had some free time on my hands and stopped by my dealer to chit chat and pick up some movie passes. got me to test drive an '02 E55. before you know it were talking figures. 67k was his offer. i am very interested in the E55, but would like to wait and see what the w211 will offer. i am tempted though. what do you guys think.

 

I think you should buy it!! The AMG version of the W211 will not come out for another year or so. And $67k for 02 is a pretty good deal. What color/options do you get for $67k?

 

I say go get the 2002 E55, drive it for a couple of years, then upgrade o a 2004 E55

 

Depreciation is a consideration, as the upgraded w211 will make the 210 seem even more dated, causing the value to decline at an accelerated rate. Of course you are getting an upfront discount for that very reason.
My primary concern, though (if I were in your shoes) would be that buyer's remorse may would set in very soon after you see the first 211.
No offense to 210 lovers, but I have thought the 210 has looked dated for several years...less so outside than inside. And the inside of the 211 is a major leap forward for the E class on many fronts. And the exterior is so much more aerodynamic and 21st century looking.
MB design engineers are REALLY on a roll at this point with the SL and E. Even the new CLK is a nice step forward.

**If cash is an issue for you to the point that $5K makes a big difference in your budget, and you really can't afford an AMG 211 and a 500 is just not enough for you, then I'd go with the '02 AMG.

**If depreciation on the '02 AMG is no big deal for you, and you're planning to get a 211 AMG at some point anyway, I'd get the '02 AMG.

**If you can afford a 211 AMG, or don't want to eat the depreciation, or would not be satisfied with the 211's 500 engine (versus the '02 AMG), and/or would not be totally satisfied with the '02 AMG for at least 4 years, I'd go with a w211.

Also keep in mind that MB dealers are being HEAVILY incentivized on the 210's. If you're going in that direction, DEAL AGGRESSIVELY. Demand for them is very low at this point and you have great bargaining power.

Good luck.....

 

amg55,

If people worried about depreciation - people would never buy cars.

The W211 looks modest, IMHO. The E55 supercharged engine is the 'only' selling point. You add superchargers to old engines designs when you run out of engineering ideas and to save money. The styling is bland at best. The change is not revolutionary but evolutionary. I have been looking at pictures of the W211 for over a year and do not regret my decision because the W211 styling is just 'OK' not fantastic. For me the styling was 'too close' to wait. I think the W211 exterior looks so much like the updated (2000+) W210 that it is not a decision maker or breaker. Especially if you are talking about AMG versions.

jamesp,

Did you drive the E55 at American Service Center? They have a Silver without Nav that has been in stock since 8/31/2001. They are very eager to move this vehicle. Knowing this fact should help in negotiation. Good Luck.

 

jamesp, which dealer/salesman has the free MIB movie tickets?

 

E55 KEV:
One of the things I hate most about the car business is that these guys are smart enough (same as in many other retail businesses) to know that if they keep tweaking things year after year, many of those who love cars will want to have the newest, the best, the most advanced.
So they make a great vehicle, let you fall in love with it, then tell you within a year or two or three that there's something better out there.
The secret is to be able to remain objective enough that you can stand back and know when you've got a really great car, and not get sucked into the advertising frenzy which seeks to convince you otherwise (which is a constant onslaught).

If you really love your E55 you should stick with it and ignore what anyone else says to the contrary in my opinion. In fact, if I want to remain happy with the cars I have (not ready for a change), I try to AVOID reading about the new models coming out.

I've never been loyal to any one auto manufacturer. I look over everything that's out there as each new year's models are released, and if I find something that I think will take me to the next level of enjoyment, a meaningful step up based on my own criteria and desires, then I buy.


When I look at the '03E55 I see quite an improvement in many of the areas that I find important.
First is power. The 476hp is up from 349hp, no trivial upgrade.
The airmatic suspension should increase driving pleasure measurably.
Sensotronic brake-by-wire is a legitimate engineering coup.
Heated/ventilated/massaging seats will be great in traffic.
I have been angry that MB and BMW have refused (up until now) to put in in-dash multi-CD players....which has been remedied with the '03E's (optional).
I really like the new dash/console design. One thing I've always disliked greatly was MB's squared off and flat dashes and consoles. While I think Japanese cars are a boring lot to drive, many of the ineterior designs are really appealing to me.
Exterior appearances are of minor importance to me. In fact, I gravitate to less ostentatious looking cars for work-related reasons.

So for my tastes, the 211 is a legitimate step ahead.
Many others may not agree.
But the important thing is to find a car that pleases on most levels, and I think the 211E55 will fit the bill.
Hope you remain happy with your E55, which by all accounts is a world class sport sedan regardless of what comes out next year or the year after.

 

I faced a similar decision, and opted for the 02 E55 last fall. I had already seen photos of the new W211 E500, but I had always loved the look of the W210 E55. While the new design is sleeker, it is also too similar to the S, C, and new CLK. I like the imposing hefty presence of the old W210 design. While I agree that the new interior is very nice, I also like the "classic" look of the square dash design in the W210. As I've owned many BMWs in the past, the square MB design dash/interior is new and refreshing to me - especially in it's two tone AMG leather form. I love the "designo" option too! The new W211 dash looks a little like my wife's BMW 5-series.

Having said this, I know I would also would be very happy with a new E500. But I was concerned about potential first year realiability issues. The W210 is very refined from a reliability viewpoint, mine has been faultless.

Ultimately, I felt I would be happier with an AMG, and I always wanted a W210 E55 AMG. However for many, I suspect that buyer's remorse could set in as soon as the new W211 hits the show rooms. If I were buying now, I would wait until I could drive the new E before making a decision. The new E55 is a different story, but it's not out for another year.

 

amg55,

The W211 E55 will be a superb car no doubt and I will eventually own one. Hopefully the next E55 - only after the direct injection engine and the mid model updates after the first 3 years. I believe the W211 platform will run 6 years. The Airmatic suspension sounds interesting - will there be an AMG airmatic version. Are the CL55 and S55 air suspension different from the CL500 and S500? Thanks.

 

you all have given me some great advice. first to answer some questions. the dealer was EuroMotorCars in Bethesda. my dealer was Mr. Bob Fix. the car was a brilliant silver with charcoal interior. the options were a cd changer, active ventilated seats, it also had a rear shade which i think is an option. i really loved the ride, which i was expecting to be harsh, but was surprisingly smooth, yet firm. it also had a nice leather steering wheel which gave a nice feel. but man can this car moooove! this may be a hard call for me to make. some of the key points you guys made are depreciation, buyers remorse. but, on the other hand buying now and trading it in 2 to 3 years from now is also a great option. damn these decisions!

 

HHhmmm with a last name like that don't think your decision should be that hard. LOL!

 

jamesp, don't forget to check out the 2002 E55 sitting at American Service Center since 8/31/01. They should bend over backwards to move this unit. Good Luck.

 

i will try to sneak away from the job for a bit this afternoon. i work right down the street from them. anyone in particular i should ask for? i've met Mr. Davis, he is pretty cool.

 

jamesp, I purchased my E430 from Clayton Garrett of ASC - Golf Fanatic!. The salesman at the new dealership in Alexandria may be hungry.

You want a really great deal on your MBZ call George Angelo (Sales Manager) of Pohanka Mercedes in Salisbury, MD (Eastern Shore) at (410) 548-3411 X8124. Small MBZ dealership, bigger discounts, better service. He will beat the deal and deliver the car for free - even the exact E55 you drove at Euro Motors or the one sitting at ASC. He locates cars. He got my E55 from a New Jersey dealer, delivered it to my door on a trailer. All transactions done on the phone - I never went to dealership or even met the guy face to face.

 

sounds great! thanks for the info KEV.

 

The E55 is my favorite AMG car.
I suggest you buy it and enjoy! I would not get wrapped up in waiting for a car (w211 AMG) that won't be available for at least a year. The current E55 is a great car, has beeen in production for a few years and is very well sorted. Buy, drive, enjoy. In a couple years you can trade into the new E55.