How many miles are they good for, properly maintained?

Is it worth it to even look into one over 100k? What issues would one be on the lookout for?

 

if you can afford to fix it then go for it. otherwise don't. I belive the engine is over 30k if it takes a dump. if you know nothing about these cars then you're getting in over your head with a 100k + mile 55

 

according to my mb advisor in oakland, these hand-built amg v8's are pretty bullet-proof good and could be good for 150k-200k miles if properly maintained. i had the same engine you're considering in my E55 and sold that car to my friend at 90k miles. i ended up buying an 02 S55 with same engine but 92k miles - it now has 98k miles and still going strong. so far, my main problem w/ the S55 was the upper and lower bushing on the front suspension - it made a terrible clunk sound when i hit anything too suddenly. after replacing it, the car drives great.
Patrick

 

btw, i'm sure you already know it, but the demand for that car would be only by low-ballers looking to get a good deal. my gut feel is that car would be $15k-ish at auction, and no reason to pay too much more than $17k. otherwise, you're better off paying $20-25k and getting a lower mileage CL55.

 

Basically, I'm considering an E55 and a CL55. The 2001 E55 has 73k miles and a few cosmetic details (interior, lower windshield molding) that I would take care of.

The 2001 CL55 I was looking at (only because it was at the same dealer) has 110k on it and is in flawless cosmetic condition.

Normally, this would be a no brainer, go with the E55. However, I love the looks and features of the CL. I just don't want to reach a point where the CL is going to need significant mechanical work done to it to keep it in good running condition.

Granted the 33k difference in mileage, but for the same engine in two completely different models. As my first MB and AMG product (owned all US cars), I don't mind buying in the 00' to 02' range. Of course I want the best value for my $. I plan to keep the car for 3-4 years before upgrading, putting on average 15k miles per year.

Here is the CL55
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...5000&cardist=5

Are there many maintenance differences between the E and the CL? Obviously the engines/drivetrain are the same and will require the same maintenance, but other than that? As far as basics: brakes, shocks, etc...

 

here's my 2 cents worth, and just my opinion.

first, what's w/ the E350 wheels on the E55? what's the history like on that? i usually prefer to buy used cars that were serviced by MB dealers - it's not fool-proof, but they usually do recommend every little thing gets fixed. or if not, you can see it the records that owner declined the dealer reco.

second, the CL is much more complex and will likely have more things go wrong on the rest of the car - there's just lots of electronics including ABC. i think any of the shocks are $1k, and if the ABC system leaks/break, that could be $2-4k, i hear.

third, if the CL is truly one owner, try to get all the record. although it's bad to get a lemon that has 20 visits during the first year of service, it's equally bad to have a 7 year old car that drives perfectly and hasn't needed any work. if so, you will be in for a LOT of deferred maintenance. the previous owner should have averaged $4k+/yr since 2005 when car was out of warranty. the items may range from control arms, and 100k tune-up(ingnition cables parts alone could cost $1500), brakes pads/rotors, etc. make sure you get it checked out by a good MB dealer and have them put it up on the rack.

lastly, i like CL also but bought E(and later S55) due to 2 kids. it's a beautiful car and it drives like a heavier E55...much more substantial. however, the downside is that despite similar engine, you'll likely get closer to 15mpg vs. 18-20 for the E55.

p.s. my best luck with used car has been my E55 and E320 cabriolet - both previous private owners serviced the cars at MB dealers and had spent $7-8k the prior years before i bought the car from them. consequently, the cars were great and and i was able to enjoy them w/o out of pocket expenses.

good luck.
Patrick