mfletch69

A few months ago I purchased a '99 E55 with 15k miles on it. The car is spectacular and I am loving it. I like the idea of the AMG's being hand assembled vs the regular Benz's. Anyway, I am thinking of buying another W210 for the wife and here is my question...

Other than the obvious performance differences, is there any reason to steer clear of an E430? Is the build quality so much better in the E55's? My wife would not care about the performance anyway and the tires are much more expensive on the AMG.

Any thoughts on this wouldbe appreciated. Thank you

fosmith

I think it's mostly just the engine that's handbuilt on the AMG E55 so the general quality of the E430 should be comparable to the E55. I've been quite happy with mine and the performance is no slouch either. Most important is to get one that's been well taken care of. I got mine with over 100K miles on it and it's been a great car. I think your idea is a good one as tires, brakes and such are less expensive on the E430.

Fred

mfletch69

Thanks for the reply. That is my thought process as well. Wondering if the E430 has been a more reliable car over all.

For what it is worth, most of the assembly of the W210 E55 took place, by hand, at AMG in Affalterbach until the end of 2001, when it shifted back to the main assembly line.

greghaz

I also know two people who own W210 e320s that have never had engine problems, so you might consider the six cylinder for the wife.

AMS Performance

The last few years of the E430 were good reliable cars and are really no more/less reliable than the AMGs. A 2000-2002 E430 would be a great car for her and should be relatively headache free.

The only issue that really is an issue from personal experience is the rear window motors can give out and fail occasionally (usually the passenger rear is the first to give). Also, occasionally the gauge cluster does have pixel issue on the temperature & clock mini-screens but other then that its pretty much a bulletproof car as long as its well maintained by previous owner. Also, the headunit & CD changers can be temperamental sometimes, although if you have NAV unit its usually alot more reliable.

The gas mileage from the V6 & V8 are almost the same so might as well get the V8 430 for the wife. No reason why the wifey shouldn't have power as well

CharlyE500

I had a W210 before and replaced the windows regulator ($150)
Engine mount at 80k miles, I had it for 3 years, it was a very good car to own.

Bellefonte

I don't want to diverge too much, where do you get this info? I'm trying to find a detailed history of the w210 e55.Thanks.

mfletch69

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W210

http://www.autoworld.com/news/Mercedes/E55.htm

http://www.motortrend.com/womt/112_0...ac/index2.html

http://www.theacorn.com/news/2000-11...e_special.html