2003 Mercedes Benz E320 (W211) Review & Test Drive | Is The E320 a Bargain or Burden?

[@stevenmelsom705]

I own the same car. I'm a Carpenter. When I stop for gas I get double takes. Like I'm not allowed to own this car. It is a fantastic vehicle! Real wood and nice leather on every surface. No plastic or vinyl. I love my o3. And it has legs 148mph.

[@gvaspirated]

Incredibly built cars that have truly aged like fine wine man.

[@kevinpantera4429]

I got one! 201k miles. Motor runs like a top. 32 mph on highway. Runs well and rolls well! You go thru the gears and you roll. These cars were cabs in Europe 400k miles.

[@nessynes4800]

I am a carpenter too with a 2007 E320 cdi V6. Ticks every box for me.

[@colinchampollion4420]

Mine is a 2003 CLK 320 ~ Cabriolet that drives like a dream😊🎉!

[@kosiekoos9408]

Carpenters rock they made good music ​@@nessynes4800

[@emmanuelmejia4778]

I just got one of these E320s this week, and your video was far better and more informative than others I've seen with 100x the views. Thank you!

[@gvaspirated]

Bro thank you so much! I hope you're enjoying the car!

[@alwayyssgone]

I have a 2005 4matic sport amg package. It’s comes fully loaded, with upgraded wheels, suspension, and cosmetics, to match its amg counterpart. I purchased this car for cheap, real cheap, it has low miles, and was in immaculate condition. I daily drive it, so small things start to wear down, but it’s nothing extreme, routine maintenance, and just taking care of it, this car is a tank. And it’s timeless

[@dennispelaez6760]

I have a 2003 Mercedes E320, I purchased for $6500.00 from a 93 year old lady.. Talk about under driven you said you have 87K on yours while I have 28k on mine. Not a scratch on it and still smells like it came out from the dealer.

[@carlosguido2711]

That’s a steal damn I’m thinking of getting one too

[@qmarkett]

So many of these pre facelift w211s around that are well kept. I have a 2004 e320 and it’s my favorite car interior of all time it feels classic but not dated. Heated & cooled seats, bulletproof power train, keyless entry, good Bose speakers, nice wood and leather, rear passenger window and rear windows privacy screens… for the price of a similar year accord is hard to beat

[@bigsleez8655]

I also have a 2004 320 cdi its such a good looking car. Especially with the wooden steering wheel

[@gvaspirated]

Yeah man, when my father showed me this car, I was shocked out how pristine was. Totally agree with you

[@clamebuc1007]

I bough a jewel 2 mo ago from a one lady owner, garaged and driven only 31K miles with all the service records from MB dealer in South Carolina. Silver/light gray interior, immaculate. Did all LED inside out upgrade, 12 spark plugs E3.48, professional window tinting and a few all around service maintenance matters. Looks/runs amazing and better than new!

[@alwayyssgone]

Where did u get the lighting

[@markamd1]

The W211 is the last true Merc built. I own a 2008 E320 BLUETEC and love the vehicle, it also has the panoramic roof, super build quality. Great review thank you!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

I just bought one of these, a 2003 e320. I'm a long time BMW fan/owner, but this early W211 really drives like a dream. Even better than many BMW's I've owned. Build quality is superb. Substantially better than my W140 S500.

[@ivor1689]

I have a 2003 E270 CDI Avantgarde spec. Which has a 5 cylinder diesel engine. A bit noisy when cold but when warmed it pushes you along quietly. It had has sports suspension which makes the car sit 40mm lower and stiffer but it still soaks up the bumps quite well and loves tight corners almost as nimble as a smaller car. And for a car this old, it still has plenty of life in it and only just passed the 100,000 mile mark a few years ago. And it still turns heads to this day. I love driving it and not bad to work on having changed the thermostat and basic serviciing. I did have to replace the front SAM unit and the SBC pump was replaced by the last owner which was costly. I hope to keep it running for a while yet.

[@gvaspirated]

So far going strong!

[@robertallen9022]

I have a 2003 5cylinder 270 wagon with 160,000 miles .Next month driving from the uk to granada spain. It loves long journeys and gets you there in comfort.

[@bobbybox5511]

​@robertallen9022 l did the same journey in my e270. Also over to the Balearics on the way back up. No issues whatsoever.

[@kiko1605]

I have a W210.. have it for 17 years.. Yesterday I went to look at a 2003 W211 3.2 low mileage... Tomorow I'll go again with my nephew who is my mechanic;) If he gives his seal of approvement.. Then I will buy it!.. Your vid is great dude!

[@markog9386]

Currently watching this from the drivers seat of my 2005 e320 (I am parked). You get a LOT of car for the price.. They are affordable to own if you do your own maintenance.

[@gvaspirated]

I agree man... This car is perfect for a mechanically savvy purchaser!

[@stephaniewilson962]

Thank you for your knowledge. I am the 2nd owner of my E320, 2003, & I love this car. It’s now 2022, & I am now having minor repairs, front end alignment, right/left arm joints for turning, all brakes rotors replaced, tires for the winter, & now need to get air bag & sunroof maintenance. Inside interior seems beige or stone color, hard to tell if it’s a light gray.

[@OrlandoGarcia-jz8lp]

I have a 2006 E350 and I am in love with the design. The inside of my interior is almost exactly the same, with some minor differences.

[@gvaspirated]

yeah man these w211's are gorgeous!

[@JiggyJiggy21]

Just bought a 2003 E500 with 82k miles. I wasn't going to buy German cars at first, but Japanese cars prices are sky rocking right now. I can't believe people want 7k-10k for 150k-200k miles old Hondas/Mazda,..

[@gvaspirated]

People seem to be flooding to them now because of reliability and supply shortages. At least I think that's the main cause. Hope you enjoy the e500! It's an extraordinary car for the money. Only thing that concerned me was the air suspension.

[@IT_Farhan]

M113 is a very solid engine, make sure to do the crankshaft position sensor, they go around 100k miles and can leave you stranded. It’s a $20 part and isn’t too hard to do

[@NokiaHumanForm]

@@IT_Farhan yea low mileage M112/M113 engines are more vulnerable to this. When used examples on the market actually reached that mileage threshold, they sure have their CPS sensor replaced already by the previous owner. The replacement part is also more reliable least thats what the experts say.

[@IT_Farhan]

@@NokiaHumanForm ah, yes that’s the case with a lot of issues (coming up early on). I may have had an early error prone version - I had one go out on a 2001 m112 at ~9 years/105k miles.

[@jt8280]

Exactly. just wait till the chip shortage is resolved and the high miles Japanese cars will be worthless.

[@Jms3424]

I have this car, one of the most reliable cars ever if it’s been maintained, after 20 years had to have some front suspension work & the heat/air conditioning controls replaced, Mercedes did good with this model

[@kevspec]

Skip the gasser, 05/06 e320 cdi is the one to get! The pre-emissions i6 turbo diesel is known to last 500k miles + and they do 40 mpg highway. My daily right now and it’s the literal best for my 80 miles a day

[@gvaspirated]

WOW 40 MILES? Jeez!

[@DFWAuto_Hack]

V6 like this 40mpg for real? Humm

[@yyznawar6568]

@@DFWAuto_Hack i6

[@zfunk9]

@@DFWAuto_Hack I have the 2006 E320 CDI diesel and the fuel computer shows 44-45 mpg on cruise control at 75mpg on the highway.

[@mjw5879]

Yes, they’re right. Set the cruise at 75-80 and get 40 mpg. Just got back from a trip and it, in , fact did this effortlessly

[@maxxbenzz7842]

Good power, sluggish transmission. Its a quiet, solid car. But, be prepared for big bills with suspension and electronic gremlins. The best part of this car is the paint. Mine looks new after 21 years. Get lots of compliments. I get 20 mpg all city driving

[@bettycoates1093]

I just bought A E320, I love it and the ride is so smooth. Nice video...

[@gvaspirated]

Congrats Betty! Hope you enjoy it! Thank you very much. More to come!

[@lorenzomoore6398]

My favorite bodystyle of these especially after the 2007 refresh..

[@reinaldoaponte4872]

My wife’s car is a 2004 E320 and has 79,000 miles and love it, excellent size, performance. We get people asking if it’s for sale and of course we thanks but no sale.

[@ArnaudSiemons]

"Put your business cards here". Loved that one...

[@guillermoespitia8173]

I love my 08 e320 blue tec. It’s my moms daily for now but I’m trying to buy her a different car so I can have my Merc back. Installed a head unit with apple car play and a back up cam, I swear I feel like I’m in a new car. 130k ish miles and it just feels so good to drive. The Harmon kardon speakers if came with just is a cherry on the top.

[@gvaspirated]

The driving experience is spectacular man, it's almost shocking how comfortable these E's are given their age. Even the non-airmatic

[@neps4th]

This is my 2nd MB; an '04 E320. I LOVE it !

[@francescobalestrieri7096]

My 2004 E320 was bought brand new from my grandma. Now it’s my car. I’m the 2nd owner and got it with 48,800 miles on it and now has almost 133,000 miles on it. It’s my 2nd I ever owned W211 because but ironically it’s the reason why I love W211s because I remember it when she got it when I was 2 years old in 2003

[@francescobalestrieri7096]

I’ve had 4 Mercedes already and I’m 23 years old. 2 W211s and 2 R129 SLs, E320 is black. My 2008 E350 was jade green, my 1997 SL320 was black and a parts car I had and my 1995 SL500 is Tourmaline green

[@MacarioLunaMestizo]

The best car I ever bought,you can’t compare with a Honda accord,My have 146k miles we had repaired same common problems (alternator, battery,ac compressor) like any other used car

[@ItsyaboyR.B]

I bought my 2004 e320 August 2021 from auction with 102k miles on it for $1400. Whoever had it did not care about the car. Front and rear bumper damage, driver fender was damaged, passenger side mirror was damage. I replaced all that. Took to mercedes dealership and had them fix sbc system for free since it was under warranty for 25 years. I just got it painted and for $650 dollars it look like a good 6-7k car now

[@gvaspirated]

sorry you had to go though that man. unfortunately most of these cars suffered similar fate. glad things got resolved!

[@Ali-lq7eu]

How much did you initially pay for it

[@ItsyaboyR.B]

@@Ali-lq7eu I paid $1400 for the car from auction.

[@alwayyssgone]

@@Ali-lq7eu$1400 it says it right there

[@seer7327]

Om648 and you've got the ultimate combo: fuel economy and real power. This era of diesel is one of the very best, from any manufacturer.

[@MrMisanthrope1RBjr]

i have same car only mine is black. Ive put 40,000 miles on it. been great car, reliable. Helps alot if your can work on them yourself of course. the no dip stick feature kinda freaked me out at first but its worked fine. ha

[@Michael.Chapman]

A Great Review :-) I’ve owned the near identical 2005 W211 E350 AvantGarde for 9 years, so know many of its faults. The AvantGarde trim level gets factory lowered sports suspension-the Elegance level suspension provides a superior ride, similar to the awesome W124 300E. All up, the E320/ 350 are so enjoyable to drive--vibrations, squeaks or rattles are non-existent, steering, handling, SBC braking and throwability are great--with 10 airbags, etc. you have safety. There’s loads of very clever features and gadgets-often first seen on the E and S Classes then diffusing to lesser vehicles. IMO, during initial ownership you should service 6-monthly until fully sorted. I love the SBC brake-by-wire and the SBC pump is heavily warranted by M-B. The worst non-mechanical issues have been exterior rubber rot, the top edge of rear seats splitting along seams, slight sag of headliner cover fabric in one area-all likely due to heat and/ or sunlight. These deterioration problems never occurred on my 28 yo W124 300E.

[@kevinpantera4429]

Has some electical issues with mine. Put in shutoff on battery so solved this issue. Love my e320, not selling it.

[@luisgalvan4784]

Thank you for this great review just bought one very fair price and good condition so far love it

[@ooh_geza]

Thumbs up my guy, fantastic presentation. I'm heading out to get an '08 E350 asap. Thanks so much

[@qmarkett]

Do you have a guide to how to link the Bluetooth?

[@Elmosmashing]

Awesome review and the w211 is timeless

[@gvaspirated]

Thanks so much :)

[@adianglo]

I’m about to go see a used one tomorrow, hopefully this video gives light.

[@gvaspirated]

Keep us posted! Hope this video really helped.

[@RufaroMutevera]

I have my 2004 e200. These cars are just super good. I can't even go for 2024 models

[@aamikkalinin6385]

Look at all the room in the engine bay. Looks like a easy car to work on

[@ChevyBM]

The W211 is a wonderful car especially with the 320 and 500 motors, the design is beautiful both from the outside and inside. I had a loaded 2005 E320 in the same color as this one but mine had the charcoal leather. The maintenance i a bit expensive but if it has been maintained well and the SBC pump is changed then it is pretty bullet proof. The 320 is more affordable to own compared to the 500 that have Air-Matic suspension and larger brakes that cost more.

[@motownnow]

This automobile has only 1 simple manufacturer’s recall @ automatic sunroof/moonroof. Quickly repaired free + free car wash + free maintenance check @ Mercedes-Benz Of Beverly Hills. No stress. No worries. Solid vehicle. Smiling BIG… Used paid $2,950.00 cash from private party @ California. No complaints. Age 55. Still enjoy driving. I’ve owned many vehicles, motorcycles & boats. Etc.. #HollywoodRockStars #CEO #JamesPaulRowland

[@damian-795]

Still looks beautiful. I think these will be a classic ,as in collectable, ( the W211 ) . All cars look the same now, these stand out !

[@mpkcleaningservices-cardet2835]

Beautiful cars that require lots of maintenance as they age I bought my 2003 e320 wagon 2 years ago I’ve spent the same of purchase price in repairs & maintenance and still thing keep going wrong hopefully it stops soon so I can enjoy the car, I’ve had it for sale no interest the car whatsoever so may keep it as it’s a very comfortable long distance tourer I’m in Australia so plenty of kilometres to take the car on a long trip best mileage I’ve got is 7.8 l/km’s

[@howinyee5962]

I had a 2005 version of this. I would avoid this and go after the 2008 or 2009 model as it is far more refined and much better looking. The SBC braking system broke down on me in the mountains, scary.

[@johnnyhunter4238]

We had only mercedes E class in our taxi company for our employees my wife drove S and I drove ML as a taxi. The only problem was the sbc pump when you drive more then 400000km. motor mounts is a maintenance repair.

[@gvaspirated]

YES! Apparently it's a huge problem for these cars and other cars like C classes (AMG especially). Thanks for bringing that up!

[@AlAl-wu7mp]

I have a 2005 E320 CDi which I bought new with over 250K on it now and will compare it's build quality to my 1985 300CD. I love driving it, it gets about 32 MPG in the city and over 40MPG on the highway. The Electric braking has an extended warrantee from Mercedes and it hasn't given me any trouble from new. Motor mounts because it's a diesel I've replaced 4 times. Would I buy it again in a heart beat.

[@Luton-Mick]

The V6 is a 3.0. Great service history and regular oil changes are a must or stretched timing chains resulting in complete failure can result and is not uncommon. The older om648 i6 3.2 is a far superior engine in terms of outright durability.

[@revaholic]

These are ok. Family had one back in the day and remember them being quite unremarkable to drive. Comfortable but not sporty. Early electric steering system would make steering feel overly light at low speeds, felt a bit inconsistent.

[@Culturelens]

Sorry if I sound a noob. is there is four cylinder version of this vehicle

[@marjoryadelaida9498]

Soon you’ll be at 10k!!!!!!!!!

[@horlahrocket388]

Looks gorgeous... is it fuel efficiency?

[@maxxbenzz7842]

Cooled seats? Didn't know they offered this on an 04?

[@fibistones1410]

Well, trying to get into one of these, is the E class more fuel economical or the C? I’m a fan of C230 and C240 but don’t know their difference

[@510livid9]

Where can I get that front license plate holder?

[@samfromprague2688]

I love these E klasse, the most beautiful cars

[@gvaspirated]

Yes they are!

[@47FT47]

Dope video, I have the 03 e320 slammed on 19 deep dishes and a titanium race exhaust installed, the amount of times I get told I have a nice “v8” is quite nice haha

[@SPAWNOFSATAN013]

Holy hair great review. I just found one witn 86k miles.

[@maxxbenzz7842]

Same car. Just wish it had an aux input jack to play music from my phone

[@alwayyssgone]

I used a Bluetooth that I stick into the back cigarette lighter, it works perfect, and I have the upgraded speakers so the sound is seamless, it’s no static. And when u turn the car on your phone automatically connects to it without you doing anything. Cost about $40. And it has 1 type c port and 1 usb port built in. And it’s a fast charger. U just plug it in, and sync the radio stations. And you have a cigarette lighter port in the trunk, if u want to completely conceal it.

[@maxxbenzz7842]

@alwayyssgone not sure what you mean. If the radio doesn't have an Aux output jack, or even an aux menu button the radio isn't capable of doing anything with your phone. Unless maybe you hard wire blutooth jack into the back of the radio or something, u aren't playing music with a phone on an 03 E320 stock radio If I'm wrong, post some pics of what you are talking about.

[@StaceyJacobs-r6d]

I was given one of these ,i like it , needs some reoairs thou

[@peralozac4046]

e200 are mostly taxis not e320 , e200 often goes 700-800tkm no problem when maintained properly.

[@gvaspirated]

Thank you for clarifying!

[@northsideghost4632]

Im thinking about grabbing one but it has 178k miles on it. They only want 3k for it. What do ya think?

[@gvaspirated]

Hey Boss, check out what other cars with the similar miles are selling for. Also, be sure to check out any MB forums on the E320, beyond the issues that I listed. I think 3k is not bad, but recall that you could exceed that with maintenance. I'd ask for all available servicing on that car. Besure to look for any visible leaks, misfunctions, and take it for a test drive. If it all checks out, do it. These are awesome cars !

[@hassanamghar3031]

Just bought a e320cdi avantgarde with amg package only 72k Miles on it

[@rommelgamboa3328]

I have a 2003 E320 with 72626 miles with 20" rim staggered.

[@davidsherrick898]

I hope it doesn't mess up the suspension.

[@joshis1913]

With lpg and it rocks.

[@incyphe]

This was the last good E class before the bean counters went to town.

[@prof_Sam_G]

is 4 grand a good deal, or am I getting ripped off ?

[@Hakai1kj]

depends on the mileage and if it has any major issues

[@ElegantLife_]

You mean the 3rd generation of e320 since e320 ran from the at least the w210 era

[@lorenzomoore6398]

Are these Bluetooth capability

[@gvaspirated]

I think you'd need to go aftermarket screens/infotainment systems before 2004.

[@renegosen96]

What about a 2003 E240?

[@vgls88]

Same car. Smaller m112 engine displacement at 2.6L, and at 160hp it's slower but should be more fuel efficient, not by much though.

[@bigsleez8655]

@@vgls88 too small engine for the car, will probably be less efficient

[@sebouhakharjalian6707]

I own this car as well

[@playstation1331]

amazing car

[@MissionaryForMexico]

One of the worst years produced! Many Brakes issues, many fuel issues! Better years is 2002, or 2004. A burden on your wallet!

[@TommWayfarer]

I think you can't sell a luxury car using sports car criteria. I guess you're not in to luxury cars as much as you are related to sport racing cars.

[@Medborgarjournalistik]

Awesome

[@1Airmen]

Thanks

[@gvaspirated]

No problem :)

[@idkwhattonamemyself5513]

I would say get an E350

[@dariodjakovic1600]

Hell no e320 is to go. E350 too much problems

[@idkwhattonamemyself5513]

@@dariodjakovic1600 My CLK350 has had no problems in our 13 years of ownership. The 320 is slower, sounds worse, and you get less options and standard features

[@nickp97]

@@idkwhattonamemyself5513 "less options, standard Features" in BenzSpeak, less to go Wrong.

[@IT_Farhan]

Skip the 2005-7 E350s, balance shaft issues, 2008+ is fine

[@bigsleez8655]

Fuck the 350. The OM642 is trash compared to the OM648, the oil cooler will always fail eventually and its located inside the V so youll have to take apart the top of the engine. OM648 is bulletproof. Here in Germany we have some with 900k kilometers. Thats 560k freedom units

[@helengamelin4860]

good car

[@gvaspirated]

Extremely!

[@علیبیکمحمدی-و6ط]

Weher do you live?¿?

[@Cupat1]

"Roaring v6 engine" mmm really.

[@maccoretti51]

Mine was beautiful car from Osaka Japan with 100000kms. Failed air con pump, power steering rack, sunroof, headliner, window regulators, door locks, airbag suspension. An absolute pile of sh!t. Ill never buy another Mercedes.

[@kevinpantera4429]

BS I get 32mpg on the hwy!

[@gvaspirated]

I need to see pictures of that!

[@علیبیکمحمدی-و6ط]

Hiii ferend

[@gunhatornie]

Pecious years

[@shckltnebay]

2006 E350 BOUGHT with 22k WORST CAR IVE OWNED IN MY LIFE

[@motownnow]

I’m a happy owner driver of my 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 sedan V-6 4-door automatic transmission automobile. Running good @ 160K+ plus mileage. Comfortable. Tuned in solid stock stereo. Buy my own parts. Top quality. Best prices. Hire talented independent professional mechanic friend. Money wise. Blessed. California, USA @ Geico Insurance Company @ $120.00 total for 6-month policy. Road trip… #JamesPaulRowland #CEO #HollywoodRockStars

[@gvaspirated]

Glad to see someone else enjoying the car like me. So far the car has been rock solid and is always a comfortable ride... not to mention stylish.