Hi,

I'm considering the purchase of a 1999 E55 with 20,000 km on it. I've looked elsewhere for information, but not much is available.

Some questions:

1. Was 1999 the first year of the current model E55?
2. What are the known problems with the 1999 model?
3. What were the options available on this car? Dealer is saying that it is fully loaded with all options, but cannot identify what were the options.
4. Any major differences between the 1999, 2000 or 2001?

Many thanks.

SS

Call MBUSA they should be able to tell you all that info.

There are probably others that can add to this but:

1999 was the first year of the E55 AMG.

I have not heard of any major problems with any of the years currently out (1999-2002). I had the Mass Air Sensor fixed on my 2001 unit under warranty but this seems to happen to a lot of Benzes.

The 1999 version did not get the Command System or contoured seats (not 100% sure about the seats). I know that the 2001 versions and newer have the contoured seats and the active ventilated seats also. All versions had the integrated phone too if they were factory equipped.

As for the visual differences, the 1999 has a slightly different body kit than the 2000 through current year models and also gets the AMG logo on the front fascia.

The engine is the same for all years and some say the 99's are faster. My best guess for a fully loaded 99 would be CD Changer, all power items (pdl, pl, tilt, etc.), HD lights, and possibly the integrated phone.

Also heated seats are now standard on the 02 models which i think is an option on previous models.

No, front heated seats and multi contour seats are standard on all E55

AFAIK these are the options list:

1999, options are CD changer and MB phone

2000 and up, change in bumpers/lower hood etc, etc.

2001 and up get digital speedometer on the center lcd display.

2000 options are CD changer, MB phone, Command system

2001 and up options are CD changer, MB phone, Command system, Parktronic, Active front ventilated seats

Two tone leather interior are no cost option.

Hey E55MKB!

Are you going to the meet this saturday?

You will not regret purchasing the '99 E55. I have one with 19K miles and so far no problems. I had to change the dash the other day because there was a hairline crack by the passenger airbag indentation (MB toook care of it, car is under warranty). Like all the guys have said the body kit is different from 2000 upward. No tiptronic shifting, no command center, everything else seems to be the same.

P.S. This is a fast car!


'99 E55 black
'97 E420

MikeC is right this is a pretty damn fast car!

that 99's don't have--

Touch shift--SOS--Tele-aid--visual display in the instruement cluster--but most importantly, prepaid service (expensive even if you do it the way MB wants you to).

This is why the value of the 99's have been so negatively impacted as compared to the 00 up models (which of course ain't been real great either). A 99 should be substantially cheaper. Just some things you might consider.