Skier

I am considering a new '05, a new or slightly used '04, or a used '03 E500 Wagon. I would appreciate learning if there were any major equipment changes between these model years, and if there is a compelling reason to avoid any specific model year.

Also, I note that several on this board recently received significant discounts. I would appreciate receiving contact information for those dealers.

Many thanks.

lorinserbenz

The 05's have a redesigned console that some people hate. I have the new style on mine and I like it. The 05's lack the "rest" feature on the air conditioner as well. Other than those two details the 04 and 05 are basically the same.

Brian_I.

There is some differences in the ability to play MP3's or DVD video on the various models with COMAND.

If you're located in the Los Angeles area you should have no problem finding a great deal with all the competition. Let me know if you want my sales lady's number.

DWP

In addition to the '04 > '05 changes noted by Lorinserbenz, M-B removed several items found on '03 models and early '04 models during the course of the '04 model year. I don't have the complete list (anyone?) but one deletion that has been much-discussed was the "puddle lights" on the underside of the outside mirrors. Try searching this section under "decontent" or "decontenting" (the usual name for M-B's cost-cutting process). Not all change is for the worse. If you're considering an '03 E500 wagon, it has a 5-speed transmission rather than the 7-speed introduced in '04. Whether any of the changes are really significant is a matter of personal judgment.

Some might avoid the '03 MY because, as the first year of the W211, it had more than a fair share of new-model problems. My early-production '03 has been almost entirely trouble-free, though, so you never can tell for sure.

Double Eagle

If you can find a late build '03 with the capability of playing DVD's (nav replacement vehicles only it appears) and a transferable 7 year, 100K miles MB warranty at a good price and modest mileage < 20K, I would seriously consider it. Those cars also have the four year free factory maintenance. As noted in other posts, they have decontented some features from 2003 to 2005. I personally, don't like the new center consoles; however, the early 2005's at my dealer have the older style console. Check build dates of the used cars you are considering to make a choice between the used 2003 and 2004. The fixed most of the faults in the early 2003 models when they produced the nav replacement vehicles at the end of 2003 model run. If the 2003 you are considering is an early build, I would avoid getting it.