spastik monkey

I'm looking at purchasing an 06 Designo edition E55 from a buddy of mine. It was a 1 owner, traded in at the dealer and he purchased it while he was working there as a tech. 80k miles. All maintenance performed at his dealership by the book by original owner. Water pump was replaced 15k miles ago. Brakes done 20k ago.

Car runs and drives great, but does need a slight front end alignment.
Both of the Keyless Go handles on the drivers side have quit, and the push to start button has quit as well. It also gets an occasional service SOS system.

Tires are almost new, body is in great shape, minus a few typical rock chips. Its Mocha Black.

He's been a good friend of mine for well over a decade. His wife worked in oil field and lost her job. I'm looking at purchasing to help them out. He's asking 20, will probably go to 19.

Do you think it's worth it?

E55Freak

i would say 18-19 would be fair..you have some things to do to fix it.

spastik monkey

Any other common issues to check for? Car ran and drove great. He's giving it to me to drive all day Friday.

novae500

check suspension for any signs of leak, out of level
check undercarriage for any leaks from rear main,
check motor mounts

BlackHammer

No. Do them a favor and borrow them some money. There are much better buys out there. 2005 with $43K miles (fully modded) and $20K 85K mile (mint) 10-second E55, a White/Panno (mint) for $20K, and a host of others.

The keyless door handles are each $450 to replace ($900)+ and I assume the push button is the same ($450) so you are up to almost $1,500. SOS system will be a running tab. 20K since brakes add another $1,500, plus the "alignment" issue. To get this car right you are looking at $5K and that doesn't take into account all the other "upcoming" maintenance items. If you want to mod it it will run you another $6K-$10K.

Dublinoh

This sounds to me like a fairly average example that also has some issues. Have the owner take it to Carmax and get a written offer. If you want to help him, give him $1500 more. My guess is that you will spend another 5K to 7K thousand before everything is addressed. If he follows through with the estimate let us know.

lseguy

Push to start button common issue. Read this but most likely fixable yourself.
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...working-3.html

The door handles. Also a common issue. Can DIY yourself
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ement-diy.html

I get the occasional SOS message. Once a month or so. It goes away on its own. I read where a dealer or independent can code that out so that the message doesnt ever return. Or maybe this will work



So the issues aren't major. But I'd be willing to guess you also have a minor valve cover seep, possibly rear main seal seepage, thrust arm bushing/control arm bushing wear, rear brake lines possibly having cracks, and other normal expected wear areas that arent of major concern.

But having recently purchased a 2006 with almost same miles, I agree than $20k is high. I like the suggestion of having Carmax give the free inspection and their offer, and then you offer above and beyond that with $1k or so. My gut feeling is that the fair price for it is in the $15-$16.5k range.

BlackHammer

Thanks on the door handle. Looks like $100. Also, it seems like there is a general trend. MB dealers seem to want 4-5 times what the parts cost is...

TK

lseguy

yep. Also check out FCPEURO.COM. Lifetime warranty on any and every part. They work well for me.

cetialpha5

You may be looking at the wrong part number. The door handle without keyless go is around $100. It's usually $200-$300 for the handle with keyless go depending on the color. But yes, you're supposed to be able to DIY the handle in 15 minutes or so. I would just do the driver's side door.

spastik monkey

out here, we have both ends of the spectrum. There's an 05 with 66k miles, but way less features for 18500. Ive also see an 05 with 87k and they were asking 23

BlackHammer

Thank you. I pulled the $100 off the DIY link that was sent.
So, I will be in it for $300+ my time, labor, and oh by the way I don't know how to do it. So that $450 the dealer is quoting isn't too far off.

However, this showcases the $ exposure on these cars.