glincoln44

I am replacing my beloved 02 E320 4matic wagon and looking at a 04 E500 4matic wagon. The car has 125k and appears to be clean and well cared for although I am buying from a non Benz dealer. Should I run away? $8500.00 and a 30 day 1k mile warranty is all I get. I drove the crap out of the car and couldnt find any glaring issues. Suspension seems good. Transmission shifts well. Tell me what to be terrified of? This would be the 18th Benz purchased, but by far the most technologically frightening.

Shadow5501

The two main things to be terrified of would be SBC brakes and airmatic suspension. Fuel economy might be a close third.

glincoln44

Is there any good warning indicator of a "problem" suspension"? I realize they are are painfully expensive to repair.

glincoln44

I posted a plea for information a while back and only received one response. I am days away from purchasing the above listed vehicle. It appears very clean and well cared for but it's maintenance history is not available. It has 125k and I am terrified that I will buy this and within days or weeks the suspension will crap the proverbial bed. I talked at length with a rep at Arnott's who told me there is no conversion for this car with the full airmatic. He priced replacing the AirMatic with the same system and it was pretty frightening. I talked to numerous folks who have dealt with this car and get responses that range from, "nightmare, run away" to "I'm at 165k and no problem as far as the suspension". I have had many Benzes but none so daunting from a technological standpoint as this car. I am replacing my much beloved 02 E340 4Matic wagon which has provided 160k reliable miles. I truly love the look and performance of the E500 and need the 4matic as I live in the northeast and the wagon as I have 4 children. I just hope that I am not buying a time bomb......

Gdemoman

When in doubt, just stay away... Better safe than sorry...
Just keep looking until you find something you're sure will not
risk getting future headaches from...
Just wait and you'll find it.....

glincoln44

Your undoubtedly right with your advice. I have had such good luck with Mercedes overall and this wagon is priced low enough to compensate for a big ticket repair, but......I just don't want the stress of dreading to go out to my garage to find it sagging somewhere. I don't know. I have until the weekend to make the trade.

docskippy

In concur.... RUN.

There are too many "lower mile" gems out there that will give you the peace of mind satisfaction to align with the grace, beauty and elegance of a Silver Star product!