tmc95

I am new to the board and would appreciate this forum's advice. I am considering a used 2004 or 2005 E55 purchase from a variety of private owners and "reputable" dealers in the Dallas area.
My question: Is an E55 with approximately 30-40k miles (assuming the usual used car risks understood) expected to be reliable for another 20-30K miles? I am asking since this is a high performance engine and "may" be subject to faster depreciation/breakdown risk.
Your thoughts?

Blacksport350

I would not worry about serious reliability issues to the 50-60K range. The E55 is a well built car. However, it does have many gadgets and complex systems that are prone to normal failure so a warranty is always nice.

If you can, buy one with low enough miles that you can resell it with under 50K on it as that will save you a depreciation hit...50K is a psychological barrier to a lot of buyers.

Hazy1

My 03' with 57k miles is the most reliable MB I've owned yet. The only chronic issues that everyone has are the IC pump ($150 long term fix if you change it yourself) and tires. Every tire that you purchase for this car will be defective and only last 5-15k miles, especially the ones on the rear. The supercharger chirp is annoying, but doesn't seem to affect reliability.

Timeless

Get an extended 100K warranty also...it will be a must if you wish to sell it from 45K+ miles.

kipper215

I have an 04 and bought it with 25K miles. I did have a few problems, but the dealer took care of all of them because the car was still under warranty. the command console would shut down killing the stereo after playing loud music for 15 minutes. then after ten minutes it would just come back on. firmware upgrade fix that. the owner before me had issues that I found out about at the dealer. they were all fixed under warranty.

As for the supercharger chirp, that's normal. I drove behind my friends CL55 and it did the same thing. it happens when the supercharger is engaged after take off. the engine is ROCK SOLID, the tranny can handle up to 742 ft-lbs of torque. the car is very comfortable and shifts are smooth on the road.

I did discover a crack in the chrome on one of my door handles, I still have time left on the factory warranty so I hope to get that fix. I have an extended up to 100K. YOU NEED TO HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS CAR. Parts can be expensive and so is the labor.

I must say this is the best car I have owned so far. the car is a show stopper if you have nice rims. the car will attract attention from the rumble of the exhaust. i see people getting whiplash all the time thinking is that a benz sounding like that.

then there's the torque. i won't say anything.....you just have to experience it for yourself.

Yacht Master

The E55 AMG has been known to let the magic smoke out of the tires.
You find a low mile clean 55 and enjoy. you will not regret it.

JRAMGV8

I agree, + 1

tmc95

Thanks to all! This is just the direction I was looking for. I had receive several recommenations already for the extended warranty and will heed that advice.

MB_Forever

+1 on Extended Warranty, I can't stress how important warranty is on these types of cars.