Looking at 06 E55... questions.
I found a 2006 E55, test drove the animal and have a few questions...
1. Is $49K about right for a loaded E55? ... it looks brand new with ~30K miles.
2. After reading a few threads I assume the cold start noises are typical. Please elaborate what is NORMAL for a 2006 E55.
3. During the test drive, I noticed a few things. It definitely is a rocket ship.... the transmission was somewhat different in terms of shift points and throttle control. Mostly up-shifts while on the motor, it wanted to stay in gear longer... maybe too long, forcing me to lift the throttle to prevent over-revving. How does this transmission function?
4. Also during the test drive, when nailing it from low speed or standing start, it appeared to hesitate, find a gear... then take off. Normal or abnormal?
5. Finally, warranty items "replaced"... rack and pinion steering, valve cover gasket, hydraulic control unit, AIR injection pump and battery. Normal or abnormal for a 2.5 year old E55?
Thanks in advance.
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Last edited by a990dna; Dec 28, 2008 at 01:14 PM.
I was offered a 2006 CLS55 with 23k miles for $47k.
I think they are going for low-mid 40k from a MB dealer with CPO.
2. Normal noises are air pumps, supercharger squeak.
3. Was the car in sports mode? Also you can keep it in higher rpm range if you manual shift it.
4. Yes- every e55 i've had does this "hesitation" thing- two things to ask yourself, were you slipping (a lot of torque and the electronics take over). If you were in sports mode and not nailing it from the get go- the car seems like it has tranny problems. Put it in "c" mode and it's much better composed.
5. For a 2006- that's a lot of replacements. But nothing that looks major. Was the rack and pinion replaced due to an accident- did you look for paintwork?
As a comparison, I just paid about 23k for my '05 w/49k miles. Car is flawless save for the mileage. I have NO WARRANTY.
I'm not sure what the rules are at end of lease... is the present value based on a forecast or actual value at termination? A lot of things have changed since 2006, especially used car value projections.
Who takes the bath.. the prior owner, leasing company or dealer?
If I can get it for $46K it may be an excellent buy...
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2. Normal noises are air pumps, supercharger squeak.
3. Was the car in sports mode? Also you can keep it in higher rpm range if you manual shift it.
4. Yes- every e55 i've had does this "hesitation" thing- two things to ask yourself, were you slipping (a lot of torque and the electronics take over). If you were in sports mode and not nailing it from the get go- the car seems like it has tranny problems. Put it in "c" mode and it's much better
composed.
5. For a 2006- that's a lot of replacements. But nothing that looks major. Was the rack and pinion replaced due to an accident- did you look for paintwork?
I don't know if it was in "sports mode" or not... if you mean "slipping," like burning rubber... heavens no. However I would never know if the electronics were taking over -- I'm not used to these modern high powered vehicles. My last car was a '65 Plymouth Race Hemi with 680 HP, 710 ft. torque. My right foot kept me out of trouble.

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I'm not sure what the rules are at end of lease... is the present value based on a forecast or actual value at termination? A lot of things have changed since 2006, especially used car value projections.
Who takes the bath.. the prior owner, leasing company or dealer?
If I can get it for $46K it may be an excellent buy...
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Last edited by itsmeek; Dec 28, 2008 at 02:11 PM.
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2. If you use KBB, then use the trade in value as the high starting point for negotiation
3. Private Party, Broker, Small Dealer Lot, MBZ CPO charge different prices
4. Decide on the price you want to pay and stick to it regardless
5. Depreciation curve is accelerating given the economy and $49 is too high
6. I would offer high 30s to low 40s if dealer. If broker, lower but they usually ask for $500 to $1500 commission on auction pricing
As for me, I'm looking for CPO and will purrchase the longest warranty possible for the year - though I may end up moding

Good Luck
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Prices are based on more transactions than shown under 'Transactions', above. Dec 29 - Jan 05 2009 AboveAverageBelow Jan 2009 Dec 2009Auction $32,700$26,100$19,550 $26,100 $9,775Est. Retail $35,800$28,700$21,600 $28,700 $11,050Copyright © 1996-2008 Manheim Auctions V 5.3.1These are figures for 03's at auction. One with 49k would never have sold for 21kFor Week Ending Dec 24
Above Average Below Oct 2008 Jun 2008 Dec 2007
Sale Price $36,899 $26,821 $16,743 $30,463 $33,763 $45,500
Mileage 25,601 51,201 76,802 44,649 43,893 26,806
Total Sold All 7 10 15 5
Average Auction Mileage restore auction mileage
Prices are based on more transactions than shown under 'Transactions', above.
Dec 29 - Jan 05 2009
Above Average Below Jan 2009 Dec 2009
Auction $32,700 $26,100 $19,550 $26,100 $9,775
Est. Retail $35,800 $28,700 $21,600 $28,700 $11,050

This car is amazingly straight, body panel gaps and paint are perfect... no door dings, not even on the door side moldings. Front spoiler perfect.. no evidence of road kill (bugs), pits, etc. Engine bay is pristine. Doesn't look used.. drives straight, no steering vibrations, etc.
What other source can I find for accident info? maybe DMV...
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Anyhow- a990, good luck buying your car. I wouldn't pay more then 35k for it personally. But if you like it, buy it
The salesman thought he had it sold until I walked out. He wasn't listening to my requests... first thing he wanted to do was finance me when I said I didn't need it. I told him I wasn't an impluse buyer and walked out. They've left 4 messages on my phone since yesterday. I told him my credit score was 804 and didn't need their money.
What I wanted to know was the vehicle history and price.. given the fact the Web site indicated $49K and window sticker said $57K.
It's a good time to buy a vehicle, one would think playing games like this turns people off..
I probably should just pursue a new Grand Cherokee SRT for $43K... MSRP is $49K. I can install a Vortech SC and have some fun as well -- the E55 seems more respectable.
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