E55 Differences from 2003 to 2006
2003 and 2004 E55 Models:
- All 2003 models have NO NAVIGATION except for Presidential Series.
- All 2003 models have NO Spare Tire.
- The AC "Rest" feature left after the 2004 - 2005 transition.
- 2004+ E55s equipped with 'always ready' transmission buttons at the steering wheel. On the 03s, you have to press the transmission M/S/C button before the steering wheel buttons work ????
- 2004+ models had the "smart" lighting system (head lights turn as the car turns).
- 2004+ models started getting nano-ceramic paint technology.
- TPMS was an orderable option.
- If equipped with pano roof option, 2005 and 2006 have no solar panel.
- 200 mph speed gauge as opposed to 160 mph.
- Better suspension parts, mostly from CLS.
- Better steering rack, also from CLS.
- Slightly different supercharger clutch for smoother engagement.
- Slightly different IC pump (this one I'm not sure about?
) . - Aluminum Paddles.
- Sliding Center Console.
- TPMS cannot be ordered as an option anymore.
- 2005+ Models were garaunteed to have nano-ceramic paint technology.
I think the 4matic wagons may be built in a different factory...possibly got the nano paint technology at a later date?
"After four years of development work, an innovative new clear lacquer was set to go into series production at Mercedes-Benz at the end of 2003. Ground-breaking nano-technology ensures that the new product is substantially more scratch-resistant than conventional paint. The E, S, CL, SL and SLK-Class model series are the first cars in the world to be available with this new paint system, whilst customers of other Mercedes models can look forward to the increased scratch resistance of nano-paintwork from spring 2004."
"Beginning in 2005, all Mercedes Benz plants worldwide were required to switch over to this new nano ceramic clear coat except one in Australia, which was scheduled to change in January of 2006. If your Mercedes paint code starts with the letter C, then it has the new ceramic clear coat."
- If equipped with pano roof option, 2005 and 2006 have no solar panel.
- 200 mph speed gauge as opposed to 160 mph.
- Better suspension parts, mostly from CLS.
- Better steering rack, also from CLS.
- Slightly different supercharger clutch for smoother engagement.
- Slightly different IC pump (this one I'm not sure about?
) . - Aluminum Paddles.
- Sliding Center Console.
- TPMS cannot be ordered as an option anymore.
- 2005+ Models were garaunteed to have nano-ceramic paint technology.
S/C clutch... I think the improvement was made for 2006. If you have '05, you could always get the most recent one under warranty - if you complain hard enough

Aluminum Pedals: I assume this is for the gas, brake and parking brake. It started for 11/04 or 12/04 build date.
Sliding Center Console: very early build '05 (I think up to 8/04 or 9/04) still has clam-shell console.
TPMS: Not sure what you meant w/ "cannot be ordered anymore" (whether it's standard or not available). Mine has TPMS... and I think some of 05's and 06's don't
And I think '06 has a slightly different TPMS. On '06, I think the system does not show the actual psi.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
I know that 03's do not have pulse or dynamic seats, but im not exactly sure what year they started. My friend's 06 has them...




FYI some 2003 vehicles had NAV if the original customer had preordered NAV and ended up getting a NAV replacement vehicle.
Nano paint was availabe at end of 2003
Tectite Gray color discountinued after 2004 (best color)
Most reliable SBC brakes are on 2006 model
Front seat design changed in 2005, no more full plastic lower surround (changed because of noise concerns)
Factory installed Sirius available on 2006 models with small roof antenna, 2004 and 2005 had prewiring... 2006 had no prewiring after 7/05 build date unless car has pano roof.
Mid 04 production they added active curve sensing xenons.
Brilliant Silver replaced with Iridium Silver in 2006
My '06 does NOT have these. I ordered updated "SL65" style mirror covers from ebay that have the puddle lights and my mirror glass will not fit.
When it comes to cabin filters, did certain years have more than one filter? I am getting ready to buy a replacement cabin filter and when I search for cabin air filters, it has that one and what appears to be two filters for the heater. Take a look-see. What's up with that?
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Re...ters%26Nty%3d1








