ipaq123

There is very little resale information on '02s out there from what I can gather. Any ideas on what people are getting for them on the West Coast (CA in particular)? Either from trades or private party. Prices seem to be all over the map.. I know the market is down but how down is it??

Need to start making room for new E55!

E55 KEV

Be prepared to take a beating on trade-in and finding a private sell takes a miracle.

My WAG (wild *** guess) would be trade-in no more than $55k with Nav and $53k no Nav. V8's and especially E-Class with V-8's are hard to move. Every day I track the E55 bids on Ebay and they don't go high.

Finding Bin-Laden will be easier.

Last 2002 E55, no Nav, 16k miles sold on Ebay for $52,500:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...869817883&rd=1

This was sold by a dealer so a private seller auction would get even less.

amg55

And be glad you're in California.
Most other parts of the US (except FL) you'd have an even tougher time.
Kev's right though.
There is a limited market for 'lightly used' AMG's of most types, particularly in this soft economic environment.
It's a small segment of the public that seeks a high end 4 door performance sedan, can afford a used one, but can't afford a new one.
Let us know what kind of interest and offers you get.

allenjdmb

Cars that are $60k or so are soft for any marque. E55's that are in the 40's seem to be selling much better, as long as they're still in warranty and don't have any hideous colors or weird interiors. 99's are very tough, without the body and interior upgrades and no prepaid service, and many are now out of factory warranty. Also, I agree that Comand does make a good bit of difference, epecially $50+k, and is a real bonus on a pre -01. These are great cars for the money.

akinder

Damn, one of the big selling points to buy the E55 in early 2001 was the resale value. At least that's how I talked myself into it (and my wife). I figured in the long run it would be cheaper to own than a Caddy STS.

Oh well, guess that means I have to hang on to it for a few more years. Doesn't really upset me that much though -- I still love this car after 2 years. That is really saying something for me, as I usually bore of a vehicle after a year.

Punch the gas and an instant smile still comes to the face. I've been a Corvette guy my whole life, traded in a 93 ruby vette on the E55 and I haven't been disappointed for a moment.

Hope the resale value comes back up. I talked to my salesmen about the 04 E55 and how much higher the sticker is. He said that would drive up the price of the used ones? Sounds like baloney to me.

ipaq123

When I bought this car I was debating between the 55 and M5. It seems that M5s are priced much higher still at this point in the used market. It's funny though if you read bmwm5.com they tend to suggest Merc resale is better than BMW.

Either way you look at it it's not an easy sell. I'll let you guys know how it goes when i get my w211.

Regards.

amg55

There's been lots of speculation about the price of the new 211E55, but most people seem to think it will be only marginally more expensive than the outgoing 210E55 (at base price anyway).

Assuming this holds true, you are correct that your salesman is blowing smoke.

If the economy suddenly heated up next year (unlikely), your resale would do the same. Your decision in 2000-2001 was reasonable and defensible based upon available information at that time. Resale WAS an excellent selling point at that time. But it's not just your E55 that's taken a hit in resale potential. Virtually all cars in this price segment have suffered similarly, many much moreso than MB's.

ipaq123

When the E46 M3 launched people were excited about M3s again and realized it is a great car. That drove up prices on E30 M3s from an average of about 7 to 8k to as much as 12 to 14k. It probably didn't effect the E36 much since it was so mass produced.

If consumers see that the W211s are much more expensive and nearly unattainable they might "settle" for a W210 which would probably just keep the prices from evaporating rather than increasing. Time will tell.

pocholin

Why don't you just buy my car! Real men don't ask directions to the Command Naviation!!! Who needs that crap anyway!?!?!?
I'll make you a really good deal, my car has 60k miles but it is still under factory extended warranty

E55 KEV

This Current issue of Motor Trend estimates the price of the 2004 at $75k. I bet that price includes the Nav.

The E55 will reach $85k after added all those new expensive options - Panaramic Roof, Distronic, Keyless Go, Drive Dynamic seats, Comfort Seats, etc.