opengineer

A couple of years ago I had a W124 E420 that I loved but had to let for personal reasons. I lived car free for almost 10 years but now I find myself in need of a car again. Recently, I saw a neighbor was selling a beautiful 2003 E320 and haven't been able to get the idea of owning one off my head. Sadly, the neighbor sold his but I've been eyeing a couple in FB marketplace.

There's this 2003 E320 with 175k miles being offered for $3,750. With recent tire, battery and oil change. It is owned by an independent car shop. From what I've been able to research this is a very reliable model and the fact that it has no AIR- or 4MATIC makes it even more reliable. I know the car will need attention and money to run well but would like to avoid a potential money pit. I'm going to have a look at the car in person tomorrow, any advice you can provide on what to look for and what to ask is welcome!

Also any advice on what to expect regarding maintenance and how much money I would be spending approximately per year is welcome too. I appreciate your help! I'm very excited to own another E-Class!!!

Ps. Does this model have an aux input?

cetialpha5

I would consider that one of the worst years for the W211. But the 2006, early 2007 would be the worst because the engines had balance shaft problems. The early 2003 had bad radiators where the transmission fluid mixed with the coolant so that would toast the transmission. Probably fixed by now, but you can check by checking the brand of the radiator. Also has SBC brakes which is covered by a 25 year extended warranty, but a 2003 probably means you only have 3-4 years left on the warranty. Before the warranty, it was about a 2k repair, the 2007-2009 W211 don't have SBC brakes and hence don't have an aux battery or battery control module. The best year would be the 2008/2009 models, no SBC and no balance shaft problem. Also later years had more options like the bixenons with active curve illumination, the early models didn't do active curve illumination. Also all the W211 were covered by a 15 year extended warranty on the fuel tank but all that would have expired by now. You smell gas in the back seat when you fill it up. Can be fixed by just replacing the fuel pump instead of the entire fuel tank like MB did. 4matic is actually somewhat reliable, people just tend to avoid complexity in general, also slightly worse gas mileage due to extra weight, but they had the 5 speed which was considered more reliable than the 7 speed in the RWD models. However early models like the 2003 all had the 5 speed.

Not sure about the early models, if it has the navigation should have the aux connection in the glove box. The later models had the apple 30 pin ipod cable as an option.

As for maintenance on a high mileage old car? Well who knows, lots of stuff can wear out at any time at that age, depends what's been replaced and what hasn't been, you're basically buying a 21-22 year old car.

Odd Piggy

@cetialpha5 has it all covered. The M112 engine is highly reliable but the SBC braking system is a weak point. And since it’s completely discontinued, whether SBC parts will be available in 5 years is uncertain. Also, it’s almost a certainty that the CD player will be dead. I had 2003 E320 and loved it, but it’s a bit underpowered. A later 2008 or a 2009 RWD E350 would be the apex of development for the W211 chassis. The M272 engine with 47 HP more makes for a more pleasant experience in city driving.

BTW — A used Mercedes can be expensive unless you are willing to do maintenance and repairs yourself.

vagt6

Wait for one with a documented service history, lots of receipts.

You won't regret it.

tjts1

Buy it. 03-05 e320 is the most reliable w211 you can get. The SBC is under warranty until 2028 and the replacement unit it's running now (they've all been replaced) highly reliable. The later E350 is a maintenance hog. Avoid at all cost.

F1Fan

Not sure about 03, but in the 05 there is an AUX input in the glove box. I bought a cable to connect my phone to the AUX input.