Purchase advice - 2003 E320
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Joined: Jan 2019
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2006 E350
Purchase advice - 2003 E320
I am looking at pre owned 1 owner 2003 E320 with only 64k miles. I know it's first MY of w211 and it may have some reliability issues. But since it has very low miles I am not sure if I need to look out for anything? Will transmission and coolant problem occur at this milages? SBC is cover for 25 years so no problem, other thing would be the fuel tank I guess? I am able to get the guy down to 5k, car in excellent condition, carfax show dealer services untill 40k miles then no record from then.
Thank you
Thank you
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Pottstown, PA
'97 S500 Coupe, 2016 AMG S63 Coupe, 2007 Audi Q7
SBC and Fuel tank are covered by extended Warranties (25yr SBC 10yr Gas tank). Engine is reliable as long as it was maintained, $5k for a 16 year old benz even with low miles my concern iwould be with age comes issues (rubber, suspension, etc.).
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
16 years old car can be all over with condition and pricing.
Some "garage queen" MB with low mileage are finding buyers willing to pay top price, but then daily drivers sell for $2000
Good thing SBC is covered, but check the tank as you are way past 10 years warranty.
That said this model has drivetrain grandfathered from W210 who prove to be real workhorses.
BUT, used MB with no warranty is not good choice unless you can service it yourself.
Good luck with the purchase.
Some "garage queen" MB with low mileage are finding buyers willing to pay top price, but then daily drivers sell for $2000
Good thing SBC is covered, but check the tank as you are way past 10 years warranty.
That said this model has drivetrain grandfathered from W210 who prove to be real workhorses.
BUT, used MB with no warranty is not good choice unless you can service it yourself.
Good luck with the purchase.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 533
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From: Northern Hemisphere - Chicago
fleet
if you are going that old for some reason, look into the S class
dont hesitate to do private party if they have maintenance records
otherwise, look for newer e350, they are CHEAP these days, easily 5-8 grand for a perfect one
dont hesitate to do private party if they have maintenance records
otherwise, look for newer e350, they are CHEAP these days, easily 5-8 grand for a perfect one
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2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
The 2003 had the bad radiators where it would leak and contaminate the transmission fluid and you'd need a new transmission. Many 2003's have had their radiators replaced at this point but you occasionally hear of one here and there with an original radiator. The worse year I'd say for the early W211 would be the 2003 models. The old adage is still true, never buy a first year model. Worst year overall for W211 would be the 2006 because those had bad balance shafts, followed by 2003. Best would be 2009 then 2008 and then maybe some 2007 models that were past the balance shaft problem that affected all 2006 models. QC was pretty bad in the early W211 days.
