Shopping for 00-02 E55 in Socal
10-25-2010, 10:29 AM
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2002 E55 040 2000 E320 Wagon 199 2004 Ford F550
Shopping for 00-02 E55 in Socal
Hi everyone
First post on this site. I have been lurking for awhile and enjoy reading your interesting and informative threads. You guys have helped alot build up my knowledge of the car I desire. I am more confident when I go to look at a 10 year old car for sale. Unfortunately, the only 2 that are available locally are for sale by dealer. Both are in the South Bay and overpriced without history. Maybe I am too picky?
Platinum Motors in Redondo has a great 00 silver on black with 95K on odometer. Fresh smelling interior I would rate 8.5 and clean paint I would rate 8.5 with clear coat still shiny. Appears complete sans popup cupholder and a bulb out behind speedo. Motor was squeaky clean. Brakes are tight and tires have tread. Took her for a spin and noticed some hesitation to gain speed as I punched it in first. Another slip in 2nd. No codes popped up? I know you have talked about "resetting" which can alter the computer for more engine power? My wife liked the car cause it was clean, cared for and obviously garaged.
Down PCH to South Bay Resale. There is 02 tectite gray on black with 85K on odometer. The car looks stright from 15 feet away. Upon closer inspection, she looks like she came from a Bakersfield cornfield. Interior was so dirty with pigprints on headliner. Wood inlay had bleached from sun, missing the little switch levers on seats, and temp and time was intermittent. Overall, everything worked and was operational. Paint had lost luster and shine. Some scratches and missing a small moulding piece and fog light craked. Motor was filthy with a small puddle of fluid collected under center of motor on plastic cover (it has been raining here off/on for a week, but inside engine compartment, not on ground). Took her for a spin down PCH and she pulled hard and steady. Some kook in a WRX challenged me in front of the MBZ dealer, so I punched it from 30-60 quick in a 40 zone in Sunday traffic. Family was in back gripping the leather. She drove great, but was disgacefully dirty. Ironic with an autospa directly across the street.
Thank you for listening to my observations about both cars. I prefer to purchase from a private party, however all cars I have looked at have the 2-tone interior that I am not fond of. I am reaching out to anybody in SD OC LA that has a lead on a car not on Sitemash Trader CL or Ebay.
Thanx
Hugh
First post on this site. I have been lurking for awhile and enjoy reading your interesting and informative threads. You guys have helped alot build up my knowledge of the car I desire. I am more confident when I go to look at a 10 year old car for sale. Unfortunately, the only 2 that are available locally are for sale by dealer. Both are in the South Bay and overpriced without history. Maybe I am too picky?
Platinum Motors in Redondo has a great 00 silver on black with 95K on odometer. Fresh smelling interior I would rate 8.5 and clean paint I would rate 8.5 with clear coat still shiny. Appears complete sans popup cupholder and a bulb out behind speedo. Motor was squeaky clean. Brakes are tight and tires have tread. Took her for a spin and noticed some hesitation to gain speed as I punched it in first. Another slip in 2nd. No codes popped up? I know you have talked about "resetting" which can alter the computer for more engine power? My wife liked the car cause it was clean, cared for and obviously garaged.
Down PCH to South Bay Resale. There is 02 tectite gray on black with 85K on odometer. The car looks stright from 15 feet away. Upon closer inspection, she looks like she came from a Bakersfield cornfield. Interior was so dirty with pigprints on headliner. Wood inlay had bleached from sun, missing the little switch levers on seats, and temp and time was intermittent. Overall, everything worked and was operational. Paint had lost luster and shine. Some scratches and missing a small moulding piece and fog light craked. Motor was filthy with a small puddle of fluid collected under center of motor on plastic cover (it has been raining here off/on for a week, but inside engine compartment, not on ground). Took her for a spin down PCH and she pulled hard and steady. Some kook in a WRX challenged me in front of the MBZ dealer, so I punched it from 30-60 quick in a 40 zone in Sunday traffic. Family was in back gripping the leather. She drove great, but was disgacefully dirty. Ironic with an autospa directly across the street.
Thank you for listening to my observations about both cars. I prefer to purchase from a private party, however all cars I have looked at have the 2-tone interior that I am not fond of. I am reaching out to anybody in SD OC LA that has a lead on a car not on Sitemash Trader CL or Ebay.
Thanx
Hugh
10-25-2010, 12:20 PM
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monowiper
hahah did they try to molest your beast Jamesterstatic?
to OP: i have a clean and overmaintained one that will never find at any dealer lol but it's 2 tone interior...
gl with the search, just try to avoid auction cars, obviously dealers will try to sell anything, but w/out proper maintenance specially on any german car. between 70k-100k that's when a lot of bushings, control arms, coolant hoses, belts, valve cover gaskets leaks, tranny fluid/filter serviced, etc. etc. records/records and owners that are on top of the maintenance, otherwise your initial purchase savings will be far outweighed with the work you need to do down the road.
to OP: i have a clean and overmaintained one that will never find at any dealer lol but it's 2 tone interior...
gl with the search, just try to avoid auction cars, obviously dealers will try to sell anything, but w/out proper maintenance specially on any german car. between 70k-100k that's when a lot of bushings, control arms, coolant hoses, belts, valve cover gaskets leaks, tranny fluid/filter serviced, etc. etc. records/records and owners that are on top of the maintenance, otherwise your initial purchase savings will be far outweighed with the work you need to do down the road.
10-25-2010, 01:46 PM
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What's your budget?
The Car Factory in Van Nuys has this one:
http://www.carweek.com/dealer_listin...scapeHeader=No
I drove it myself. It is in mint showroom condition. Black/Black 33,000 miles. Ask for Kevin. He'll take $20K or less for it. They have had it a while and have been told to "move it".
There is another for $8K, 2002, silver with 140K on Craigslist in North Hollywood sold by "Stan". It's a bit rougher but a clean title and drives nicely. It needs a few things. Hood paint is a bit scuffed. Contour seat leak, headrest adjustment broken, side marker cover, right rear rim is rashed up. Interior has not really been cleaned up but aside form a tear on the drivers side left side bolster, is pretty OK. Insturment cluster gear indication is misreading. Most of these can be fixed over a few weekends if you are handy but the Dealer will kill you on these. I have posted on it at benzworld.org and gotten good feedback on it there.
The Car Factory in Van Nuys has this one:
http://www.carweek.com/dealer_listin...scapeHeader=No
I drove it myself. It is in mint showroom condition. Black/Black 33,000 miles. Ask for Kevin. He'll take $20K or less for it. They have had it a while and have been told to "move it".
There is another for $8K, 2002, silver with 140K on Craigslist in North Hollywood sold by "Stan". It's a bit rougher but a clean title and drives nicely. It needs a few things. Hood paint is a bit scuffed. Contour seat leak, headrest adjustment broken, side marker cover, right rear rim is rashed up. Interior has not really been cleaned up but aside form a tear on the drivers side left side bolster, is pretty OK. Insturment cluster gear indication is misreading. Most of these can be fixed over a few weekends if you are handy but the Dealer will kill you on these. I have posted on it at benzworld.org and gotten good feedback on it there.
Last edited by Schweinhund; 10-25-2010 at 01:49 PM.
10-25-2010, 08:11 PM
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2002 E55 040 2000 E320 Wagon 199 2004 Ford F550
Thanks for all of the responses. You guys are great!
JamE... Too funny. Sad, but true. The salesman at South Bay came off like a Player. Insistant that he was moving a bunch of cars a month. When he felt that I was not going to purchase immediately, he was in the back with his manager working a deal. Too slippery for my tastes. Still was fun to watch him wiggle.
Eurosport... I am aware of the costs involved. My wife has the black Estate with almost 169K and still kicking strong. There has been some minor repairs over the years, but I feel preventative maintainence has kept the cost down.
Schweinhund... I have seen the black/black with 33k miles. It is showroom beautiful. It is at the top of my budget and I mean way top! At the first of Aug, they were holding firm @ $20K. Has this changed? Thanks for the lead on "Stan's" car. i will check out your review on benzworld.com.
Thanks for all of the feedback. I really appreciate the heads up.
Hugh
JamE... Too funny. Sad, but true. The salesman at South Bay came off like a Player. Insistant that he was moving a bunch of cars a month. When he felt that I was not going to purchase immediately, he was in the back with his manager working a deal. Too slippery for my tastes. Still was fun to watch him wiggle.
Eurosport... I am aware of the costs involved. My wife has the black Estate with almost 169K and still kicking strong. There has been some minor repairs over the years, but I feel preventative maintainence has kept the cost down.
Schweinhund... I have seen the black/black with 33k miles. It is showroom beautiful. It is at the top of my budget and I mean way top! At the first of Aug, they were holding firm @ $20K. Has this changed? Thanks for the lead on "Stan's" car. i will check out your review on benzworld.com.
Thanks for all of the feedback. I really appreciate the heads up.
Hugh
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10-30-2010, 09:35 PM
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2001 E55 AMG - 2001 E320 - 1990 300CE
For What Its Worth
The W210 E55 was the last vehicle that a major portion of production took place by hand at AMG in Affalterbach. Production was actually split between Affalterbach and the Bremen Mercedes-Benz facility until the end of 2001. The 2001 E55 AMG is a rare version of the W210 E55, of which only 659 units were produced in 2001.
If you think about it, probably less than 400 are still on the road and of those less than 5% have less than 50K miles. Grab the one with 33K at what ever price you can get it for.
The 2001 AMGs were the last cars manufactured with hand assembly of both the engine and the chassis, a historical point in the MB legacy.
I bought mine for $21K with 29K miles and while I know I paid top dollar, I would bet it is probably the lowest milage unit on the road, definitely the cleanest showroom condition unit around.
Something to think about the new 2011 E63 AMG is $151K. In 2001 the E55 AMG sold for $72-$75K adjusted for inflation that is $93K today. So you are buying a $93K vehicle with less than 35K miles for less than $20K, compare that to other later model vehicles with 35K miles and you will see that it is not a bad deal.
If you think about it, probably less than 400 are still on the road and of those less than 5% have less than 50K miles. Grab the one with 33K at what ever price you can get it for.
The 2001 AMGs were the last cars manufactured with hand assembly of both the engine and the chassis, a historical point in the MB legacy.
I bought mine for $21K with 29K miles and while I know I paid top dollar, I would bet it is probably the lowest milage unit on the road, definitely the cleanest showroom condition unit around.
Something to think about the new 2011 E63 AMG is $151K. In 2001 the E55 AMG sold for $72-$75K adjusted for inflation that is $93K today. So you are buying a $93K vehicle with less than 35K miles for less than $20K, compare that to other later model vehicles with 35K miles and you will see that it is not a bad deal.
10-31-2010, 01:16 AM
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monowiper
10-31-2010, 02:42 AM
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2007 SL55 AMG
The W210 E55 was the last vehicle that a major portion of production took place by hand at AMG in Affalterbach. Production was actually split between Affalterbach and the Bremen Mercedes-Benz facility until the end of 2001. The 2001 E55 AMG is a rare version of the W210 E55, of which only 659 units were produced in 2001.
If you think about it, probably less than 400 are still on the road and of those less than 5% have less than 50K miles. Grab the one with 33K at what ever price you can get it for.
The 2001 AMGs were the last cars manufactured with hand assembly of both the engine and the chassis, a historical point in the MB legacy.
I bought mine for $21K with 29K miles and while I know I paid top dollar, I would bet it is probably the lowest milage unit on the road, definitely the cleanest showroom condition unit around.
Something to think about the new 2011 E63 AMG is $151K. In 2001 the E55 AMG sold for $72-$75K adjusted for inflation that is $93K today. So you are buying a $93K vehicle with less than 35K miles for less than $20K, compare that to other later model vehicles with 35K miles and you will see that it is not a bad deal.
If you think about it, probably less than 400 are still on the road and of those less than 5% have less than 50K miles. Grab the one with 33K at what ever price you can get it for.
The 2001 AMGs were the last cars manufactured with hand assembly of both the engine and the chassis, a historical point in the MB legacy.
I bought mine for $21K with 29K miles and while I know I paid top dollar, I would bet it is probably the lowest milage unit on the road, definitely the cleanest showroom condition unit around.
Something to think about the new 2011 E63 AMG is $151K. In 2001 the E55 AMG sold for $72-$75K adjusted for inflation that is $93K today. So you are buying a $93K vehicle with less than 35K miles for less than $20K, compare that to other later model vehicles with 35K miles and you will see that it is not a bad deal.
10-31-2010, 08:55 AM
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2001 E55 AMG - 2001 E320 - 1990 300CE
11-01-2010, 10:15 AM
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I sold my E55 to a friend in La Canada and he's got it as a wknd car and not driving it much, so if you PM me w/ your budget, I can check in with him. It's a 95k miles, 2001 E55 three-owner car that's been mostly MB Dealer maintained. Silver/blk(not two-toned) and in great shape, probably 9+ and always garaged. Many major items already done, including new plugs at 80k w/ ignition coils, etc... I had had it for 2 yrs and then sold it to him about 2 yrs ago. Despite my S55/S600, I often miss the quickness/nimbleness of the E55.
Patrick
Patrick
11-04-2010, 08:01 PM
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2001 E55
Not sure why the 2002 is faster than my 2001.....
Anyway, I just drove the 2011 E55, SL55 and C55 at an AMG invitational at El Toro Airbase.
I have 80,000 miles on my car that I got as a 2 year lease return, I have put most of that on the car driving it very very hard; I live off of Mulholland Drive here in LA famous for wannabe racers.
The new cars are in a different class; simply frightening horsepower and adhesion limits. When the car does finally go a little sideways you just point where you want to go and apply more throttle, no need even for opposite lock.
But herein lies the rub, at least for me: Crazy money, loud and obnoxious owners, so many new 55's on the road here already there is little cachet and sadly, the cars have engineered the driver almost out of the equation. Unless hoping onto an on ramp and gassing it is your thing the new cars do not demand to be driven. Paddle shift is pretty cool though!
My point, finally, is that as one of the posters points out above, if you can get a black 2001 with cetifiable 33k miles you are buying a fabulous handbuilt car WITH PERSONALITY for under $20k, this is a no brainer. It is like turning back the clock and getting a 3 year lease return-all the depreciation taken by the new car guy.
We have all heard it before: the most expensive Benz is the cheapest Benz you buy. What are you saving $7k over some guys daily driver thrashed in commutes with 80k on the clock?
Seems to me you could steal this with an offer of $18,000 if the car is there that long but let me know if you pass where it is at because I may spring for it myself. Then you can look at my car for $10,000.
Anyway, I just drove the 2011 E55, SL55 and C55 at an AMG invitational at El Toro Airbase.
I have 80,000 miles on my car that I got as a 2 year lease return, I have put most of that on the car driving it very very hard; I live off of Mulholland Drive here in LA famous for wannabe racers.
The new cars are in a different class; simply frightening horsepower and adhesion limits. When the car does finally go a little sideways you just point where you want to go and apply more throttle, no need even for opposite lock.
But herein lies the rub, at least for me: Crazy money, loud and obnoxious owners, so many new 55's on the road here already there is little cachet and sadly, the cars have engineered the driver almost out of the equation. Unless hoping onto an on ramp and gassing it is your thing the new cars do not demand to be driven. Paddle shift is pretty cool though!
My point, finally, is that as one of the posters points out above, if you can get a black 2001 with cetifiable 33k miles you are buying a fabulous handbuilt car WITH PERSONALITY for under $20k, this is a no brainer. It is like turning back the clock and getting a 3 year lease return-all the depreciation taken by the new car guy.
We have all heard it before: the most expensive Benz is the cheapest Benz you buy. What are you saving $7k over some guys daily driver thrashed in commutes with 80k on the clock?
Seems to me you could steal this with an offer of $18,000 if the car is there that long but let me know if you pass where it is at because I may spring for it myself. Then you can look at my car for $10,000.
11-05-2010, 09:34 AM
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2002 E55 040 2000 E320 Wagon 199 2004 Ford F550
All great points!!!
The black 2002 E55 with 33K on the odo is close to you. Located @ The Car Factory on the corner of Van Nuys n Burbank. Check it out, she is a Beauty and a Beast. Kevin is the one in charge. Listed @ 22K. He will take 20K, at least when I asked. I agree it is an awesome value at 18K.
I am not really looking for a "shiner" or a "beater" for that matter. Really just want "middle of the road" with maybe 70-90K on odo. Kept up in the last 10 years. I have seen a few scooting around in my area. That is why I am reaching out in this forum. Perhaps one that I have seen around town may want to let go of their ride.
The black 2002 E55 with 33K on the odo is close to you. Located @ The Car Factory on the corner of Van Nuys n Burbank. Check it out, she is a Beauty and a Beast. Kevin is the one in charge. Listed @ 22K. He will take 20K, at least when I asked. I agree it is an awesome value at 18K.
I am not really looking for a "shiner" or a "beater" for that matter. Really just want "middle of the road" with maybe 70-90K on odo. Kept up in the last 10 years. I have seen a few scooting around in my area. That is why I am reaching out in this forum. Perhaps one that I have seen around town may want to let go of their ride.
11-05-2010, 10:52 AM
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2001 E55
Thanks, I realized there was a link to the car and some photos, looks pretty nice although hard to tell from the pix it looks flat black, I think I prefer my Obsidan metallic and I am not crazy about chrome rims. Also, one reason it may still be sitting is that it is not an exceptionally optioned car, just average.
It is tempting to offer Kevin my car and ten grand to get a low miles car but in the end I agree with you; I prefer my middle of the road 83,000 car that I have maintained at the dealer or top tuners. A mild remap of the ECU is the only mod and no accidents other than a mild shunt in the parking lot to the rear, didn't even replace the bumper.
Good luck with your search, let us know what you get.
It is tempting to offer Kevin my car and ten grand to get a low miles car but in the end I agree with you; I prefer my middle of the road 83,000 car that I have maintained at the dealer or top tuners. A mild remap of the ECU is the only mod and no accidents other than a mild shunt in the parking lot to the rear, didn't even replace the bumper.
Good luck with your search, let us know what you get.
11-06-2010, 12:16 AM
#18
Member
Not sure why the 2002 is faster than my 2001.....
Anyway, I just drove the 2011 E55, SL55 and C55 at an AMG invitational at El Toro Airbase.
I have 80,000 miles on my car that I got as a 2 year lease return, I have put most of that on the car driving it very very hard; I live off of Mulholland Drive here in LA famous for wannabe racers.
The new cars are in a different class; simply frightening horsepower and adhesion limits. When the car does finally go a little sideways you just point where you want to go and apply more throttle, no need even for opposite lock.
But herein lies the rub, at least for me: Crazy money, loud and obnoxious owners, so many new 55's on the road here already there is little cachet and sadly, the cars have engineered the driver almost out of the equation. Unless hoping onto an on ramp and gassing it is your thing the new cars do not demand to be driven. Paddle shift is pretty cool though!
My point, finally, is that as one of the posters points out above, if you can get a black 2001 with cetifiable 33k miles you are buying a fabulous handbuilt car WITH PERSONALITY for under $20k, this is a no brainer. It is like turning back the clock and getting a 3 year lease return-all the depreciation taken by the new car guy.
We have all heard it before: the most expensive Benz is the cheapest Benz you buy. What are you saving $7k over some guys daily driver thrashed in commutes with 80k on the clock?
Seems to me you could steal this with an offer of $18,000 if the car is there that long but let me know if you pass where it is at because I may spring for it myself. Then you can look at my car for $10,000.
Anyway, I just drove the 2011 E55, SL55 and C55 at an AMG invitational at El Toro Airbase.
I have 80,000 miles on my car that I got as a 2 year lease return, I have put most of that on the car driving it very very hard; I live off of Mulholland Drive here in LA famous for wannabe racers.
The new cars are in a different class; simply frightening horsepower and adhesion limits. When the car does finally go a little sideways you just point where you want to go and apply more throttle, no need even for opposite lock.
But herein lies the rub, at least for me: Crazy money, loud and obnoxious owners, so many new 55's on the road here already there is little cachet and sadly, the cars have engineered the driver almost out of the equation. Unless hoping onto an on ramp and gassing it is your thing the new cars do not demand to be driven. Paddle shift is pretty cool though!
My point, finally, is that as one of the posters points out above, if you can get a black 2001 with cetifiable 33k miles you are buying a fabulous handbuilt car WITH PERSONALITY for under $20k, this is a no brainer. It is like turning back the clock and getting a 3 year lease return-all the depreciation taken by the new car guy.
We have all heard it before: the most expensive Benz is the cheapest Benz you buy. What are you saving $7k over some guys daily driver thrashed in commutes with 80k on the clock?
Seems to me you could steal this with an offer of $18,000 if the car is there that long but let me know if you pass where it is at because I may spring for it myself. Then you can look at my car for $10,000.
the 2011 E55, SL55 and C55 ???
11-09-2010, 04:28 PM
#19
MBWorld Fanatic!
The W210 E55 was the last vehicle that a major portion of production took place by hand at AMG in Affalterbach. Production was actually split between Affalterbach and the Bremen Mercedes-Benz facility until the end of 2001. The 2001 E55 AMG is a rare version of the W210 E55, of which only 659 units were produced in 2001.
If you think about it, probably less than 400 are still on the road and of those less than 5% have less than 50K miles. Grab the one with 33K at what ever price you can get it for.
The 2001 AMGs were the last cars manufactured with hand assembly of both the engine and the chassis, a historical point in the MB legacy.
I bought mine for $21K with 29K miles and while I know I paid top dollar, I would bet it is probably the lowest milage unit on the road, definitely the cleanest showroom condition unit around.
Something to think about the new 2011 E63 AMG is $151K. In 2001 the E55 AMG sold for $72-$75K adjusted for inflation that is $93K today. So you are buying a $93K vehicle with less than 35K miles for less than $20K, compare that to other later model vehicles with 35K miles and you will see that it is not a bad deal.
If you think about it, probably less than 400 are still on the road and of those less than 5% have less than 50K miles. Grab the one with 33K at what ever price you can get it for.
The 2001 AMGs were the last cars manufactured with hand assembly of both the engine and the chassis, a historical point in the MB legacy.
I bought mine for $21K with 29K miles and while I know I paid top dollar, I would bet it is probably the lowest milage unit on the road, definitely the cleanest showroom condition unit around.
Something to think about the new 2011 E63 AMG is $151K. In 2001 the E55 AMG sold for $72-$75K adjusted for inflation that is $93K today. So you are buying a $93K vehicle with less than 35K miles for less than $20K, compare that to other later model vehicles with 35K miles and you will see that it is not a bad deal.
