What's the best year to buy for the E55 AMG V8 Kom.?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
03 E55
Thanks.. 
Are you able to confirm the accuracy of the very interesting statement made early on in this thread that the '03 engines were found to be packing more power than the '04's and onwards for some unknown reason? (Perhaps AMG was taking particular care with the assembly and set-up of the first year's production run of engines..as with the birth of a new special project sort of thing?)
Another question I have is whether there is confirmation that there was any known increase or reduction in the use of aluminum for weight saving between the '03 -'06 production years?
These particularly amazing machines are modern classic 'keepers' now . . .
Are you able to confirm the accuracy of the very interesting statement made early on in this thread that the '03 engines were found to be packing more power than the '04's and onwards for some unknown reason? (Perhaps AMG was taking particular care with the assembly and set-up of the first year's production run of engines..as with the birth of a new special project sort of thing?)
Another question I have is whether there is confirmation that there was any known increase or reduction in the use of aluminum for weight saving between the '03 -'06 production years?
These particularly amazing machines are modern classic 'keepers' now . . .
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2003 E55
Have an extremely well taken care of '03 E55... 110K on the clock. Bought at 80K for 25% of retail. I feel like for the money, its the most rad, comfy, tightly wound car.... EuroCharged tune, headers, cat & resi delete, EuroCharged muffs, SC pulley, cooling, Giovanna 20's, wrapped flat grey w/63 front... car is wicked fun and the brakes are cheaper than the newer cars... but it IS more tankish and in some ways more brutal than the newer ones. (did i say cheaper??) The wife has a '12 C63 and a good buddy has a '10 E63... mine "feels" faster than both (it is) and is just more like a hot rod. However, on the hwy at speed with the cruise on, soft susp setting, in comfort mode and the tunes up, it's as smooth as any. I love her. But i agree, on a budget i'd go with as new as possible with as low miles as possible. Any of these 55 supercharged cars running correctly will offer a boatload of fun. Easy to mod for more numbers too. Carfax, dealer inspections all should be standard when buying one of these. knowing i wanted an E55 I literally shopped for months and saw a ton of beaten, uncared for cars. Patience persevered and i found a gem. Still, i've done brake rotors, ball joints, motor and trans mounts, an alternator... i mean it is a car with 500+hp and stuff wears out. Some things you can DIY and others you really need the pros. Is it worth it? Totally. Still cheaper than most and with a few mods, quicker and faster than A LOT of cars on the road that tuck tail and are shocked after a quick, obvious beating. It does eat rear tires though... lol #drawbacks
https://www.carthrottle.com/post/5-r...buy-a-new-car/
https://www.carthrottle.com/post/5-r...buy-a-new-car/
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
03 E55
I'm still rolling my '03. Other than an expensive pano shade replacement last year it's been pretty good. Yes, I have the $1-$2k shop bills every 8-12 months but I have to agree it's been a really easy car to live with. FWIW I service it only at the dealer, have a good relationship with my service rep.
