jcat

what's up guys, normally I'm in the w211 forum as that's what I drive right now (06 e500 4matic) but I'm getting tired of the payment and am looking to downsize. Lucky me, that downsize is looking like it may be a 2002 e55. I wanted to get some buying advice from you guys as I know the e-cars very well but not so much the e55's.

The car is as follows:

2002 E55 AMG
Black/Black
85k miles
no nav, no parking sensors
Seller is asking $9999 for the car with 2yr warranty and guaranteed financing

My concern is that it's being sold at a dealership that is also a repair shop...i'm experienced enough to see the obvious leaks and damage and things like that, but wanted some further advice on what to look for, i.e. typical problem areas and things to see in terms of what's been done. My dad had a 2001 CLK55 at one point and I know he was having transmission issues when he got rid of it, is that a common failing point? Any advice is super helpful.

Cheers!

xlr8tin

The W210's are solid cars. I had 2. Electrical problems were the main issues I had. Like MAF sensor and other sensors here and there. On my 2002 I had to replace the torque converter, but it wasn't a normal issue.

I might run a carfax for this car you are looking at. Maybe offer $9k and se what happens. Miles are good, and I'd prefer a 2002. Warranties are a must on these cars as most other Benzes. I had one on my first one and was a waste of money. Hope this helps a little

jcat

Hey man, thanks for the input. My stepmom also has a w210 e430 4m, great car but like you said some electrical gremlins. Maf, clock display etc. but DIY stuff on these cars doesn't scare me. I hear you on the warranty, I threw one on this w211 the day after I bought it. No reason to screw with it. Even at a couple grand it's cheap insurance, but with this one coming with a 2 yr warranty included it's certainly a plus dependent upon the coverages.

I was thinking I might even offer lower than that and see what the reaction is. Part of the problem is I'm upside down in my 211, but this is a small dealership that I'm sure will offer me more than the big boys will.

tsquare

These cars are very solid, gas,oil,tires,brake pads. As with all cars - it comes down to how well the car was cared for and maintained. If you can get a car with a solid file of service records you will be fine.

What is great about the W210's is that most of the maintaince can be done yourself.

Good luck

Neanicu888

Great cars!
I have a '99 and no major issues. Transmission problems?! No way! They're rock solid!
9K$ for a 2002 with 85K miles and 2 years warranty?! It's like music to my ears man!!! Of course,unless it has problems. The 2002's with that mileage go easily for 12K$ and no warranty.

CharlyE500

The price is right. If you can get it for $9K watch out !
Carfax very important ! And that 2 years warranty not sure if they will honor the repairs so don't count on that now. 02 E55 85K $10k is great price. Check the Brake and rotors condition, they are not cheap. Other than this, they are exactly the same as E430 in term of maintenance. MAF sensor is nothing, any car has this issue. W210 is a very solid car and 2002 is the last year so should be good.

Just inspect the Valve gasket to see if any leaking. However, its still 10 years old car, you should prepare to do some maintenance soon. Such as Tranny flush, spark plugs, flush coolant. As i mentioned, its a very solid car but 10 years old still have some repair to do even a Camry need repair after 10 years......

Strigoi

Sparks plugs and wires are kind of expensive as well since there are 16 of them on these cars. Front rotors/pads will set you back $600+ just in parts.

allenjdmb

RUST. The 210 has one of the worst reputations of late model Benz cars as it regards rust. Check bottoms of doors, tops of doors, front wheel wells and rear suspension/exhaust box area. Clusters yes,blower fan issues yes. All for nothing if it's really rusty.

xlr8tin

This goes for any car in New England not just a Mercedes...I'm sure he's aware of cars with rust

allenjdmb

but seeing as the 210 has probably the WORST reputation of any recent Benz chassis for rust, a heads up can't hurt. One would assume that a company with the (alleged) technology and QC of Mercedes, along with the advances in corrosion proofing in the 70's and 80's, could make an $80k car car that wouldn't rust so easily. Not.

snooozie

Depends where the car was from. Don't buy cars from RI or the northeast if you can help it. I got mine current E55 from the south hence no rust. My 99 300TD was from RI and the original owner owns a mariner and sells yacht hence the car was park on the docks all its life. I bought it because the older gentleman takes good care of it as far as maintence and he even show me the original miles it roll out of the showroom 35 miles. Rust..ohhh it rust.....he told me he can't control that as all his cars rust!! That thing was a rust bucket...


2002 for under 10k with under 100k miles....that something you want to look into if you want an E55. I think thats a good deal.