Hi,
I'm new to the forum and I hope to become MB owner in next few days. Although nothing to compare, but to present myself. I'm 30 years old, long Astra driver and I was actually looking for get Civic 06/07, but then a friend of mine gave me this brilliant idea - to look for MB 03/04 plate. The moment I checked the prices and realized that I could have a car that I even didn't dreamed about.
What I'm looking for is either W211 E270/E320 Avantgarde, 03-04 plate. I really like the E class and Avantgarde modification. Except for the more options it more sporty car, but still a luxury car. Although the color and upholstery are not important I do prefer bright colors and not fully leather bodywork.
Never used MB before, I've done my homework and read a lot of thread at the forum, what should I be careful and look for:
- Pre 2004 models are not galvanized so rust could appear. Is this really a big problem, should I definitely look for 04 plate ?
- The dreaded Valeo radiator. Either repaired or having bher radiator. Read someone that was repaired after 9/2003.
- ATF should have been serviced at around 40k.
- Check that ALL the service bulletins have been carried out.
- Check for rust on the coil springs. Also be careful with airmatic springs.
- E320 has either I6 or V6, not sure which one is better, but I think someone mentioned that I6 is more economical. If it's 3222cc it's the straight 6, if it's 3000cc it's the V6. Never saw 3000cc on autotrader, all of them has 3222cc.
- Someone mentioned for problems with SBC (sensotronic brake control). What should I be looking for ?
- Electronic gremlins - check all electronics.
- The camshaft is chain driven so no cam-belt to change.
- Starting 2004 Avantgarde has LED rear brake lights.
Although I have few friend saying positive for E320, yet I hear contradictory opinions. I've been told by several people now to stay away from E320 for few reasons - more power which is not needed and higher service and maintenance costs in case it breaks. I really don't care about the power, coming from 1.8 Astra with 103 bhp surely I'll feel the E270 like a spaceship with its 177 bhp compared to E320 and its 204 bhp. Should I really look for E270 or as long as the car is serviced on time and properly there won't be such a problems.
I'm sorry for the spam that follows, if it's too much please ignore. I'll really appreciate comments on the my thoughts as well.
These are few E320 that I really liked:
1. That one is perfect, except it's 2003 (52 plate) so could suffer from few of the above symptoms, especially the galvanization. Costs £4000, not sure if it isn't sold yet:
Mercedes-Benz E Class E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr Tip Auto 3.2 PANORAMIC ROOF+FSH 2003
2. Another one for which I really liked the look. Grey leather or some white colors are very well combined with this car:
Mercedes-Benz E Class E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr Tip Auto Diesel Saloon 3.2 2003
3. That one is some kind of top class, looks really luxury with a lot of options and only one owner so far:
Mercedes-Benz E Class E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr Tip Auto 3.2 PAN ROOF+KEYLESS ENTRY
And few E270:
1. Little bit more money, but E270 with log millage and 05 plate: Mercedes-Benz E Class E270 CDI Avantgarde 4dr Tip Auto Diesel Saloon 2.7 2005
2. A lot of money for 52 plate, but still looks good:
Mercedes-Benz E Class E270 CDI AVANTGARDE 4DR SEQ AUTO 2.7 2003
3. Well looked, low millage, 54 plate and reasonable price:
Mercedes-Benz E Class E270 CDI Avantgarde 4dr Tip Auto 2.7 1 F/OWNER 10 STAMP FSH
I think the last one of each really worth.
After all it's a lot of luck of course, but I would really appreciate your opinions and advises on that. I haven't look for long, but really want to get one as soon as possible.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Svetoslav
I'm new to the forum and I hope to become MB owner in next few days. Although nothing to compare, but to present myself. I'm 30 years old, long Astra driver and I was actually looking for get Civic 06/07, but then a friend of mine gave me this brilliant idea - to look for MB 03/04 plate. The moment I checked the prices and realized that I could have a car that I even didn't dreamed about.
What I'm looking for is either W211 E270/E320 Avantgarde, 03-04 plate. I really like the E class and Avantgarde modification. Except for the more options it more sporty car, but still a luxury car. Although the color and upholstery are not important I do prefer bright colors and not fully leather bodywork.
Never used MB before, I've done my homework and read a lot of thread at the forum, what should I be careful and look for:
- Pre 2004 models are not galvanized so rust could appear. Is this really a big problem, should I definitely look for 04 plate ?
- The dreaded Valeo radiator. Either repaired or having bher radiator. Read someone that was repaired after 9/2003.
- ATF should have been serviced at around 40k.
- Check that ALL the service bulletins have been carried out.
- Check for rust on the coil springs. Also be careful with airmatic springs.
- E320 has either I6 or V6, not sure which one is better, but I think someone mentioned that I6 is more economical. If it's 3222cc it's the straight 6, if it's 3000cc it's the V6. Never saw 3000cc on autotrader, all of them has 3222cc.
- Someone mentioned for problems with SBC (sensotronic brake control). What should I be looking for ?
- Electronic gremlins - check all electronics.
- The camshaft is chain driven so no cam-belt to change.
- Starting 2004 Avantgarde has LED rear brake lights.
Although I have few friend saying positive for E320, yet I hear contradictory opinions. I've been told by several people now to stay away from E320 for few reasons - more power which is not needed and higher service and maintenance costs in case it breaks. I really don't care about the power, coming from 1.8 Astra with 103 bhp surely I'll feel the E270 like a spaceship with its 177 bhp compared to E320 and its 204 bhp. Should I really look for E270 or as long as the car is serviced on time and properly there won't be such a problems.
I'm sorry for the spam that follows, if it's too much please ignore. I'll really appreciate comments on the my thoughts as well.
These are few E320 that I really liked:
1. That one is perfect, except it's 2003 (52 plate) so could suffer from few of the above symptoms, especially the galvanization. Costs £4000, not sure if it isn't sold yet:
Mercedes-Benz E Class E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr Tip Auto 3.2 PANORAMIC ROOF+FSH 2003
2. Another one for which I really liked the look. Grey leather or some white colors are very well combined with this car:
Mercedes-Benz E Class E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr Tip Auto Diesel Saloon 3.2 2003
3. That one is some kind of top class, looks really luxury with a lot of options and only one owner so far:
Mercedes-Benz E Class E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr Tip Auto 3.2 PAN ROOF+KEYLESS ENTRY
And few E270:
1. Little bit more money, but E270 with log millage and 05 plate: Mercedes-Benz E Class E270 CDI Avantgarde 4dr Tip Auto Diesel Saloon 2.7 2005
2. A lot of money for 52 plate, but still looks good:
Mercedes-Benz E Class E270 CDI AVANTGARDE 4DR SEQ AUTO 2.7 2003
3. Well looked, low millage, 54 plate and reasonable price:
Mercedes-Benz E Class E270 CDI Avantgarde 4dr Tip Auto 2.7 1 F/OWNER 10 STAMP FSH
I think the last one of each really worth.
After all it's a lot of luck of course, but I would really appreciate your opinions and advises on that. I haven't look for long, but really want to get one as soon as possible.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Svetoslav