Advice buying a E550...
 

Hello All,

Would like your opinion on a 2011 E550 that I am considering, car has about 112,000 on the clock with and the seller is asking $16,500. Also comes with clean Carfax, 2 previous owners (1 lease return), with all service records accounted for (18 service records) Interior/exterior is like new, both previous owners garage kept, and car rides beautifully with no mechanical issues.

From your opinions, would this be a decent buy? The only thing i'm nervous about is the mileage already on it, This would be my 1st MB and intended use is about a weekend to daily cruiser. Currently, have a 15 FRS that is modified to the point it's now more oriented for track use than street use...therefore looking for something more....comfortable lol.

Thanks!

What options are on it? Post the VIN and we can help with that if you don't know. Airmatic car? Price, regardless of options, is in the ballpark. These are very solid cars and having the records is a great start.

Thanks KEY08, VIN#: WDDHF9AB3BA311186

From my research, I believe it does have the Airmatic suspension. the NA 5.5L V* not the TT (i think that was the 12+?). How reliable is the drivetrain? If the car is well maintained as it seems, should another 100k be of no issue?

Black over black. This car is loaded with the full lighting package(non LED), Pano roof, Keyless Go, Full driver's package including Distronic Plus,Lane keeping assist, etc.
and yes, it also has Airmatic. Cost to fix Airmatic problems with extensive mileage may be an issue, so check your records and see if any work has been done to the Airmatic system. 2012 and on was the 4.7L bi-turbo. I have a Bi-turbo and it is a beast, but I have also owned the 5.5L and it was amazing as well. Can it go another 100K? I say yes. Replacement parts are costly, but if you can wrench I would go for it.

From looking at the Carfax report, the Airmatic System was serviced at ~25,000 (air suspension hose/line/valve replaced). Also, all maintenance records follow MB recommended, so leads me to believe it is well taken care of. I'll try to double check the actual records in more detail.

f the Airmatic suspension is the largest concern of this car, how difficult is it to replace? I worked on truck suspensions and redid my FRS's suspension, so i like to think i can wrench a bit... Just being a bit cautious since it's a 17K car at 100K mi...haha

Thanks for the help, I'll keep you updated!

I would stick to maintaining the Airmatic. Converting is not simple. I have had two Airmatic cars and only had minor issues. There are those who have had bigger problems to sort. This car probably listed for $70-$75K, so you still need to look at it as owning and maintaining a $75,000 Car. This is not a Honda.

You should invest in a prepurchase inspection (PPI) from dealer or trusted indy or both. IIRC the 120k mile service is a big one with B, brake fluid, plugs and ATF all due at the same time. Of course the intervals could be off on this car since they've put a lot of miles on it and some or all of that could have been recently done. If not, prepare for a big bill.

Sad to think my 2011 E550 is worth about $17k now. Feels like so much more than that.

W212 E550 is a very nice car, but for the same $$ you can get this: https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...s-16000-a.html with FAR less miles... ;)

Wow, very good deal, Thank you for sharing. I may look into this, but would have to have it delivered as I am located on the east coast (MD) which is something i'm not keen on... I would go pick it up myself (got a car from Detroit, flew out there and drove it back), but probably wont be able to do the trip until Feb....

Not sure about ATF and Plugs (States recommended service performed) but brake work has been done. Thanks for pointing that out. I'll double check later this week... seems like car's been well kept, going to take a shot and update you all on the outcome.

Thanks for the guidance.

What he said!

Price is out of line. That person would be lucky to get 11-12K on a trade in. Add in $500 + tax credit and you're looking at a fair price around $13K-$13.5K If it's SUPER nice and needs nothing at all, maybe $14K.

thefisch just had a heart attack.....

:mercy: