2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Great Ride, Powerful - Costs something to maintain

By brian30328 (GA) on Sunday, June 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 81,000

Pros: "Ride, Handling, Power, Comfort"

Cons: "Dealer Service Upsell"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought an 2003 E500 Sport with 13K miles under CPO. The only "non-self-inflicted" repairs have been an A/C valve ($290), 1 headlamp bulb ($100) and multi-CD changer (under warranty). There were 3 other service campaigns to replace 1) Battery Control Module, 2) Voltage Regulator and 3) Front Axle Sleeve & Bolts all of which were repaired free of charge. Shortly after CPO warranty expired @ 53k, I took vehicle in for service and MB dealer wanted $3k for various issues. Values, control arms etc. Told them to pound sand. While debating what to do, the car was stolen (house burglary keys / car stolen (Really?!?!? - Yes, Really!) Once recovered, I had all items and then some handled under insurance and car has been great ever since --- now 80k+. For my last service, "D", I ran down the Flexible Service System (FFS) items I wanted performed versus the entire "D" set. I was advised to have transmission service performed. I said FSS never requires trans service, ever. Dealer stated "Oh, we don't use that (FSS) anymore. MB now advises trans service every 40k @ $1,000." Although I may be pressing my luck, again pound sand - I will think about it after 100k. What I've learned is that there are a lot of items that MB wants to perform but if you intelligently select the recommended FSS items, German engineering will live up to its reputation despite the upsell dealers like to suggest. As an example, dealers love to suggest you replace pads and rotors as per the "+" sign following the service indicator e.g. "D+". That's a recommendation not a requirement. That said, the brake sensors work just fine thank you and when they come on, I'll replace the brakes. My experience is as much as another 5-10k. When I challenged the dealer on this Sensors vs. FSS "+" sign the answer was "we suggest it as a convenience so you won't have to come back in a month or so." I have read there a lot of issues with 2003 optical engineering. This was first year for the "MOST" optical system. I have not experienced any issues except CD Changer as above. I paid to have the 2003 MOST components updated / installed to 2005 MOST components including: Nav, Phone, Voice and iPod. A former MB electronics mechanic performed upgrades (not cheap, but cheaper than dealer) and they all work flawlessly. Apparently MB told early 2003 buyers without Nav they could have their cars upgraded. However, when the time came, MB simply bought back early 03 vehicles and gave buyers 03/04 vehicles with Nav because it was cheaper. Best features are the ride and power. Above 80 MPH, the car sits down. At 90 MPH, you feel you are going maybe 60 MPH. Acceleration very smooth to 125 MPH above that not sure and as I have not gone there, yet. Great for long trips."

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Great Diesel Driving

By wasco (LA) on Friday, May 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 127,000

Pros: "Quality: design, materials, paint, upholstery"

Cons: "can be expensive to maintain and repair"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"My car is very nice after 127000 miles and 8 years: upholstery still looks new, paint still very shiny. Quality is all over this one. It is not a cheap car, but you get what you pay for. Well, sometimes, at least. These cars are somewhat expensive to maintain but, if you can afford it, they will stay with you for the long term. There are lower-cost alternatives to most dealer services; really this car has proven to not be more complex than about any upscale modern car. Example: dealer asked $534 parts and labor to replace two upper front ball joints. I bought them from a Mercedes-Benz dealer on-line, for $99, and it took me, an amateur mechanic, less than an hour and no special tools to install them. I also change my own oil, filter, and fuel and air filters. The oil is a special Mobil1, and it can cost $8 to $10 per quart, it takes 8 quarts, but it goes 12,000 miles between changes. I had occasion to remove the oil pan recently, and the engine was perfectly clean inside, so I trust the oil and the change interval. car has more then plenty of power, not slow at all like Mercedes Diesels used to be."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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I love this car.

By PaulaQ (GA) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 71,000

Pros: "Very reliable, comfortable, excellent fuel economy"

Cons: "No driving lights, no program to avoid backing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have driven a Mercedes for many years. I always bought pre-owned and the certified used vehicles. This is a safe car, drives easy, excellent on fuel. I have driven the diesel autos for many years-love the cars. Going into Atlanta, my typical miles per gallon is 33-35. 4 new tires."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Greatest Drives I had in years

By Jaycabs (AZ) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 77,500

Pros: "Dynamic, comfort, look, fast"

Cons: "It's a Mercedes, parts and repairs may be costly"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This 2005 Mercedes E500 has been the nicest car I've owned. Comfort, speed, luxury. This car has it all. From the 5.0 V8 engine, to the comfortable leather seating. The dynamic suspension, at the push of a button you drive in comfort, and with the same button, you can lower the suspension to drive it like a sports car. This beauty really sticks to the road and I wouldn't feel safer in another car. I highly recommend this beauty."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Incredible machine

By Lou (TX) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 77,000

Pros: "Great road car, beautiful styling, brawn"

Cons: "none, really...enjoy!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Love this car, great lines and is as solid as they come. Even with all the bells and whistles it has been reliable transportation (but suggest the extended warranty anyway). Great road car, which we use quite frequently on the highway...oh yeah, the highway. It is incredibly fast, once your at highway speeds, the 5.5 litre engine and 7 speed tranny pegs you to the seat when passing. Excessive speeds are difficult to avoid, so caution is a must. Great job MB."

6 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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They Don't Get Any Better than THIS!

By Mr Limo (IL) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 187,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned hundeds of cars in my lifetime and this one tops them all. Always bought S class and SL's. Have owned all of the BMW's and Jaguars. At age 58, decided to just buy a nice toy. I found this 2003 E320 with 180,000 miles a few months ago and have had nothing but pleasure. I had never owned a car with over 100K but was always aware of the E320 reliability. I'm SOLD!!! She drives as good as my 2007 S Class. Not one complaint. Just drove it from Chi to Vegas without any reservations. Sensational Ride. Plan to go at least another 180,000 miles. Haven't bought anything but gas (30 MPG)"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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