The Good
The 2003 E-Class excels in comfort with its supple ride and luxurious interior. Performance is strong, especially in the E500 and E55 AMG variants. For the practical buyer, it offers a reputation for safety and a respectable lifespan. Emotionally, owning an E-Class provides a sense of prestige and driving pleasure, associated with the Mercedes-Benz name.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2003 E-Class include the complex electronics, which can be prone to failure. Air suspension issues, particularly in the E500, are common and costly to repair. Corrosion can be a problem in certain climates. Regular maintenance is crucial to mitigate these issues.
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- E320: 3.2L V6
- E500: 5.0L V8
- E55 AMG: 5.4L Supercharged V8
- Horsepower:
- E320: 221 hp
- E500: 302 hp
- E55 AMG: 469 hp
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway):
- E320: Approximately 18/26 mpg
- E500: Approximately 16/23 mpg
- E55 AMG: Approximately 14/20 mpg
- 0-60 Times:
- E320: Around 7.1 seconds
- E500: Around 6.0 seconds
- E55 AMG: Around 4.6 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not typically recommended for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- E320: Leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power seats, sunroof, premium sound system, antilock brakes, stability control.
- E500: Adds features like air suspension, upgraded sound system, and more luxurious interior appointments.
- E55 AMG: High-performance brakes, AMG-tuned suspension, unique AMG styling, sport seats, and exclusive interior trim.
- All trims offered optional features like navigation, upgraded audio systems, heated seats, and advanced safety features such as Parktronic.
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2003 |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-Class |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 4-Door Sedan 3.2-Liter |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Mid-Size Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Germany |
| Manufacturing City | SINDELFINGEN |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 1648.81 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 144.78 cm |
| Overall Length | 483.36 cm |
| Overall Width | 181.1 cm |
| Wheelbase Length | 285.5 cm |
| Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.2-L V-6 SOHC 18V |
| Engine Size | 3.2L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $46,950 USD |
| Invoice Price | $43,664 USD |
| Delivery Charges | $720 USD |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Have?
How long will the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The COMAND system, while advanced, could be complex to use and prone to glitches. The E-Class also offered Tele Aid, an early form of telematics service providing emergency assistance and vehicle diagnostics.
Crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were generally positive, reflecting the E-Class's strong focus on safety. The NHTSA gave it 5-star ratings in several frontal and side-impact tests. Keep in mind, however, that safety technology has significantly advanced since 2003, so modern vehicles offer a higher level of protection.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Prices and Market Value
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cost of Ownership
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Fuel Efficiency
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Compare to Other Sedan?
Alternatives to the 2003 E-Class include the Lexus GS300/GS430 for superior reliability, the BMW 5 Series (E39) for a more engaging driving experience and potentially lower maintenance costs (depending on model year), and the Audi A6 2.7T or 4.2 for a blend of luxury and performance. The Acura TL offers a more affordable and reliable alternative, though it lacks the prestige of the German brands. If reliability is a top priority, the Lexus GS is the better choice. For driving enthusiasts, the BMW 5 Series may be more appealing. If budget is a concern, the Audi A6 or Acura TL provide comparable features at a lower price.
Ranks #755 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 755 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a Good Sedan?
Dom on May 10, 2022
Best car EVERRR!Best car I have ever owned(my first car). Great quality interior and very good suspension at the back. No squeaking at the back which is very good. Car does very quick speed when accelerating and brakes working fine. Headlights look epic when full beam. Didn’t fill gas in the car since I’ve purchased it, very reliable and good suspension in the back.
Mercedes sucks on May 10, 2021
Worst car bought ever E500I bought this car used with 121,000. Yeah, it may look nice but the air matic failed within two weeks of me having and the whole front end almost fell to the ground. I had to have the air matic suspension altered which cost me $3600. Also, now it's back in the shop for a check engine light and needs a tune up and going to cost around $1200. This is a money pit car and let me tell you Mercedes parts are expensive as heck!!! I'm getting rid of this car when I can. I already spent more on a merchanic than what I actually paid for it. Don't do it. You'll just keep putting work into it especially if it has the air matic.
K4YGLO4 on November 27, 2020
Small luxury comfortSmaller than expected, sounds great, handles well Unique W211 Styling Take care of it and it will take care of you Always do your research before purchasing a Mercedes
viotrc on September 1, 2020
the smoothest car i ever ownedvery reliable car. Just changed the oil tires and windshield wiper fluid. I also love the leg room. Power is OK but it is be smooth driving experience.
Benz fan on January 3, 2020
Most performance-centric vehicle I've ever ownedI've owed this vehicle for over 13 years. This vehicle has a naturally aspirated 8 cylinder engine with 300+ HP and 339 lb.ft of torque. This vehicle even after all these years performs like a sport car with its sports tuned air-suspension, height-adjusting control and much more. I have had some issues with brake sensors. I fixed that and drove without any issues for 10+ years. Now, I have a bit of a brake-pad wear-sensor issue. The dealer asked me to bring it in. However, I'm afraid they'll charge me an arm and a leg. So, I'm trying to fix it myself. I already replaced the left break-pad wear-off sensor and there's no issue. However, even the dealer can't find the right sensor. I'll do a bit more research and see what I do to fix that. Hopefully, that will take care of the break pad warning light on the dash. I replaced the front brakes myself using quality parts with lifetime warranty. So, I'm not too concerned. I will buy another E class or S class without questions so long the year model has no known issues.
Dwayne loves MB on December 20, 2019
Car your proud to driveReliable and surprising good on gas did well in bad weather maintenance was really not that expensive the silver color made car always look clean that was important
Dorian Gray on October 8, 2019
Most incredible car I have ever ownedThese beautifully designed luxury cars have the best of all worlds with reliability, luxury, safety, great gas mileage, gorgeous leather interior, & power like no other car I have driven. All my friends ohh & ahh when I come over.
eMark on October 2, 2019
A sport sedan, 5.0L 16 valve engine is amazing!The engine runs like new after 150,000 mi. Never takes oil! Air suspension is wonderful- 3 modes, great braking, very fast acceleration, paint, body, exhaust & interior doesn’t wear out! Fine car!
BeardGang93 on August 18, 2019
Best car I’ve ever owned, and my first carMy car sounds mean from the get, fast af for a daily. I xxxxING LOVE MY MERCEDES!!!!!!!!! Worth more than a Lamborghini 2 me haha.
ken on June 10, 2019
it is great reliable and safe driving to meI purchased a used one I very like it and confidence to me to own it. nothing has trouble, very low mileage engine run super great.
Drew B
Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma