E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

HELP me buying an E500

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Nov 20, 2018 | 03:14 PM
  #1  
kalhowaish's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
lexus
Smile HELP me buying an E500

hey guys

I have found a 2003 E500 with 100K miles.
the car looks and stands great the owner says that all maintenance are up to date

what should I check before buying it?

is it reliable enough for a college student?

he is asking 4500 but I will try do go down a bit
thanks!
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2018 | 07:22 PM
  #2  
Strigoi's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 257
From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
Get a PPI done. If you don't DIY, maintenance can get expensive. Do a search on here for any issues.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2018 | 07:28 PM
  #3  
Bahnstormer's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 297
From: South Florida
2010 E63 AMG, 2003 E500
Check the motor mounts, airmatic system for leaks, has the fuel tank been replaced under the recall, SBC pump, is the tranny fluid original or has it been flushed , how does the oil look on the stick, make sure the heater works.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2018 | 01:43 AM
  #4  
kajtek1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
For college student I would start with checking insurance quotes.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2018 | 05:34 PM
  #5  
2MERKS's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,418
Likes: 400
From: Merkville the galaxy of Stars
'99 CLK/05 E500 WAG
Originally Posted by Bahnstormer
Check the motor mounts, airmatic system for leaks, has the fuel tank been replaced under the recall, SBC pump, is the tranny fluid original or has it been flushed , how does the oil look on the stick, make sure the heater works.
Add UHI/MHI coupler and PUK located in center console. Age of Main and Aux batteries, usually they have a date of the 10/16, 11/12 etc..if you have a friend whom has a lift you could do a visual yourself . Any and all paperwork will he key as noted before!
GL
2MERKS
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2018 | 06:24 PM
  #6  
EvoTechnik's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 128
Likes: 12
From: Torrance, Ca
E63 AMG
Originally Posted by Bahnstormer
Check the motor mounts, airmatic system for leaks, has the fuel tank been replaced under the recall, SBC pump, is the tranny fluid original or has it been flushed , how does the oil look on the stick, make sure the heater works.
For the tranny fluid, you can tell if its be done before by looking at the drain plug. From the factory the drain plug washer is painted black if it has been changed at least oncethey should have replaced it with a new copper washer.

Make sure the AC works!
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2018 | 09:45 PM
  #7  
F1Fan's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 545
Likes: 87
From: Southern California
It is fairly reliable but it does need attention as many things will be worn out and need to be replaced, on top of maintenance that should be done at 100k. In addition to everything mentioned above, brake fluid needs to be changed, most likely idler pulleys, belt, rear diff fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, ball joints, engine mounts..... list goes on. You sure you want to take this on?
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:14 AM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE