Hey Gang,

long time lurker, first time poster. First of all thanks for keeping up this forum and great posts. Multiple times, you guys saved me from making a big (and expensive) mistake.

I'm in the market for a used W208 AMG. I found one with 95xxx miles in Chicago area posted for about 5k. 2 owners, always serviced at the dealership in Chicago. Sounded great so I went to take a look at it (from STL). The car seemed fine, but its from a shady dealership which made me somewhat skeptical. I guess those kinds of places are where most W208s end up nowadays...

While there, I decided to take it to the local dealer and do a PPI. After $250+ and a few hours spend there, I got a pretty good understanding of what needs to be fixed (lower ball joints, blower motor and possibly AC Compressor). Not too bad I guess?

So now, I'm struggling with a thought, should i get it or not...I was hoping to bring it back to life and have something for Cars and Coffee I was planning to do all the work slowly (some myself, bigger stuff at the shop) over the next few months and have some fun next summer. I'm expecting some minor issues and probably willing to put about $2k in it over that period.

Or maybe wait for a better W209?

Any input would be much appreciated, just need some guidance.

Thanks

Michael

Really try hard to get it for ~$4k but if the rest of the car is in good shape those things will need to be replaced anyway.

W208's are built like tanks. While 209's are nicer and a bit more comfortable to sit in, I would pick a 208 over it any day.

If this is the car you're crawing... go for it

And you're most likely going to spend a bit more than that on repairs, try to do as much as you can on your own. Blower motor is ultra easy to replace, worry not, it's in the passenger footwell almost.

Go on facebook and search for AMG Enthusiasts E55, a group will pop up with a silver W211 E55 amg as the profile pic, request to be added. Lots of people there armed with DIYesque knowledge.

Go for it man! That car needs a loving home

I was looking at the same one since I'm in the market. Looks really clean but definitely seems like a sketchy dealer from the website alone.

To Each their own.

The W209 is absolutely a newer chassis and easier to modify. After combing the problems in the forums that happen to these cars over the years.
Among the best to look for are 2001/2002 W208. 2005 W209.
I towed home a second W208 that was almost ready for salvage. When you can fix them yourself it takes the pain out of owning a Euro muscle car.
My second W208 CLK55 hard top is now running like new after intense wiring repairs and service.
Best, Gator

Hey guys. There a nice black one on Craigslist Phoenix.


It may be worth looking into. 60k miles.