Hi everyone -

I posted a while back when I was looking at an 01 E55, but unfortunately the deal fell through. I now think I have found a good one to buy, but I would like to hear y'all's thoughts. Here is the rundown:

2002 E55 AMG, silver/black
All amenities except Designo, Parking Assist, and A/C seats.
65,000 mi.
2 Owner

I test drive it last week and it drove great. I also had it inspected by independent and the mechanic recommended the following future maintenance items within 3-6 months: front tires, shocks (4), and wheel alignment. In addition, the car has a few of the usual suspects: power windows will need regulators eventually due to their slow movement during test drive, no NAV cd, wheels have some curb rash, and prob. the biggest issue beside shocks is that there is a A/C freon mystery leak. Last issue to note is the front end bumper is a bit damaged from a run up on a parking curb cement stop (approx. $400 repair was quoted to the current owner).

Writing all of this down makes it look like this one should be avoided, but overall the car is in very good condition and I am very tempted to move on it. His starting price was $15K, I've negotiated to $13,5.

I would greatly appreciate any thoughts and/or suggestions. I value your opinions.

S

 

Tally up everything it's going to cost for those repairs you've mentioned and use that number to negotiate. See what he says.

 

Any reason you need a W210? If 4 doors isn't a necessity then do a W208 and save a ton of cash, and get a car that probably doesn't need half as much work as that one.... That being said, the price is so-so for a W210 E55, I personally won't buy cars that have "Mystery A/C" problems, as anything mysterious generally leads to lots of investigative work, which can only equal money. How are the Maintenance Records? When was the trans fluid done last?

 

Thanks for the replies so far.

Although a coupe would be great (my former vehicle was a 2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe - a very fun car!) I am looking for a 4 door sedan and the W210 E55 has been on my radar for quite some time.

The maintenance records are clean, nothing on them warrants concern. I bought the Carfax and it was clean. The indy mechanic was very surprised at the condition of the car both exterior and interior and stated that he did not see anything that would make him not buy it. (Although he did not check the A/C issue).

Also, the tran fluid was last flushed/changed around 12,000 miles ago (about 2 - 2.5 yrs ago).

Given my prior post and this one, how much lower should I take my offer down? We have tentatively agreed to the $13,5 but I did not take these issues into account and feel I could negotiate more.

Thanks in advance for any input/advice.

 

that 2002 is nice mileage , but I wouldnt pay over 10k given all the things it will need .

 

Two problems, price and A/C.

The A/C leak sounds like a real issue. Never seen that on a Benz. I would get a quote to repair it before buying. Suppose the compressor is leaking (my best guess), that's probably a 1.5k repair.

Next is price. You're paying extra for low miles. That may or may not be worth the premium to you. I generally say it's not worth as much as some sellers think. With the bumper damage, it also means you're paying extra for a "cherry" low mile car, even though it's not really a cherry.

I would pay $12k ($13k if I really liked the car) minus repair cost for the bumper and A/C.

 

I agree with the others about the AC issue. Sometimes is more than just a leaking line that you can find in the engine bay. Running dye through the system will tell you more,but to be honest with you with AC leaks I'm more afraid of having a leak somewhere where you can't see it,like by the firewall...I don't know where the Evaporator-Dryer are located on the W210s,but if they're behind the firewall...well,you get the picture...
Another one that is expensive is the compressor,but if you know the right people,I'd say about 500$ labor included for a rebuilt one...
13.5K $ for a W210 E55 is a little on the high end,I'd say...
Good luck!

 

Price is too high for a car with those problems.

 

At least he's being honest about the AC leak, but it would put me off.

In my experience, it is usually the compressor seal that leaks due to lack of use. This is normally remedied by fitting a new compressor as in the long run it is cheaper.

Still an expensive exercise, though.

You could have it checked over by an AC tech, get the cost of repair and then negotiate from there.

(You may be able to see the leak yourself, as there will nearly always be oil residue where the freon leak is).

Where I live it's AC working, or no wife! (Some would see that as a blessing )

 

I wouldn't buy a car with AC issue but if you really like the car, it's no more than $11K. I bought my car for $11.5K for 2 years no single problem. I rather find a higher mileage without those problems.

Front bumper $400
AC $1k- $1500
Window regulator $200
No navi DVD

no way this car worth $13K

 

To put it in perspective, today I purchased an 01 in darn near perfect condition with 160k miles ( yes not a typo), with full records up to date on service and all the regular stuff like suspension,motor mounts , trans connector, ac and other items all done in the last 15 months for $8500. I overpaid a little but it doesn't need a thing right now .

A car with miles and great service with records is better than a low mileage with needs. Plus the price of entry is lower as are repairs. between 70k and 120k all Benzs need stuff, I'd rather let the PO do it. plus , I can put a ton if mines on it and it won't bother me.

 

People get scared of A/C leaks. I doubt it's from lack of use because the A/C compressor on a Benz runs almost all the time.
My best guess is that whatever that front end damage is, it damaged the A/C condenser too.
Also, it's been my experience that curb hits wreak havoc on cars. Mainly because you can't see the damage. I'd be worried that the core support is bent, which could translate into alignment/driveability issues. I'd want it on a frame rack.

The price does seem kinda steep for one with curb damage. Sure it's low mileage, but if it's bent, you could spend a ton and still not be right.

 

^ I totally agreed with you. My old diesel that I sold had a ton of miles on it 425k and counting (had a MB badge for high mileage)....but it never give me any problems and I kept up with the service and the guy that bought it just ask me a few questions like what major problem I had with the car and has it been in an accident and I said....check out the mileage and it has not been in any accident. I told him, if it has problem, you will not acheive that kind of mileage

 

Just throwing it out there. My brother is selling his 2002 E55. It's got 116,000 miles. All stock. It's Tectite Grey with black leather and chrome mono's. He's asking $9000. He needs a truck for work. It was a Fletcher Jones CPO car, and has been mostly maintained through them. Lots of new parts. I can't upload pics. But I can email them if you'd like.

Also, while your shopping around, try to buy private party. You'll get a lot more car info than a dealer car. Receipts, work done, and a feel of the cars life (i.e. teenage owners vs. adults) etc..
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR HUNT! These cars are great!