turbonick

I'm looking to buy a used W211 E55. I'm wondering what if any differences there were from year to year? Is there a big difference between a 2003 or 2004? Is there a better year? I would think that the newer the car the better, but I'm new to AMG cars. Any info on the different options, or performance from year to year would be great. I've been searching all over the net for factory options from year to year with no luck. Help!!!

CynCarvin32

Big items:

2004: Early production (and a few 2003's) 2004 cars were given the option of Navi but almost all 2003 cars could not be ordered with Navi due to wiring issues from the factory.

2004 (late production Post Nov): New seats which were softer and had different lower frames. Cornering Bi-xenon lights. revised shock valving from the CLS. faster steering rack from the cls.

2005: 200 mph speedo. different vent cover on center dash.

2006: New clutch for the engagement of the supercharger making the car smoother and more progressive.

All in all a 2005 is the way to go I think. The suspension and steering upgrades are worth the extra money as early cars are far rougher, less dynamic and have steering heavy enough to send you to the gym looking for more strength.

Can Drive 55

Small Items:

2004 - Last year that the solar panels were available with the pano roof.
2005 - Console was changed to the new roll top style from the clamshell design in approximately November 2004.
2005 - Aluminum foot pedals began production in approximately December 2004.
2005 - Last year that the TPMS option was offered (people have reported that they have this on 2006 models, but it was not listed as an option)

phatmitzu

Available as an upgrade for the 05's? Under warranty?

jangy

Yes, the SC clutch does get replaced under warranty. BUT..the stealer needs to diagnose it as such. I am not sure how you would describe or replicate the clutch slipping.

psk145

m7 06 still jerks like hell when it engages. i guess mine slipped through the cracks.

does anyone with the cornering headlights notice that they really dont do anything. I take some onramps at a good speed sometimes at night, and the lights dont move (or at least I dont notice them moving)

NewMoses

My "moving" headlights don't move either.

jangy

You can notice the headlights moving even when you are moving slowly and just going back and forth with the steering wheel.

turbonick

Thanks for the information. Gives me a lot to think about. Sounds like the 2005 is the way to go if I can step up with the extra cash. I was really looking at the 2003's. Interesting about the solar panels on the Pano roof. Why did they stop in 2004? No a big deal, but just curious. The options I'm thinking I'd want are the KeylessGo, DVD/Nav, Active seats, and Pano Roof.

phatmitzu

I see. Thanks.
I'll try to see if I can duplicate the jerk I've been experience when I accelerate from a slow speed(after a turn or in traffic). It almost feel like the car wants to shift to 2nd, but then it doesn't want to shift to 2nd...if you know what I mean.

turbonick

Is it possible to install keyless go to a car without it? I'm guessing it wouldn't be worth the trouble, or cost effective. Has anyone looked into it?

NewMoses

Although I'm supposed to have that feature, I don't see any movement at any speed.

Fast55

Same here. Sometimes it's a big noticeable "stumble", other times not as bad.

The question about adding keyless go was addressed. Bottom line is it's nearly impossible, not worth the effort or expense.

I would not get the pano roof again. Mine doesn't creak or make noise, but I don't like having to open both shades 100% before I can tilt the roof open. I'd rather have the standard roof with the manually controlled shade.

HouTxCLS55

My CLS has it also and I can not tell that they move in turns.

sounds like a lot of people have this issue

CyE55

You can't tell on mine either, I took it in, thought it wasn't working, they gave it back to me and said it was working properly, but that you just can't tell with the Xenon lights. I don't know what the purpose is if you can't tell they're working. The whole idea is to light up more of the road so you can see more, if you can't see the light, then there's no reason to have them.

Oh well, the car's awsome anyway.

Cyrus

Jrocket

I have those options plus a few more,the pano and the keyless are a must have for me.The nav is so-so but still a good thing to have.

My headlights follow the steer path just fine.

I would suggest an 05-06 if you swing it.What ever you buy make sure it has a decent amount of warraty time left!

You can take the car in and have the SC clutch worked on,the noise will supress for a little while but it will come back.

kyee

I'm also in the market for a used E55 now. What is a good price for an '05 with around 10k/miles/year? Options I'm looking for are at least Nav, Keyless Go, & ventilated seats.

AdamG@NorCal

I came back from the dealer today in search for a 03 E55. There's one black 03' in the bay area 23,000 miles CPO for $55700+ i think.

DarkStar

Keep in mind that in each year after '03, there is some "decontenting" of factory features from the E55's. I agree that having the new steering rack and supercharger clutch would be nice. But a PROPERLY SORTED 03 can be had for a great deal right now. By properly sorted I mean all warranty and recall updates done, as well as services. The 03's and 04's come with free maintenance don't forget.

Can Drive 55

Another thing that was discontinued was the REST feature. My 2005 does not have it. I believe 04 was the last year for it.

Rafal

My Jan 05 built car still has the REST feature, which I use every night to purge the Aircon, so it does not smell the next time I use the car

turbonick

What's the REST feature?

Kev04C320

It just use the residual warm / cold air in your aircon to keep the car warm or cool for a couple minutes after you switch off your car.

BlownV8

Let's not forget Sat radio option, if I recall correctly, the 2004 and later cars are pre-wired or can be wired for Sirius radio.

DarkStar

I believe all 211's with COMAND can enjoy Sirius. I have it in my '03.

Later models with the Panorama roof (05, 06?) stopped being "prewired" from the factory for SAT radio. Although it can still be retrofitted through Steve.