Hello yall,
I'm new to this community but hoping to learn more about the types on engines and some issues with them before I buy one.
I use to have a Ram 2500 but not needed for construction anymore so its a A to B vehicle and then some.
I been racking my brain learning so much on the W212 vs the W203 which is uncompilable in reliability.
The downside is only around $11k-13K budget but I like power.
I see a 2011 E550 for around $11k and 74k miles in great shape with an AMG package which I'm assuming a 4.7 biturbo.
or a 2005 C55 AMG for $13 and 95k miles also in great shape and garage kept.
What should I go for? one that's less miles or something older that is more reliable because I can fix these issues on the 2005, but less assured about the E550.
What do you think?

 

If in the USA a 2011 W212 E550 is a NA 5.5 making 380ish HP. What do I think? I think you should get an infiniti, either a G37, M37 or if you can find one, an M56.

 

Thank you for the suggestion but I don't care for the style and the cost. Where I'm at, its around $16k give or take. I was looking for a Nissan 370z but most of them are clapped out. Its hard to find something with power and reliability for only $11-13k.

 

Pre-purchase inspection. By 100,000 miles, expect a suspension rebuild. Nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes. I own two and have the receipts to prove it.

 

2005 C55 AMG for sale
2 owner car
95,000
black 040 exterior
rare ash nappa leather interior
5.4L v8
5 speed auto
garaged and well sorted
still driving occasionally so miles could slowly increase
Extensive services performed:
paint correction, and ceramic coating
3M ceramic tint
Waterpump, radiator, starter, battery, crank position sensor, oil change liquimoly, diff oil change, engine and cabin filters
Hankook ventus evo 2 tires (rear are new)
New front brake pads, new rear rotors and pads
New inner and outer tire rods and MB alignment
Modifications: CLK climate control and headlights (have original halogen headlights, AMG black series motor mount, transmission mount, G-paddles shifter paddles
1 key
clean title in hand
Rear defroster does not work

 

Ill definitely be doing that no matter what.
So what does the suspension entail?
Just saw a front suspension kit for around $225.
for Mercedes Benz C240 C280 C320 C55 AMG CLK320 Front Control Arm Suspension Kit
Opens in a new window or tab
Brand New
$225.00

 

Buy the E Class. It’s a much better car. It’s larger, has a nicer interior, rides better, has more than enough power, AWD, better looks, larger in size, actually has useful tech that works. The C55 is just too small, stiff and is dated. Even when it was new the C55 tech was bad. I have a 2005 CLK55 and it’s the same car but with 2 doors. I love the car but honestly I would move it to get a TT or V8 N/A E550.

 

How bad is the airmatic because I see tons of issues with that as well as the transmission sensor as well as the crank case if it fails and the camshaft sensors issue. It just doesn't look reliable from my standpoint.

 

Yep, definitely buy the E Class ,I agree with what C280 Sport said above

 

Check your sources, the 2011 E550 has a M273 engine which had a troublesome past in the early versions, but it was at its prime by the time it was replaced by the M278.

There are many reports with camshaft sensor with the M278, but rare to see those on the M273. Possible, but less likely. Sure the M278 is a beast, but fragile while the M273 is bullet proof by the 2011 generation.

With those two specific choices, E class hands down.
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Go for the E class. I have both, a 2005 C55 and a 2014 E550. I catch myself driving the E way more than the C. It’s much bigger, has more creature comforts and way more comfortable.

 

I’ve had E’s for over 3 decades, & 1 C320 RWD
Wagon.

My advice: go for the E.

The interior room, the power ratio & the agility
is unique, & it’s a superlative vehicle, best in 4Matic AWD.

 

I was going to say the exact same thing. Why someone would buy such an old MB and trying to maintain inside a specific budget is beyond me.

 

Worst case the airmatic can be swapped by strutmasters kit. The 2011 E550 was the last year of the N/A V8. In 2012-2014 the E550 has the TT V8 and that has proven itself to be reliable with proper maintenance. Airmatic was available on the TTV8 models but it wasn’t standard and most of them did not have it so one less issue to worry about if you find one without.

https://www.strutmasters.com/collections/Mercedes-Benz-E550-2011

 

Buying used and older is great because you bypass depreciation. A car that was once $80,000 can be had for more than 70% off the MSRP. As long as the miles are low and condition is great then it’s a good buy. As long as you can afford the upkeep. Too many people forget the maintenance and parts don’t depreciate lol.

 

Sure, but repairs can be so costly, as you know. You can buy a used MB for 10-20K and then have huge expenses that can potentially be "70%" of the car's value at the drop of a hat.

 

I love the E550, that said I do spend 2-3k a year keeping it going

 

I do recall it being a rock solid car. Then again Mine was brand new and I only kept it until 44K miles.

 

Even with the C55, there is still maintenance involved. The C55 has less tech so it may have less things that break down. But many times parts can cost you more than for a non AMG car. For example, the C55 requires 16 spark plugs while the E550 requires 8. Drive both cars and pick the one you like the most.

 

I tried to fit in C years ago and it did not work. Even I am 5-10 I have long legs and even Hummer doesn't have the leg room I am comfortable with.
As for maintenance, if you want it low, get a diesel.
My E250 Bluetec passed 150k miles and in 5 years of ownership, all I did was oil change for first 4.
Last year I treated it to transmission service, new motor mounts and sway bar rods. With new tires, should be good for at least another 5 years.
With AEM I have 4 years extended warranty on most of engine parts.

 

I'm at 155k lol, it's been a really solid workhorse, with Chemical Guys cleaning stuff and Amsoil fluids I really cannot feel the mileage. Theres plenty of dings and dents though to remind me. Original timing chain components, a lot of the sensors and engine bay stuff is new though. I reckon I'm on the original aux battery.