2003 E500 vs 2005
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Brownsburg-Chatham
2003 E500
2003 E500 vs 2005
Hey all!
I recently (Finished in November) replaced the following on a 2003 E500 with 195000km:
Front Struts (right and left)
Compressor Pump
Valve Block
The struts are now sitting at what looks to be max heigth and won’t come down. It looks like I’m about 6 inches above the tire and there is absolutely no give in the shock (I feel every little bump hard). I’m not putting any more money in this car but have to say, I love it and am thinking of getting a newer model.
I found a 2005 model with 170000km and am wondering if anyone can tell me if the 2005 version of the E500 has the same issues as the 2003. I understand that the 2003 is the first model year, so did they fix those issues by 2005? I don’t want to pick anything up that isn’t Benz...I absolutely love it, but don’t want to necessarily fall in to the same trap.
Thanks for any insight!
Mike
I recently (Finished in November) replaced the following on a 2003 E500 with 195000km:
Front Struts (right and left)
Compressor Pump
Valve Block
The struts are now sitting at what looks to be max heigth and won’t come down. It looks like I’m about 6 inches above the tire and there is absolutely no give in the shock (I feel every little bump hard). I’m not putting any more money in this car but have to say, I love it and am thinking of getting a newer model.
I found a 2005 model with 170000km and am wondering if anyone can tell me if the 2005 version of the E500 has the same issues as the 2003. I understand that the 2003 is the first model year, so did they fix those issues by 2005? I don’t want to pick anything up that isn’t Benz...I absolutely love it, but don’t want to necessarily fall in to the same trap.
Thanks for any insight!
Mike
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 336
Likes: 27
05 W211 E500, 03 C215 CL55 AMG
What issues in particular?
All cars will have airmatic issues at some point.
05 will be more reliable in general, less electrical issues. Early builds have more issues with sams, agw, etc failing.
05 has better steering and also has the 7 speed.
7speed is pretty reliable, if anything conductor replacement may be necessary at some point.
Also, have you tried removing the airline to the two struts in the hood so excess air can be removed?
You may have incorrectly installed the valve block if you did everything at once.
All cars will have airmatic issues at some point.
05 will be more reliable in general, less electrical issues. Early builds have more issues with sams, agw, etc failing.
05 has better steering and also has the 7 speed.
7speed is pretty reliable, if anything conductor replacement may be necessary at some point.
Also, have you tried removing the airline to the two struts in the hood so excess air can be removed?
You may have incorrectly installed the valve block if you did everything at once.
Last edited by Agent-A01; Feb 14, 2019 at 08:07 PM.
