sammyfabio

hey there, I'm new to this and haven't owned a MB since a looooong time ago, every time i decide to buy one i end up with something else, my brother got recently an ML350 2011 with AMG package and he renewed my passion for these cars, anyways i want your help with this, I'm thinking between w210 e55 2001 with 40.000miles or w211 e500 2004 with 50.000 miles, both in great condition, no accidents and no history because they are Japan import left side steering.
i have read a lot of issues with the e500 w211 especially the early years.
i love the e55 w210 2001 because i feel it the line between the classic old merc and the beginning of the new complicated ones, but the w211 looks more new and normal people won't understand w210 and would say its old but they won't say that if you own w211, so guys i need your thoughts please to help me choose the right one, i like the e500 but if its going to cost me a lot of time and money then i think the e55 would be a better choice... or I'm mistaken???

sammyfabio

Hello??

Kamisama

I'd do the 01 E55. External looks similar, but the 55 will have nearly a second quicker time and is built for more abuse. Anyone who thinks the 01 will look old will also the 05 looks old, and chances are better that you can shut them up with the AMG edge, if that's what concerns you.

One question - why take a right-hand drive car in UAE? Well... I guess I can answer that question without waiting... low miles vs what the hell is maintenance.

sammyfabio

Yes your right, ill take a low mileage car and hopefully i wont have major problems for at least 2 years or so.. The car will be from japan but its left hand drive.
As in for the what you said, thanks and i do agree with you, what will people think is not of my concern but this is what people around me are saying that the w211 looks newer and not from the 90s... I dont care, ive been always wanting an e55 w210, looks more elegant and luxury from the inside in my opinion

bbirdwell

Owning an E55 in both W210 and W211 flavors, I can tell you the W210 is significantly cheaper to maintain. The W210 is not quite as quick, doesn't handle quite as well, but is more comfortable and has a classic style (think Russian Mafia Staff Car).

FWIW, if the headlights' lenses need to be replaced (as they most likely will), you can get Xenon replacement lenses out of Latvia via Ebay for about $170 each plus $30 each shipping. Be sure to ask for extra packing to protect the lenses, allow for three weeks shipping time, and budget about 4 hours to replace the lenses. E55's came with Xenon; others usually came with halogen headlights.

There is an engineering axiom, "Better is the enemy of good enough". The W211 is better. The W210 is good enough.

My opinion and YMMV.