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I am likely going to buy a 2003 E500. my Mechanic is my friend too and he bought this car from his customer. He has a small lot and has serviced it for 10 years. He just replaced the air shocks. It has 132K and seems to be in very good shape. I tried to find a thread that was something like 211 buyer's Guide or or something like that. But, I didn't see anything. S0, here is my question. What should I be looking for? WHat specific issues do these have? I have a lot of expertise in Mercedes but it is 123, 124, and 126 chassis. I have never driven a 211 until this. I have it for a few days for an extended test drive.
if it's a 2003 you're in for a world of trouble. First year the 211 got dropped in the states. First year of any new model is a nightmare. just my two cents. You shouldn't have any engine issues tho. Is it a 4matic or 2wd? Conductor plate v/bodies could be your only trans problems unless you have a funky valeo radiator. Airmtic is pricey. CA bushings, motor mounts, flex discs, trans mount, ball joints, belts, tensioner and pullies, fluids of course and the list goes on. He may be your friend and all and he may say it's been serviced however if he wants to get it off his hands he'll tell you want you wanna hear instead of what you need to hear!!!! GL
Ditto the above. Don't forget potential audio gateway problems, electronic ignition system and a host of other potential problems. They got better in 2007, but 2008/2009 was probably best for W211. The radiator problem is that it leaks into the transmission fluid and destroys the transmission. But at that mileage, it probably had the radiator replaced or hopefully it's not the original one anymore.
if it's a 2003 you're in for a world of trouble. First year the 211 got dropped in the states. First year of any new model is a nightmare. just my two cents. You shouldn't have any engine issues tho. Is it a 4matic or 2wd? Conductor plate v/bodies could be your only trans problems unless you have a funky valeo radiator. Airmtic is pricey. CA bushings, motor mounts, flex discs, trans mount, ball joints, belts, tensioner and pullies, fluids of course and the list goes on. He may be your friend and all and he may say it's been serviced however if he wants to get it off his hands he'll tell you want you wanna hear instead of what you need to hear!!!! GL
It is a 2003. The air shocks were just replaced. I will ask about the radiator. So, I should ask about all these others and see if they have been done. He has the records so I can see the invoices. It is a rwd NOT 4matic. He has been my mechanic and friend (and my client) for years. He has told me before not to buy one of his cars. So, hopefully he is confident about this one because he has fixed everything already. I have driven a BMW 7 series for the last 7 years so I am familiar with higher than average maintenance costs and repairs.
I'm glad I didn't come on the forums and read all the naysayers before buying my 2003 E500 a year and a half ago.
Car had 86k miles then and has been rock solid, only requiring normal maintenance.
Very happy with purchase - vehicle is fast, elegant and rides like a dream 20k miles later.
Last edited by Bahnstormer; May 22, 2018 at 08:58 PM.
I'm glad I didn't come on the forums and read all the naysayers before buying my 2003 E500 a year and a half ago.
Car had 86k miles then and has been rock solid, only requiring normal maintenance.
Very happy with purchase - vehicle is fast, elegant and rides like a dream 20k miles later.
if it's a 2003 you're in for a world of trouble. Conductor plate v/bodies could be your only trans problems unless you have a funky valeo radiator. GL
If the radiator has not been replaced, how can i tell if it has the bad one? A $5000 transmission and new radiator would be as much or more of the value of the car.
If the radiator has not been replaced, how can i tell if it has the bad one? A $5000 transmission and new radiator would be as much or more of the value of the car.
Do a Google search on "Valeo radiator crimping method."
it's your wallet your decision. no ney-saying over here. it depends on who owned the car previously, and in some cases that is still irrelevant. I always speak negatively towards first year/model release. In any manufacture, not just benz. The number of issues on older models outweigh more recent year models
day and night. with that said, just because something shines like glitter doesn't mean it's gold.
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