mr_byers

I am considering the purchase of my first w210 e55 amg. I have found a 2001 with 91k miles. The asking price is $11,500. Is this a good deal? It seems to have low miles based on the year And appears to be in good condition. In addition to price, what should i also inquire about?

Your feedback is appreciated?

eFifty5AMG

Dealer or private party? What area do you live in-has it been driven in the snow/salt (if used in your area)? Make sure there is no rust developing around the wheel arches or spring perches. Service history-any maintenance records? Otherwise not too bad of a deal, 10-10.5k would be better.

illest

seems a little high. Got mine with 112k for about $7k

mr_byers

Buying from a dealer. Im in southeast. I will check those items.

By the way where did you find one with 112k for $7k.

wasp01amg

Bought my 2001 E55 from one owner, California private party, $7000 with 100K miles. Was Kelly Blue Book value. Good condition. Rock chips in hood, a few body dings, cracked front fascia, fogged headlight lenses, one damaged fog light, LCD displays not working, wheels are chewed up from curb contact, engine idles rough occasionaly when coming to a stop, one tail light was replaced with untinted non AMG lense, phone doesn't work. Most maintenance dealer performed. I polished the headlight lenses and have ordered pixel repair ribbons. I have no interest in "restoring" to new condition, rather just drive and enjoy for the next 10 years. To me it is not a street racer, rather it is a comfortable, spacious and reliable spirited cruiser.

illest

I got mine from a used car dealer. It has some issues but nothing major, CPS, valve cover gaskets and breather cover were leaking, washer fluid was low, a few sratches and dings.

For $11k I would except something in VERY good condition or lower miles

Ask for service records if they have them , make sure the transmission has been serviced. Read this thread

giovany2429

Bought my 02 with 94k for 7000. Had wrong size tires a couple a scratches minor detail things but mechanically in great shape no leaks new motor mounts plugs and wires. Did have to drive 10 hours to get it but i feel like i got a good deal.

mr_byers

Thanks for that. I just pulled up the carfax and there were 8 different owners. I am definitely passing on this vehicle at this point. that too many owners with relatively low miles. Plus no maintenance records.

With that said how did you search for your e55 210. Did you use craigslist ebay etc?

ddb

All of the above plus cars.com, autotrader, etc. Also keep an eye on the forums, occasionally members list their cars for sale. I would choose a rather large search radius, take your time, and try to enjoy the process.

giovany2429

I think Craigslist since you can choose and narrow down ur search... Wat state do you live in?

mr_byers

Thanks for the advice. Im in NC.

mr_byers

Found one that i am discussing with seller. 99 with 136k. $6k. Must travel good distance to inspect. Will need a good way to have a dealer inspect without having to fly out there. Any suggestions

eFifty5AMG

Just so you know, that's a pre-facelift 210 E55.

mr_byers

Preface lift? Meaning it doesnt have the what exactly? I want to make sure i am still getting a true e55

eFifty5AMG

The pre-facelift has the gate shifter instead of tiptronic. Also, there are cosmetic differences, such as: bumpers, taillights, steering wheel, multi contour seats, and the updated has a digital instrument cluster.

giovany2429

99 is still a true AMG. Same motor. They just have different bumpers, taillights, mirrors. Inside they look a little "older" no nav system, different steering wheel, they dont have the onboard computer that the 00-02 does. And they dont have the shiftable transmission.

mr_byers

Thanks for the headsup. I like the shiftable transmission on the other mercedes i have owned. is that really big deal on an e55? based on your experience would a 99 e55 be as enjoyable as a 2000 or newer.

eFifty5AMG

I owned an 02 E55 for many years & absolutely loved it & the tiptronic, heated/ventilated seats, Comand, etc. I tend to drive "manually" in these cars. I currently own a 99 C43 with the gate shifter, not as fun. Also, the interior is similar to a pre-facelift E55, not as comfortable, but definitely not uncomfortable. To me, the pre-facelift looks too dated; however, you could always change that.. it might not be a deal breaker. I would save a bit more to spend a bit more on a well maintained, lower mileage 00-02 E55.

If well maintained, these cars are bulletproof. My parents owned one from 6k miles & I purchased it from them at 80k & ran it until 150k..but did procure quite a bit of rust as it spent its life in the Midwest. Still pulled car lengths on a TBSS, WRX, A4 in some races at 145k. Perfect highway cruiser & gets great mpg if you're not always on the throttle. Do your research and be a well-informed buyer. However, don't let me deter you from a pre-facelift if you want it, as it still has the same power plant. My .02

mr_byers

Thanks for the detailed response. I believe i may do just that. i have only owned 1 mercedes without that type of transmission and that was a 1992 400E. I will wait to find a 2000-2002. Thanks for the insight.

eFifty5AMG

You're welcome & best of luck to you in your search!

mr_byers

If you happen to find one on a forum please advise. What other forums would you suggest looking

mrobinso

For what it's worth I love my 99! Coming from a '92 you really won't miss the added features of the post-facelift model since you won't have gotten used to those yet! With respect to those saying the pre-facelift models look more dated, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but the slightly re shaped molding on the front bumper is not going to be noticeable at all to anyone but other W210 enthusiasts - to everyone else (I.e, most people on the road), the W210 already looks dated and there is no discernible difference in the various model years from an outward perspective. I wouldn't shy away from a pre-facelift if the price is right and you feel good about it is what I am saying!

mr_byers

That is a great point.

I appreciate all of the feedback.

I am currently in negotiations for a 2001 e55 amg with 107k miles. The car is 8 hours away from me therefore i am unable to see the car in person.

I have asked numerous questions about the vehicle however I feel like I am missing a few things. I dont want to fly that far without taking all necessary steps.

Please if anyone can provide questions i should ask? (No question is too simple)

giovany2429

Condition of rotors and pads as they tend to be expensive, last time transmission was serviced, motor mounts, body work more importantly rus . i was in the same situation as you as i had to drive 10 hours to pick mine up. I just asked the owner to tell me about any faults the car had no matter how minor they were.

illest

You could work with a local shop to have it inspected for you before flying out to see it in person