2008 E550
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Brownsburg-Chatham
2003 E500
2008 E550
Hello everyone,
I’m considering buying a 2008 E550 with 190k on it (about 120k miles).
Is there anything I should specifically take a look at to ensure it’s not problematic or signs of major repairs needed? They are selling it for just under $8000 CAD, which based on my research is fair and on the lower end.
Thanks for any insight!
Mike
I’m considering buying a 2008 E550 with 190k on it (about 120k miles).
Is there anything I should specifically take a look at to ensure it’s not problematic or signs of major repairs needed? They are selling it for just under $8000 CAD, which based on my research is fair and on the lower end.
Thanks for any insight!
Mike
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 63
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, Tx
2008 E350
Hello everyone,
I’m considering buying a 2008 E550 with 190k on it (about 120k miles).
Is there anything I should specifically take a look at to ensure it’s not problematic or signs of major repairs needed? They are selling it for just under $8000 CAD, which based on my research is fair and on the lower end.
Thanks for any insight!
Mike
I’m considering buying a 2008 E550 with 190k on it (about 120k miles).
Is there anything I should specifically take a look at to ensure it’s not problematic or signs of major repairs needed? They are selling it for just under $8000 CAD, which based on my research is fair and on the lower end.
Thanks for any insight!
Mike
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Brownsburg-Chatham
2003 E500
Are motor mounts a major job if it hasn’t already been done?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 63
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, Tx
2008 E350
Are you talking about from a DIY perspective or at a shop? Its definitely something you can change yourself if your mechanically inclined. Otherwise a shop would charge anywhere from 600-1000 for the job depending on part/labor rates in your area. If they are the original ones you can count on them being bad.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Brownsburg-Chatham
2003 E500
Are you talking about from a DIY perspective or at a shop? Its definitely something you can change yourself if your mechanically inclined. Otherwise a shop would charge anywhere from 600-1000 for the job depending on part/labor rates in your area. If they are the original ones you can count on them being bad.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 45
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From: Brownsburg-Chatham
2003 E500
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
2009 e550 4Matic
Suspension is the largest issue IMO. Airmatic can be problematic and expensive. Conductor plate issues are pretty common (transmission). Make sure routine maintenance has been done. But a PPI will make things MUCH easier for you. I would never buy a benz without one. And not some cheap shop, someone who has experience with MB day in and day out.
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From: Merkville the galaxy of Stars
'99 CLK/05 E500 WAG
Suspension is the largest issue IMO. Airmatic can be problematic and expensive. Conductor plate issues are pretty common (transmission). Make sure routine maintenance has been done. But a PPI will make things MUCH easier for you. I would never buy a benz without one. And not some cheap shop, someone who has experience with MB day in and day out.
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From: Northern Hemisphere - Chicago
fleet
to answers OP question, the motor mounts can be done by a DIY just like any V6 engine. They are pricey. if they are "bad " you feel vibration easily at stop and go traffic.
if this is a "cheap" priced car, like 3,4,5k max, then sure, you can budget for replacement parts that you deem need replacing. dont worry about the mileage.
look at the E350 also, it is "plenty" big without the fancy suspension
if this is a "cheap" priced car, like 3,4,5k max, then sure, you can budget for replacement parts that you deem need replacing. dont worry about the mileage.
look at the E350 also, it is "plenty" big without the fancy suspension
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 401
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
2009 e550 4Matic
to answers OP question, the motor mounts can be done by a DIY just like any V6 engine. They are pricey. if they are "bad " you feel vibration easily at stop and go traffic.
if this is a "cheap" priced car, like 3,4,5k max, then sure, you can budget for replacement parts that you deem need replacing. dont worry about the mileage.
look at the E350 also, it is "plenty" big without the fancy suspension
if this is a "cheap" priced car, like 3,4,5k max, then sure, you can budget for replacement parts that you deem need replacing. dont worry about the mileage.
look at the E350 also, it is "plenty" big without the fancy suspension
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Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Correct!
However, as we are not driving Autobahn Speeds here in the States, the E350 is plenty.
Had an S550 not too long ago and never truly used the power of this considerably heavier than the "E" car.
I am much happier in the E350 myself.
However, as we are not driving Autobahn Speeds here in the States, the E350 is plenty.
Had an S550 not too long ago and never truly used the power of this considerably heavier than the "E" car.
I am much happier in the E350 myself.
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
2009 e550 4Matic
Agree to disagree. You don't need an Autobahn to use the power or appreciate it.
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From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
However, agree to disagree with you as well, as you make it sound if the E350 was underpowered, which it by far is NOT! HOW OFTEN will you truly use your power of your E550 compared to the power of the E350 in every day driving conditions, where I would feel really bad that I did not have the power of your car? Maybe you live in an area where this can be done and matters, but here in CA with traffic as we have, it will not matter to most.
On top of it all, cheaper insurance and better gas mileage on the E350.
If you really need that much Power, get a Porsche.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 401
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
2009 e550 4Matic
However, agree to disagree with you as well, as you make it sound if the E350 was underpowered, which it by far is NOT! HOW OFTEN will you truly use your power of your E550 compared to the power of the E350 in every day driving conditions, where I would feel really bad that I did not have the power of your car? Maybe you live in an area where this can be done and matters, but here in CA with traffic as we have, it will not matter to most.
On top of it all, cheaper insurance and better gas mileage on the E350.
If you really need that much Power, get a Porsche.
Justify it all you must.. I'll stick with my e550. 😊
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From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 401
Likes: 44
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
2009 e550 4Matic
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 9
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E550
I bought an 2007 E550 in October for $5850. It had 126k miles on it when I got it and this is what I have done or ahead of me (most of which I knew mostly form lurking here).
Air Springs in the rear. Mine would leak down overnight. They would always pump back up but that is hard on the pump to run that much
Ball Joints and Control Arm Bushings. I have a little clunking up front
One of my rear shocks was blown. You could see the fluid seepage.
If it has the panoramic sunroof make sure it opens smoothly. There is a grommet that will get worn out and make it sound like gears grinding from the inside of the switch motor. There is a youtube video on how to fix it cheap.
If it has the dual 10 spoke wheels (18x8.5 front and 18x9 rear) check them for cracks. Those wheel have a history. I had one on mine. You can see them from inside of the wheel but not always looking at it from the outside.
I made a post about doing my air springs and that is when I discovered the shock. I went ahead and put in the new air springs knowing I will have to do part of it again to do the shocks (but I wanted to drive it).
In the perfect pre purchase world you would be able to put it on jack stands remove the wheels, check them for cracks and take a look at the air suspension/shocks.
Air Springs in the rear. Mine would leak down overnight. They would always pump back up but that is hard on the pump to run that much
Ball Joints and Control Arm Bushings. I have a little clunking up front
One of my rear shocks was blown. You could see the fluid seepage.
If it has the panoramic sunroof make sure it opens smoothly. There is a grommet that will get worn out and make it sound like gears grinding from the inside of the switch motor. There is a youtube video on how to fix it cheap.
If it has the dual 10 spoke wheels (18x8.5 front and 18x9 rear) check them for cracks. Those wheel have a history. I had one on mine. You can see them from inside of the wheel but not always looking at it from the outside.
I made a post about doing my air springs and that is when I discovered the shock. I went ahead and put in the new air springs knowing I will have to do part of it again to do the shocks (but I wanted to drive it).
In the perfect pre purchase world you would be able to put it on jack stands remove the wheels, check them for cracks and take a look at the air suspension/shocks.
Last edited by ncsucooper; Feb 28, 2019 at 01:02 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 9
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E550
+1
I bet I drove 10 diff E350's and they were fine, good acceleration and great ride. Then my buddy with an E55 kept in my ear about the V8. When I did find one and went to drive it there was no way I was going to go with the E350. do I use the power daily... nope... but it takes so little pedal to pass on the highway. I frequently enjoy feeling the pull coming down an entrance ramp onto the highway. I will readily admit I love when a little tuner car get in the lane that is going to end thinking he will take me off the stop light. At times I would pay the xtra cost of the 550 just to see that.
And really we cannot "justify" even the E350 if we want to be true to ourselves. A corolla will do the job comfortably for most, get better mileage than almost any Benz, lesser emissions, cheaper and far less maintenance.
Go big or go home!!! (not really but I bet some see my point)
Last edited by ncsucooper; Feb 28, 2019 at 01:04 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 401
Likes: 44
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
2009 e550 4Matic
+1
I bet I drove 10 diff E350's and they were fine, good acceleration and great ride. Then my buddy with an E55 kept in my ear about the V8. When I did find one and went to drive it there was no way I was going to go with the E350. do I use the power daily... nope... but it takes so little pedal to pass on the highway. I frequently enjoy feeling the pull coming down an entrance ramp onto the highway. I will readily admit I love when a little tuner car get in the lane that is going to end thinking he will take me off the stop light. At times I would pay the xtra cost of the 550 just to see that.
And really we cannot "justify" even the E350 if we want to be true to ourselves. A corolla will do the job comfortably for most, get better mileage than almost any Benz, lesser emissions, cheaper and far less maintenance.
Go big or go home!!! (not really but I bet some see my point)
I bet I drove 10 diff E350's and they were fine, good acceleration and great ride. Then my buddy with an E55 kept in my ear about the V8. When I did find one and went to drive it there was no way I was going to go with the E350. do I use the power daily... nope... but it takes so little pedal to pass on the highway. I frequently enjoy feeling the pull coming down an entrance ramp onto the highway. I will readily admit I love when a little tuner car get in the lane that is going to end thinking he will take me off the stop light. At times I would pay the xtra cost of the 550 just to see that.
And really we cannot "justify" even the E350 if we want to be true to ourselves. A corolla will do the job comfortably for most, get better mileage than almost any Benz, lesser emissions, cheaper and far less maintenance.
Go big or go home!!! (not really but I bet some see my point)
My man!!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Brownsburg-Chatham
2003 E500
Thanks for the feedback guys, they sold it while I was in my research mode aka procrastination mode. I am back to the drawing board and going to go look at a 2005 E55 AMG and a 2007 E63 AMG this week. I’m thinking that I’ll keep my 2003 E500 as a winter driver and the new to me car for the summer.
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Thanks for the feedback guys, they sold it while I was in my research mode aka procrastination mode. I am back to the drawing board and going to go look at a 2005 E55 AMG and a 2007 E63 AMG this week. I’m thinking that I’ll keep my 2003 E500 as a winter driver and the new to me car for the summer.
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From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
Brakes are expensive, but not horrible when going aftermarket.
Got to love people spreading hate about a car they don't own.
