Jetman

Newbie here trying to decide on a E class mercedes to purchase. Please let me know if you guys think these are good deals or not.
1. 2001 E430 w/heated seats, bose premium sound. 57,000 miles for $22,900. This car is in immaculate condition.

2. 1999 E55 AMG 48,000 miles for $ 28,000. Not in perfect condition, but fair.

Are there any things that I need to look out for or pay special attention too? Is it possible to install the factory MBZ navigation on a non-navi car?

Thanks for the help!!!

mobinakhtar

Personally I would kill for an E55. Yes it is possible to get a navi system on prenavi cars. You have several options. Cheaper (between the two described here) options is the Alpine aftermarket navi system that replaces factory stereo. More expensive is the steveNL install of factory COMAND in older cars. None of these optuions are cheap though overall each costing over $2K.

I drive a e420 and am plenty happy withit. If you can afford it though, E55 is an E55 is an E55. No questions.

Its like deciding between a Nissan 300ZX and a 300ZX Twin turbo.

Good luck though.

Moby

Arnie

Be aware of high maintenace cost of E55, like front brakes for $300, etc.

Dema

For some reason I found heated seats very useful. Certainly E55 makes sense, however all Es have sluggish transmission to be able utilize actual power.

zam2000

If you can handle the maintenance and insurance, go w/ the E55.

Put in a pair of new-style (2000-later) tail light set, and you're set.

Jetman

Thanks for all the advice. The angel on my shoulder is saying E430, but the devil is saying go for the E55 man. Guess the devil won this round. I will post some pics of the car when I get it. Gotta go to Connecticut to pick it up. Will be a long drive home to San Diego.

AMGfan

Good luck on the purchase? What are the niggles on the car that just make it fair (excessive wear and tear / paint chips / etc...)? Also, I hope you get a pre-purchase check by a certified mechanic before you make the jump.

Jetman

Outside is in pretty good condition, just a few nicks around the wheel wells. The leather seats have excess creasing, no tears, they just look worn and old. I'm going to check into having them re-done after I get it. Over-all it seems like a pretty good buy from all the other E-55's I've seen in that price range.