Feed back on 03' E55...
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Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 165
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AMGs
Feed back on 03' E55...
How's it going guys? I've been lurker on this site for awhile now and finally decided to register and start asking questions since it's about that time I picked up an E55 for myself. Unfortunately my budget, as of right now, doesn't allow me to pick up a brand new sooo I was wondering if you guys had any feed back on the 03's. I know that alot of models have their fair share of bugs the first year it comes out, so should I stay away? Is there any difference between the years? Any input is very much appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 35
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I don't know if anyone has had this problem yet but I had to replace my Valve body in the transmission. The car would vibrate at 1500 to 1800RPMs. It acted like it needed to downshift or something. The problem has gone away after the replacement but I still have a resignating noise coming from the rear at low RPMs when the car is going up a hill. WOT there are no issues. Other than that, no complaints.
Gus//
Gus//
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
That is not a common problem (not to belittle it as tranny issues SUCK!!)
There is a difference between almost all model years. You may want to research my posts, to see that I am somewhat biased but I definitely recommend sucking it up and getting a newer model.
Here is my list of things to worry about by year. (MY OPINION)
'03 - EVERYTHING that is out of warranty
'04 - for early models, see above. For later models, only the comand electronics (which is a minor deal)
Both '03 and '04s MAY be prone to ECU flash issues IF modded.
'05 - early ones still had the comand issue (again not a biggy relatively speaking). BUT, they also had the steering rack from the CLS, which is 10% tighter and makes a nice difference.
'06 - early ones had the comand issues resolved. Late '06 (actually built in 06) have the full on CLS airmatic, etc to compliment the rack.
Keep in mind that MB phases parts in and out, so there no drop date for implementation of changes to vendor components. You can get that info from the VIN if it is something that you care about. I did care, as I wanted the best handling E55 I could get.
One positive note for the '03s. The older the model, the faster the car is the consensus. Prices have plummetted lately, so you may want to shop around before you decide.
There is a difference between almost all model years. You may want to research my posts, to see that I am somewhat biased but I definitely recommend sucking it up and getting a newer model.
Here is my list of things to worry about by year. (MY OPINION)
'03 - EVERYTHING that is out of warranty
'04 - for early models, see above. For later models, only the comand electronics (which is a minor deal)
Both '03 and '04s MAY be prone to ECU flash issues IF modded.
'05 - early ones still had the comand issue (again not a biggy relatively speaking). BUT, they also had the steering rack from the CLS, which is 10% tighter and makes a nice difference.
'06 - early ones had the comand issues resolved. Late '06 (actually built in 06) have the full on CLS airmatic, etc to compliment the rack.
Keep in mind that MB phases parts in and out, so there no drop date for implementation of changes to vendor components. You can get that info from the VIN if it is something that you care about. I did care, as I wanted the best handling E55 I could get.
One positive note for the '03s. The older the model, the faster the car is the consensus. Prices have plummetted lately, so you may want to shop around before you decide.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
I got an 03 about two weeks ago and I noticed right away that there was something wrong with the intercooler pump because of the loss of power after hammering on it several times in a row. I also had the front airmatic shock die on me as well. The car had 35k and I still have warranty. MB came and picked the car up with a flatbed within one hour, gave me a loaner, and had her back in two days. Runs like a champ now and couldn't be happier. The two things that happened to me are not 03 specific, they are pretty much the whole 55 line. I just suggest that if you want to save money like I did, find an 03 that still has warranty.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
I got an 03 about two weeks ago and I noticed right away that there was something wrong with the intercooler pump because of the loss of power after hammering on it several times in a row. I also had the front airmatic shock die on me as well. The car had 35k and I still have warranty. MB came and picked the car up with a flatbed within one hour, gave me a loaner, and had her back in two days. Runs like a champ now and couldn't be happier. The two things that happened to me are not 03 specific, they are pretty much the whole 55 line. I just suggest that if you want to save money like I did, find an 03 that still has warranty.
I would disagree with the '03 specific part, though. The intercooler pump, pulley clutch, SBC, etc. have all been upgraded on newer models ('05 and '06s mainly) for a reason. You would be amazed at how many part numbers are different.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
From: United Snakes of America
German
So.... late 06 would be the best year to buy a E55K ?
That is not a common problem (not to belittle it as tranny issues SUCK!!)
There is a difference between almost all model years. You may want to research my posts, to see that I am somewhat biased but I definitely recommend sucking it up and getting a newer model.
Here is my list of things to worry about by year. (MY OPINION)
'03 - EVERYTHING that is out of warranty
'04 - for early models, see above. For later models, only the comand electronics (which is a minor deal)
Both '03 and '04s MAY be prone to ECU flash issues IF modded.
'05 - early ones still had the comand issue (again not a biggy relatively speaking). BUT, they also had the steering rack from the CLS, which is 10% tighter and makes a nice difference.
'06 - early ones had the comand issues resolved. Late '06 (actually built in 06) have the full on CLS airmatic, etc to compliment the rack.
Keep in mind that MB phases parts in and out, so there no drop date for implementation of changes to vendor components. You can get that info from the VIN if it is something that you care about. I did care, as I wanted the best handling E55 I could get.
One positive note for the '03s. The older the model, the faster the car is the consensus. Prices have plummetted lately, so you may want to shop around before you decide.
There is a difference between almost all model years. You may want to research my posts, to see that I am somewhat biased but I definitely recommend sucking it up and getting a newer model.
Here is my list of things to worry about by year. (MY OPINION)
'03 - EVERYTHING that is out of warranty
'04 - for early models, see above. For later models, only the comand electronics (which is a minor deal)
Both '03 and '04s MAY be prone to ECU flash issues IF modded.
'05 - early ones still had the comand issue (again not a biggy relatively speaking). BUT, they also had the steering rack from the CLS, which is 10% tighter and makes a nice difference.
'06 - early ones had the comand issues resolved. Late '06 (actually built in 06) have the full on CLS airmatic, etc to compliment the rack.
Keep in mind that MB phases parts in and out, so there no drop date for implementation of changes to vendor components. You can get that info from the VIN if it is something that you care about. I did care, as I wanted the best handling E55 I could get.
One positive note for the '03s. The older the model, the faster the car is the consensus. Prices have plummetted lately, so you may want to shop around before you decide.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 10
From: Southern Cali (Ontario)
That is not a common problem (not to belittle it as tranny issues SUCK!!)
There is a difference between almost all model years. You may want to research my posts, to see that I am somewhat biased but I definitely recommend sucking it up and getting a newer model.
Here is my list of things to worry about by year. (MY OPINION)
'03 - EVERYTHING that is out of warranty
'04 - for early models, see above. For later models, only the comand electronics (which is a minor deal)
Both '03 and '04s MAY be prone to ECU flash issues IF modded.
'05 - early ones still had the comand issue (again not a biggy relatively speaking). BUT, they also had the steering rack from the CLS, which is 10% tighter and makes a nice difference.
'06 - early ones had the comand issues resolved. Late '06 (actually built in 06) have the full on CLS airmatic, etc to compliment the rack.
Keep in mind that MB phases parts in and out, so there no drop date for implementation of changes to vendor components. You can get that info from the VIN if it is something that you care about. I did care, as I wanted the best handling E55 I could get.
One positive note for the '03s. The older the model, the faster the car is the consensus. Prices have plummetted lately, so you may want to shop around before you decide.
There is a difference between almost all model years. You may want to research my posts, to see that I am somewhat biased but I definitely recommend sucking it up and getting a newer model.
Here is my list of things to worry about by year. (MY OPINION)
'03 - EVERYTHING that is out of warranty
'04 - for early models, see above. For later models, only the comand electronics (which is a minor deal)
Both '03 and '04s MAY be prone to ECU flash issues IF modded.
'05 - early ones still had the comand issue (again not a biggy relatively speaking). BUT, they also had the steering rack from the CLS, which is 10% tighter and makes a nice difference.
'06 - early ones had the comand issues resolved. Late '06 (actually built in 06) have the full on CLS airmatic, etc to compliment the rack.
Keep in mind that MB phases parts in and out, so there no drop date for implementation of changes to vendor components. You can get that info from the VIN if it is something that you care about. I did care, as I wanted the best handling E55 I could get.
One positive note for the '03s. The older the model, the faster the car is the consensus. Prices have plummetted lately, so you may want to shop around before you decide.
thank GOD i have extended warranty warranty to 2010 and the CPO is good for 2008.
I don't mind the issues, as long as you get a nice loaner and it gets fixed.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,143
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From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 35
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My E55 is also a salvage title!!! The origanal owner had it for 1009 miles and then decided to flip the car over and ride on the roof for a bit.
Still the only issue has been the Valve body. It now has 23,000 miles on it. I want to do that APS pulley upgrade!!!
Gus//
Still the only issue has been the Valve body. It now has 23,000 miles on it. I want to do that APS pulley upgrade!!!Gus//
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
AMGs
That is not a common problem (not to belittle it as tranny issues SUCK!!)
There is a difference between almost all model years. You may want to research my posts, to see that I am somewhat biased but I definitely recommend sucking it up and getting a newer model.
Here is my list of things to worry about by year. (MY OPINION)
'03 - EVERYTHING that is out of warranty
'04 - for early models, see above. For later models, only the comand electronics (which is a minor deal)
Both '03 and '04s MAY be prone to ECU flash issues IF modded.
'05 - early ones still had the comand issue (again not a biggy relatively speaking). BUT, they also had the steering rack from the CLS, which is 10% tighter and makes a nice difference.
'06 - early ones had the comand issues resolved. Late '06 (actually built in 06) have the full on CLS airmatic, etc to compliment the rack.
Keep in mind that MB phases parts in and out, so there no drop date for implementation of changes to vendor components. You can get that info from the VIN if it is something that you care about. I did care, as I wanted the best handling E55 I could get.
One positive note for the '03s. The older the model, the faster the car is the consensus. Prices have plummetted lately, so you may want to shop around before you decide.
There is a difference between almost all model years. You may want to research my posts, to see that I am somewhat biased but I definitely recommend sucking it up and getting a newer model.
Here is my list of things to worry about by year. (MY OPINION)
'03 - EVERYTHING that is out of warranty
'04 - for early models, see above. For later models, only the comand electronics (which is a minor deal)
Both '03 and '04s MAY be prone to ECU flash issues IF modded.
'05 - early ones still had the comand issue (again not a biggy relatively speaking). BUT, they also had the steering rack from the CLS, which is 10% tighter and makes a nice difference.
'06 - early ones had the comand issues resolved. Late '06 (actually built in 06) have the full on CLS airmatic, etc to compliment the rack.
Keep in mind that MB phases parts in and out, so there no drop date for implementation of changes to vendor components. You can get that info from the VIN if it is something that you care about. I did care, as I wanted the best handling E55 I could get.
One positive note for the '03s. The older the model, the faster the car is the consensus. Prices have plummetted lately, so you may want to shop around before you decide.
So does this mean that the 03's don't have the capabilty to drop as low as the 06's with a lowering module???
