Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Consumer Reviews

11 year old E320 Avantguarde

I purchased this car from a dealer that had it sitting for 4 years. It had a few minor problems that I have repaired myself. This car is the family favorite by far, its very fun to drive. We just took a 2000 mile round trip at 75-80 MPH and got 30 MPG !!!. I have never ridden or driven a vehicle that rides or handles like this car. My wife LOVES this car. The problems we've had are minor and easily repaired by myself and the prices for parts are not any different than my Ford diesel truck or my Jeep. Just shop around, google is your friend.

bought used 11 year old 2003 e500

This car has been amazing. I have sunk some money into it while I have owned it for 5 years but have also driven it from 90,000 miles at purchase in 2014 and it just turned 245,000 today as I regularly drove it 100mph on a 900 mile weekend trip. I bought this car when it was 11 years old in 2014 for about $8.500. it is now 2019 and with the mileage it has on it is likely worth about $500 if I were to trade it in. Instead I happily continue to own it , occasionally throw a few hundred bucks into it and enjoy it as it is considerably faster and more comfortable than 97% of the other vehicles on the road.

Olden, but Golden - Bought it with 156,000 Miles

I bought this used in October 2014. Only thing I have done to it is oil change, Gas to ac unit and it has been running great. Yes maintenance is higher than other cars, but other cars don't compare. Do your own research, but I used to have a 1990 420 SEL back in 1998, and it had over 100,000 miles on it. Loved it until I sold it. These cars are great, luxury wise and ride wise. Creature comforts. I can go on..I have 162,000 miles on my E-Class now.

Great car for a long time

I still love this car, even after 6 years. Drives, handles great for a luxury sedan, and I tend to drive fast. Air suspension allows changing suspension for different driving conditions. It really works. Only problems have been electronic and happened in first 15K mi. None since; just normal maintenance. Car still looks and drives like new at 80,000 miles.

Saved my Life

I purchased a pre-owned 2003 Mercedes- Benz E320 from a collegue in April of 2005. It had 23000 miles, but it was in great shape (save a broken cupholder). In August of 2005, while stopped in traffic on the way to Cape Cod, a Chevy Blazer traveling at approximately 75 miles an hour stuck the rear of my E320. I can't really remember it, but my car flipped 5 times, landing roof down, in the middle of the interstate. I should be dead. Instead, I walked out with nothing but a couple of bruised ribs & a new outlook on life. Look at the negative reviews---all arbitrary complaints about little inconveniences. Mercedes-Benz. saved my life. The safest car on the road. BMW cannot even touch M-B safety.

Electrical Nightmare

We bought this certified pre-owned E500 2 months ago, and it has been in the shop 4 times for electrical error messages (SRS and SOS Disabled, electrical consumers switched off message, and more). Today my car caught on fire with me and my 2 children buckled in carseats in the backseat. The entire inside of the car filled with thick white smoke and smelled of burning. The electrical system fried, caught fire,and didn't allow me to open any doors to get my kids out. I ripped them out of their seats, fire trucks put out the fire, we are safe, but a total loss. After the key was taken out the clock and speedometer were spinning, radio blaring, windshield wipers squirting, everything...scary!!

Unreliable

I am waiting for a tow truck to pick up my E500 again as I write thie review. This is an awesome driving car, with great looks and lots of power, but man have I been in the shop way too much. This time the air suspension went out (again) and the extended warranty plan doesn't cover this as it's considered a shock, so there goes $1000. Previous problems included the radiator split, causing the transmission cooling lines that run through it to get coolant mixed in with my transmission fluid, which means the tranny was replaced.

Great car but not cheap to own

Bought her new in Oct 02. Still drives great, interior holding up well. Handling is a little mushy for my taste. Trans occasionally hunts for right gear but otherwise smooth. BEWARE-repairs are pricey. Just fixing a rattling heat shield was $250. I use an independent, Benz-only shop and it's still expensive to maintain. Had to replace heater valve last winter - $500. All in all, love the E class (evidenced by my decision to buy a new 2011 E350) but she definitely ain't cheap to own and operate. I'd be very careful if buying a used one.

Always Will

Bought my 2003 E320 with 35,000 in August 2007. Also bought an extended warranty through Mercury Insurance out of Oklahoma City for up to 5 additional years or 100,000 miles for $3,000. The warranty paid off. Parkplace Motorcars in Dallas maitained it and I never had to spend any money on it for 5 years other than normal wear and tear. Its been a great car and now has 101,000 miles. Ready to put new Michelin tires now. I intend to keep it unless someone who appreciate a well maintained/documents car and offers me what I can't refuse. My wife drives it like her own baby.

Worst time for Mercedes?

I regret to say that this was the worst Mercedes I have ever owned. It seemed that something went wrong with it every other week. The digital read-outs on main display failed causing to lose the ability to use particular options, HVAC system completely failed and needed total replacement, window regulator failures, side mirror motor failures, seat heater failures, seat adjustment motor failure, trunk release failure, fluid leaks, engine mounts needed replacement (@ 60K miles!), and many more malfunctions. Despite this being Mercedes, nobody should be experiencing this many problems with a car costing this much. It is by far the worst car I have ever owned.

She will be missed.

Sorry to let her go! We are selling this car that we have owned for 7 years due to downsizing after retirement and relocation. It has given us much pleasure and satisfaction in the years as a daily driver with no problems. One surprise when the battery died: it needs two, one of which is like a motorcycle battery.

If only...

This car is a dream to drive and a nightmare to own. The car's basic mechanical functions have been flawless but its electronics and audio system are so buggy I need to hire an exterminator. Car has been in shop regularly and MB can not yet give me an audio system that works. They don't know how to fix the problems, by their own admission. $72K total out the door and now I know everyone at the service department's birthdays, anniversaries and pet's names. Thanks MB.

Helpful info if you buy E500

I read Edmunds reviews before buying '03-E500 Sport Pkg. I have 825 miles on car & like many others right out of the box it pulled to the right.If u buy tell dealer to put eccentric bolt kit in ASAP. Car washes- sharks fin antenna WILL CATCH - $300 to rewire. The electric brake pedal seems over stated,really no big deal.OEM pads black dust bad. Forget the COMMAND & NAV systems. Side view mirrows mount location seems odd to see correctly. Need to cover door sills & install dead pedal. Cup holders are dumb. I waited for late production car to fore go the early electronic bugs.Can't tune radio pre- sets from steering wheel.Buying, go w/ E500 over 320.

Fabulous Car

E500 performance is awesome. I have a 1999 E320 that I thought had a lot of performance but the 2003 E500 has taken me to another level. In 4 years, I haven't had one thing go wrong with the E320. The E500 is much roomier in the passenger compartment as well as the huge trunk. The car corners beautifully with the 3-level selectable stiff ride. I did not get the sports package because I think the car is sporty without it and the price of the sports package is high for what you get. Also, I don't like the hard riding performance tires that come with the sports package; they make a lot of noise and wear out quickly.

Poorly design and manufactured vehicle

Nothing but failures, suspension, AC/Heat, computer, sensors, on and on. When running the car is a joy to drive. However, the maintenance expense before and after the warranty is the worst I have ever experienced in all my years of owning cars. The experienced has been nothing but a let down of my expectations of owning a certified pre-owned vehicle with less than 20,000 miles when I purchased it. Definitely has lowered my opinion of the franchise.

Build to last

A real solid car. Extremely reliable, I've put 48,000 in 2 years and the only thing I am doing is the scheduled maintenace, and changed tires once. I will keep untill it falls apart.

More Chrysler than Mercedes

Poor reliability especially electrical, small seat and bad seating position, num steering, so so handling in high speed, transition hesitate in lower speed, center consul is getting wider causing less leg room, too much computer, car feels heavy even with the big eight, sport package dosen't make any different, brake system, noisy windshield wipers .

Will Never Buy MB Again! MB=German Lemon

First and last MB I will ever buy! Since I bought the car, I noticed that the car pulls hard to the right. It's like MB built the car crooked. What's even worse is that MB tried to make me pay for alignment!Service has been poor and 2nd rate compared to Infiniti & Lexus. Even after alignment, car still pulls to right. CD player failed 3 times, battery was replaced, left speaker fell off, gas mileage not as great as advertised, climate control failed. Car is too heavy for the engine especially when accelerating from a stop & transmission jerks when shifting from 1st to 2nd at slow traffic speeds. Amazing how a $60g engine is less refined than a $20g Honda.

Hugh disappointment in Quality & Service

Within a month after the purchase I started to have numerous problems like telephone system failure, too much engine noise, main screen & CD changer shutdown, etc. They took 5 days to fix these problems and then I had to take my car in again for almost same problems for another 5 days. They had to replace all those problem parts again just like last time. Now, I'm starting to have some problems again like trunk closure & sunshade malfunctions, phone system problems, keyless GO malfunction, etc. I paid almost $70k with this vehicle including pretty much all the options. Now they are useless since they are the main things causing all these problems

Awesome

Have had this car since 2013 bought it with 28,000 miles on it now it has 95200 miles the only thing have so far changed is front air suspension that’s it drives very well and comfortable. Will have it for a long time since I love it

Love my car when it works

DO NOT BUY! I currently average about $6,000/yr or $500/month in repairs to drive this car. The quality of the parts is shoddy, primarily due to poor engineering (it's not engineered for longevity). The bottom line is that the car has WAY too much electronics that control and monitor everything. Those electronics do not have the life expectancy of the mechanical parts. Here's my list of repairs; front struts, rear's are leaking, radiator, (damaged transmission - see TSB), control unit for tranny, suspension compressor, air hoses relating to suspension, tires because suspension was messed up. What I still need: brake accumulator, new motor mounts,new tranny or torque converter, rear struts

L e m o n !!!!

Boy, did I get a lemon! I have had the car for almost 5 years now, bought it used at 3 years and have spent thousands of dollars to keep it on the road. In the last 6 months, I have only driven 3,000 kms due to not trusting its reliability and now when it needs it's snowtires off, the repairs of $2,880 shocks me yet again. Every time I take it for service it costs me thousands. Will be dumping it for something reliable = perhaps a Toyota - anything has got to be better than this. Talk about mis-advertising because this baby sure does not prove German engineering. Must have been a Monday or Friday car or when MB was associated with Chrysler, used Chrysler parts and charged MB prices.

This is my last Mercedes

My Lexus sedans were boring and lacked excitement, but I never once experienced a problem with those cars. This E500 is beautiful, but I have spent weeks at the dealership. My problems center on the audio / computer system. The Logic 7 sound system is pathetic. My biggest concern is the defective SOS system that doesn’t work. This is a life saving device and MUST work; I smell a class action lawsuit! The funniest part about this whole experience, is listening to the service manger complain about the amount of time his staff has spent. I paid $65k for this fine German automobile, and this car should be flawless.

JUNK!

Pretty, prestigious, totally unreliable! We made the mistake of keeping this heap beyond its warranty period. At 48,001 miles the rear brakes failed ($500), and the sensor for the front brakes failed with 1/2 pad wear left. We also made the mistake of trying to take it on a trip. Car died after 300 miles. Had to be towed. Never own one of these heaps beyond the warranty period. All service had been done correctly and on time.

This car can't be over $60,000.

I have read the reviews and can't believe that no one has commented on how small the new E500 is. I had previously owned an E320 and loved it. The car is supposedly an inch bigger everywhere but the trunk and backseat are so small that I could not use it to take customers in. I just traded this car for an S430.

Only a little nervous

I rode in someone else's E500, and liked it, not thinking I could afford one. I found a used on by accident, and, after driving about four used ones, found one I liked. Got a good deal, and a good deal on my trade-in. So far, the only problems I've had have been two low-beams headlights going out, and not being able to replace them myself. The oil level tester told me it had excess oil in it recently, so I scheduled it for service 1,400 miles early, but I'd rather not take any chances, and they'll replace the headlights for me. Seems like it only requires maintenance once a year, and alternating years are major, and minor services, so, not too bad. Car feels very solid. I like it.

3 years later

I reviewed this model favorably when I first purchased used in 2006. Now, it is a different story. Repairs are extremely expensive and many can only be done at a dealer. Yesterday, the car left me stranded for the second time in 2 years. Again, an excellent independent shop is not equipped to handle. Another fuel injector type of problem. I have owned BMW's, Infinity, and Jag's in the past so I'm used to expensive repairs. But this car has been babied and just turned 70K miles, too young for these types of problems. Buy only if still under manufacturer warranty. Otherwise, avoid all German sedans and buy an Infiniti. Sure, the style/status is not the same, but an Infinity IS dependable

Danger New Brakes

MB has brake problems and cannot stop but does not want to admit for fear of recall and bad press. Settling claims for bad brakes. Great engine, poor suspension as the air goes out and the car literally rests on tires. Mercedes acting like General Motors in letting first year models be the quality mules. Buy an S without these bad brakes. It is cheaper for them but is your life worth it?

four eyes on the road

Everything that was promised and more. It has the looks , the feel , the goods, the quality , the ride , the power an the girls dig it. It's a great improvment over my previous E430. The only thing that it's missing is a nav. system. If u get this car u will not regret it.

A Superb Automobile!

I purchased the 2003 E320 from an independent service shop I've been dealing with for more than 15 years. My wife fell in love with how it handled, so I bought it without even a taking it on a test drive. My wife's intuition was right (once again). The E320 is superb! With 39,500 miles at purchase date, I still had over one year factory warranty and 10,000 miles remaining. I immediately took the E320 in the local MB dealership and ensured all factory warranty work and improvements were installed. No cost to me. A year later, at 50,000 miles/4 years, I again took it in to MB dealership. No cost to me. Last year I had the 60K service done by my independent dealer. An absolutely superb auto!

Fun to drive

I bought 2003 MB E320. Though my car is 7 years old, but it looks like brand new from inside and outside. E320 is very roomy, very reliable, very smooth in driving. My wife and kids love this car. This car is very reliable, fun to drive. I can expect that .5% cars might have issues with electronics etc. This is normal. No car can be 100% perfect.

Quality of the Mercedes brand is gone...

Rear window fell into the door!!!! The plastic carriage had broken. Service advisor told me, since the cost of this item is handled by the outsourced manufacturer of the part and not Mercedes, Mercedes does not care and has not and will not address this issue. Customer headache is not sufficient reason to address this problem!!?? Check Engine Electronics light comes on for no apparent reason...call the MB service advisor, am told not to drive the car but that I cannot get a loaner car for 2 weeks....he was very helpful in suggesting that I rent a car in the meantime!!!!!!!says they have 150 loaner cars, all are out

Fun, but

I have enjoyed driving this car except for the electronics. Initially, I couldn't even set my clock. The electronics were changed, but now I get lots of false malfunction indicators. My dealer is terrible so next time my $60,000 goes to BMW or Lexus. For the money, I should have more horse power.

Heave Ho It must Go

Bought it brand new, first Benz! Platinum Blue, beautiful to look at.....if you drove by the dealership...cause that is where it was most of the time. Horrible reliability, bordering on lemon! Never again, the dream is over!

Fast and Responsive

Small problem with cruise control. It will shut off after 200-300 miles and engine has to be restarted to turn back on. The satellite system offers little value and a chare is incurred for each contact.

The brakes stink

Bought it after owning Acuras for the last 12 years.(never a visit to the service dept except for scheduled maintenance.)I have to say, I am a bit dissapointed overall. I have taken the car in for servicing on minor, albeit aggravating issues, i.e. vibrating brakes, sensor lights going off and on, radio buzzing, no use of tele-aid because i was told it had a "canadian" chip, etc. Ive owned BMW's in the past and forgot about German temperance until i bought the E320.

Too many problems

I have experience all the problems everyone else has plus a hundred more. First was the A/C which fail twice, then I had a problem with the steering, they never where able to align it right and the car steers to the right more than it should (for safety). Then I had a problem with the switch that raises the vehicle, it always gets stuck, then my headrest stopped working, then my cd changer failed it does not work at all (I see this one is a classic),then my speakers are having a short circuit, then when I steer the wheel is making a horrible noise like a tire is loose, I also have the rattling on the engine, etc, etc, etc, etc

Best E class ever!

Just upgraded from 2000 e320 to 2003 e500, very pleased ,magnificient power.This is a keeper.

Top of The Line Design/Workmanship

I use midgrade gas and this has served me well. 125K to date and highway mileage 27-30 mpg at 65-71 MPH. Heated steering wheel does not operate at low (40 and below) temp until vehicle warms up. At 6' I drive with seat all the way back and the side cloth is worn from getting in and out of drivers side. Living in PA I have not had a problem with the vehicle being RWD, in ALL KINDS OF SNOW.

Proceed with caution

This is a wonderful machine in terms of handling. It is eye pleasing and driving fatigue on long trips is zero. But, it is an electrical NIGHTMARE. Don't waste your money underwriting mercedez R&D. I know the company knows of the drastic electrical problems yet they keep offering the cars for sell without warning. This is not like the Mercedez of old. Hey...who owns this company these days...certainly not a company that cares about the consumer. In 16 months my car has been in the shop more than 10 times for major electrical problems. I think more consumers aren't complaining because they are embarassed to tell that a car with this reputation is soo poor.

one year into owning...never again

Bought mine with miliage 90k, car was 7 years old. I enjoyed it for a few months, and then prolems started to appear. First, transmission started to give me headache, and a month later it completely broke, next: radiator, pheumatic pump, sensors. all together about 6,000 in repairs...a little costly for one year into ownership... Although beautfull and fun to drive but (only in a straight, about 150). At the conclusion, my lesson learned, for germans "only lease"!!!!

Built to Cost You Money

The E500 sport is a great looking car and when it's working, performs well. However, the frequent costly repairs have been a complete turn off. The car is inferior, price of parts and labor for fixes absolutely ridiculous. Built to last? I say built to break and keep you paying. Mercedes couldn't pay me to buy another one of its cars.

Near perfection

Having this much torque & horsepower makes it almost too easy to drive. Unbelievable acceleration --- from standing start or passing at speed --- just punch it and hold on. Traded a 2003 SL500 to get AMG engine, 5 passenger seating and a really nice trunk. I preferred the SL500 suspension and quicker steering but the E55 engine & transmission make this a preferable choice. This is a stealthy car. Not too many realize what a beast it is. It lives up to the advertising. Not one problem to report at 12,000+ miles. There was one recall for brakes and one fix for suspension --- car pulled to the right. An article in Star magazine pointed out this problem which was fixed under warranty.

E320 Review

wait for 2004

Wait for Mercedes to work out the bugs. As of March 2003, Mercedes was unable to install the navigation system, voice activated telephone, or massage seating they had advertised. (Mercedes is buying back some of these cars, but only if customers pre-paid for the features.) I had problems with my radio and dash lighting; the shop said this was "common."

First Mercedes (and won't be my last)

My wife and I test drove a new one in 2001 and came away impressed but plumped for a (cheaper) Volvo Cross Country (since sold) instead. In the summer of 2008 I began searching for a clean used 2001-2003 E320 wagon I could park at our vacation home. Eventually I found a pre-CPO car in the rare Pewter/Oyster combination (only available in 2003) which I wasn't entirely sure about at first but have since grown to love. I have now owned the car for 9 months and I'm very satisfied with my purchase and should I ever decide to sell I expect to recoup most of my (not considerable) outlay for this unexpected headturner.

Worst car ever bought

We have spent over 6,000 in the last 10 months for problems we shouldn't have. some repairs started at about 65,000 and I mean major repairs. This year, front end, sensors of all kinds at about 90,000. Just keeps on. Can't buy another car for awhile since we're retired and the crooks at the Feds did a good job of evaporation of our IRA. Our other Merc was just fine. A 1998. We thought this Mercedes would last us awhile.

Perfection

The new E320 takes what was already one of the world's premier vehicles to the next level. It is the perfect combination of luxury, safety, and performance. You get a feeling a absolute solidity when driving the new E320, a heavy feeling, yet handling is light and effortless. The exterior styling is clearly contemporary, while at the same time, timeless and sophisticated. Nothing about the design is out of tune, which cannot be said of some of its competitors such as the new BMW 7-series.

First 4 months

The first 4 months I owned this vehicle was nothing but problems. Came home one night and the trunk had magically opened. The interior lights were flashing on and off, controls would not work. Dealer had it off and on for two weeks. Door lock is set to open only driver's side door. Sometimes it unlocks the one door - other times it unlocks all four. Tilt wheel sometimes works - sometimes doesn't. I have had it 7 months now. Appears the problems have been fixed. Waiting for something else to happen...

2003 E320 RWD

bought this car with 55800 miles. The interior is very comfortable and stylish. The car is somewhat heavy but the engine has good power. I consistently get 21 city and 29 highway when on cruise control. The looks are ok but the newer models are now better. As far as reliability it has served me well. It goes 10k miles between oil changes. I do take care of car and do not drive it aggressively. It is a cruiser not a racecar. The feeling behind wheel is not great because it is too comfortable and big. Overall is a good car. Keep regular maintenance take care of it. Repairs can be pricey but you do get what you pay or don't pay for.