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Hey guys, I’m new to the site and new to Mercedes. I have been a Volvo “R” owner for many years and only looked at Mercedes from a far. Anyway I’m in the market for a new/used car and I have seen a few 1999 and 2000 e55’s for sale in my area (ATL) they all have about the same mileage 60k. My question to you “the all knowing” is what do I need to look out for when buying one of these beast, i.e. Service, reliability etc. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I hope to own one of these cars in the next week or two.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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I'm an R owner myself atlterp, Welcome.
The E-Class is a car that came with alot of available options on it. I suggest that you go to MBUSA.com
http://www.mbusa.com/index.do
and choose 'build your own' and select an E55, then go to the 'options' tab just to see what some of the current-model ones are. Not all of these options were available in a prior model, but at least you'll have some ideas about what to look for. You might want to also peruse the first page on the build your own just to take a look at exterior and interior colors and trim options - once again, I am sure that some of this will have changed over the years but again you'll have an idea about what your color choices might be.
You might want to stop by a dealership and pick up and take home a current- model E55 or E-Class brochure (or both); for the same reasons. The brochure will have more detail on options and build and better sample photos of colors and trim than the website did.
I'm trying to go back in the memory banks, and if I remember correctly, there were changes between 1999 and 2000 -- and you want a 2000 or 2001, not a 1999 or earlier.
As far as 'issues' and reliability etc, I'll let someone else speak to that. You may choose to do a thread search on this forum under E55 for some of the earlier oposts on those earlier years cars; and you may wish to do a thread search specifically for "2000 E55" or whatever just to see what you pull up....
Keep us posted on your quest, and Happy Hunting!
The E-Class is a car that came with alot of available options on it. I suggest that you go to MBUSA.com
http://www.mbusa.com/index.do
and choose 'build your own' and select an E55, then go to the 'options' tab just to see what some of the current-model ones are. Not all of these options were available in a prior model, but at least you'll have some ideas about what to look for. You might want to also peruse the first page on the build your own just to take a look at exterior and interior colors and trim options - once again, I am sure that some of this will have changed over the years but again you'll have an idea about what your color choices might be.
You might want to stop by a dealership and pick up and take home a current- model E55 or E-Class brochure (or both); for the same reasons. The brochure will have more detail on options and build and better sample photos of colors and trim than the website did.
I'm trying to go back in the memory banks, and if I remember correctly, there were changes between 1999 and 2000 -- and you want a 2000 or 2001, not a 1999 or earlier.
As far as 'issues' and reliability etc, I'll let someone else speak to that. You may choose to do a thread search on this forum under E55 for some of the earlier oposts on those earlier years cars; and you may wish to do a thread search specifically for "2000 E55" or whatever just to see what you pull up....
Keep us posted on your quest, and Happy Hunting!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 1
1989 Toyota Tercel EZ - dyno'd @ 70whp/77wtq
W210 ('99-'02) E55 got slight facelift and upgrades here and there at MY00.
'00 compared to '99:
- Front & Rear bumper (more integrated to overall body - better looking)
- Headlights (doesn't look that different but if you buy '99 headlight, I think it's too big for '00+)
- Taillights (but '00+ would fit perfectly to '99)
- Instrument cluster ('00+ has more function and looks nicer but '99 is more reliable)
- Multi-function steering wheel
From '00 to '01:
- I think only the shift knob
From '01 to '02:
- I think none
As far as problems, I think W210 has a lot fewer problems than W211.... but below are typical problems:
- Instrument cluster
- MAF
- CD changer
I'm not sure what else..... My '01 is pretty much trouble free (only instrument cluster) and CD changer..... I only heard MAF issues from other members.
Good luck!
'00 compared to '99:
- Front & Rear bumper (more integrated to overall body - better looking)
- Headlights (doesn't look that different but if you buy '99 headlight, I think it's too big for '00+)
- Taillights (but '00+ would fit perfectly to '99)
- Instrument cluster ('00+ has more function and looks nicer but '99 is more reliable)
- Multi-function steering wheel
From '00 to '01:
- I think only the shift knob
From '01 to '02:
- I think none
As far as problems, I think W210 has a lot fewer problems than W211.... but below are typical problems:
- Instrument cluster
- MAF
- CD changer
I'm not sure what else..... My '01 is pretty much trouble free (only instrument cluster) and CD changer..... I only heard MAF issues from other members.
Good luck!
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3
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Originally Posted by zoink
W210 ('99-'02) E55 got slight facelift and upgrades here and there at MY00.
'00 compared to '99:
- Front & Rear bumper (more integrated to overall body - better looking)
- Headlights (doesn't look that different but if you buy '99 headlight, I think it's too big for '00+)
- Taillights (but '00+ would fit perfectly to '99)
- Instrument cluster ('00+ has more function and looks nicer but '99 is more reliable)
- Multi-function steering wheel
From '00 to '01:
- I think only the shift knob
From '01 to '02:
- I think none
As far as problems, I think W210 has a lot fewer problems than W211.... but below are typical problems:
- Instrument cluster
- MAF
- CD changer
I'm not sure what else..... My '01 is pretty much trouble free (only instrument cluster) and CD changer..... I only heard MAF issues from other members.
Good luck!
'00 compared to '99:
- Front & Rear bumper (more integrated to overall body - better looking)
- Headlights (doesn't look that different but if you buy '99 headlight, I think it's too big for '00+)
- Taillights (but '00+ would fit perfectly to '99)
- Instrument cluster ('00+ has more function and looks nicer but '99 is more reliable)
- Multi-function steering wheel
From '00 to '01:
- I think only the shift knob
From '01 to '02:
- I think none
As far as problems, I think W210 has a lot fewer problems than W211.... but below are typical problems:
- Instrument cluster
- MAF
- CD changer
I'm not sure what else..... My '01 is pretty much trouble free (only instrument cluster) and CD changer..... I only heard MAF issues from other members.
Good luck!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 13
From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
Come on Alt....come to the dark side. Spend the extra $$$ and snag an 03 W211 E55.....
The Torque Monster is calling your name.
Here's one for 56k that I know you could snag for close to 50K.
Autotrader
I'm like the E55/heroin dealer....."Come onnn Alt, look, I'm gonna give you the W211 for a couple of days, on the house. Don't you worry bout paying me and if you ever need another shot of torque and hp, you just give ole Jimmy a call."
The Torque Monster is calling your name.
Here's one for 56k that I know you could snag for close to 50K.
Autotrader
I'm like the E55/heroin dealer....."Come onnn Alt, look, I'm gonna give you the W211 for a couple of days, on the house. Don't you worry bout paying me and if you ever need another shot of torque and hp, you just give ole Jimmy a call."
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 1
1989 Toyota Tercel EZ - dyno'd @ 70whp/77wtq
I agree w/ Mr. Jakpro.... 
If you have the money, go for W211..... I had a 3-month period when I had both W210 and W211... the performance is like heaven and earth.... as for the handling, I felt I liked W210 better.... less nose heavy. But IMO, it's worth 20-30 grand more to get W211.
And if you buy used w/ 20K+ miles, you shouldn't worry about lemon as problems should occur early. Mine occurred in the 1st 3 months. I still, however, suggest you check to any MB dealer about prior warranty jobs. This should avoid you get any "half-lemon" car
If you have the money, go for W211..... I had a 3-month period when I had both W210 and W211... the performance is like heaven and earth.... as for the handling, I felt I liked W210 better.... less nose heavy. But IMO, it's worth 20-30 grand more to get W211.And if you buy used w/ 20K+ miles, you shouldn't worry about lemon as problems should occur early. Mine occurred in the 1st 3 months. I still, however, suggest you check to any MB dealer about prior warranty jobs. This should avoid you get any "half-lemon" car
