aerodragon

I've been posting all over the place looking for E55 1999...

However, I'd like to hear from everyone out there who owns one or used to own/drive one:

What kind of inherent problems are there for the 99 E55?

I have C320 01 model and am pleased with the multifunction steering wheel, COMAND, and BiXenons..I am afraid that I will miss all of these...

but...the gain in HP may make me forget about all these nice features..

please list any problems/concerns you have with 99 E55..

thanks in advance..

Considering the little problems here and there with the new Benz, I am just worried to get an E55 without factory warranty..
any thoughts??

DFW01E55

There are 4 of them:
Survey sez ... E55

aerodragon

thanks....

allenjdmb

with an 00 or up....way better build quality, freshened bodywork, updated dash and steering wheel controls, tele aid, SOS, prepaid service...I've had both, and wouldn't own another 99. Hope this helps.

aerodragon

thanks for the input!

just curious when you said freshened bodywork and build quality:
could you explain more?

based on JD Power Ratings, the 99 seems to be better than 00 (in terms of long term tests), correct me if I am wrong..

allenjdmb

do some more homework. The 2000 car has numerous changes from the 99, at least in the USA. Different and better looking bumper covers, f and R, side skirts, Tele aid system from MBUSA, SOS help system, in dash info center for fule economy/radio display, etc, and prepaid service during the warranty period in the US. Also, the build quality and paint quality on my 99 was awful. The 00 and the 01 were light years better. Hope this helps.

aerodragon

thanks for the info!

brianw430

Luxury Motors in Downers Grove, Illinois has a black/black '99 E55 with 50,000+ miles for $29,995-ish.

Just take your time until you find exactly what you want!

aerodragon

thanks for the info..

what would be the best place to look for a car? I tried autotrader and ebay so far..

did you find this on autotrader as well or other places?

KTE55

I have a '99 E55. Obsidian Black with Black silver interior. It has a little over 30k on the odo. I bought the car Starmarked and an additional 3 year warranty was thrown in the deal, so the car will be under warranty till about December 06. I have not had a single issue with the car, so I would highly recommend a '99 if a '00 is more than you are willing to spend.

aerodragon

are you thinking to sell your car?
if not, do you know of anyone who is thinking to sell their E55?

thanks for the input as well.

piccofly@yahoo.com

teflon

I've had my 99 for 2 year now, with minimal issues. So far:

Had to replace driver-side headrest motor - under warranty

Had to replace catalytic converters due to interior deterioration - under warranty

"Check engine" lighting due to problem in fuel sender (not major issue, really) ~$500.

Wear items:
Had to replace brake pad and rotors - not a big deal, but be aware, if you're a bargain hunter/on a budget, a brake job for this beast is ~$1300. Be sure you check out the brakes on any used veh., as you don't want to spend thousands off the bat.

Had to replace tires - again, not a big deal, but a full set costs ~$1000 for anything decent. Snow tires are a must if it snows in your area, ~$800, then about $100 to change them each season, unless you buy new rims as well at about $1000.

Driver side-leather seat has apparently burned a hole through from the heated seat element. I have not had this looked at yet, but I plan to ***** up a storm on this one - no heating element should burn through the seat!

Leather gearshift knob - The dog chewed it. $30 (ebay)

It is the most reliable veh I have owned, and at 50000 mi, these are typical items I would expect (except for the gear shift :-). Overall the car is fast, comfortable, and prestigious. At the prices used ones are going for, I would go for it. The extra few options with the 2000MY may be worth it, if it's within a few thousand or so. Starmark is definately preferred as repairs can be pricey. Don't underestimate the cost of maintaining this car - It was a bit of a surprise to me (an oil change/checkup at the dealer is $200).

aerodragon

thanks much for the extensive overview of your E55..i really appreciate it..

that's my concern to buy 99 model without a warranty since it would be very costly and realizing how finicky and perfectionist I am in terms of car.. (dealer visit is regular)

KTE55

I would consider selling my '99 if the price was right. It has only about 31k miles and is in excellent condition with an extended warranty that still has a few years left on it. My car has not had any major issues in the time I have owned it.

aerodragon

how much is your asking $?

KTE55

I am sure that people on here will flame me for this, but because of the mileage, condition and the extended warranty, I would want close to the retail NADA value (I won't post that number here, but you can check it out on the web). Why retail instead of private party?....because the car still has the majority of the MB extended warranty and it is a low mileage '99 in excellent condition, plus I am not looking to sell, but would consider doing so if the price was right. That being said, you can find lower priced '99s without warranty and with higher miles.

FYI....there is a 2001 E55 on Ebay with 47k for $38k. Not a bad deal.

teflon

Excellent reason to go for a MY2000 with Starmark.