The 03-06 Mercedes-Benz E 500 is a Bargain, but is it a good used car? Review and Test Drive by Bill
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- SOLD Early W211 E-Class Benzes have a mixed reputation - they are almost universally appreciated as being attractive, with lovely body lines and richly finished interiors. The V8s are considered to be excellent engines, and the 5G transmissions are bulletproof. But Mercedes-Benz introduced a lot of new technology in to this E-Class, and some of it is widely considered not-quite-ready for prime time. The Sensotronic brakes were so problematic for Mercedes that they recalled 680,000 cars to reprogram the software, and removed the system altogether when they refreshed the model in 2007. Also, the AIRMatic suspension is considered to be high maintenance (though not quite as bad as ABC Sport), and the variable-assist steering is a point of contention with the way it feels, if not mechanically.
All of that said, this is a $60K plus car that can now me had for less than 10% of the original window sticker, and is loaded with the kind of German opulence that makes it a joy to drive - strong V8 pull, exceptional chassis tuning, highly luxurious interior, and loads of lovely equipment all around. All of this makes it very tempting. But is it a good used car?
Probably not - short answer. Owning this car will necessitate the owner to do maintenance above and beyond many other cars in this price range. The cost of ownership will be higher than on a Lexus ES, Infiniti M, and lots of other nice cars at this price point (notice I didn't mention the BMW 5-Series). Nut they simply won't have the same soul, and that's where some people will decide the added maintenance is worth the cost.
Full review and test drive by Bill. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
"I look better in winter clothes." I know that feeling man.
The man loves his guns. Bless his heart.
Thank you Bill for recognizing the exotic dancers and others out on the front lines. God bless you
Am i the only one who thinks this Merc still looks modern today? Sure it screams mid 2000's, but that has managed to hold up and not look out of place in 2020
Santiago Rocha Looks good, but they’re built like crap!
@@continentalaquatics2725 that's so not true
Nuno the 02-08 model years haven’t held up well in the States. It’s a shame because it was most attractive E class body imo. The previous body (96-01) started with very cheap plastics in the interior and some body integrity issues, but weren’t electronic nightmares. The interiors of the current E’s...Are somewhere in the middle...a few flimsy plastics here and there, but overall, not bad. I wish Cadillac made something reliable, I wish Jaguar still made sedans and I’d trust the Lexus GS in that class over all of its competition, but I don’t think they’re nearly as inspiring.
Continental Aquatics he’ll no I drove a Mercedes with 200k+ miles drives crazy smooth
Who cares if it looks "modern?" The most sought after Mercedes-Benz cars out there today are the W123 and W126 chassis' from the 80s.
I love how Bill always refers to stowing weaponry in every car he reviews. It warms my heart.
Mercedes brochures: “a leather ass wedge keeps your tailbone from irritation on long trips.” But seriously, it’s there to keep loose 9mm rounds from getting lost between the cushions.
Nothing like a 500 with the 722.6 transmission!!!
Both are bulletproof!
So basically the car is actually reliable
@@d3m0niccity16 Yes
@@geemanbmw figured
@@d3m0niccity16 that V8 is bulletproof.
@@geemanbmw so how often do other things break on them
I just bought an E500.
It's a beast. So fast...
Love it
Thinking of getting one. What year did you get and how has reliability been?
Watch your wallet! It is empty so fast,too,but the real pleasure have no price,life is too short to be greedy!
Enjoy your car and happy new year 2021!
I found one, super clean, one owner but , all options, low miles, garaged in Florida but $7000! Worth paying a premium for a good one?
@@del7i540 thats a good price if the mileage is 100k or less
@@TVCHLORD it probably isn’t
🐦 You arE ESseNTiAL tO Us BiLL 🐦
I thought he's a goner for a second. Damn you.
Didn't realize he was into stripping.
I do love the cars, but I'm just here to listen to what Bill has to say 😂
Bill your commentary is the best, you could be reviewing domino sets for all I care. I would still watch
He should do like a consumers report where he just reviews anything, with emphasis on his personal views on culture and things that piss him off. And where you could stash a 9 or stuff an infant or how the Canadians would be chipper
Thank God you made a second post this week. I'm losing my mind (and friends, unfortunately).
This is the most under appreciated CZcams channel out there. Outstanding content and comedy! Outstanding as always!
I just pray that useless detailer doesn't got postal after the constant berating!
Dosent have the balls 2
BrianC, AMEN TO THAT!!!! this channel should have a million viewers.
Hey folks! Don't forget that if we are not legion in his channel,it is because we are exeptionnally bright people ourselves,no???
Keeping excellence confidential is the best way to preserve it!!
Happy new year everybody!!;!!
@@eatonmoorecox9141 just a million ???😠😠😠
@@olivier-pierredebelmont.3630 new year? ??? Wife to husband. .happy new year. Ans by husband. .promise? ?
Ever since selling my W211, I've been actively searching for another. There is just nothing like the W211 E class! Best looking and most comfortable E ever made.
Of course a well optioned version would be nice to find in good condition. All the base models seem to have been looked after better..
I have a mint silver 08 e350 that I love and I also have an 07 s65 amg and I can still appreciate my w211, its my third w211 that ive owned into high mileage and I swear by them, if it wasn't for a deer and a 19 year old hitting the first 2 id still have my original one today
I have an early 03 E500. I bought it brand new and ordered it in Melanite black and now it has 151k miles on it. It still feels brand new and I never had any major failures, other than having to replace the secondary battery and alternator. I have a feeling when these go bad, a whole host of electrical problems can show up, so they must be maintained. I love it, and I agree with your review 100 percent on all the pros and cons. Buy it cheap but you need to be able to afford to maintain it like a $60k MB, not a $5k car./
S B agree with everything, especially the second battery. Not many people know about it. Had a 2006 W219/C219 CLS500 with around 160k and it would cause the electronics to play up every now and then. Other lesser-known items are the harmonic balancer, crank sensor, and airmatic filter. SBC wasn’t bad, and the only “issues” were a fuel tank recall and transmission conductor plate (7G-Tronic). Was very solid otherwise.
Nice to hear you again, Bill!!
I own one of these uploaded, over engineered E 5oo,and I had never, never a major problem. Obviously I am a lucky man.
By the way, over 90% of all Taxi's here in Austria and Germany are E-Classes with Diesel-powered CDI's like the 200 or 220!!
I love this body style and this smooth riding. 🤔😀
Thanks for showing and Greetings from Austria 🇦🇹👍
Take care and stay safe 👍😎
Loved my 2003 e500. Plenty of low end torque. And you just can't beat the sound of a mercedes v8. Many bmw 540is tried to challenge me when I had this thing and they all were put in their place 😂 sad thing is car got rear ended with 185k miles on it... no problems whatsoever. Now I got an 07 e550 with almost 100 more horsepower and everything I loved about the e500 plus some features my 500 didnt have like heated and cooled seats.
Sounds nice. Hope the car is still doing well
god is good
I love this guy. Totally in his comfort zone with Mercedes. Only the finest high spec examples. Mercedes did correct SBC in the R230 too and offers a 25 year warranty on the system.
After you do all the recalls it's perfect
I'm in Michigan and loving this chill weather. I make the best of these chill days before the summer heat/humidity. Your videos bring a smile!
Bill, I owned a W124 for 15 years and 260,000 miles. Great, solid car with relatively simple electronics. I now have owned a W211 E500 for 10 years with 110,000 miles. It’s an expensive to own cars. A couple of major issues are the reliability of the SBC braking system. When it fails, the back up hydraulic brakes provide very little braking - so little that a swerve off the road onto the curb is necessary. The good news is that Mercedes has issued a warranty for the system for 25 years and unlimited mileage. Other than reliability, it is a good system. The other E 500 specific issue is the AirMatic suspension, which uses air struts at each corner. They last approximately 100,000 miles and each cost between $1000 and $1500 to replace. Front end suspension components wear out very quickly, The rubber bushings in particular. Very expensive to repair. The electrical system on the early cars was problematic with many difficult to trace electrical glitches. That said, I love the car but I am capable of doing much of the repair work myself. This is not a Honda or Toyota
Awesome.
WOW
True said,.. Once you keep up with services then you are 'prefentive maintenance..
How do you ensure you’re keeping up with maintenance? I can do the repairs and grabbing one at 123k E500 4matic wagon but don’t want to rely on dealer only when sometimes it’s better to check or change different fluids or items way sooner or even when it’s not recommended
Every car comes with a manual in the glove box, inside of that manual is a list of parts fluids and mileage that they should be changed at.
The fact is, 99% of people don’t follow their machineries particular maintenance schedule then blame it on the car for breaking.
I picked up a 03 E500 RWD and with just a multimeter, had all but one of the 30+ electrical issues solved within 2 hours and for $0.
I also own a third generation Acura Legend that’s been restored by me and I’ve owned for the past 5 years. That thing is more expensive to own, repair, and operate than my E500.
Great review as always. Had a w211 e class for 5 years and had no issue with SBC brakes( had the A005 version installed not the earlier ones). Brake fluid was changed every 2 years. The SBC warranty coverage was extended to 25 years in US so dont think is much of a stop criteria in getting a w211 which i consider as a great purchase in terms of reliability, value for money and cost of ownership.
To me, the W211 E Class is the quintessential Mercedes.
The World: Thank you healthcare workers
Bill: *Thank you strippers*
Brianna seems like she’s fun at parties.
Brianna Williams you know zero about cars, go back to talking about women things like hair and makeup. You cant drive to save your own life.
@@briannawilliams7370... haha..yes Brianna V8 Mercedes Taxis all over the place here in Germany.
@@briannawilliams7370 Not only you are wrong, but you are being extremely racist while doing it.
There is a reason why they use them as cabs, and that is because they are good, reliable, safe cars, that are very well made and equipped on the upper trims. Also, i havent seen any cabs with V8s?
@@briannawilliams7370
No, we do know how much of a scumbag he is and that's exactly why we love and adore him so much. I don't need to know another nice guy. I don't trust a guy that everybody says is such a nice guy. I'm a prick until you know me. Sorry you feel so bad about him but you're on an island. Stay well. I'm losing my mind with this bullshit going on today, so excuse me if I seem a little rude.
Bill, those flaps on the rear seatbacks are covers for the ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
Correct, but they're not flaps... they're ass wedges! LMAO
What are you talking about? Toddler anchor points are in the trunk, Bill showed them to us.
Dmitry S. lmao
I use them to help lift up the seat bottoms when folding down the seat backs. Were y’all not aware that that’s the correct way to use the fold-down seats? It also aids in vacuuming under the seats, when detailing the car. I don’t know about you, but I’m very thorough when detailing a car. If a car smells bad, the first thing I do is totally remove the seats and carpet, before shampooing them. Proper cleaning of leather seats should also be done outside the vehicle.
Thanks for the laughs after a long day. I look forward to your car selections and commentary, know you are appreciated
I bought an '05 e500 in pewter silver nearly 2 years ago, with 194k. It was sadly neglected. body was scratched, front bumper cracked, passenger seat bottom split open, rear seat upp seams busted. I did a fair ammt of work to it and it drove well. But a few weeks ago I came across an 06 e500 wagon in flint grey with 164k. This thing IS immaculate! The exact opposite of the sedan in regards to previous owners meticulousness. Car drives like brand new. Interior like 9.8/10, exterior like 9.0/10. I got it for $5,500 ($300 out of pocket due to a $5,200 profit on a Kubota I sold last month). Has power litmftgate, harmon kardon, push button ignition, heated & ventilated front seats, the aiming big xenon headlights yada yada. Absolutely love it. Thank goodness I have my own lift though and down my own work :D
"You know" count: 61
First of all Bill, your concern for the strippers of America is truly touching and shows just how selfless you truly are. And you can probably count me as one of the 2%. As a former owner of a 124 400E, cars like these can be large fun. I agree with you on the brakes not really being an issue. The 05 E320CDI I bought from you guys stops just fine.
27:24 wow great analogy, built-in nav units from the early 2000’s are like built-in PacMan
Love the W211. Had a 320 which was fantastically reliable. Very solid and sturdy car. If you're gonna own one, a suitable diagnostic computer tool is a must.
*I have this same generation C Class and it's been pretty reliable for me, but now that it is 14 years old and is getting more expensive to maintain, it is sadly time to move on. I love this generation of MBs*
"Thank you too the strippers"😂🤣😂🤣😂
Man you are one of the most entertaining people showing nice cars out there and there are a lot. Thanks!
I’m just here to listen to Bill rant about anything and everything. I feel better now. Thanks Bill!
Bill!!!! Thank you!!!! Thank you for continuing to be yourself and for make me laugh!! These are times when things aren't funny, your appreciated!!!
Thanks for the review. I was looking into getting a 04 but didn't know they had so many issues.
Love these videos where you "can complain about things." Essential social commentary with superb insight into the cars we all love, sometimes misguidedly. Thanks for pointing out both strengths and weaknesses, Bill, and please continue to complain about things as you see fit, even with reckless abandon!
I put 28k miles on my now 109k mile 03 e500 rwd and it's been perfect. It would be a yes from me. Only I work on it so I dont have to deal with the high labor cost. Best car I ever had and I aint selling my unit.
Just got one at 150k for 2k good price? Its immaculate
@@anthonypineda972 sounds like an awesome deal.
I have watched many of your reviews in researching Mercedes purchases over the years and you never fail to inform, enlighten, and absolutely crack my shit up all once. Thanks!
Your videos are the best. My father was a wholesaler and I dabbled in the car business a bit. You make me miss the colorful characters I used to do business with. I’ll never think of Mrs Howell the same way again.
I may never get down to Naples, but I love your videos!
Bill you are absolutely nuts, you had me going there for a second lol
Bill is hilarious especially when he talked about the lady volunteering at the hospital.
Love your honesty and humourism. Thanx for the vid.
I have an 04 E500 we bought new. I will have to say, it has been a great car. Just a few problems here and there!
I came here for a car review, I got 7 minutes of amazing morning story entertainment hahahaha I love it! Also its hilarious that the video is sectioned to different story points hahaha
I search daily for your videos, Bill. Since I’m on home lock up I need some comedic relief. Would be fun to meet ya over a bottle of fine whiskey
Keep 'em coming! I am hooked. A little banter and great facts around each car. Nice work. Coming from a backseat Canadian!
No rooster update bill. Very disappointng!
That's all I come here for
You are priceless Bill, saying what many only think to themselves. Love it!!
The entertainment value of Bill's videos... PRICELESS!! 😷😂🤣
Welcome back Bill. On your A-game. I had an 04 from 60000 to 65000 miles. I felt blessed to get out without any maintenence issues. Loved it but did not want to ever have to fix it.
Fire that idiot.
Came for the car review, stayed for the comedy! Excellent.
I have a 2006 E350 4matic. Absolutely love it.
Oh my god Bill, I was so glad to see the notification! Don’t disappear like that, we need you now more than ever! Love the toddler tie downs in the trunk! The rant about the strippers and Mrs. Howell was great! 👍
I love my e500
2004 its a great vehicle. Sure its got its lil things but its 20 yrs old almost and its very sound. Just ware parts. Nothing crazy. Makes me feel great driving it. Fast good looking and just classy
Great work, Bill! You mentioned Gilligan's Island and getting old. My take is that when you're old you suddenly switch your choice from Maryanne to Ginger. And you don't have to dig too deep to find the reason!
I'm in the 3%, and never owned a Benz before, but certainly have worked on a lot of them at the local German import dealer here, Valley Motors in the central DC-Baltimore Metro Maryland area. With 40 years of working on cars, the issues these are known for don't really scare me, and they aren't Uber expensive to deal with. Getting it right the first time is the problem with techs today and todays technology. Most are just are not trained well at all, and need to be summarily executed, along side of your detailer!
I have a client and friend who wants to GIVE me an E-500, with nearly all the goodies, panorama glass roof, HK cd changer, Black Opal, matching leather, the works. When it comes down to it , I'd pay 6k for one, and free is even better. But for me, fixing them is cheap (relatively) and easy , which is not the case with the average moron.
No matter what this car's issues are, they aren't anywhere near as bad as the 00's Cadillacs were. Those NorthStar V-8 motors, while fun to drive the 300+ HP and 32 valve DOHC, were not long-liver's. I never saw or worked on one with over 50K on it that DIDN'T need head gaskets, not to mention addressing numerous Valdez-level oil leaks.
What was needed was the engine pulled and completely disassembled. Then all the head bolt holes drilled deeper into the bed of the engine block with larger holes, then have the engine block head bolts studded. Not more blowing head gaskets. This is what GM should have done when building them. Time-Cert repairs and oversized bolts were a short lived band aid, which never held up. Once you stud the blocks, and properly address the oil leaks with upgraded solutions, the cars would run forever. If course the cheap plastic interior components fall apart, dashes warp. Not so on the E-500.
I mention the Cadillac's here because the higher end Deville DTS and DHS were comparably priced and supposed to compete with the E-500 in that early-mid 00's time frame. Even with the E-500's known issues, they really are worth the 10% of original MSRP they sell for today, I wouldn't take a free Cadillac anything, especially with a NorthStar motor, neither of the Caddy versions or the Old's versions in the Aurora, which were more overpriced expensive junk.
At least the Mercedes is a decent car at heart and can be repaired, though it's still a big issue finding someone competent enough to repair anything today.
Cadillac's, unless you are a top tier tech who can think outside the box, aren't worth spit, before of after the warranty expired. But people like them and continue to buy them with the NorthStar equipped Valdez boar anchor in spite of all the true horror stories, which the E-500 only begins to compete with
One of the best youtubers! I laughed throughout the video. I love the sound of his voice and commentary is hysterical.
I own this model. Bill has nailed it....a refreshingly honest and accurate commentary. A really nicely built car with questionable (but tolerable) reliability issues.
I have to imagine a lot of these suspension or braking issues and systems can be deleted or converted to more simple systems. Would anybody have any idea if that even makes sense? I mean the airmatic suspension, braking system, etc.?
I always get a good laugh from Bill. Can’t wait for your podcast 😁
Another sign of advanced age? Saying whatever pops into your head without caring. Great review. Thanks.
Great video bill, thank you!! Nice Mercedes, gorgeous amounts of wood trim!! Can't wait to see you review that Bentley and that Lexus convertible !!!
I’m definitely in the 2% of weirdos! Anything with that V8 is fine by me
This car with just a muffler delete sounds awesome. You put full exhaust on it and it sounds even better.
It's nearly 8am here in scotland Bill. and my day has got off to a good start. Thanks.
Awesome review as usual
Bill you made my day with your first 10 minutes it was the most entertaining 10 minutes I've had for the whole month
Love the video. You’re back in form 👍 Love the Gilligans Island reference. Funny how you joke about kids in the trunk. I valet park cars and occasionally I had some guests who would put their children in the hatch of an SUV under that cover. They’d open the back door and I’d see kids coming out which stunned me. Made me think of the First Transporter Movie 🍿 Do have any advice for anyone looking to do similar work to what you do?
Bill, you are gold! I'd watch your clips even if you were n't reviewing cars.. They are the best - sadly I can't get down to your yard because I'm in Australia. Keep them coming!!
Always a great story and review with your videos
How does the E350 compare to it? Which is a better used E class in your opinion?
Keep pumping out these videos!!
stems and seeds , I learn something new about bob every video
bill, i'm watching this from michigan. born n' raised. come on up and review all the SUV's you enjoy so much. the weather is on its way to warm for a while!
Come in Bill Christopher Cross is the last of a dying breed of real musicians.
The W211 is my personal favorite of all Mercedes sedans. Beautiful automobile.
Great review, Bill. I have a 2013 E350 4Matic I would love to see you review one.
amazing videos as always , calm
From The Netherlands (Europe): I was looking for a channel with a review of a MB E500 W211.
Well, I found it yes! Thank you Bill, I enjoyed your review a lot :) Keep up the good work.
And tomorrow I will buy an E500, which originally comes from Florida and was imported to The Netherlands some years ago.
LOL!! BILL!! you NEVER fail to entertain folks in the best way, especially during this horrible lock down - GREAT JOB!
There's one I'm interested in that's 04 e500 with 160000 miles is 4500 a good price ?
"She is not an unappealing broad for someone in their sixties." - You rock Bill
😂😂😂
I lived in Tampa for a year...the longest summer of my life.
Does Auto Europa still sell cars? When I do a search for it I see an Auto Europa mechanic shop but I don’t see any car sales.
also PLEASE do the sport trac!! haha we had one many moons ago, i'd love to see that one - looks dope in that color
Funny you mentioned the braking by wire, when I used to drive GLA & CLA’s for work - I remember making comments about how much I hated the brakes at low speeds.
And now I know why. Lmao
Bill Love these intros you've become one of my CZcams faves..
One of your best Bill. Keep going...
Bill - one of these days you're gonna have that one right car, and I will be flying down to buy it from you, just to have the pleasure of meeting you In person and shooting the sh!t about all things automotive with you - feel like we had parallel lives growing up and loving cars.. You rule sir..
A close friend of mine had a 2003 E500 in silver...loved it but he knew it was close to having a ton of problems...sold it a year in for what he paid for it, only out $200 of repairs into the car in that time. Now he has a Saturn
Came for the review, Stayed for the laughs! Keep it up
Bill! If I make it to Florida someday I'm gonna come by and I fully expect to open the hood for you during a review. You always struggle with it one handed!
“Donna Summer, Ice-T” 😂
Wonderful as ever . I will watch the Sporttrack
I had a homemade 8 track stuck in my car as I was waiting for my new car to be shipped to the dealer, of course shipment was delayed. It took years before I could hear "Hello Darling" again
I come for the opening lines and stay for the cars. Good stuff for a sales/review.
Bill , I can’t go a week without your videos!! I don’t want to sound demanding at all but I’d love to see a video on that Lexus IS250/350 Convertible AND that gorgeous white Toyota Solara next to it. I know I knowwwwww people are gonna day they are girly cars but damn they’re nice and I have a black Solara SLE V6 coupe, one of the best cars I own, and I have two Lexus as well.
Great Review !