Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Consumer Reviews
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Proceed with Caution
Overall I love it. Style,comfort are superb,yet the reliablility of the engine & pc syst. are something to be reckoned with. It sporatically hesitates. The phone system,(which by the way was worth every penny)sometimes acts up and I need to turn the car off like rebooting a pc. Same thing happens with the malfuntion instrument panel, again rebooting seems to work. Had the auto in the shop MANY times at the beginning finally got most of the problems tweaked. Was kind of embarrassed to say,it's in the shop AGAIN. Although the service dept. was awesome.
The best car I've ever owned!
I've had this car for just a few weeks now, and every time I drive it it gets better. I had a CLK 430 before this, and the ride is softer, the acceleration and handling better, and the build quality superior to that one. I looked at the Lexus GS430, the BMW 5-series and this and the MB wins hands down. The stereo is awesome and the seats are comfortable yet sporty. Nothing to complain about - just a blast to drive!!!
- E320 SedanMSRP: $8,998176 mi away
- E500 SedanMSRP: $4,495190 mi away
- E500 SedanMSRP: $12,995631 mi away
What a Car
We have had this car for three months now. It is a terrific automobile. It is surprisingly sporty for being a six. We traded in a Lexus V8 (which was also a terrific car but six years old). It is a great trip car and gets very good gas mileage on trips, 26-27. The easy entry feature is wonderful and so is the Harman/Kardon stereo system. The car just feels solid and sporty. We especially like having stability control, traction control and the eight air bags. Should make for a save car as well.
Jittery Transmission/ so-so performance
The transmission/power is not as smooth as any of my previous four E series MBX( or my wife's Volvo S80). Complained to dealer many times and finally one of the service persons told me they had complaints that the 2003 is not as smooth as 1997-2002 series. The problem seems to be in the torque converter. In the 2003 it has a lock-up for all gears. Previous models locked up only in high gear. The dealer upgraded the software. This improved the performance... cut down on herky jerky xmission. Still not as good as my 2001. The dealer told me the lockup does not drop out instantly causing the poor effect. They are going to check if there are any other factory suggestions.
Fix the breaks!
the car's interior and exterior are very stylish and impressive. the car rides smoothly and feels heavy on the road. it's definitely an eye turner with the new re-design. however, it lacks the over quality of mercedes due to many of the "electronic sensing" functions in the car. the brakes are the biggest disappointment along with the lack of acceleration when turning the car and depressing the accelerator at speeds of around 30mph
Nothing really
This car handles great, acceleration is pretty decent, still in break in period. Interior design is beautiful. the longer you stay in this vehicle, the more detail and appreciation you have for this car.
Fun...but Merceces
Love this car overall but the E320 is still a Mercedes with quirks. Our third one so were used to it. Nothing serious. Things like occaisional electrical problems that magically fix themselves, undeterminable rattles, radio/CD/phone outage. None of these problems really take away from the enjoyment of driving the car. Hey, it's a MERCEDES!
2003 E320
The new E320 is a well built luxury sedan. It's smooth gliding ride and tight, responsive handling are top notch. The car feels glued to the road at all speeds and has no problem pulling it's weight and then bringing it to a stop. A true German Luxury Sport Sedan. There has been an annoying noise / vibration coming from the front during starting and stopping. Sounds like a break rub or something.
A excellent car
I bought the car in 2003 and I'm very satisfied. The mileage is good, 28.1 on the highway, and 20.3 in city. The suspension is awesome. Stability and comfort at the same time. The sport package is excellent. The air suspesion is very comfortable. The seat are comfortable and the trunk is huge. Overall it's great.
Forget the 5 series!
This is the best e-class ever! I have been a BMW fanatic for the past 20 years but I just converted! This is a STAR from Stuttgart. Quality, design, comfort, driving dynamics better than the current 530i (that says a lot to people who know about beamers!), low road and tire noise & torgue.
E 320 4 matic Wagon
This is my wifes vehicle, she loves the car. This was a replacement for a Suburban. She loves the size and the handling etc. I perosnally prefer the BMW for ride and sport car handling. This thing can haul a ton of cargo and still handles pretty well. Would be great to see this unit made with the extras of the E 500. I would persoanlly consider the Pacifica when looking at this unit.
Lisa's E Class
The e class has plenty of room for me and my kids, very fun to drive and very stylish. Comes in great colors, I love the new design it takes away from the stuffy boxy look that the previous cars had.
My First Mercedes
And most likely, my last. In the past eight months the car has been in the shop eight times for nearly 20 days. I broke my longstanding rule of never buying the first year of a new model and I'm really paying for it now. Build quality is horrible. In addition, my dealer's service center is the most disorganized and poorly run I have ever encountered. I miss my Lexus.
All that glitters is not Gold
Fell in love with it at dealership, all the cool features and gizmos. Worked for a while then I realized it was a lot of gadgetry, poorly thought out and designed for a good first impression. Than reality set it. Electronics worked about a month, then started going caput, one thing after another. Never even sure the radio will play till it does. Cheap plastic parts breaking etc.Not near the quality I expected and not near as reliable as or functional as my old99 Navigator or my wifes 03 Navigator. That is a real car! God help the person who gets it after the warranty expires!
The Bomb
This car is the bomb.I was a lexus owner and made the change to the benz.Best move I ever made.The car looks and handles great.There is nothing that looks better on the road.The interior looks great and is very confortable
Great car!
An extraordinary car! When I bought it, I knew it was a dream. It has great stability. The comfort is great. On the road, it's smooth and gets great mileage. The other day on a 2 hour trip, I got 410 miles on a tank with 28.5 mpg. I hadnt filled the tank in 1 week and 2 days. I love the sport package and the bi- xenon lights. Great everything! The trunk is enormous.
Best car I ever Driven
Its the Best Car I ever Driven. Between the navigation and all the additional features it makes driving fun again
Great Performance with fair reliability
The E500 is a dream to drive. The HarmonKardon stereo was impressive until my stereo system failed. It appears that there is a bug in the "communications gateway" and it will need to be replaced. This is a known issue (see other reviews) and requires a day in service. Besides a cracked glove compartment button, I have no other complaints.
Nightmare with E class
Last Saturday I was driving it back home with my family in it. We were talking about weather to keep this car after warranty. Just when I was about to turn right to my home, I felt I lost control of the steering wheel. I pressed the brake as we were driving at a downhill and realized that the brake is not working. The car stopped at the curb. When I went to fix the car a guy waiting there told me same thing happened to him.
First Benz
After renting a 2002 E (2.7 turbo diesel), driving it to the MB factory and seeing the new E, I decided to buy one upon return to the US. This car is smooth, adequately powerful, elegantly engineered, and well-built. I also have a Lexus and a Porsche--the quality of the MB compares very favorably with them. The MB feels safer than any other car I've driven.
Good car after kinks
After the first 4000 miles, car seemed to have more power and was more fun to drive. You'll look good in it, because it has a beautiful body. I would have bought the highly rated BMW 5301 if the 2003 model looked better.
What a dream!!!!!
Purchased my third Mercedes, and this is the best one yet. The E-320 with the Sport Package and Tectite Gray color. This is a head turner,and puts my wifes E-320 Wagon 2002 to shame. The leather seats are awesome, the surround sound stereo is better than my home unit. And, this baby kicks!!
500e apraisal
phenominal vehicle, makes all my previous vehicles drive like a bus, This includes my variuos Porsches, Beemers etc
So far I'm not overwhelmed
Generally pleased but having wheel alignment problems that could be tire problems after two balances and two alignments. Otherwise ride is not as smooth as I would like but can't tell until I get this alignment thing cured. Watch the Continental tires!
How will Lexus copy this one???
Picked up the E500 2 days ago (ordered in June). The pictures do not do the car justice. Its gorgeous! Black with tan leather. Sold my Lexus to buy the Mercedes and now I understand why the valets always parked the Lexus in the back (they are real dogs!) but they are a reliable TOYOTA. If you get the E320 be sure to get the 17 inch wheels, the smaller wheels just don't work with this car.
MERS-TO DRIVE
VERY INTELIGENT SMOOZY DRIVE WE TRIED C-CLASS BUT MY WIFE&DAUGHTER CANT SEAT AT THE BACK SEATS AND KEEP LEGS IN THE NORMAL CONDITIONS! C-CLAS IS TO SMALL/ E-CLASS VERY GOOD RIGHT PRICE* SIZE FOR FAMILY CAR!
a lifesaver
Bought this brand new. Within 6 mo. Had the steering rack replaced and several other minor problems. Radio is possessed and they've never been able to fix it. Car has only 48,000 miles after 6 years and a number of expensive nuisance repairs have had to be made. Shouldn't happen for the price and marque. It's a beautiful car: rides and drives wonderfully. Has also been a lifesaver for me......... Was taken out by a western star dump truck on the highway and only needed two doors replaced. She's a keeper ..... For now.
Mercedes E320
What a joy to drive and own. I previously owned a BMW 5 series but am much happier with the Mercedes E class.
My 2003 Merc
Drives well, Brakes superiorly. Lacks a litle space in the back. Maybe another 2 to 3 inces of leg spaces would make it a true competitor to the S-Class.
A big step up
I just bought this car last Month and I love everything about it. I was an Audi man before this and this car leaves it in the dust as far as comfort, style and power. Only thing I am nervous about is the winter going from 4-wheel drive to 2-wheel drive should be interesting! Another thing that swayed me towards buying the Mercedes is that Mercedes offer an excellent extended warranty. Audi does NOT back their vehicles with an extended warranty. So Basically with Audi once the standard Warranty is up you are on your own unless you go to a third party to purchase and they dont cover everything. Anyway I am rambling. I love the car.
Fun in my Benz
Car is great! Has great power, outstanding safety features, great styling
Very Pleased
This car has it all - looks, style, comfort and performance. Inside and out, it is the best looking sedan on the market today. Sure, you pay a little premium, but that is more than offset by the quality and extremely high resale value. I have never owned a Mercedes - buying BMWs, Lexus, Jags and Porsches in the past. I have been pleasantly surprised with the E and see myself in Benz's in the future. PS - has anyone seen what BMW is doing with their cars lately - what is up with that (inside AND out)!!!!
E-Class Excellence
Excellent vehicle a real 1st class treat
Whatever the car is, need a MB
Interior is awesome; spacious, sophisticated; like the subtle steel lining the wood trim; Engine very Quiet; road noise very less in city; on expressway more than I expected; Acceleration decent; Gizmos galore; nice that it either lowers the seat or raises the steering wheel upon stopping the engine. Big trunk - could stuff the typical jack-ass-boss there comfortably - space under the rear seat nicely used. Cloth interior easy to get smudged. Premium sound system is awesome.Storage cute And adequate.Big glove compartment, the spacer makes it difficult for the rather huge manual(s) to stuff. Brake assist assists you more than expected leading to a bit of jerky stopping.
Excellent
I drove mercedes all my life, I know every details about their products. I found the newly designed e 500 exceptionally good, very smooth ride, powerful, reliable and fun to drive.
fastest 4 door sedan
It certainly is the most powerful auto I have owned, faster than my 1990 ZR-1 and 1967 Shelby GT500. It is comfortable and quiet. I have obtained 22.5 mpg on the highway but it does enjoy a drink in town and will do about 13.5 mpg. I wish the navigation system were more like my Lexus SC430'swhich is very easy to use. Guess I just have to accept that it is "German".
Simply the best
Having taken delivery less than one month ago, this is, without doubt the finest 4 door performance sedan in the world today. the effortless power and handling just never ceases to amaze me. A recent 700 mile road trip turned into one of the finest motoring experiences I have had, with superlative comfort, exhilerating performance on tap, and total all round excellence. Driving is fun again! This car is definitely a future classic with superlative build quality and unrivalled appeal.
Outstanding car
Although only week and 1/2 old, I love this car - outstanding in all areas!
The Chrysler effect
I ve been driving MB for more than 25 years, I cannot imagine myself driving another car. I became really concerned since the merger between MB and Chrysler. The interior design of the MB had been great throughout the years, but ever since the merger the interior design of the S class/2000, the C class 2002 and now the 2003 E class is disappointing, it looks like the design of the American car that I drive when I rent a car. I am not happy that the new trend of the MB/Chrysler corporation is towards building a cheaper MB, more plastic parts I think that such a trend will tarnish the name of the MB.
Disappointed
Car pulled to the right from day of delivery.Temperature display died a few days after delivery and it took weeks and multiple visits to fix. Currently having multiple electrical problems with sunroof, tilt wheel etc. And what is with that front end chatter.
Runs Like an Olympian
Fantastic car. My first MB experience and quite good. I'm getting a new one later this year. Same performance as an SL55 with room for 5. Prefer Panorama Roof to an all out convertible.
The Best in Class
AN excellent and classy car. I must say IF I lost to an Audi A6 in a quarter- mile w. a supercharged 469 and a car that can go toe-to-toe w. Z-06 in the 0- 60 w. enouff back space to put a family in. Then, it wouldn't be the car would it? Its obviously the driver. Kinda like saying a Porsche GT2 losing to a Mustang - It aint't the car, Bub. Yes, its ALL YOU!
Won me back from BMW
This car draws many looks from people in a variety of age groups. The engine is silky smooth; the interior is like a glove; the driver seat is very comfortable and interior layout very intuitive. My only complaint is that the cruise control is not part of the steering wheel.
E500 Sport
Outstanding vehicle. The car is much better than the reviews suggest. If there were bugs early in the model year, M-B has fixed them all.
What a GREAT car!!!!!!!
OK, I'm going to say it right up front - This is my first luxury car and I WANT to like it, not pick it apart! And like it I do!! From the stylish looks, to the bells and whistles, to the high-tech brakes - - this is a nice, fun car to drive, and it turns plenty of heads! For the life of me, I can't figure out the 3.4 rating the other Reviewer gave it, unless he was just trying to make a statement. This is NOT a 3.4 car - it's a well-made, comfortable, quiet ride!
BEST CAR EVER!!!
this is the best car i have ever driven, it has everything. I can drive it like a sports car, yet pack in 5 people and make it into a luxury sedan! Its perfect!
The New Dream Car
Drives as smooth as silk, quiet, handling and suspension is awesome. The first impression is the nice change in exterior body style. The front section looks space age with smooth lines consealing any front bumper. Xenon headlamps that blend so well with the body that it looks truly artistic. The interior is the captivating with the instrument panel, walnut trim and ergonomic design that wraps around the driver. The overhead lighting, the 10 sound speakers, the instrument panel all have been designed in harmony. What a dream, it's got to be the best E class ever.
Don't buy early production cars
My last car was a BMW 5 series. After seeing pictures of the new 5, I decided to get the E class. The handling is better than I expected but still not as good as the bimmer. I did get an early production car that was full of little nagging problem, squeaks, radio that stops working intermittenly, heated steering wheel that only works a few minutes. Finally the Navi that was supposed to be retrofitted in March could not be done at all. A blessing in disguise because I did get a *new* replacement car with the Command system. The new car with the exception of misaligned Xenon lights has been much, much better than the old car.
Make sure you have a good mechanic
My car spent 21 days in the shop, before it had 2500 miles on it. The car pulled hard to the right, the front end was totally out of aligment! It then went back in because the passenger side would flood everytime it rained. Something was wrong with the dam around the sun roof, causing the dam, side airbag and footwell to need replacing. now i just received a recall on the steering bolt... yikes, so much for quality for your money. You might want to wait a year or two to purchase, so they can work the kinks out.
E500 Sport The Best Auto Yet..
The E500 sport is the best car that I have ever owned. It is luxury and fun all wrapped up in one vehicle.The suspension makes you feel like you are riding on a cloud.The audio system is incredible.This is a must own vehicle.