Hi everyone, first time poster here

My dad is planning on getting a used 2006 E350. He's also considering the 2005 E320 and 2004-2006 S430, but the E350 seems to be the top pick for now.

Anyway, are there any issues he should be aware of prior to purchase or anything he should expect from a Benz? He's a first time German car buyer.

Also, what is the approximate yearly cost of maintenance for these cars? How much do various services (oil, etc.) cost? I've heard DIY repairs are very limited but someone posted something about disconnecting the sensors for brakes to allow for a DIY fix. Is this one of the rare things you can work on or can someone pretty much take care of the car without taking it to a dealer if they knew what they were doing?

Lastly, we'll probably have the car for at least 150k miles...do a lot of problems pop up on the W211 cars after 100k miles?

Any and all help is GREATLY appreciated

 

Don't would be the first advice.If he must,then get the lowest mile latest model with a warranty.The 211 models were prone to electronic problems,brake problems with the virtual brake system,very pricey to maintain unless he is a real diy'r.On these later models the old adage applies if you have to ask how much to do anything,you most likely should not buy it.
ohlord
inspect,inspect,inspect,inspect
find a private party car,still on warranty,well maintained,and dont be shocked at the cost to own if he can't do maint.items and repairs himself.
buy a low mile 01 put the 20 grand saved into t rowe price growth funds and enjoy the ride.

 

Good answer ohlord. 2003-05 211s .... run Forrest run! Stay away from those cars. Shame on MB.

 

IWOULD RECOMMEND BUYING THE LATEST MODEL 211 CHASSIS AS YOU CAN. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 2006 AND 2007 E-CLASS IS BESIDE LOOKS, IS THE SBC BRAKE SYSTEM. I WOULD GO WITH A 2007 MODEL IF POSSIBLE. AS "MBMEX" SAID STAY AWAY FROM THE 2003 TO 2005 MODELS. IF YOU CAR BUY ONE FOR A MB DEALERSHIP BE SURE TO GET THE MB STARMARK WARRANTY.

 

I have an 03 E320, bought it last year with 36k. Been a great car with the exception of a minor problem with the fuel filter sending unit. As far as routine costs go, the vehicle will tell you what service is due every 10k miles. The service techs use full synthetic, so you only have oil changes every 10k. You are looking at around $300.00 per service ($30 per 1000 miles, not bad). At 5 years 50k, you are looking at $1500 for plugs, fuel filter, interior and engine air filters,and the rest of the regular stuff.I am not as familiar with the newer E350 (in terms of reliability), they have the same body style as the 03 and up. Speaking from my experience, I love the ride, adequate power and full of features. I could not have bought a better car.

 

FIRST TIME POST. NEW TO MERCEDES FORUM..

I HAVE NEVER PURCHASED A MERCEDES B4.

THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING A USED MERCEDES E320 THAT I'VE BEEN LOOKING AT ON EBAY..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...em200198233776

JUST WANT SOME HONEST FEEDBACK ..

I'VE BEEN READING ON EBAY ALOT ABOUT SOME HUGE WIRING ISSUE THAT MERCEDES HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN ON ALL THE 2003-2006 MERCEDES E-CLASSES..
DONT KNOW WHETHER THIS IS TRUE OR NOT.. AND SOME MORE ISSUES ON THE STARMARK MERCEDES ..

http://reviews.ebay.com/ebaymotors/B...00000001252224

http://reviews.ebay.com/ebaymotors/B...00000001271785

ANYONE THAT CAN HELP ME ON THIS ISSUE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED ..

I JUST DONT WANT TO MAKE A BIGGGG MISTAKE IN BUYING THIS E-CLASS..

 

That's an E500
Run don't walk from ebay cars
run don't walk from an 03
Find yourself a nice E320 00-01 low miles for 10-11 tho private party,get it professionally inspected and learn to do your own maint items and enjoy it,great cars.
ohlord

 

Sorry to hi-jack the thread... Ohlord seems to be very knowledgable. I am looking at a few older E320/E420 (1994-1995) in Seattle WA.
I see a few on craigslist ranging from $3200 - $7000 with various mileages.

1994 E320 W124, 118k miles, looks very clean - for $6690
1995 E420, 60k miles (fake?) for $6995
1995 E320 wagon, 185k miles for $3500

are some of the available choices.

Are there any particular issues with these cars at certain mileage? I want the wagon, but the mileage seems a bit too high. But I also heard that the 3.2l engines are very reliable.

I've never owned a Mercedes before, and I thought I can get some good help from the experts on this forum...

Thank you!

 

Why an old E with the m104 engine?
what is your budget?Able to travel if you find the right deal?
ohlord

 

my budget is around 5-6000, but I also like that particular year E class design.
I'm not sure what it is, they just look right.

Are the engines from those years more problematic than newer ones? or is the concern more in connection with the age of the engine?

Thank you for the comments!