bob2011

Hey guys, so as you might or might not know I plan to purchase a E55 in a couple months time (roughly November or December) um basically I'm researching ahead of time on mods that I could possibly do when I do purchase the E55! So I would love to get some input from you guys regarding these mods.

1. A Johnson cm30 pump, heard the bosch pumps are unreliable.

2.a new heat exchanger, would you guys have any recommendations for a heat exchanger? I found that MBH once made a "monster" heat exchanger, but that was like 3 years ago. Haven't found any more info on it.

3.a tune with a 180 mm pulley, and does it matter what brand the pulley is? Or are some brands better then others?


4.MBH headers.


5. 82mm throttle body.


5.ice box (I think that's what it's called) in the trunk for cooling purposes.

And I think that's all of it. My question to you guys is,would these mods get to roughly 500whp, or is there something else I need to do to get to this number. Also, with the HP upgrades, can the engine and tranny take the power reliably in the long run? Or is it asking too much of both of them? Again sorry for all the questions, just trying to do my research before I pull the trigger! Thanks guys!

HeissRod

1. Bosch 010 is the new style and I have not read a single bad report about it

2. PLM is the only exchanger which has mounting spots for the factory fluid cooler underneath the HE. If you have a later model with this cooler, get the PLM so you don't have to jerry-rig something.

3. I believe ASP and Kleeman are the recommended pullies around here.

djrabbi

Don't get ahead of yourself too much unless you got the funds. I would do the following first and work yourself up

1. Pump
2. Heat Exchanger
3. Pulley/Tune
4. Whatever else lol
5. Cooling tank

bob2011

I appreciate the input! So the PLM is a direct bolt on right?

bob2011

Haha I know, but I think il have enough money left over for mods. I have about 32k saved up, a e55 is anywhere from 19 to 23k and then il have roughly 10k left over more mods, which hopefully is enough lol!

djrabbi

Get a CLS55.... Not too many out there and they look WAY better. I sold my CLS55 for 16k lol

E55Freak

honestly you should do repairs and general maintenance first...before jumping into mods.. BTW, i'll sell you my 05' with 88k for 18.

djrabbi

Yeah VERY good point. Maintenance on an AMG with little "history" will run easy $5,000! Rear main seal, bearings, fluid flushes will add up reallllllllllllll quick

bob2011

I was thinkin about it, the CLS is quite sexy.

djrabbi

I would personally get a more "expensive" E55 from a member on here. You will have a MUCH better history of the car and most of the ins and outs will be already covered

bob2011

Ahhh jeez, the two words I was dreading hearing, repairs and maintenance! So realistically, for a collage student, would the E55 be a viable car for me, or should I go for something less German?

bob2011

You're scarin me bruh. 5k for basic maintenance? I ACTUALLY might be in over my head by buying an E55\CLS55

E55Freak

yep..in 3 years of ownership I have put in a total of $2500 into it...but i don't drive mine everyday and i drive it easy. These cars can add up quick if things go untouched....remember this was a 80k car new and shops still charge you for that including parts....

bob2011

Would a good Indy shop bring some of that cost down? Because if it cost you 2500 in three years and you don't DD it, what's it gonna cost me? I plan to make it my DD. :*(

djrabbi

If you are going to DD it, you will go through tires like no tomorrow. I didn't get more than 10k out of brand new tires. Like I said pay a little more for a better history on the car so your $3500+ won't be there for another 5 years.

E55Freak

that was indy cost... if you can wrench yourself that can save you money. Hard to tell what things may occur but just have a bit of a reserve for it...

bob2011

Yes I do plan to DD it, and i mean im willing to spend up to 25k on a E55/CLS55 if that does get me a better history/lower mileage car,That's if there any. Now would a E55 with roughly 50k miles be a ok purchase? Because honestly that was the average lowest mileage cars I could find. (If that even makes sense)

djrabbi

You have a E550 already? Why not keep that? Honestly, I would get a E63 cause they are TANKING in price now. You can get a 50k E63 for 25k. Those engines are a lot better because you don't have to worry about supercharger going bad or bearings and such but the brakes on the 63's are pricey compared to 55k.

One owner to another potential owner, DO NOT RUSH IT! I was fortunate to get a CLS55 in 2012 for $25k with 69k on it. Drove it till 135k with little to no issues. I probably spent $2000 in maintenance over 2.5 years of ownership as being a DD including tires, performance, and whatever crap I wanted to do.

djrabbi

Look at this one maybe? See if there is a well documented history!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-E-Class-E63-AMG-/141732887748?forcerrptr=true&hash=item20fff03cc4&item=141732887748

unagi1

If you are going save on maintenance, you HAVE to be able to wrench yourself. While I had the E55, these were my headache items:
Batteries (both of them)
Key-less Go handles
Pano Roof Motor
Rear Sunshade Assembly
Brakes
Supercharger Bearing
Clogged cats (both!) -- ended up getting Kleemann headers

I fixed pretty much all of the above, except for needing an exhaust shop of course for the last issue. That will save money, but you will still get raped on parts. Be prepared...

djrabbi

I personally wouldn't do an AMG if your in college. I did get my CLS55 out of college but sometimes it was a "struggle" to keep throwing money into a car, where you have no idea what your paying for. Even though I loved my CLS55, I would personally never get one again unless its ridiculous low mileage. These cars are getting old and no one really cares for them as they should be.

Maybe look at an Audi S4 or M3? They are much more fun to drive but clearly not as powerful. Not trying to scare you but keeping it real.

A-A-Ron

For a college student, no this is not a viable car. Are you prepared to drop a couple thousand dollars when the airmatic goes out while also studying for finals? If I were in your shoes I would purchase this car for myself as a graduation present when I secure a career and a salary that I know can support the cost of ownership. Owning a car is about much more than buying one.

JoeJErnst

Having "been there and done that" (driving a high performance car in college), I would caution you against getting caught-up in the "modification mania" trying to reach some magical HP number that doesn't mean anything anyway. Remember, you will NEVER have the fastest car on the street, but the E55 puts you in the top 1% in stock factory form.

Get the best UNMOLESTED car you can find for $15k and save the rest of your money for gas, tires, insurance, and maintenance.

bob2011

wow, ouch. i just might have to rethink my purchasing options.

bob2011

the E550 will be kept, just only used for longer road trips. i honestly did give the 63's a thought but the fact that those cars have the headbolt issue scares the living Sugar Honey Ice Tea out of me. and you are damn right im gonna be very patient when purchasing my next car, never hurts to be a little diligent!