Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
The Long Road to Happiness!
I looked at all the luxury sedans and the Mercedes was the most impressive. Having owned a Cadillac Seville, and Jaguar XJ8 sedan, I can honestly say the E500 far surpasses them in comfort and performance. My wife currently drives a 2002 Jaguar XK8 convertible and the E500 accelerates faster and smoother. Shhhh, don't tell her, or she'll be stealing my keys!
Lived up to its expectations
I am from Singapore. I must say that this E class is definitely better than the previous E.(I sold the old Efor this). Sohpisticated Air conditioned system. Wonderful styling both interior and exterior. Personnally, i feel the brakes are superior to the previous e, giving drivers a very sensitive yet gradual braking feel.
- E500 SedanMSRP: $4,49513 mi away
- E320 SedanMSRP: $8,99832 mi away
- E500 SedanMSRP: $12,995534 mi away
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
The Next Generation E-Class
After owning a 1997 E-Class and enjoying it for many years I was impressed with the new design of the new E class . The new E class is more like driving a sedan rather than a sports car, however it still has the operation feel of a sports car as my e- 500 is the Sport model with a v8. It is like having a sedan and sports car all wraped into one package.
It's OK
I purchased the car with 23000 miles (certified). The ride is good, and it drives well. The engine strains somewhat. A good road car.
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.
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!
FAILURE OF IMPLIED WARRANTY
2003 PUCHAASED 2/2003 FROM DAVID MICHAEL MOTORS. oRDERED CAR WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM "PREWIRING" FOR RETROFIT WHEN NEW SYSTEM BECAME AVAILABLE IN SPRING OR SUMMER 2003. LEARNED THAT MB HAS DECIDED NOT TO RETROFIT 2003 CAR WITH NAV SYSTEM AND THAT CUSTOMERS WHO ORDERED WITH THIS INTENT ARE "JUST OUT OF LUCK'. DEALER CLAIMS, " NOT HIS FAULT" IT MERECEDES BENZ DECISION. IS THIS WORLD CLASS SERVICE FROM A PREMIUM AUTOMAKER OR MORE LIKE CHRYSLER CORPORATION 1980'90.? bE cAREFUL OF PROMISED WITH MB AND GET IT WRITING. HAS ANYONE HAD A DIFFERENT RESOLUTION? NO LOW END TORQUE. CAVBEAT EMPTOR=
E500, Wow!
I purchased my E 500 this past month. The ride is wonderful, insulating me from the dreaded potholes of Chicago. Acceleration is strong and build quality is excellent. Better than my BMW. Fit and finish is very precise and everything works as it should. This is a keeper!
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!
E500 Excellent Value Vs. BMW 5 Series
This car has rear drive and a fast, smooth V-8. Together with Benz build quality and luxury interior, the E500 represents the best dollar value in this segment. Yes, it's better than the upcoming '04 BMW 5 (who needs a computer mouse on their center console, anyway)! Only downside is the need for just a bit more rear legroom, but why would I care, I always drive! Thanks MBUSA.
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.
Great Car
I bought this as an expired lease vehicle with 27500 miles. Was concerned at first as Consumer Reports stated reliability problems. After 5 months and 6000 miles, I can say without reservation that I love this car. To put this comment in perspective, my last car was a 528i BMW that was always in the shop. While the BMW was nice, the Mercedes is much more refined. Feel like a grown-up driving this car versus a 50 year-old in a midlife crisis when driving the BMW. No problems what-so-ever. Fantastic mileage. Beautifully designed. However, a few quirks as loud cold starts till lifters get lubricated. Also, the Germans likely show their contempt for Americans by poor design of the cupholders.
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.
The Ultimate Driving Machine...
When compared to the outgoing BMW 530i, the MB is a clear winner, with better comfort, similar performance, nicer cabin, and a much more modern chassis and drivetrain. The optional Sport package on the E320 includes the Airmatic suspension which is phenomenal. A real engineering achievement, it provides unbelievable good ride, while keeping the car flat and tight in corners. The Sport interior is also beautiful. Judging by the pictures, BMW has taken a real step back with their design of the new 5 Series interior. It is less clean looking, has too many "bumps" and curves and the switchgear looks scattered.
Worth the wait.
Beautiful car. A great looker, smooth ride, and effortless driving. All the traits that one would want in a luxery auto.
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.
great!!....but...
Had it for three months now. Really a nice car, beautifully designed in and out, but with some annoying glitches. Clicking noise when accelerate. Lost of radio signal, error messages of ABS,ESP, SOS tele-aid failures, but mysteriously corrected itself? Annoying vibration from the electronically controlled brake. Otherwise, it drives great. I am keeping my 1990 E300 just in case. That old car was built like a tank and without the aforementioned glitches.
Great Drive
Having used the E240, which had an acceleration delay, I decided to get myself an E320. The performance of this car is astonishing. Cornering is a dream at speeds over 100Kph. Fuel economy is not the best although I cant complain for 3.2L Engine. Stability at high speeds is great supported with a well engineered breaking system. The Bi-Xenon lamps light up the neighborhood which makes night driving extremely comfortable and safe. I highly recommend this extremely reliable and comfortable car
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.
Definitely nice!
While my ML320 was in for scheduled maintenance, I received the E320 as a "loaner". I was skeptical since a significant snow storm was predicted. But it turned out I had nothing to worry about. The traction control was outstanding, and the antilock did it's job. The car felt confident and performed extremely well. Ride quality excellent, and the car just feels SOLID. The engine is spirited (that's a V6 underhood?), quiet, and refined. I found it kind of odd that the car had a motorized headrest, but a "push open" fuel door. Huh?
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.
Outstanding car
Although only week and 1/2 old, I love this car - outstanding in all areas!
definitely a great car buy!!!
great car and fun to drive. puts a smile on my face everytime i get behind the wheel. excellent blend of luxury and performance for a 6 cyclinder.
A FINE AUTOMOBILE
I have driven MBs since 1967. Every new model is better than the previous one. This is our sixth wagon. It is practical, economical to operate, and one of the most enjoyable cars I have driven. Have a E500 wagon on order.
Could be great
Sold 2001 BMW 525IA for '03 320E RWD. Very good ride, excellent gas milage 9 (averaged over 29 MPG on a recent 500 round trip at close to 70 MPG). Really! Only problem I have had and it is hard to understand is the computer system that controls the stereo system. My vehicle was at the dealership for more than 3 weeks waiting for a new "gateway". Not good! Problem appears to have been corrected but this car's electronics are sluggish. Love the styling and the ride. Stereo sound is fine and interior is very good.
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.
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.
Best Car I Ever Owned
My E500 is the best car I have ever owned or driven. Since picking it up in Nov 2003 it been a wonderful machine to drive. It handles easily and has great get-up-and-go when necessary. I just wish that somehow auto engineers could do away with the ever so slight hesitency when accelerating - something every automatic has. There is also a safety feature I don't like. If you brake with your left foot (I do), you can't accelerate while your foot is even slightly on the brake. Overall though it is a beautiful, wonderful, fun car to drive. If you're thinking about getting one - go ahead and you'll be glad you did.
Wouldn't Trade It For The World
The New E class is by far, the finest sedan I have experienced. Roomy, comfortable, and smooth! If you havent, DRIVE IT!
hippo on the road
the new e class is a hippo with the eyes of an eagle, legs of a cheetah, looks of a lion,sturdiness of a rhino, pulling power of a tusker, strike of a rattler
E 500
I have had this car for a month and I must say it is an excellent blend of comfort and power. It has a sporty buy classy design that screams drive me and a plush interior that defines comfort and convience. The sport package a definite must as it adds a sort of attitude to the exterior and new age look to the inside with a silver and wite dash and black birds eye maple trim. The E class 500 in four words " A total driving machine"....
Lots of annoying problems
Winshield cracked at 10K miles don't know why? Hands free phone is bad for the person you are talking to. They can't here you and it is overpriced. Stereo system left speakers cut out occassionally.
Excellent
i have an very good time with the new car i drove i love the air filter in the car and i also love the seat the way leather make me feel so important in this car the more confidence i have with the new car thanks BENZ
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.
Excellent
Had a BMW in college. Have had nothing but MB since I have grown up. BMW's a little too yuppy for me and for who I see in them. Love this classy, safe, beautifully enginereed automobile. Wish they could get as reliable as Infiniti or Honda and as professional and efficient in the maintainance area too. However, still, driving up in a Mercedes does make a statement and this car is no exception and has a very quiet, well made cabin and its design for safety and engineering is superb. I'm pretty sure all the rest of my cars will be Mercedes especially if they can get as professional and efficient and fair in their maintainance and reliability as the Japanese.
Not what it used to be, but still good.
The qauilty of these cars is still great; and you are still getting a great car. Although Mercedes has been on a downward slide as far as quality-- they are still better than 95% of all other cars. BMW continues to narrow the gap when it comes to looks--and will probably close that gap, come the 2004 5-series. I plan on keeping my 2003 E-Class until the 2005 5-series comes out (that way all the first year troubles will be worked out). I would not call Mercedes cheap, or attack them the same way the other reviewer did--however I do undertand where he's coming from. BMW is on the up, while Mercedes is on the down...who would u choose?
the new E500
I bought mine came with the Sport Package, I like it so much with the interior design as well as the exterior design. I am only 33, if it was last year I would have got a BMW 540 instead. However, there is no way you could compare the 540 with this new E500! We are only to see more people at my age getting the new E-Class! Sorry, BM...
Best Car I've Ever Driven
We purchased this vehicle over 3 years ago with reservations based on negative reviews from consumer reports. After purchasing and over 3 years of ownership, I can confidently say that this is the best car I've ever owned or driven, especially for highway driving. We've had a few issues..., new brake pads, and battery, but, overall the car has proven to be very reliable. The comfort level is like no other and I'm almost certain, when the time comes, we'll be purchasing another one.
wonderful machine
It handles like nothing else...they have corrected all the things that I didn't like on earlier models. Trunk space is incredible...like no other...elegant but practical.
Wonderful car
Love my Benz!!!!!! it's comfortable! Very dependable! There is nothing that I don't like! I have owned MB's for 4 years.
Should have bought the BMW
Profoundly dissappointed.Worst auotmotive purchase of my life.Wind noise so loud that normal conversation is not possible. No dealership support (in fact they made the car worse) no manufacturer support. 38 days in shop in 120 days of ownership, still not fixed. Unbelievable list of problems. It's not a wonder Lexus is eating MBZ alive!
Best Buy
Just upgrade from clk to the eclass. They did a great job with this e. The car is very comftorable. The redisgned interior is unbelievable as well as the exterior. It also moves for a 222hp V6. If you are thinking about purchasing it all I can say is go for it. Black and charcoal is the best combination for this car. There is alot of chrome on the interior and exterior.
One in a million
Extremely low mileage, well maintained, great 1st car for the young up and coming.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
very disappointed
Because if my work, I put alot of miles on a car and need reliability as well as comfort. The reliability factor is certainly present, however, the car's interior is very uncomfortable for anyone over 5'7". I feel like I'm in a tuna can. The seats are uncomfortable and the interior space is small and not well designed. I really dislike driving this car and hope to get rid of it as soon as possible. One other glaring mistake made by MB is the fact the the interior colors are so light it's impossible to maintain particularly the flooring area. RIDICULOUS!
BMW BEATER
OMG!!! THIS CAR HAS BEEN THE BOMB!
Chryslerization of Mercedes-Benz
Year 2003. Death of a classic brand. The tradgedy finally happened. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has gone to cheap, gimmicky Americanized, low-class trash. From the fake chrome plastic knobs that clutter the entire dashboard and console, to the Chrysler "star" patterned wheels. Ever since the merger, we have sat and worried and wondered when the famous, world class brand would begin to show the signs of being diluted and infected. The wait is over. My next car will come from BMW and I pray to the car-maker gods to please allow this one remaining quality brand to remain independent and uninfected.
Beautiful car
Very beautiful car to drive. very reliable. I only send it to the shop every 12000 miles for check up. No mechanical or electrical problem.