cyntaxx

Hi!

I'm currently pondering over a certain 2000 E55 on this board and was wondering about reliability issues, given that it is a six year old car. I tried to do a search but could not pinpoint the exact year, thus this post.

I've heard about rattling and quality issues with the 1999 model, which has me concerned whether the 2000 inherited them. I am considering the purchase of this car for daily driving and long commutes, so I need to make sure it is free of annoyances. Another problem I have been told is to be careful of the COMAND system and electronics that the 2000 MB's have.

Any insight on these specific problems? Anything else I need to worry about - engine, transmission, or suspension/chassis issues?

Thanks!

Charles

Fast55

I had 2 different W210's previously, and they were nearly problem free. There are common issues such as fuel tank sending units, (had 1 replaced under warranty in my E430), motor mounts (1 replaced in my 2002 E55), dash cracks, (never had that), rust, window regulators (neither W210 had that), and a few others. Also had 1 occasional hiccup out of the COMAND in the E55, nothing else. Overall much better than my '06 E55.

BENZGal

Haha Brad he is talking about my 210 that I am selling. I am offereing to sell the car for next to nothing to just get rid of it. I'm sure you can vouch for my car since you have been given a few rides in it. LOL

cyntaxx,
Many of the guys on the board have seen my car in person. You will never be able to find anyone that will remember me ever complaining about this car. I was craving more HP so I purchased a 211. We can talk tonight when I get off work, but will be more than happy to fax service records on the car. As you can see the classified post was not my first post created by a poser. I will be around on these boards with my new modified car long after my 210 sells. I would love to see a member get a car in good condition for a good price.

cyntaxx

BenzGal,

Please don't take my post as a reflection of any sort of distrust. I have not been around these cars much and, like any buyer, want to insulate myself on the side of caution. I do appreciate the amount of posts you have, as I myself am selling one of my cars on another forum and often refer the buyer to a post from here or there for transparency's sake.

As I said in my PM, I am very interested in the piece of machine you have available and am completing due diligence as we speak - it looks great thus far. My only reservation will be the 2,200 mile distance between us and the costs involved in taking delivery. Hopefully we can work something out. I received your voicemail and will give you a call when I leave the office.

Fast55

As far as I know, it never had any of these "common" W210 issues, and I know the price is right. As a matter of fact, out of all W210 E55 model years, supposedly the 2000 was the least troublesome even though it is essentially the same car from 2000-2002.

SLK55R

I have a first year E55 ... damn was that 1999 or 98? I think I had the car in 98 but it was a 99 model? Shrug don't remember anymore.

Dash Crack ... I've experienced this problem ... and this car was rarely in the sun. Always garage parked.
Fading of the B pillars.
Replace motor mounts.
Air Conditioning problem leak in a hose.
BAS sensor or something replaced. around 1k
Rattles and creaks. THis is from all the cheapo plastic in the interior. One main pain that comes back is the plastic and the bottom of the front seats.
Center wood piece warping.

THese are what I can remember ... I know that for various others things we had taken the car in for service but most repaired under warranty. Those other things must have been small because I don't remember them.

Of course the car now has over 90k miles and is still running like a champ.

JamE55

Buy it! The body style is imo nicer than the current 211.

Vic55

While I liked my W210 E55- the style is now dated, FWIW the 211 is dated.

JamE55

I agree it's dated but still there's something about the 210 that makes it nicer. Think the rear tail lights and the "boxy" look makes it classic. Dude set up a Persian meet so we can have some Koobideh. lol

Vic55

Just because you still own one!!

JamE55

Not even that. My dealer tried to sell me one but i passed on it for certain reasons.

Ted Baldwin

..............I must like the dated ones. I have a W124 coupe, a W208 coupe, a w210 E55 sedan and a W463 G55. The 463 chasis is 25 years old design. I am considering buying a W220 S600. I like cars and have never really fallen for the newest is greatest concept. If you do, you'll be changing cars every week because there is always something new out each week. It is like marrying the right girl for yourself. Once you do, it wouldn't matter that there is a hottie that moved in next door.

...............Buy the W210 E55. It is probably the most trouble free car in the AMG line up. Solidly built, no major issues.

Ted

Ashkan's C43

that should for sure be in irvine, we should all go to wholesome choice...

glennbaz

I've got 91k on my 01'. Items replaced by me include MAS, insturment cluster due to l.e.d. failure and a seat rail for clicking noise (questionable whether part was changed by dealer, I later fixed noise with a little electrical tape). I bought kthe car with 70k I'm the second owner. My wife uses it as a daily commuter. I have full faith in the car. Feel very safe and the car is QIUCK! I also have an 05' E55 and I still think aside from the handling difference I think the 01' is a better bang for the buck. I also have to sell my 01' because I'm moving cross country and have to get rid of 3 of my cars. Buy the 210 and enjoy a quick car at a reasonable price.
Glenn

DarkStar

wife had a 210 wagon, almost 100% trouble free for 30k miles. they have great build quality and are very solid...maybe better than the 211's

jangy

LOL, I got a cool cousin in OC whos name is Ashkan!!

cyntaxx - Benzgal is not just a poster on this forum. She is at the organizing of events level. Dunno if it really matters, but I have NEVER heard her biatch or moan over her ride and has always "loved" it. At any rate, I feel your angst in not taking delivery in person but that is life these days. I can assure you she will be open with you and answer ANY question you may have. She is definitely not the type to "hype" herself up. If she knows of a problem with it and you ask her, she will tell you the truth. A little cash is not worth the integrity to most. You can always make the deal contingent on an inspection by an MB dealer prior to shipping?? (Just thinking out loud)
One word of advice, though. Pay the extra $500 or so and get a reputable shipper. If not, you may be sorry. Been there and done that. Learned that not all penny's saved are worth it.

HEY!! Who says my W211 is dated?? I think it adds to the stealth mystique.

So when is the Wholesome Choice MEET???

tjcMBE55AMG

2002 W210 here ... no serious problems. It frequently doesn't think there is a CD changer ... and that's after 4 radios and 2 CD changers. Minor annoyances only.


TJC

Barada

I agree with Ted, I had a 2000 E320 and then got 2001 E55, no problems here at all (MAF on 320). I prefer the W210 sedan over the W211, and I prefer the W208 over the W209 both cars seem stronger looking with not as many edges. I have wondered what the perception of the w210 would be to the newer owners IF MB had put the Kompresser 5.5 in the last year of the
w210 as a transition to the w211, then how many people would chase after that one year run to have that body style with the improved power plant. I know I would. Also I like the fact of how rare the pre 2003 AMG's are, you never see any clk55's or e55's around here and you see 211 55's all the time. On the way back from vacation my son (he's 11) and I tried to guess how many AMG's we would see on our trip back from the beach (6hrs) he picked 5 and I told him we would not see 5 older ones. We saw 1 C32 and not for long

Back on topic to the one listed for sale. You should jump all over it at that price, if it was close to me I would grab it just because it is a deal any good condition ones under 25K is a steal and then have 2 in the garage.

JamE55

I used to wonder too but not anymore. Go get the Kleemann kit and stop wondering.

E55Cent

it is a good car, but they have thier problems. I love the car but I have put tons of money in mods and service.
here is a list of stuff I replaced at 70k
tranny $5000
differential $2000
motor mounts $300
fuel pump $500
control arms front and back $1500
cracked dash
brakes twice $1600bullet proof even with my supercharger.

Cd changer
window reg
plugs $400
The list goes on and on, but I can't remember it is a great car but you have to remember it is not a Honda or Toyota. The car takes love and a lots of $$$$ to keep it running. I saved a lot of money because I was able to do much of the work my self. As far as the motor its bullet proof.

Barada

I have thought of that myself, but also have been eyeing a C43 for the same money as the upgrade.

jangy

W210 people are so funny. Now, you consider a C as an upgrade?

Barada

No, I stated that I might buy a C43 for the amount that the Kleeman would cost for the E55, definately not as an upgrade from the E55, but an upgrade from my daily beater 190E :^).

jangy

HEhe, OK I get it.

Just messin anyways, I love all MBs

JamE55

Just go for the kleemann kit. Not everyday you see a W210 packin some heat...