Hi, I'm looking at what would be my first ever MB in a long life of owning ‘interesting' cars...if I buy it. It's an 03 E500 sedan, with 23k. It has an odd history, most of its life as a lease car, then auctioned 3 times. Maybe the auction failed to sell it once.

Apart from one ding near the rear wheel arch front, it's like new.

Could anyone tell me if this year had problems? and also the details of the tiptronic...it just seems to go back to drive without me holding the lever to + for a second or so, like the C series. This seems odd, cos I want it to stay put in manual shift until I'm ready for it to go auto again.

The dealer wants $27k for it, and I'm haggling around 25. Any comments about the price would be appreciated.

 

its a first yr prodution run of the 211 chassis, dont buy. never buy an auctioned car

 

its a first yr prodution run of the 211 chassis, dont buy. never buy an auctioned car

 

Tiptronic should shift (and stay in that gear...with some overidding logic as speed drops to 0) with just a flick of the lever to +/-.

If the car has a good warranty allowing repair at an MB dealer....and is covered for a good period...any teething problems will be covered and there is no reason why this state of affairs should not continue post the warranty period.

First run cars do have more defects but these are issue which are covered by recalls etc if necessary If the car runs fine for x months then there is no reason why this shouldn't continue.

However knowing the previous owner will always give you greater peace of mind.

Stuart

 

Thanks for that.

This one is somewhat strange. It has 23k which is born out by the general look and feel of the car. But...it does not have nav or the touch? screen. (Or is it buttons by the screen commands?) This seems like it might be a really bad selling point when I come to upgrade it in 18 months or so. What is there is a much smaller display for radio etc.

I love the colour, champagne silver is my description. Air cooled seats etc. I was reading a review last night on the 04, and it does seem highly thought of by the pundits. It drives straight, even under hard breaking, and sounds fine.

Warrenty. They seem to think there is none. Despite it being sold by a huge Cadillac dealership they know little about MBs. I guess I would be on my own. Strange since it was registered in mid 03.

I have said that I want to pay $25k for it, but I don't think they will budge below $27,450 at this time. There seem to be a few 04s around at that price, but with twice the miles...and one or two hours flying away. There's a lot to be said for it being 15 mins away.

Any further input would be appreciated.

Rob