From RS4 to E55
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From RS4 to E55
All,
I've been a member on here for a while, posting every now and again. I originally wanted an E55, but at the time I was shopping I decided on the 07 RS4 instead. Now after having it a year, and the prices for the E55 dropping even more, I'm shopping again while the RS4 is up for sale.
So, as with about everything else I shop for, I've been doing a ton of research. What I still have been unable to find is solid information on the following:
1. Who offers quality engine rebuilds, and how much? I plan to immediately pulley/chip this car, followed by headers and the other string of sequential mods. I want to be prepared for the worst, should it happen.
2. Virtually everyone on this forum says something similar to "Buying an AMG car without a warranty is like having unprotected sex with a Somalian *****" (I think this is a direct quote ). Are these cars realy that unreliable? I won't buy one without either a factory warranty, or an aftermarket warranty... BUT, having pulley/ecu mods, I'm concerned that my claims will be denied. This it typical amongst most owners, I assume.
3. IF I were to purchase a car without a warranty, and did not get my car serviced at MB (local performance shop 2 miles from me), are estimated time and work involved for repairs considerably more than cars like Audi, Porsche, etc.?
4. 2005 seemed to get some nice upgrades over the 2004 models, so I have eliminated 03/04 from my searches. Good move, or unnecessary? Curious on a difference in "feel" from the suspension component and steering rack upgrades in 05.
Many thanks for any info that can be provided!
Thanks,
Brad
I've been a member on here for a while, posting every now and again. I originally wanted an E55, but at the time I was shopping I decided on the 07 RS4 instead. Now after having it a year, and the prices for the E55 dropping even more, I'm shopping again while the RS4 is up for sale.
So, as with about everything else I shop for, I've been doing a ton of research. What I still have been unable to find is solid information on the following:
1. Who offers quality engine rebuilds, and how much? I plan to immediately pulley/chip this car, followed by headers and the other string of sequential mods. I want to be prepared for the worst, should it happen.
2. Virtually everyone on this forum says something similar to "Buying an AMG car without a warranty is like having unprotected sex with a Somalian *****" (I think this is a direct quote ). Are these cars realy that unreliable? I won't buy one without either a factory warranty, or an aftermarket warranty... BUT, having pulley/ecu mods, I'm concerned that my claims will be denied. This it typical amongst most owners, I assume.
3. IF I were to purchase a car without a warranty, and did not get my car serviced at MB (local performance shop 2 miles from me), are estimated time and work involved for repairs considerably more than cars like Audi, Porsche, etc.?
4. 2005 seemed to get some nice upgrades over the 2004 models, so I have eliminated 03/04 from my searches. Good move, or unnecessary? Curious on a difference in "feel" from the suspension component and steering rack upgrades in 05.
Many thanks for any info that can be provided!
Thanks,
Brad
#2
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good luck with the sale. my buddy who is a GSM at a local Audi dealer here took a 2007 RS4 on trade for 42K with only 20K on the clock. Ridiculous how fast these high end cars depreciate or how buried people get themselves.
and your car is beautiful.
and your car is beautiful.
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the engines are fine on the e55's, the problems are the suspension and really thats about the only thing.
I wouldn't worry about having to rebuild the engine or anything like that, just make sure you have the warranty for the suspension or electrical problems (cause who knows, your nav may stop working).
The warranty claim wouldn't be denied for suspension/electrical if you had pulley etc done to it, since its unrelated.
Suspension is really the only problem
I wouldn't worry about having to rebuild the engine or anything like that, just make sure you have the warranty for the suspension or electrical problems (cause who knows, your nav may stop working).
The warranty claim wouldn't be denied for suspension/electrical if you had pulley etc done to it, since its unrelated.
Suspension is really the only problem
#6
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sound 8
I think your language is disgusting.
And you must be stupid if you think you'll get warranty on a heavily modified
car. You should ask for a gaurantee from the people tuning your car.
Your remarks are racist.
And you must be stupid if you think you'll get warranty on a heavily modified
car. You should ask for a gaurantee from the people tuning your car.
Your remarks are racist.
#7
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#11
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sound 8
The reference to Somalian is bad enough, and ***** implies that your going to catch something!! not true
I had one in the back of the 600 last week, she was great!!
I had one in the back of the 600 last week, she was great!!
Last edited by sound 8; 09-01-2008 at 02:54 PM. Reason: miss spell
#13
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#14
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1. Who offers quality engine rebuilds, and how much? I plan to immediately pulley/chip this car, followed by headers and the other string of sequential mods. I want to be prepared for the worst, should it happen.
PS. MB was going to do me a "favor" and get a used short block for $16-17K...no inflated labor charges included. Thanks a lot MB...I spent on my rebuild about 1/3 of what I would have spent if I let MB do it.
2. Virtually everyone on this forum says something similar to "Buying an AMG car without a warranty is like having unprotected sex with a Somalian *****" (I think this is a direct quote ). Are these cars realy that unreliable? I won't buy one without either a factory warranty, or an aftermarket warranty... BUT, having pulley/ecu mods, I'm concerned that my claims will be denied. This it typical amongst most owners, I assume.
I had my car for 3 years before I had engine trouble and it was very reliable. MB still did not definitively find the cause of my short block damage...instead blaming it on my mods...which I still disagree with.
PS. Just make sure all recall notices have been completed by MB before you take possession of the car. You can always check by taking the VIN# and calling your local MB SA.
3. IF I were to purchase a car without a warranty, and did not get my car serviced at MB (local performance shop 2 miles from me), are estimated time and work involved for repairs considerably more than cars like Audi, Porsche, etc.?
Luckily, there are 2 in my area that were previously MB techs that could handle run of the mill repair (electrical or maintenance issues...Service A/B/C/D/E/F). I always go back to the performance shop that installed my mods to handle anything engine, transmission, suspension related.
4. 2005 seemed to get some nice upgrades over the 2004 models, so I have eliminated 03/04 from my searches. Good move, or unnecessary? Curious on a difference in "feel" from the suspension component and steering rack upgrades in 05.
I can't speak to the suspension and steering upgrades (mines and 04), but I'm sure another board member will chime in...
Good luck!!!!
Last edited by AMGfan; 09-01-2008 at 06:23 PM.
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Having also come over from Audi`s.......I have no idea what these guys are talking about. Stg1,2,3 cars seem pretty indestructable. We dont have many of the common problems that plague other high hp cars.
Our trannies are good to 700lbs/ft
I havent seem any broken axles even with guys launching on NOS
Engines run very rich from the factory and have a myriad of shutdown features to prevent damage. Put in good gas and keep the temps down and these engines are rocks.
the only REAL sore spots on these cars that i can think of are..
1-Cooling needs upgrade--either pump and/or HE
2-The SC pulley may need to be replaced every 2-3 yrs cause it "chirps" and engages suddenly.
3-Air suspension is prone to problems and expensive to fix
Electronic stuff can fail on any model mercedes that has it. There are alot of luxury features. Most of the features have been around since 1998--10 yrs----without too many problems. I mean; its not like Command goes on 50% of these cars.
My audi would brake something every 2 weeks. and not only mine. Most Audi guys would say; once you replace $8,000 worth of stuff---the car is good for 4 years...lol...now that is a joke..
Our trannies are good to 700lbs/ft
I havent seem any broken axles even with guys launching on NOS
Engines run very rich from the factory and have a myriad of shutdown features to prevent damage. Put in good gas and keep the temps down and these engines are rocks.
the only REAL sore spots on these cars that i can think of are..
1-Cooling needs upgrade--either pump and/or HE
2-The SC pulley may need to be replaced every 2-3 yrs cause it "chirps" and engages suddenly.
3-Air suspension is prone to problems and expensive to fix
Electronic stuff can fail on any model mercedes that has it. There are alot of luxury features. Most of the features have been around since 1998--10 yrs----without too many problems. I mean; its not like Command goes on 50% of these cars.
My audi would brake something every 2 weeks. and not only mine. Most Audi guys would say; once you replace $8,000 worth of stuff---the car is good for 4 years...lol...now that is a joke..
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B
#20
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Nice, thoughtful response. Need I remind you that the E55's nicely equipped stickered $90-$110,000, and now 3 years later I can buy a 2005 for $45k.
Not sure why you even posted your response, as it was completely useless for this thread. But thanks!
Warmest regards,
Brad
Not sure why you even posted your response, as it was completely useless for this thread. But thanks!
Warmest regards,
Brad
Last edited by evilb; 09-02-2008 at 05:44 PM.
#21
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I've been where you don't want to be, where my short block had to be repaired for cylinder damage and valve replacement. One of the board members here handled my rebuild. He is thoroughly knowledgeable with regard to our engines. If he isn't available I'm sure he could possibly send you in the right direction.
PS. MB was going to do me a "favor" and get a used short block for $16-17K...no inflated labor charges included. Thanks a lot MB...I spent on my rebuild about 1/3 of what I would have spent if I let MB do it.
PS. MB was going to do me a "favor" and get a used short block for $16-17K...no inflated labor charges included. Thanks a lot MB...I spent on my rebuild about 1/3 of what I would have spent if I let MB do it.
If you don't mod...get the MB CPO. If you even think of modding...then go with a third party extended warranty. You would have an easier time sliding by them than going through MB...it's not a guarantee but your chances are better.
I had my car for 3 years before I had engine trouble and it was very reliable. MB still did not definitively find the cause of my short block damage...instead blaming it on my mods...which I still disagree with.
PS. Just make sure all recall notices have been completed by MB before you take possession of the car. You can always check by taking the VIN# and calling your local MB SA.
I had my car for 3 years before I had engine trouble and it was very reliable. MB still did not definitively find the cause of my short block damage...instead blaming it on my mods...which I still disagree with.
PS. Just make sure all recall notices have been completed by MB before you take possession of the car. You can always check by taking the VIN# and calling your local MB SA.
I'll do some searches on here and look for the recalls/TSB's.
I would say comparable. Our engines aren't very sophisticated like say the E63 engine. I would not get any non-warranty work done at MB. It's a damn profit center I don't want to contribute toward. I get the same service at a lower cost with comparable quality workmanship (sometimes better) from an independent MB trained ASE certified shop. Not only are there (MB's) labor rates high, but the way they quote a job is ridiculous.
Thank you sir. I'll keep checking to see if anyone can comment on the steering and suspension, and if it really makes any difference in the feel of the car. It could broaden my searches if there is a negligible difference in performance. I'm not headset on an 05 or 06 if that's the case.
Many thanks!
Brad
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So you're saying your engine rebuild was only 1/3 of $16k? If so, thats a hell of a deal. I spent $10k on a damn 32V modular Mustang engine rebuild!
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Having also come over from Audi`s.......I have no idea what these guys are talking about. Stg1,2,3 cars seem pretty indestructable. We dont have many of the common problems that plague other high hp cars.
Our trannies are good to 700lbs/ft
I havent seem any broken axles even with guys launching on NOS
Engines run very rich from the factory and have a myriad of shutdown features to prevent damage. Put in good gas and keep the temps down and these engines are rocks.
the only REAL sore spots on these cars that i can think of are..
1-Cooling needs upgrade--either pump and/or HE
2-The SC pulley may need to be replaced every 2-3 yrs cause it "chirps" and engages suddenly.
3-Air suspension is prone to problems and expensive to fix
Electronic stuff can fail on any model mercedes that has it. There are alot of luxury features. Most of the features have been around since 1998--10 yrs----without too many problems. I mean; its not like Command goes on 50% of these cars.
My audi would brake something every 2 weeks. and not only mine. Most Audi guys would say; once you replace $8,000 worth of stuff---the car is good for 4 years...lol...now that is a joke..
Our trannies are good to 700lbs/ft
I havent seem any broken axles even with guys launching on NOS
Engines run very rich from the factory and have a myriad of shutdown features to prevent damage. Put in good gas and keep the temps down and these engines are rocks.
the only REAL sore spots on these cars that i can think of are..
1-Cooling needs upgrade--either pump and/or HE
2-The SC pulley may need to be replaced every 2-3 yrs cause it "chirps" and engages suddenly.
3-Air suspension is prone to problems and expensive to fix
Electronic stuff can fail on any model mercedes that has it. There are alot of luxury features. Most of the features have been around since 1998--10 yrs----without too many problems. I mean; its not like Command goes on 50% of these cars.
My audi would brake something every 2 weeks. and not only mine. Most Audi guys would say; once you replace $8,000 worth of stuff---the car is good for 4 years...lol...now that is a joke..
My Stage 2+ B5 S4 was like that. I had so many things breaking (60,000+ miles) that I was spending at least $1000/mo on parts and labor to fix it. Needless to say it dissapeared, and I upgraded.
That's good to know about the transmission. I hadn't read anything on here about tranny failures, either, so thats one less thing to worry about (hopefully).
It sounds like with something like a VRP intercooler upgrade and phenolic spacer, the cooling issues could be toned down a bit. Regarding the air suspension... is that the only option, to fix it? I'll confess I haven't looked at all, but I'm assuming there coilover options available as a replacement to the air suspension?
Thanks for the responses.
Brad
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'08 C63 Blk/Blk,'07 CLS63 (sold),'05 E55 Blk/Blk 20" Brabus S (sold),'04 E55 silver/Blk