Considering buying 05 E500
06-21-2018, 06:38 PM
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Diesel Mercedes
Considering buying 05 E500
I’m considering two used Mercedes. One of them is an 05 E500 4matic. It has 179k miles, two owner vehicle and well serviced. It looks almost new, which is pretty impressive. It’s pretty much fully loaded. To my knowledge the sbc hasn’t been touched, which seems odd given the high miles, but I would have to dig through all the records the owner has. Runs great, no leaks, etc.
On start up it’s showing a visit workshop brake code, that you can make go away. The brakes were replaced less than a year ago but an Indy shop as well as some brake sensor. That shop couldn’t reset the code I guess? So I took the car in for a PPI at a shop that has glowing reviews. They also claim it’s a sensor, and they cannot reset the light due to not having a certain machine to do so and I would have to take it to the dealer.... Coukd this be sbc?
How reliable are these era of E500? If I purchase it, instantly it will be taken on a 5,000+ mile road trip. I will have the oil changed prior to the trip....
Any input would be appreciated.
On start up it’s showing a visit workshop brake code, that you can make go away. The brakes were replaced less than a year ago but an Indy shop as well as some brake sensor. That shop couldn’t reset the code I guess? So I took the car in for a PPI at a shop that has glowing reviews. They also claim it’s a sensor, and they cannot reset the light due to not having a certain machine to do so and I would have to take it to the dealer.... Coukd this be sbc?
How reliable are these era of E500? If I purchase it, instantly it will be taken on a 5,000+ mile road trip. I will have the oil changed prior to the trip....
Any input would be appreciated.
06-21-2018, 07:50 PM
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I have a 2005 mercedes E500 which has about the same miles on it as the one you are looking at. Through the years the nagging problem has been the airmatic going out without warning and when it did the car had to be towed. Also under hard acceleration in sport mode the check engine light comes on and engine skips until restart; problem is misfire on cyl. 8, which seems to a common problem when the miles get higher on the E500. Also replaced ball joints, center carrier bearing in driveshaft, driveshaft flex disc, various front suspension bushings suspension air pump. My car still rides great. Be aware that replacing air suspension struts is expensive, 500.00 to 1000.00 per strut/ air spring. Dealers charge 1600.00 per strut/air spring. Tune up takes 16 spark plugs so not cheap. I purchased a new 2011 Genesis 4.6 V8 never any problems in 220,000 miles . It had a super smooth transmission and more power than the Mercedes and way more reliable. The E500 is not a bad car but not great and the Hyundai Genesis is much more reliable. We have kept the e500 for local trips but don't use it to travel out of town. My Mercedes E63 is for fun but has been to dealer for repairs numerous times and it only has 72,000 miles on it.
Last edited by homeofstone; 06-22-2018 at 12:02 AM.
06-21-2018, 09:09 PM
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'99 CLK/05 E500 WAG
Did anything stick out on the report from PPI? Any codes other then sensor? Did they check the bladder which catches fluid hitting ground? All componenst in working order, and if not will/can they be replace knowing cost of fixing? Are you handy? Some of the fixes you could do yourself, and it's not hard at all, and will save you in the long run. If you enjoy and are happy with results then purchase, do some research on asking price which never mentioned, but never pay asking!
GL
2MERKS
GL
2MERKS
06-21-2018, 09:12 PM
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The air suspension was just recently repaired. The only looming big ticket item that seems to be common is the sbc
Nope, No issues they caught. How reliable are the transmissions ?
Nope, No issues they caught. How reliable are the transmissions ?
06-22-2018, 12:14 AM
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What exactly was repaired regarding the air suspension? It has a lot of components that fail with age. The transmissions seem to be reliable if they have been serviced every 40,000 miles as recommended. I have had mine serviced and have had no problems with the transmission. The spark plugs and wires can cost 400 to 600 or more plus labor.
