rowekmr

Hello
I am new to MB's and just stumbled across a 03 E55 AMG and got hooked on the style and read about the specs/performance. I am looking at the early W211's locally for an occasional driver. What are some of the issues (I know about airmatic susp)? What should I look for? What should I avoid? Is modding them for slight performance increase a good idea for a newbie?


Thanks

jmb614

I would get familiar with the search feature of the website before doing anything else. There is a plethora of information on all of the topics you would like addressed.

justinm410

Keep a 2k in the budget for repairs if you're doing the work yourself and 4k+ if you'll be paying someone. A 13 year old car will likely need many new rubber items. I'm not being negative, I am on the tail end of bringing my 03 up to spec. Pretty much assume all ball joints and bushings will need to be replaced sooner than later. All fluids (always when you buy a new used car). Perhaps belts. Tires. Mirror hangers. Bumper stickers. Duct tape. Etc. Parts alone added up quickly.

So get mods out of your head for now, too much maintenance to be done first. Besides, 470hp left me asking if I went to big went I first got her out on the road... HA, of course I didn't.

rowekmr

Thanks great advice. I guess I got a little ahead of myself and would like to learn how to work on the systems. I fell victim to watching YT clips of these doing 10-11 second passes in the 1/4.

rowekmr

Update I found one with 115k with:
Eurocharged Supercharger 80mm pulley + Engine and Trans Tune
Separate supercharger cooling system with new pump and intercooler and 20" rims (rolled lip to fit) that is right in my price range. The owner has a car lot and this was his personal car until he got a E63. He owns/drives some really nice foreign cars and is detail oriented. What is Eurocharged's reputation? The seller says these mods increase power by almost 100hp.

The only issue is a vacuum leak that he will fix and one of the panoramic sunroof motors is bad so makes a noise while in transit (he says he was going to order a replacement)

justinm410

Used car dealers. Every car was their daily driver before they... Etc.

Get a pre purchase inspection. Best money you'll ever spend. ~200ish? If the dealer won't go for it I'd run.

rowekmr

Yeah I get your point. That is one reason I haven't looked at a vehicle on a car lot since 2007. They can be really sleazy but this one seems pretty straight forward. I'll do more research as stated before.