Sam_Squared

I am planning on buying a W211 in a few months. So far I'm fairly certain that Ill end up with an 05-06 E320 CDI, but I am also considering an 04ish E55 amg.

The deal breakers is reliability and longevity. If I can get a well-maintained E55 with a good service record, how long can I expect it to last? I figure Ill be putting 20,000-30,000 miles on it per year and Id like to see it last me about 4-5 years.

Any input is appreciated.

ss3964spd

I think it rather depends on your definition of reliability and longevity.

If reliability means it will not leave you standing on the side of the road somewhere waiting on a tow truck then I'd say yes, it will be reliable. It will start every time you turn the key/push the button. Longevity; the engine/trans/rear diff all seem solid - you're not likely to have any problems with those.

But it's the other bits that will absorb money. Engine mounts, drive shaft couplers, and the front suspension seems to always have something that's on the way out (ball joints, strut rod bushings, etc). Even though it works ok the electronic brake system (SBC I think) will make you crazy. You may have problems with Airmatic. Or not (I did not, except for the sound of the air pump).

So, if you are hoping to spend the next 4 or 5 years with the '55 and get by with just regular maintenance and replacing normal wear and tear items I think you're underestimating.

I had a love/hate relationship with my '05 E500. In the end it got totaled while sitting in a parking lot. It had about 107K miles on it.

PeterUbers

Owning an amg out of warranty can be super expensive ... I wouldn't do it

KEY08

wrong car to be putting 150,000 miles on in 5 years unless you have a big checkbook.

PeterUbers

Lol... Totally agreed

Sadly you cannot have a) amg performance b) used amg price and c) reliable vehicle with low out of pocket expenses

But you can always get lucky I guess

KEY08

It compounds at an alarming rate when the AMG you start with is already 10 years old. No way.

Sam_Squared

Thanks for the input guys. I was thinking the same thing probably just wanted to have hear someone else say it. I also realize that things need to be replaced as the car gets older, but what i don't want to do is replace pistons, transmissions and other very serious stuff. Looks like I'll go with the CDI. Thanks!

Lamrith

Newbie here, this thread is a few months old, but hopefully ok to bump it up. I thought keeping discussion in this thread make easier for people to see info when they do a search..

I am glad to see a fairly recent thread (2014) on this now that these cars have some real miles on them. A previous thread I saw was in 09 and people saying cars are great for longevity, after 30k miles. Cars under warranty to me just do not tell anything about real longevity of a vehicle.

How hard are those "other bits" to replace? I have been a mechanic in the past, done engine swap in a a car before, so basic repairs/maintenance are not an issue unless they require very specialized tools etc.

Right now I am considering looking at a E55 south of me, but really nervous after reading this thread as it has 159k on it. If the car has been maintained are they still a problem and money sink?

My daily commute is only 20 miles, so it is not like I will be adding a ton of miles to it, but I also do not want to get into a car that is going to cost $3k a year in maintenance or repairs when I only drive 6k a year.

I am in the market for a V8 RWD sedan. I had been looking at Caddy STS, and just Friday gave a E500 Wagon a test drive (never driven a MB before and wantd to get idea about the brand/chassis) and that has me thinking about a MB sedan. I having never had a MB before, was considering E500/550's, then a buddy showed me the E55.

2003, Body looks great, carfax shows frequent servicing at dealerships, 159k miles, $13k. Or would going for a 115k car for $15k be better? 44K less for $2k more.