New here, Thanks in advance for help. WTB a '04-'05 E500 wagon
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New here, Thanks in advance for help. WTB a '04-'05 E500 wagon
I have always wanted a e500 wagon. Now it looks I might be able to afford one. Any things to look for in particular? The other main problem is I really am partial to red, seems like most are silver, black, white but I haven't seen a red one yet. Did they even make them or were they just not a big sellar?
Thanks so much for help, tips or cars you may know of for sale!
Thanks again, Dave
Thanks so much for help, tips or cars you may know of for sale!
Thanks again, Dave
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,539
Answer
Color is the least important factor.
You want the best possible condition vehicle you can afford.
With these cars the transmission and drive-train is my biggest concern.
On your road test pay special attention to how the transmission up-shifts - down-shifts, especially when cold.
Listen for any unusual noises while driving and turning, (below 45 MPH) be sure to "maneuver" and "brake" in three styles "gently", "harsh", "PANIC".
In my opinion: The M113 engine is better than the later M273 motor which has issues.
I strongly suggest that you have a Pre Purchase Inspection by a disinterested third party Mercedes specialist.
Used-Car Pre-Purchase Inspection | J.D. Power
From my experience:
The average buyer cannot determine the overall condition of the car simply from a road test.
Ask your local Mercedes dealer to run a VMI report to see the repair history and verify that all recalls and campaigns have been performed.
On your VMI you want to see if there are any unresolved recurring complaints in the recent history.
You also want to make sure that the car has received regular maintenance.
A 2005+ E55 wagon would be hard to talk you out of, as it is IMO a very solid package with good durability.
Extended or after-market warranty is a must however.
2005 E500 wagon:
2004 E500 wagon:
IMO: The OEM navigation system is inferior to the after-market Garmin and TomTom (+ you can move them from car to car).
At some point the front and rear shocks will need to be replaced at (dealer list part price) $1160 each + LABOR for the front, (dealer list part price) $1160 each + LABOR for rear.
Unless the radiator has already been replaced, it will eventually leak into the transmission causing glycol contamination, a roughly (dealer list part price) $9000.00 USD bill + LABOR.
I suggest replacing the radiator as a preventive measure.
A common failure is the Heater Control Valve (Solenoid Valve), standard is MB# 2118320584, auxiliary heat unit is MB# 2118320684, dealer list price on both is $42.00 USD.
roy@pelicanparts.com
.
You want the best possible condition vehicle you can afford.
With these cars the transmission and drive-train is my biggest concern.
On your road test pay special attention to how the transmission up-shifts - down-shifts, especially when cold.
Listen for any unusual noises while driving and turning, (below 45 MPH) be sure to "maneuver" and "brake" in three styles "gently", "harsh", "PANIC".
In my opinion: The M113 engine is better than the later M273 motor which has issues.
I strongly suggest that you have a Pre Purchase Inspection by a disinterested third party Mercedes specialist.
Used-Car Pre-Purchase Inspection | J.D. Power
From my experience:
The average buyer cannot determine the overall condition of the car simply from a road test.
Ask your local Mercedes dealer to run a VMI report to see the repair history and verify that all recalls and campaigns have been performed.
On your VMI you want to see if there are any unresolved recurring complaints in the recent history.
You also want to make sure that the car has received regular maintenance.
A 2005+ E55 wagon would be hard to talk you out of, as it is IMO a very solid package with good durability.
Extended or after-market warranty is a must however.
2005 E500 wagon:
2004 E500 wagon:
IMO: The OEM navigation system is inferior to the after-market Garmin and TomTom (+ you can move them from car to car).
At some point the front and rear shocks will need to be replaced at (dealer list part price) $1160 each + LABOR for the front, (dealer list part price) $1160 each + LABOR for rear.
Unless the radiator has already been replaced, it will eventually leak into the transmission causing glycol contamination, a roughly (dealer list part price) $9000.00 USD bill + LABOR.
I suggest replacing the radiator as a preventive measure.
A common failure is the Heater Control Valve (Solenoid Valve), standard is MB# 2118320584, auxiliary heat unit is MB# 2118320684, dealer list price on both is $42.00 USD.
roy@pelicanparts.com
.
Last edited by PelicanParts.com; Jul 16, 2012 at 11:03 AM.
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
Tips
Thanks PP,
I know color is a silly thing but this will be the onlychance I have to buy my dream car so I can wait for a good one and a color, I even thought about 2 toning a silver one....
How do I tell which car has the "good" engine? So far all the cars I can afford are '04-'05's.
My worst horror is the trans/drivetrain as well. As far as the rad/trans cooler issue why not disconcect the one to the trans and install a good aftermarket one like a Setrab?
Would the car be suitable to car a small motorcycle trailer, no more than about 1200#
Thnaks again, Dave
I know color is a silly thing but this will be the onlychance I have to buy my dream car so I can wait for a good one and a color, I even thought about 2 toning a silver one....
How do I tell which car has the "good" engine? So far all the cars I can afford are '04-'05's.
My worst horror is the trans/drivetrain as well. As far as the rad/trans cooler issue why not disconcect the one to the trans and install a good aftermarket one like a Setrab?
Would the car be suitable to car a small motorcycle trailer, no more than about 1200#
Thnaks again, Dave
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