A.Stetson89

Hello,

Great website, tons of information, great for an MB newb like myself. I'm not sure if this has been asked before, so forgive me if it has.
I currently drive a 2007 Mustang GT, stock w/ low miles and the 5 sp MTX - fun car. However, driving it in LA traffic has become hellish, and my significant other really hates the car, so I am 99% sure I will be selling it after the holidays. I am looking at W210 E55s.
There are lots of them that are under $13k, but they all have between 95k to 150k + miles. Is this too good to be true? This would be my first foray into the world of German cars as well. What kind of maintenance should I be expecting at this mileage? I am financially prepared for repairs, but I also don't want to be constantly shelling money out. I would really appreciate a general idea of reliability for the W210 e55s.

Thanks for your time and opinions,

Andrew

A.Stetson89

Whoops found a thread on this exact question. My bad

Nocturnal-G

Hi Andrew and welcome to the forum... I suggest buying a 2001 or 2002 if you can. MB took care of most W210 issues by then, still have minor issues but not as much as the 99's-2000's.

Strigoi

Maintenance can really add up on these cars if you don't do the work yourself. The biggest issue is front brakes. Rotors are OEM only and will run you around $250 each and pads will be another $100. These cars also take 8 or 8.5 quarts of synthetic so oil changes can run around $100.

Do not buy one without records. I can not emphasize this enough. I did just that and spent thousands getting things taken care of on it. Luckily I have a friend that works at an indy and does side jobs for me. It would have been around $5,000-$6,000 of work at normal shop prices.

Be sure to get a PPI (pre purchase inspection) done if you are serious about the car. It's worth the money. Most dealerships or shops will do one for a couple hundred dollars.

If there are no records of a tranny fluid change get one done ASAP. MB originally said that these were lifetime transmissions but later changed that.

I also wouldn't worry about getting one with 100,000 miles on it. If the car has been taken care of it will still have lots of life left in it.

This is also a good read...

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...e55-amg-page-7

A.Stetson89

Thanks for the responses guys, great info. Unfortunately, I am no good at DIY repairs so I would have to have a mechanic do it. I'm still shocked that an E55 can be picked up for under $15k - I guess i just never looked until now. How's the power on these cars, compared to an 07 Mustang Gt (300hp/320tq, 0 to 60 in low 5s, 1/4 in around 13.8)? I know they have more hp/tq, but I'm sure age and weight is a factor. Thanks for the responses so far, much appreciated

A.Stetson89

Also, great link from C&D

Nocturnal-G

Weight on these cars are great... a little over 3700 curb weight.

PS. You've found a gem. Have you driven one yet?

A.Stetson89

3700 is great for a luxury sedan. Hell, the mustang is between 3500 to 3600.

Haven't driven one yet, but am planning to this week. There are a surprising amount available right now. I'm thinking I'm in for an exciting experience this week.

Nocturnal-G

What part of LA are you in?

A.Stetson89

Santa Monica

Strigoi

Stock for stock I'd put my money on the E55. I ran a Mustang GT of that body style that sounded mean as **** and he pulled about a car length on me from 65-120. It sounded like he had more than just exhaust work done on the car. This is coming from an ex Mustang/F-Body guy.

These cars pull hard on the freeway. I'm much more impressed by them there than I am going stoplight to stoplight.

A.Stetson89

Strigoi -I used to live in Concord, I miss it sometimes, I'm going back up north for Xmas. Thanks for the reply - sounds like the mustang had some mods. As I'm sure you know, S197 mustangs get stupid fast with not a whole lot of $ in mods, it's easy to get into the high 12s.
I'm looking for more of a freeway car anyways with the commute factored in, so I don't need a stoplight burner like the Mustang anymore.

Strigoi

Where in Concord? I'm on Bailey Rd. right now but will be moving soon. It's turning into a bit of a **** hole and I can't wait to get out of here. I should be in PH or WC in the next 4-5 months.

A.Stetson89

I lived off California ave near downtown for awhile and then toronto ln (olivera exit off 680) for awhile too. I also lived on Conta Costa Blvd in PH for a bit and grew up in WC (technically Alamo). Small world haha. Yeah I got tired of the bay area as a whole, but now i miss it. The ****ing traffic in LA is miserable.

Strigoi

I definitely wouldn't want to live in that area by Olivera. They've had some murders happen at the park right by there in the last couple of years.

I know what you mean though. I hate this area yet I still love it and can't imagine living anywhere else. I've spent my whole life (34 years) here. I grew up in Lafayette and have lived in WC, PH, Clyde (the nice part) and Concord since then.

A.Stetson89

UPDATE: I test drove one (1999, black on black, 95k, listed at $9500) tonight. Super impressed with the power and the torque. Feels like it pulls harder than my mustang, and it's so solid feeling. I loved it. I will be picking one up within the next month (hopefully within the next couple weeks). I'll keep you guys updated...

BrndnMthws

double on getting the 01 or 02 instead of the earlier versions...this from an MB tech

AMG_Drvr

Triple the '01-02 purchase. I bought mine in Santa Barbara in '05 with 16K miles and I've got 151K on it today. Just moved back here from AL and live North of SB. Amazing reliability from my car considering the nightmares that can happen if you get one that hasn't been cared for. It sounds like you've got the right idea...take your time...find the right one and it'll pay huge dividends in the long run. Good luck...you're gonna love it when you get in it everyday!