For those considering a pre-owned 2003 E320 Mercedes, it’s essential to be aware of a few potential problem areas. While generally a reliable vehicle, certain components require scrutiny due to their age and typical wear. Understanding these can save you from unexpected expenses down the line.
Common Concerns for the 2003 E320
Several points of concern are commonly discussed amongst Mercedes-Benz owners and mechanics regarding the 2003 E320 model.
Radiator and Transmission Fluid Contamination
One notable issue involves the radiator. Failure in this component can lead to coolant mixing with the transmission fluid. This contamination can cause significant damage to the transmission, resulting in costly repairs. It’s a well-documented problem for this era of Mercedes vehicles.
SBC Sensonic Brake Control System
The 2003 E320 is equipped with the Sensonic Brake Control (SBC) system, a brake-by-wire technology. This system, while innovative, is known for potential component failures. It’s important to note that Mercedes-Benz extended warranties to 10 years on SBC components for these models, which would now be expired on a 2003 vehicle. Later E-Class models moved away from SBC to a more conventional braking system.
Electrical System and Battery Configuration
Early models, including the 2003 E320, utilized a dual battery electrical system along with a separate battery control module. Later models (from 2007 onwards) simplified this to a single battery system. While not inherently problematic, the dual battery system is a characteristic of the earlier 2003 e320 mercedes electrical architecture that differs from later iterations.
Teleaid System Limitations
Vehicles from this period, including some 2005-06 and all pre-2005 models, featured an analog Teleaid/MBRACE system. This analog system is no longer functional unless owners have invested in a potentially costly digital upgrade supported by Mercedes-Benz. Basic emergency services that were once standard are now unavailable without this upgrade.
Essential Maintenance Considerations
Regardless of the specific model year, regular maintenance is crucial. For all 2003 e320 mercedes and similar models, transmission fluid and filter replacement is recommended, especially as mileage approaches or exceeds 50,000-70,000 miles. This preventative maintenance can significantly extend the life of the transmission.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Advice
For anyone considering purchasing a used 2003 E320 Mercedes, a thorough pre-purchase inspection is highly advisable. Ideally, this inspection should include a diagnostic scan using a system like Star Diagnostic. This allows a mechanic to check for error logs and fault codes across all vehicle modules. These logs can reveal past and present issues, providing valuable insight into the vehicle’s condition and maintenance history. While dealerships may not readily offer this level of diagnostic detail, an independent Mercedes-Benz mechanic should be able to perform such a scan. Examining error logs can indicate not only the nature of any faults but also when they occurred and how frequently they have been recorded.
