W210 AMG Discuss the W210 AMG's such as the E50, E55, and E60
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Thoughts on 02 E55 AMG FS.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 04-02-2013, 12:36 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
WildcatBenz4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2001 E430 Wagon
Thoughts on 02 E55 AMG FS.

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
Old 04-02-2013, 01:30 PM
  #2  
Out Of Control!
 
JamE55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: CA, NV, CO
Posts: 21,005
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Tally up everything it's going to cost for those repairs you've mentioned and use that number to negotiate. See what he says.
Old 04-02-2013, 01:32 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Scott Simoncic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Lodi, CA
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
2001 CLK55 AMG
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?
Old 04-02-2013, 03:52 PM
  #4  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
WildcatBenz4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2001 E430 Wagon
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.
Old 04-02-2013, 07:32 PM
  #5  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
MBFLO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: MICHIGAN
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2001 E55 - 2008 CLS63 -2016 F-150
that 2002 is nice mileage , but I wouldnt pay over 10k given all the things it will need .
Old 04-02-2013, 07:52 PM
  #6  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
saintz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 10 Posts
GL450
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.
Old 04-03-2013, 11:19 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Neanicu888's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NY
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
1999 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG
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!
Old 04-04-2013, 02:02 PM
  #8  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
patrick_y's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Posts: 2,090
Received 11 Likes on 11 Posts
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Price is too high for a car with those problems.
Old 04-05-2013, 07:24 PM
  #9  
Junior Member
 
cheezels's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Australia
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1999 E55 AMG
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 )
Old 04-05-2013, 08:15 PM
  #10  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
CharlyE500's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Socal, Chino
Posts: 4,400
Received 58 Likes on 46 Posts
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
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
Old 04-05-2013, 08:32 PM
  #11  
Newbie
 
mambodave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
03 S500, 14 Maserati Ghibli
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.
Old 04-08-2013, 01:52 AM
  #12  
Member
 
BlackOmega's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Michigan, USA
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2000 E55 AMG
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.
Old 04-08-2013, 01:10 PM
  #13  
Super Member
 
snooozie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Central Connecticut
Posts: 995
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
86 190D (Exported to the Nerderlands), 87 300TD (Sold), 82 Ford F150 3spd, 99 E300D (RIP), 02 E55
Originally Posted by mambodave
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.
^ 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

Last edited by snooozie; 04-08-2013 at 01:13 PM.
Old 04-22-2013, 08:51 PM
  #14  
Junior Member
 
RustbucketRacer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SOCAL
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
E55
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!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Thoughts on 02 E55 AMG FS.



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:49 PM.