2004 Mercedes E500
Discussion
nottusleinad said:
Folding mirrors are a PITA... the constant folding when you lock/unlock the car fractures the wires inside. I sorted mine out a couple of weeks ago (the indicator and the electric motor packed up - 7 of the 8 wires were broken !
You need a stupid 5 pointed safety torx type socket to remove the wing mirror, but once it's off and you've got at the loom it's an easy fix with some cheap flexible wire and a soldering iron.
Cubanite Silver is definitely the best colour ;-)
Thanks for that, but the mechanism is shot, looks like its taken a clout at some point.You need a stupid 5 pointed safety torx type socket to remove the wing mirror, but once it's off and you've got at the loom it's an easy fix with some cheap flexible wire and a soldering iron.
Cubanite Silver is definitely the best colour ;-)
Bit of an update, have just returned from a 2900 mile trip to Calpe (near Alicante, Spain) and back. The car was incredible - 500 mile range, seats that meant after 16 hours travelling I got out without an ache, very capable (and dare I say it...fun) in the pyrenees and spanish back roads (I stayed at a villa for a week, so took the opportunity properly explored the local area and found the best road I've ever experienced) the torque of the 5.0 proved enough for the mountain roads and for dispatching of the (by far the worst drivers on the trip) belgian drivers.
Totally faultless and perfect for the job - at 80 it was averaging 29.5mpg on the autoroutes, although there was a fair amount of very enthusiastic driving, mountain roads and traffic at times so the the overall average for the trip was a still impressive (in my book) 27.3mpg.
Was supposed to take 3 days to get back to the uk, but yesterday I realised I wasn't tired after 400 miles so pushed on and managed 836 miles in a day! Shaving a day off the trip back finally got back at 2:30am, a cow wondering into the A20 resulting in a particularly gruesome pileup what must of been seconds before we arrived meant, after 13 hours travelling we where stuck stationary for over an hour whilst the police investigated fully - No word on any fatalities yet so hopefully everyone will be ok.
It was totally faultless, easy and I would urge anyone who hasn't to try driving instead of flying to mainland europe - Our 4 day drive down was very easy, arriving at our overnight stops mid afternoon and exploring/beaching. Day one was a national park just outside Troyes, day two a beach in the south of france, day three Barcelona (including ample time being tourists exploring the city and sitting at a beach bar) and day four we arrived at Calpe. The drive back was much quicker but on the scenic route through the pyrenees was incredible. Having the car for a week at the villa beat any (normal) hire car too.
To summarise, I would not have enjoyed the trip more in any other car, at any budget.
Some rubbish/boring phone pics...
Weird to think after a days travelling you could be at this...
Or after 2 days travelling you could be driving the incredible, perfectly surfaced deserted roads around this...
Totally faultless and perfect for the job - at 80 it was averaging 29.5mpg on the autoroutes, although there was a fair amount of very enthusiastic driving, mountain roads and traffic at times so the the overall average for the trip was a still impressive (in my book) 27.3mpg.
Was supposed to take 3 days to get back to the uk, but yesterday I realised I wasn't tired after 400 miles so pushed on and managed 836 miles in a day! Shaving a day off the trip back finally got back at 2:30am, a cow wondering into the A20 resulting in a particularly gruesome pileup what must of been seconds before we arrived meant, after 13 hours travelling we where stuck stationary for over an hour whilst the police investigated fully - No word on any fatalities yet so hopefully everyone will be ok.
It was totally faultless, easy and I would urge anyone who hasn't to try driving instead of flying to mainland europe - Our 4 day drive down was very easy, arriving at our overnight stops mid afternoon and exploring/beaching. Day one was a national park just outside Troyes, day two a beach in the south of france, day three Barcelona (including ample time being tourists exploring the city and sitting at a beach bar) and day four we arrived at Calpe. The drive back was much quicker but on the scenic route through the pyrenees was incredible. Having the car for a week at the villa beat any (normal) hire car too.
To summarise, I would not have enjoyed the trip more in any other car, at any budget.
Some rubbish/boring phone pics...
Weird to think after a days travelling you could be at this...
Or after 2 days travelling you could be driving the incredible, perfectly surfaced deserted roads around this...
Quick update, up to 108k now and its still pretty much trouble free.
The front lower ball joints are just starting to go though, so i'll tackle that and a very, very thorough service over christmas I think.
Quick question, Although the tyres where pretty much new (MO-Rated Continentals) the fronts are barely worn but the rears haven't got that much left (no idea why...)
I wouldn't normally bother with them but as I plan to move to an E55 or E63 next and they have the same size tyres, any recommendations for winter tyres? I want something reasonable on hard packed snow/ice but still fairly decent on the mostly summer conditions we have here in the winters. 265/35 18 rears 245/40 18 fronts.
Oh and the road tax is due next month, I think its about 260.
The front lower ball joints are just starting to go though, so i'll tackle that and a very, very thorough service over christmas I think.
Quick question, Although the tyres where pretty much new (MO-Rated Continentals) the fronts are barely worn but the rears haven't got that much left (no idea why...)
I wouldn't normally bother with them but as I plan to move to an E55 or E63 next and they have the same size tyres, any recommendations for winter tyres? I want something reasonable on hard packed snow/ice but still fairly decent on the mostly summer conditions we have here in the winters. 265/35 18 rears 245/40 18 fronts.
Oh and the road tax is due next month, I think its about 260.
. crosseyedlion said:
Quick update, up to 108k now and its still pretty much trouble free.
The front lower ball joints are just starting to go though, so i'll tackle that and a very, very thorough service over christmas I think.
Quick question, Although the tyres where pretty much new (MO-Rated Continentals) the fronts are barely worn but the rears haven't got that much left (no idea why...)
I wouldn't normally bother with them but as I plan to move to an E55 or E63 next and they have the same size tyres, any recommendations for winter tyres? I want something reasonable on hard packed snow/ice but still fairly decent on the mostly summer conditions we have here in the winters. 265/35 18 rears 245/40 18 fronts.
Oh and the road tax is due next month, I think its about 260.
If the ball joints are the adjustable air shocks you may find Merc want you to purchase a whole new shock at a silly price. There is a place in Liverpool that rebuilds the ball joints in situ, had both of my old SL500 ones done for peanuts and never had an issue. PM me if needed and il dig out the name from an old post.The front lower ball joints are just starting to go though, so i'll tackle that and a very, very thorough service over christmas I think.
Quick question, Although the tyres where pretty much new (MO-Rated Continentals) the fronts are barely worn but the rears haven't got that much left (no idea why...)
I wouldn't normally bother with them but as I plan to move to an E55 or E63 next and they have the same size tyres, any recommendations for winter tyres? I want something reasonable on hard packed snow/ice but still fairly decent on the mostly summer conditions we have here in the winters. 265/35 18 rears 245/40 18 fronts.
Oh and the road tax is due next month, I think its about 260.
S800VXR said:
If the ball joints are the adjustable air shocks you may find Merc want you to purchase a whole new shock at a silly price. There is a place in Liverpool that rebuilds the ball joints in situ, had both of my old SL500 ones done for peanuts and never had an issue. PM me if needed and il dig out the name from an old post.
Cheers, I'm actually aware of them. However, on the Eclass its an 'Airmatic' system as opposed to the 'ABC'(hydraulic) system fitted to Sl's, Cl's and some S-classes. Whilst not without its flaws airmatic doesn't suffer the ball joint issue you mention (iirc) and is generally cheap(er) to maintain and less prone to failure - one of the deciding factors in me getting an E500 over a CL at the time. It's the bottom arm ball joints, I noticed very slight signs when I was doing the upper ones (the lowers are a little trickier to get to). A common Eclass fault.
I'll hopefully get an ABC car one day, did you put a lot of miles on it after having the strut ball joints done?
Fattyfat said:
Lovely car OP.
I recently looked at a 2007 E320 CDI Sport estate and was very impressed, I can only imagine the E500 is a beast!
Very respectable fuel figures too, My V6 Alfa is doing similar mpg with a much smaller capacity.
Thanks, even with the AMG bits on it - it still seems to suprise. My average so far is at 24.4mpg now, plenty of sitting in traffic, enjoying the torque and town driving in that.I recently looked at a 2007 E320 CDI Sport estate and was very impressed, I can only imagine the E500 is a beast!
Very respectable fuel figures too, My V6 Alfa is doing similar mpg with a much smaller capacity.
It beats BMW 750il, 540i and 530i Noticably on fuel - not that much worse than the e36 328i I ran and only 4mpg off the Renaultsport Clio 200 I ran earlier in the year (same commute). Pretty remarkable really, I think the 7 speed makes a big difference, its rarely over 1500rpm moving with normal traffic - although the motorway mpg isn't that amazing due to the wide tyres I suspect.
I know there will be bills along the line, but its been a pretty cheap 5 months motoring considering the miles I did! Kept getting tempted by a lease c63 but really don't think id enjoy it enough over this to shell out another 500 a month.
I'd like to try an E320 CDI, for most driving I think it wouldnt be the v8 i'd miss but the Airmatic suspension, seek out one with it fitted. Its a brilliant system.
I think the one I looked at had air in the rear? Not sure about the front. In fact I only noticed the paddle shifters behind the wheel at the end of the test drive!
The car itself was in pretty good nick, loads of history with a recent going over by a reputable indy. All I could note was it needed a little paint touch up on the lower front drivers side wing and the leather on the drivers seat showing a little wear - to be expected at 120K.
The mileage was the bugbear for me, silly attitude on my part really as the car looks good value and is within my budget. The vendor still has it though...
The car in question http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
A E500 would be more 'me' but I didn't come away thinking the diesel was wanting for more shove.
Sorry for the slight thread derailment
The car itself was in pretty good nick, loads of history with a recent going over by a reputable indy. All I could note was it needed a little paint touch up on the lower front drivers side wing and the leather on the drivers seat showing a little wear - to be expected at 120K.
The mileage was the bugbear for me, silly attitude on my part really as the car looks good value and is within my budget. The vendor still has it though...
The car in question http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
A E500 would be more 'me' but I didn't come away thinking the diesel was wanting for more shove.
Sorry for the slight thread derailment
That looks like a lovely car, although quite pricey for the mileage and spec.
I'd be worried about no command and the miles at that price.
The airmatic system is different to the self levelling that all the estates have, quite a rare option unless fitted as standard. Really enhances the Jekyll and hide character.
The shove is probably similar from the 320cdi but the 500 will have that shove over a 5k rpm band!
Personally i'd spend less getting a 2004-2006 (before the facelift but after the 2003/4 improvements, prices are much more for a 2006-) large petrol one (ie. 500) and budget more for fuel. Less to go wrong with the petrols too so i'd be less worried about 120k miles. The extra kit of a 500 would be enough for me ignoring the engine - superb active seats, airmatic suspension other bits bundled in as standard.
That said, an E320Cdi sport estate would be a brilliant car.
I'd be worried about no command and the miles at that price.
The airmatic system is different to the self levelling that all the estates have, quite a rare option unless fitted as standard. Really enhances the Jekyll and hide character.
The shove is probably similar from the 320cdi but the 500 will have that shove over a 5k rpm band!
Personally i'd spend less getting a 2004-2006 (before the facelift but after the 2003/4 improvements, prices are much more for a 2006-) large petrol one (ie. 500) and budget more for fuel. Less to go wrong with the petrols too so i'd be less worried about 120k miles. The extra kit of a 500 would be enough for me ignoring the engine - superb active seats, airmatic suspension other bits bundled in as standard.
That said, an E320Cdi sport estate would be a brilliant car.
crosseyedlion said:
Cheers, I'm actually aware of them. However, on the Eclass its an 'Airmatic' system as opposed to the 'ABC'(hydraulic) system fitted to Sl's, Cl's and some S-classes. Whilst not without its flaws airmatic doesn't suffer the ball joint issue you mention (iirc) and is generally cheap(er) to maintain and less prone to failure - one of the deciding factors in me getting an E500 over a CL at the time.
It's the bottom arm ball joints, I noticed very slight signs when I was doing the upper ones (the lowers are a little trickier to get to). A common Eclass fault.
I'll hopefully get an ABC car one day, did you put a lot of miles on it after having the strut ball joints done?
Did about 5k with them, 2.5 of that was through europe on a big tour down through Nice and Monaco etc. Never missed a beat.It's the bottom arm ball joints, I noticed very slight signs when I was doing the upper ones (the lowers are a little trickier to get to). A common Eclass fault.
I'll hopefully get an ABC car one day, did you put a lot of miles on it after having the strut ball joints done?
crosseyedlion said:
That looks like a lovely car, although quite pricey for the mileage and spec.
I'd be worried about no command and the miles at that price.
The airmatic system is different to the self levelling that all the estates have, quite a rare option unless fitted as standard. Really enhances the Jekyll and hide character.
The shove is probably similar from the 320cdi but the 500 will have that shove over a 5k rpm band!
Personally i'd spend less getting a 2004-2006 (before the facelift but after the 2003/4 improvements, prices are much more for a 2006-) large petrol one (ie. 500) and budget more for fuel. Less to go wrong with the petrols too so i'd be less worried about 120k miles. The extra kit of a 500 would be enough for me ignoring the engine - superb active seats, airmatic suspension other bits bundled in as standard.
That said, an E320Cdi sport estate would be a brilliant car.
That's why I love forums, so much knowledge on tap from strangers.I'd be worried about no command and the miles at that price.
The airmatic system is different to the self levelling that all the estates have, quite a rare option unless fitted as standard. Really enhances the Jekyll and hide character.
The shove is probably similar from the 320cdi but the 500 will have that shove over a 5k rpm band!
Personally i'd spend less getting a 2004-2006 (before the facelift but after the 2003/4 improvements, prices are much more for a 2006-) large petrol one (ie. 500) and budget more for fuel. Less to go wrong with the petrols too so i'd be less worried about 120k miles. The extra kit of a 500 would be enough for me ignoring the engine - superb active seats, airmatic suspension other bits bundled in as standard.
That said, an E320Cdi sport estate would be a brilliant car.
The missus is due a change, that is to be sorted 1st and pending a transfer at work I'll know soon if I need to go diesel or big capacity petrol.
Cheers.
Mini update:
The car finally let me down. Sat in traffic going into work this morning there was smoke pouring out from under the bonnet, turned out the water pump had given up and was venting out of the tell-tale hole. The pulley was twerking all over the place!
After ringing around 3 garages no one could see it sooner than next week, being a contractor I don't get paid holiday so its a priority that I can get in. I decided to fix it myself tonight, eurocarparts delivered a pump and some antifreeze to my neighbour by lunchtime. Limped it home after work at 1000rpm, which equated to almost 45mph!
Spent 2 hours, in the dark - with a rudimentary tool kit, torch and head torch and its all fixed! Very pleased and sorted with a £55 pump.
Below is the work in progress, I've had better work areas!
The car finally let me down. Sat in traffic going into work this morning there was smoke pouring out from under the bonnet, turned out the water pump had given up and was venting out of the tell-tale hole. The pulley was twerking all over the place!
After ringing around 3 garages no one could see it sooner than next week, being a contractor I don't get paid holiday so its a priority that I can get in. I decided to fix it myself tonight, eurocarparts delivered a pump and some antifreeze to my neighbour by lunchtime. Limped it home after work at 1000rpm, which equated to almost 45mph!
Spent 2 hours, in the dark - with a rudimentary tool kit, torch and head torch and its all fixed! Very pleased and sorted with a £55 pump.
Below is the work in progress, I've had better work areas!
Ouch, unlucky.
On the bright side it looks like you've got away with it, engine isn't seized! Perhaps helped by the cold weather. Bear in mind the oil may have got hotter than usual.
When I saw the thread pop up I was thinking "I wonder how he's getting on with that Merc, he's not had any trouble with it, maybe they're less bork than I thought, I wouldn't mind an E500.." hmm.
Pig of a job? 'spensive?
Do the aux belt while you were there?
On the bright side it looks like you've got away with it, engine isn't seized! Perhaps helped by the cold weather. Bear in mind the oil may have got hotter than usual.
When I saw the thread pop up I was thinking "I wonder how he's getting on with that Merc, he's not had any trouble with it, maybe they're less bork than I thought, I wouldn't mind an E500.." hmm.
Pig of a job? 'spensive?
Do the aux belt while you were there?
Edited by scarble on Thursday 13th November 08:47
scarble said:
Ouch, unlucky.
On the bright side it looks like you've got away with it, engine isn't seized! Perhaps helped by the cold weather. Bear in mind the oil may have got hotter than usual.
When I saw the thread pop up I was thinking "I wonder how he's getting on with that Merc, he's not had any trouble with it, maybe they're less bork than I thought, I wouldn't mind an E500.." hmm.
Pig of a job? 'spensive?
Do the aux belt while you were there?
The engine never actually got hotter than usual and barely lost coolant, it was just the pump telling me it was dead.On the bright side it looks like you've got away with it, engine isn't seized! Perhaps helped by the cold weather. Bear in mind the oil may have got hotter than usual.
When I saw the thread pop up I was thinking "I wonder how he's getting on with that Merc, he's not had any trouble with it, maybe they're less bork than I thought, I wouldn't mind an E500.." hmm.
Pig of a job? 'spensive?
Do the aux belt while you were there?
Edited by scarble on Thursday 13th November 08:47
£70 for the pump and coolant, it was a pretty easy job - good access and all the bolts easy to undo. MUCH easier than when I had to do it on a 3 series. Also much easier than on a 'sensible' front wheel drive car, where they're usually driven off the cambelt.
The belt is in good shape so I've left it for now.
So, to surmise - pumps wear out and fail eventually, luckily on a v8 merc its a relatively inexpensive walk in the park to sort
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