Thinking about trading 2003 E320 for 2003 S430
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 8
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From: DC
2003 E320 / 2000 Audi A4
Thinking about trading 2003 E320 for 2003 S430
Greetings everyone,
First time poster here. My wife purchased a E-320 in early 2003 so I believe it’s one of the early batch of the new design despite my warnings about the fact that she should avoid buying 1st year of a new car design regardless of Make/Model.
Now, she/we started to experience various problems. Strange high pitched noise during cold weather startup while turning steering wheel (now fixed), loosening front/driver side suspension components (now fixed), some other noise/vibration that dealer couldn’t correct plus various recalls. Luckily, we haven’t been hit by any major electronic issues (yet). Recently, I drove the car for couple of days and confirmed one of her biggest complaint which is during low speed driving, say in stop and go traffic, or after coasting the car for exit ramp and getting back on the gas paddle, and the car wouldn’t respond for a second or two, like nothing was happening and rough idling from time to time, feeling it will stall.
A reliable MB technician told me that his very own E320 early 2003 has similar issues and some other early E320. Given the car is relatively young with barely 40k, we start thinking about trade it for another MB car (she loves that silver star). Given budget constraints, I would like to keep it under $50k total. I thought she might like 2003 S430. It’s probably more plush/luxury for her. My thinking is that 2003 S class is fairly mature in its model cycle so maybe there is less issue in terms of reliability down the road and I don’t have to worry about her stranding on the road.
I appreciate any knowledgeable comments regarding this possible trade or any other suggestions. Thanks in advance.
Rich
First time poster here. My wife purchased a E-320 in early 2003 so I believe it’s one of the early batch of the new design despite my warnings about the fact that she should avoid buying 1st year of a new car design regardless of Make/Model.
Now, she/we started to experience various problems. Strange high pitched noise during cold weather startup while turning steering wheel (now fixed), loosening front/driver side suspension components (now fixed), some other noise/vibration that dealer couldn’t correct plus various recalls. Luckily, we haven’t been hit by any major electronic issues (yet). Recently, I drove the car for couple of days and confirmed one of her biggest complaint which is during low speed driving, say in stop and go traffic, or after coasting the car for exit ramp and getting back on the gas paddle, and the car wouldn’t respond for a second or two, like nothing was happening and rough idling from time to time, feeling it will stall.
A reliable MB technician told me that his very own E320 early 2003 has similar issues and some other early E320. Given the car is relatively young with barely 40k, we start thinking about trade it for another MB car (she loves that silver star). Given budget constraints, I would like to keep it under $50k total. I thought she might like 2003 S430. It’s probably more plush/luxury for her. My thinking is that 2003 S class is fairly mature in its model cycle so maybe there is less issue in terms of reliability down the road and I don’t have to worry about her stranding on the road.
I appreciate any knowledgeable comments regarding this possible trade or any other suggestions. Thanks in advance.
Rich
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 987
Likes: 5
First off, with the E320, I would check and replace the MAF, check and replace the fuel filter and I know it's too early for this but check your spark plugs. Replace your air filters and ensure your tranny fluid is not leaking.
Now for the S class, the 03 S430 is a better car than the E. just be sure you get one with low, low miles and still under warranty. If you can, opt for the 04 and better still the 500. Check the history report carefully and ensure all services were performed. You should enjoy the S better.
Now for the S class, the 03 S430 is a better car than the E. just be sure you get one with low, low miles and still under warranty. If you can, opt for the 04 and better still the 500. Check the history report carefully and ensure all services were performed. You should enjoy the S better.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 33
From: Germany
'00 S320 W220, '98 A160 W168/ sold in 2005 '86 260 E W124 '90 260E W124
I have driven both (E and S), an my decision for the S was the best i ever made! I own it now for more than a year and still love every day I drive it.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 987
Likes: 5
The 03 E was the first of it new generation and it had just as many bugs as the 00 S. Compare the 03 E with 00 S, then maybe you can say the S has a competitor. But the 03 S had started undergoing major changes that made it a much better car than the E. Why do you thing there's a price difference????????
