1999 S500

I am looking at replacing the 1999 S500 with a W210 E55 AMG. What are some of the more common things I should be looking for/aware of? Of course, I have been conditioned to stupid expensive maintenance on the W140 S500 so is an E55 better or worse in that department.

Thanks,

Mark

BlownV8

The 210 E55 is the Honda Accord of the MB line. Just a great vehicle.

M3RC3D3SE55AMG

My thoughts are the S500 was designed and built to be an executive vehicle. The AMG as a "sleeper" performance vehicle. So before buying, the first thing to consider is how hard has the AMG you're looking actually been driven etc, and has it been shown the kind of care an S500 is likely to be shown, due to the marques more "sophisticated" owner. I know its not good to stereotype, but speaking in generalities, that is something I would constantly keep in my mind while car hunting. I mean that is exactly what I kept in my mind when looking for my W210 AMG, and I found an amazing car.

On the maintenance side of things, if you happen to find a car with a great service history, you should be on to a winner. Either way, I would still request to have any potential buy checked by an official or independent Mercedes-Benz specialist garage. Just for peace of mind in regard to wear/tear.

I bought my W210 AMG in April of this year. Since that time I have had it serviced a few times, always using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts and recommend fluids. More recently I decided to go the "extra mile", and have the car fully assessed by a 25+ year experienced and Mercedes-Benz trained technician/engineer >>>http://www.silberarrows.com<<<. He found a couple of issues but nothing too scary, so this past week the E55 has had the following, to make sure it is in top shape:

Transmission service (fitted new shard collector magnet to the oil pan too)
New engine mounts
New crank cover plate/seals
New oil sensor/seals
New tie rods
Wheel centre caps

Obviously some of the work listed above means fluids had to be drained, so new Mobile 1 oil and other fluids were filled back up. I love my car and I treat it that way. Besides that, my future engine modifications are not ones you would perform on a car which isn't solid. News I had from the technician while he did the crank seals (they have to remove the transmission for this job) was that the condition my drive system was in (no scoring etc) corroborates the very low milage I bought the car with. That was great to find out

My overall point being, if you want to make sure you buy a straight car, do a lot of research into their strengths and weaknesses, that will help you find a generally good car. Once you find one you think is good, be humble enough to let an expert check it too. Then if/when you get the car, be sure to show it the love it shows you each time you hit that gas pedal, by getting it serviced properly and change any parts which could cause any future problems

You made the point of costly maintenance for your S500. Well things done right in the beginning my seem costly, but the long term savings you make with paying for good parts and work? It's never worth cutting corners, and if it was cheap to maintain a Mercedes-Benz it wouldn't be a Mercedes-Benz, it would be a Chrysler Lol

Good luck finding you car! You'll LOVE the E55 I'm sure!

cm60k

Very good Input....

ZAYED,,

CharlyE500

I have owned my W210 for 2.5 years now. So far only oil change, transmission service, 4 new tires, brake pad/rotors and battery. They are very common maintenance for any car. Here are few things to watch.

- Cluster bad pixel
- CPS (crank position sensor)
- Valve gasket for oil leaking
- Transmission valve for oil leaking.
- Some W210 near front airbag passenger side crack

When I bought my car, I did not paid cheap but the condition is 10/10 even for today. Never park outside.... my W209, W210, W211 all in the garage since my ownership. They are very reliable if you take good care of them.

BTW, check the rotors because W210 are very expensive. Rotors and pad are about $700 - $800 include labor.

Good luck with your purchase.

M3RC3D3SE55AMG

That is a great list of checks! Nearly everything on your list I have recently changed, whether it was needed or not. Simply because I bought it as a used vehicle in April, and I want to make sure it is in the best mechanical state possible. Consequently, the new pads and rotors absolutely were NOT cheap

I totally agree with the point about of taking care of the car, and in return the car taking care of you (and your pocket). The original Mercedes-Benz slogan translated to English basically says: "the best or nothing". That would imply they build the best, but that we as the customer must also take care of what they build us, in the best way possible. Thats how to make anything last the test of time. Now to do that doesn't come cheap, it's not a gimmick you're buying into with Mercedes-Benz, it's heritage. I'm not saying money should be no object, but I'm saying someone who wants a cheap vehicle, shouldn't buy a Mercedes. I think that is fair to say?

I will say again, I hope you find a great car! Just don't go searching for a great car and not have the intention to treat it greatly. It doesn't make sense

1999 S500

Thanks for the reply guys! I am all about taking care of the machine. I track everything I do on spreadsheets for the S500, the 2004 Saturn (airport car) , and the 1986 930 Slant nose ( toy car). I bought the S500 sight unseen and got hosed pretty good so I will not repeat that mistake.

I would expect a W210 E55 to be as reliable as a regular W210 with the exception of the suspension given the extra horsepower so all of your comments bode well.


Thanks again,

Mark

M3RC3D3SE55AMG

Spreadsheets!? That proves your dedication in my opinion. All I have is a folder full receipts

Also, the E55 has a slightly "beefed up" suspension to cope with the increased power compared to other E-Class marques, I think So if that is the case, I don't think you have to worry too much about it...

BlownV8

The 210 E55 is the exception. You can have your cake and eat it too. I've had a 210 E55 for close to 12 years and 165,000 miles. Other than a CPS, MAF, and engine mounts it's just been brakes, tires, and fluid changes. Really can't complain at all. It has been the most reliable car I've ever owned.

M3RC3D3SE55AMG

Amazingly reassuring to hear this!

1999 S500

So what is involved with replacing the CPS, ie....cost? I am not familiar with the term MAF??

The list of potential issue seems very short, so that is good news.

Neanicu888

CPS(Crank Position Sensor)-easy to change and cheap.
MAF(Mass Air Flow)-extremely easy to change-not so cheap,but they usually don't go bad,they mostly require cleaning.

Good luck!

pjdough

Not sure where you are in the buying process; I know it's been several months since the last reply. My 2 cents: I have a W210 E55 ('99) and have owned it for over 5 years / 20k miles (it now has 56k on it). It is bulletproof! No real repairs since I got it and virtually none by the previous owners (2) - I've been in touch with both since purchase. I've had to replace the MAF and that's it with the exception of oil/lube, etc.
A year ago I purchased an '05 SL65 and planned on selling the E55. Well, its been a year and I still have her...can't part with such a good car. 350hp / 400ftlbs of torque and you can't go wrong. She's a lot of fun esp for a sedan!
Good luck with your search, if you're still hunting, and couldn't agree more with M3RC3D3SE55AMG - find the car you want. Be patient, look thoroughly at the records, and a PPI is a must (by someone you know or is recommended by someone in the know). Price "may be" secondary. I paid over market for my 55 and it was worth it.
P

snooozie

I owned several MBs, all of them were diesels except my current E55. I am really surprise that the gas engine car is pretty reliable and very low maintenance. Most of the common maintenance and repair, I usually try to attempt them myself and they are pretty much DIYerable. When I bought this car, I never really know much of it except the seller telling me that this is the high end version of the W210 sedan. I ask the guy how is the maintenance, and he said, not much except the usual fluid change and regular wear and tear like the brakes, tires and plugs. After driving it for almost 3 1/2 years, and I really don't baby it much (my daily diver except the winter months), I found that to be truth with what the PO said about the car but with the exception of me wanting to throw money into it with the mods after reading about them in this forum. Even with mods, the parts and labor are pretty reasonable...

Solo wing

+1
Maintenance cost is dirt cheap compared to newer AMGs

1999 S500

Thanks again for the replies. I am still on the fence. I am having a hard time getting rid of the W140 car given that I spent $12k on fixing things that are pretty common failures on these cars.

I am keepiong an eye out for local cars (Orlando area) that show up for sale just to take a look and see what I might get on a trade.


I am still in the "tire kicking" stage.


The W210 AMG sounds like a real gem though. I wish I had not been so locked on another W140 car.

amthatiam

If you don't mind my asking what is your budget?

Dan

1999 S500

I would probably look at $15k-ish for a 50-75k mile car. That seems to be the average out there. A few more and a few less. It would probably be driven by the loan value as much as anything.

Solo wing

Here in the north I found one for CDN $10,000 , very clean with only 70k on the clock. So my guess would be that, in the US you'll find more AMGs, and cheaper.


Good luck

Luv4Benz

I got my e55 up for sale! only got 61k and baby runs like a charm.

Strigoi

....