2011 E-550 vs a 2005 C-55
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Ram 2500
2011 E-550 vs a 2005 C-55
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?
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?
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From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
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.
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Ram 2500
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.
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,965
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
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.
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Ram 2500
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
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
Thread Starter
Newbie
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Ram 2500
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
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Brand New
$225.00
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
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.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
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Ram 2500
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.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,524
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From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
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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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 109
Likes: 31
C32x2 RIP, 2005 C55, 2020 GLB 250, 2014 E550
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.
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 158
Likes: 44
From: San Francisco
2011 E350 4MATIC Estate Wagon
The E is the best Benz
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.
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.
MBWorld God!
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
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.
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From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
https://www.strutmasters.com/collections/Mercedes-Benz-E550-2011
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
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.
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From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
I love the E550, that said I do spend 2-3k a year keeping it going
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Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 109
Likes: 31
C32x2 RIP, 2005 C55, 2020 GLB 250, 2014 E550
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.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
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.
Last edited by kajtek1; Oct 14, 2023 at 11:04 AM.
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From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
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.
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Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
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Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
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