Jakpro1

I KNOW....I KNOW....IT'S THIS AGAIN...BUT I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP.

You guys have always helped me with the best advice......when I needed to add Xenons etc....now I come with a big one.

Everyone says "if you are gonna spend 15K on a blower on an E500....why not just get an E55!" Here is where I am at.

I FRIGGIN TRIED!!! THE S-O-B'S AROUND THE US ARE BEING MORE THAN JERKS ON TRADE IN. I bought my 2003 just about loaded with everything and 1 year old for little over 50$ so I got a screaming deal on a showroom E500. I can not get a dealer to give me over 45 on trade. Screw that!! If I wanna throw away 5K..I will buy the ole lady some diamonds...least I'll get some for it.

I know I know...sell it retail...UGH. It just seems better to throw 15K onto 50K and have a loaded E500 with kinda E55 Performance for way less than an AMG....cheapest LOADED 03 AMG is running in the mid 70's.

Anyways...I don't wanna open up the Renntech VS Kleeman war on this thread....but any input you wanna give would be great.

Here are the questions I have.

1) Worried about tranny on my E500. Is the tranny basically the same strength as the AMG..but with no shift kit....or are we talking Turbo 350tranny to Turbo 400tranny comparison (sorry for the old Chevy terms...only way I know to describe what I am talking about) Guys at Kleeman said they could do a tranny software mod to have it shifting like the E55. Also wonder about the read-end..but I bet that can't be that big a deal.
**How much is a Benx tranny if I should blow this one KNOWING what my local wonder dealer is going to say caused it**

2) When checking an AMG at the dealer I did notice the gigantic brakes on them.....is that about the only major difference in the 2 internally (besides motor of course). I wonder really how much more beefy are the AMG builders making the motors to withstand the blower ya know....any input on that.

3) Might as well throw it out.....anybody ever have a dealer cover anything after they see the blower add on?

Other than that....feel free to sound off on your thoughts....I really appreciate this forum. Sorry to ramble.

MB Fanatic

1. Transmission is different with stronger gears and such.
2. The brakes are massive for this beast. 8 piston fronts w/4 piston rears. The Airmatic suspension is also tuned by AMG to make it handle better (but it still rides like a fat pig). Interior seats are sportier and offer better thigh and lumbar support, made of Nappa leather. Alcantra headliner.
3. The engine is built like a rock, strong and sturdy. Dealer will not cover your modification if anything happens to the engine or under the hood for that matter (dealer specific).
4. Get an AMG. Money well spent.

Jakpro1

Yeah, I think you are right. All I would need is to toast the motor or tranny and I would be hating life. Off to fight/haggle with the dealer I go...wish me luck.

Thanks again for the info.

hlkc

Look around some exotic car junk yard, maybe you can find a wrek body only(total) E55 and I think the tranny/brakes/E55 Engine should cost $15K or less then find a good installer and spent another $5K then you will have E55 engine in your E500.

Thanks!

ATS

Has anyone ever seen a E55 that wasn't ripped apart in a junk yard?

hlkc

I seen W210 E55 but not W211 yet. Maybe few years who know. But I'm sure just a matter of time.

Thanks!

MB Fanatic

I have yet to see a W211 E55 in the junk yard. I have seen plenty of W210's though. BTW if you want a good deal talk to Marcus Bnez from House of Imports. He is on here quite often. Im sure he will work with you and even ship your car to SLC.

kyee

If you paid around $50k, and they're giving you around $45k in trade, I think that's a fair offer. $5-6k depreciation for 1 year sounds ok to me.

Double Eagle

I'd forget the mod to your existing car. Even if you got the parts cheap in a junk yard and saved as much as $15K or more off of a new AMG, I think you'd ultimately be very unhappy with it. There would be no warranty, you'd probably have continual problems and your sales and/or trade value would be poor IMHO. Go for the new E55 and sleep well at night. Good luck with your dealer!!

hlkc

Jacpor1,

I'm 110% agree with Double Eagle. The reason I suggested E55 motor/tranny/brake in your E500 was if you spend $15K for some aftermarket SC you should consider the gears from E55. Ultimately, I do not believe you will feel happy in either big performance upgrade. If I were you, just sell your E500 the best proce you can get from a private party and get the E55 that you know is going to be your happy toys for many years to come.

Good luck!

LorinserCClass

Serious man you are not THAT bad off on your trade in. I wouldnt recommend adding a blower unless you dont mind loosing your warranty lol you know how "reliable" our w211 are Just trade up my man Trust me this is coming from a guy that has spent WAY too much money on his car regretting not trading up.

glojo

Do not even think about going to a 'breakers'. Even if you were lucky enough to find a wrecked E55, the parts you require will have sustained damage. This damage might not be visible, but once installed into your vehicle and exposed to everyday use, all sorts of damage might slowly surface.

$5000 deperciation is a good deal, go for what you really want and live the dream.

Good luck,
John
A very wet morning in Torquay

Randy B

Gentlemen, it's $5000.00 over two model years. He stated he had a 2003. That is great for E500. I would not think twice about the $45,000.00 for the trade.

Randy

Brav

I was in same position, but I won't consider a blower for my 500. My sticker is 67K new, and trade in is near 50. so you arent in that bad of a spot, trust me. For even money, there is no question. Dont be silly, sell the car on your own, or at least try first. The only reasonable thing to do if you are concerned about blowing money. I've never traded a car in, always sell private party. I'm 23 and have had about 11 cars. 4 of which were new. So shine your ride up, throw it in the trader/ebay with lots of pics and see waht happens. then order an E55.