Friend is considering getting a W210 E55 AMG
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From: California
2018 E63S AMG, 2003 SLK 230 Sport, 2004 SL 600, 2006 SLK 55 AMG, 1998 E320 Wagon
Friend is considering getting a W210 E55 AMG
Any suggestions on what to look out for and/or what years were better?
I know a lot of general information on the E55, but not a lot of specifics. I know the 1999 E55 used a modified transmission off of an SL 600 and that the newer transmissions after were tiptronic. I also know the '99 and some of the '00 models were still hand built at AMG, which personally speaking puts them in a higher bracket in my book, unless there's something I should know arguing this belief.
I had an SL 600 before and really enjoyed the car and the older style transmission. The new one is fine, of course. What say the crowd here? Any suggestions or preferences? Is there also a year that's more mod friendly, or are they all about the same?
I know a lot of general information on the E55, but not a lot of specifics. I know the 1999 E55 used a modified transmission off of an SL 600 and that the newer transmissions after were tiptronic. I also know the '99 and some of the '00 models were still hand built at AMG, which personally speaking puts them in a higher bracket in my book, unless there's something I should know arguing this belief.
I had an SL 600 before and really enjoyed the car and the older style transmission. The new one is fine, of course. What say the crowd here? Any suggestions or preferences? Is there also a year that's more mod friendly, or are they all about the same?
Last edited by Koru_Kinshi; Jun 9, 2011 at 02:18 PM.
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
Well, its always better go with 2000, 01 and 02. More updated out and in side. Just try in the autotrader and craiglist. All depends on how much your friend want to spend. You want to find a well kept car, you got to pay for it. maybe $12K+ but if your friend only want low price E55 then the mileage and condition wont be as good.
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From: Metro ATL
2001 E55 AMG (sold)
If it were me, it would be 2000-2002. Updated dash, better looking front end, transmission has 'tiptronic' style feature (still basically the same one from the V-12), electronics are newer (fiber optic system), and they were still hand built at AMG in 2000 and 2001. As discussed before, the car is not entirely hand built, just the AMG specific portions of the car. The cars all started their life in the normal Mercedes production line. Then they were shipped to AMG with no interior, no suspension, no engine/trans, no front end, etc.
In addition, the later W210s seemed to iron out some of the problems found in earlier models (blower motor regulator, evaporator leaking, dash peeling, etc).
In addition, the later W210s seemed to iron out some of the problems found in earlier models (blower motor regulator, evaporator leaking, dash peeling, etc).
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From: Metro ATL
2001 E55 AMG (sold)
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From: West Hills, CA
Used to drive E55
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From: Metro ATL
2001 E55 AMG (sold)
This is the first I've heard anything about the 99s being faster. I mean, they had the same engine (with slight variability due to hand building), same basic transmission and rear end, same suspension, roughly the same tire sizes, same curb weight. What is different?
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From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
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From: West Hills, CA
Used to drive E55
I'm just wondering. What about the 99s makes them faster in your opinion(s)?
This is the first I've heard anything about the 99s being faster. I mean, they had the same engine (with slight variability due to hand building), same basic transmission and rear end, same suspension, roughly the same tire sizes, same curb weight. What is different?
This is the first I've heard anything about the 99s being faster. I mean, they had the same engine (with slight variability due to hand building), same basic transmission and rear end, same suspension, roughly the same tire sizes, same curb weight. What is different?
I didn't say mine was much faster! All I know it was dam fast
You bring up some valid points, but since I just sold it I can't say any more. Let some other 99 owners chime in to back it or not
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From: Bostonian Ma
2012 CLS63 AMG
I read somewhere that the ecu was upgraded in the 00 01 02 when they upgraded the facelift. Could be wrong but when I did a few runs with my bud Leerod my car always pulled ahead but then again his car was stock compared to mine. He had high flows/resonator delete/x pipe
Armani
Armani
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From: Bostonian Ma
2012 CLS63 AMG
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From: Destin, Florida
1999 E55
it is not a fair comparison. My wife's '00 is bone stock perfect example. my '99 has exhaust work and better suspension. The '99 will walk away from the '00.
The 2 cars have different personalities for sure...even when they were both stock. There feels like there was a different intent between the two cars as they were built. The pre-facelift car has a more stripped down feel with the Napa leather and just the way it drives. More direct feedback from the road. A little less distraction. It is not trying to be a Lexus or a BMW. You know the AMG engineers were still smiling and patting each other on the back when they drove it to the test track.
The post-facelift car is really nice...but more energy was directed toward creature comfort and gadgetry. The AMG guys had a winner and were looking toward the W211 and were trying to tame the beast for a larger market.
The '99 is a much angrier car - as it was when it was stock. A very, very pissed off car. LOL. But I like old school MB cars and am biased. I like my MB emblem on the hood.
The 2 cars have different personalities for sure...even when they were both stock. There feels like there was a different intent between the two cars as they were built. The pre-facelift car has a more stripped down feel with the Napa leather and just the way it drives. More direct feedback from the road. A little less distraction. It is not trying to be a Lexus or a BMW. You know the AMG engineers were still smiling and patting each other on the back when they drove it to the test track.
The post-facelift car is really nice...but more energy was directed toward creature comfort and gadgetry. The AMG guys had a winner and were looking toward the W211 and were trying to tame the beast for a larger market.
The '99 is a much angrier car - as it was when it was stock. A very, very pissed off car. LOL. But I like old school MB cars and am biased. I like my MB emblem on the hood.
