for normal driving, unless you enjoy driving like a Sunday driver everyday!

If you are comfortable with a wrench, the M113 v8 is absolutely easy to work on.

3.2L v6 M112 - (2003 - 2005 E320) Smooth, bulletproof, easy to work on, just not enough power.
5.0L v8 M113 - (2003 - 2006 E500) Smooth, bulletproof, easy to work on, decent power.
3.5L v6 M272 - (2005 - 2014? E350) Better check that Balance Shaft issue
5.5L v8 M273 - (2007 - 2011 E500) Great power, but also Balance Shaft issue
3.5L v6 M276 - (2014 - 2016 E350) 300+ hp!
4.7L v8 M278 - (2012 - 2016 E550) 400+ hp! Twin-turbo.

* I might be wrong on some of the dates and specific figures. I am sure other forum members can correct me on the exact details.

Also be aware that while the 5 speed auto (from 2003 to about 2006) is a good transmission, it can be a bit lazy to shift gears. This is another reason to get the v8 as it typically has enough power in most gears. The 5 speed is easy to work on. However the later years have the 7 speed and that can be more difficult.

As for SBC, you figure by now most of the have been replaced. I would recommend checking it first before purchasing by asking for the vehicle service history.

Airmatic is something I highly recommend you have. The ride with Airmatic is fantastic. Get aftermarket Arnott air springs/struts to replace the leaking OEMs and you will be fine. Even newer E class (W212 or W213) without Airmatic cannot come close to the silky ride of W211 with Airmatic. The only thing better would be a S-class with Airmatic.

The only thing this car has an appetite for is gasoline and engine mounts. Keep an eye on the mounts. You'll notice a harsh ride and louder engine noise. Also the engine will 'sit' lower in the engine bay if the mounts have collapsed.

cetialpha5

Just a couple minor corrections:

3.5L v6 M272 - (2005 - 2011 E350) Balance Shaft issue all of 2006-early 2007. The 2008-2011 are fine. 268hp
5.5L v8 M273 - (2007 - 2011 E550) Great power, not Balance Shaft issue, I think it was idler gear, but just early 2007.
3.5L v6 M276 - (2012 - 2016 E350) 302 hp direct injection engine!

2017-2018 E300 ends up with a 2.0L 4 cylinder turbo, only 241hp. Thanks CAFE.