W211 AMG Discuss the W211 AMG's such as the E55 and the E63

Which year E55 to buy?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 29, 2008 | 03:45 AM
  #1  
Chard's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Which year E55 to buy?

Hey all, I've been a lurker on these forums for a while now, but not new to the MB world. My parents have gone through a few S class Benzes in the past. Their last, a W140 S600, has had a lot of problems, despite how fun the car is.

I've been considering getting an E55, but I'm not sure which to get. Have there been problems with the earlier models...03, 04? What have the changes been throughout the years? If you can go back, which year would you think is best to get?

As a bit of background, I'm coming from a heavily modded Audi A4 1.8tq.
tia
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2008 | 05:38 AM
  #2  
Fantasm's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, CA
Car Whore
you will want to get the latest year you can afford with the lowest miles possible and the most warranty left over.

that basically sums it up. why would you get an older one if you can afford a newer one that has less miles, newer equipment/config, and more warranty
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2008 | 07:53 AM
  #3  
sack5000's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,947
Likes: 8
From: Oklahoma City
2015 AMG C63 S
I agree with this observation, prolly the best way to go. Be sure and check closely the options you are getting. There are a few goodies you will want like keyless go, electric trunk closer, side window blinds, parktronic, sat radio, ipod integration, and panaramic sunroof.

Be sure and get the color you want, black will be a part time job to keep clean.

Get a CPO warranty.
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2008 | 09:07 AM
  #4  
aleksandar1099's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 43
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Mercedes
i agree 100%....make SURE U HAVE WARRANTY on these cars!!!....i had a personal experience that made me go out and spend the extra money for the easycare warranty....it was the best "mod" for this car without a doubt
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2008 | 03:59 PM
  #5  
NSX2NV's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 586
Likes: 2
From: Springfield, Missouri
03' E55 Techtite Grey
Why should you make sure you have a warranty? Will they cover aftermarket mods? How much do they run and can I get one for my 03 E55?
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2008 | 08:22 PM
  #6  
jpohl402's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 2
From: PHX/PIE/OMA ---> Yes, all three
E55 then E63, now back to an E55
Originally Posted by aleksandar1099
i agree 100%....make SURE U HAVE WARRANTY on these cars!!!....i had a personal experience that made me go out and spend the extra money for the easycare warranty....it was the best "mod" for this car without a doubt
Specifically what happened?
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2008 | 02:15 AM
  #7  
Fantasm's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, CA
Car Whore
Originally Posted by NSX2NV
Why should you make sure you have a warranty? Will they cover aftermarket mods? How much do they run and can I get one for my 03 E55?
no, they dont.
but these cars use sophisticated technology for suspension, and electronics. and if they break, they cost SOPHISTICATED pricing.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2008 | 03:32 AM
  #8  
MB_Forever's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
Originally Posted by Fantasm
no, they dont.
but these cars use sophisticated technology for suspension, and electronics. and if they break, they cost SOPHISTICATED pricing.
+1 warranty is a must. Make sure the specific warranty you get will cover things like suspension, electronics (seats, instrument cluster, etc....), and other engine parts.

The depreciation on AMGs is so great right now that it is truly a good time to buy. So make sure you shop around, and try to find the latest model year you can afford.

Good luck.......
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 30, 2008 | 07:18 PM
  #9  
Chard's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Thanks for the advice guys. Obviously, with the quickly depreciating cost, I'd like to get the cheapest one out there. I am leary of getting into an 03 because that's the first year it was introduced, however, I suppose with a warranty, I shouldn't be as worried. It is definitely tempting to get an 03 e55 over a new toyota camry. I guess the key is to shop around and definitely go with a warranty. I'm in Hawaii so the best bet for me would probably be to visit our only MB dealer and see what they have and if they honor outside warranties.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:32 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE