930chas

I overpaid for mine, but loved the fact that I was able to buy it from a longtime member of the forum. That to me is worth the extra money then buying one off autotrader or ebay. Plus, the car has great mods, low miles, is in impeccable condition and has a Damlier-Chrysler warranty. Again there is something to be said for buying a car from a forum member. Usually they are obviously enthusiasts who maintain the car to a higher standard.

rrich49132

vic good to know you had had it since new. There really is nothing else out there with this kind of power since 2003. The only think I can think of the the new cts-v which has a bit more HP but highly doubt it is faster or if so not by much.

I read someone there the 2003+ e55's are basically 4 door vipers in terms of HP. I have read lots of threads about how owners are smoking guys in ferraris and such.

Vic55

Its all true, the car is truly an amazing feat or power!!! Who would have thought over 7 years ago that you could get a car with over 469hp (we all know the engines are underrated) and over 516 lb/ft of TQ. And today if you get one used and stock- it still kills 99.5% of the cars out there.

Abar

Bought my 05 E55 at 51K mi for 26K No problems as of yet great cars.
Shop around lots of people selling things off at a great price

leojang

No Pano, PDC, Cooled Seats, and 2 owner, No warranty for that much= fail.
I think you can pick up cpo wilth lil more mile for similar price.
Good luck with your searching.

rrich49132

I would not pay that for the car. I highly doubt he is negotiable down to 22K or so which is what is what it would have to be for me to jump at it. If you look at his other items for sale he has tons of late model Mercedes as he probably has some sort of hook up with getting them.

emoving

$22000....r u serious,,,,you better start looking at other cars. You think you are going to get a low mile, almost perfect car like that for $22000. I know the prices have come down but seriously. Most people are not that concerned about the options as most of them are gimmicks. The disctronic is a joke, active seats are seroiously a gimmick. The pano is nice. MBs cooled seats are horrible. Parktronic is for those that can not parallel park.

wizos6

I bought mine after doing alot of searching and finding the right seller I got my dream e55. I did not mind spending a little more for it bc white with pano is hard car to find especially under 40k miles.
Mine came with an extended warranty to 2013 and full brabus kit with stage 2 power ugrades and it's a 2005 for $36.5
I love my car and it's a head turner everywhere I go

rrich49132

I meant that in order for me to jump on something quickly it would have to be a complete steal.

motorkas

+1

Plus, in my experience, all the gadgets are what go first, are not that cheap to fix and offer limited utility.

I got mine from the MB dealer in Houston: 04, 35,000 miles, only options are Xenons and lighting package (I specifically did not want any of the options except these two). Paid 29,000 out the door and they paid to ship it up to me in DC. I got the Chrysler warranty for 3 years and unlimited miles for 2800.00. I bought it sight unseen (not the smartest move, but one of the members (Shardul) was kind enough to drive to the dealership and check it out for me). With the limited production numbers, and a high concentration of the cars being located in Texas, California and Florida, an out of state purchase is likely. I was working with EuroMotorCars locally but, at the time, all their 55's were listed in the 40's. The Steering systems are supposed to be different between the 03-04 v. the 05-06 (with the latter employing the CLS steering systems) but in my mind I didn't care, because, if that was my concern, I would have gone with an M5. Another difference, which sounds silly, but actually had me looking for an 04 or an early model 05 was that the arm rests/ center consoles are different between the 03-04 (and some early model 05's) and the late model 05 and 06's. I like using the arm rests when I drive and I HATED the arm rest in the late model 05's and 06.

I thought I was going to keep it stock, but that was just me exhibiting classic denial. If you have any intentions of modding it, add 5000 - 10000 to that price because it adds quickly (so worth it though). This is one of the greatest cars on the planet, especially if you're a fan of sleepers.

rrich49132

There is nothing here in the DC area that is priced well. I guess it is because everyone here makes lots of money.

Motorcas how long did it take you to find the e55? I know what Euro and American Service sells their cars for as if they have one it will be in the high 30's or low 40's. Do you plan on modded the car?

Also is that a ducati in the picture? I have a gsr 750 and an r1 by the way. Much cheaper way of going fast.

motorkas

I looked seriously for about 3 months. DC is pretty much out if you're looking to get a "deal". While I wouldn't say "everyone" makes a lot of money in DC, the demographics are such that there are multiple MB dealerships and they are not lacking for customers. Unfortunately, that also translates into service, that I personally think is sub-par (I get my car serviced at an indy shop in Alexandria - BenzAutoElite). I like a good deal like anybody else, but everyone on this thread is right about one thing - it is better to pay a little bit more for exactly what you're looking for. The good thing about waiting is that once you know what you want, you know what's a good deal, and pulling the trigger is something you don't have to think about. Personally, I am always a little cautious when it comes to "crazy deals"; the fact that these cars are already in the 20's and 30's is crazy. Even at that price point, you may find one that is less expensive, but trust me, paying 30,000.00 for this car is still a CRAZY deal.

My mods are pretty simple at this point, and mostly cosmetic:
DCT steering Wheel
CF Front lip
CF Rear diffuser
Tinted Windows
Euro bumper strips
LET/Eurocharged flash tune
I don't know if I would consider this a mod but it was something bought solely for this car:
Escort 9500 xi and a laser interceptor for the front and back.
and I have placed an order for a set of brushed Titanium Forgestars f14's
and CF intakes from Eurocharged.

I'll be upgrading to a larger Heat Exchanger before the summer.

Something to keep in mind - tires are not outrageously expensive, but they're also not cheap. If you want to drive it in the winter (and I don't mean in the snow) you'll be well served to get a dedicated winter/summer set up.

You, as a GSXR 750 owner, should know it's not always about the power, but how easily you can put it down. I've never been a fan of inline fours (but If I did get one - It would be a GSXR 750 that I would turn into a track bike or the new BMW1000RR for the street). I'm a twin and V-four fan (had an RC-51 before the Ducati) because you can use ALL of the power without worrying about highsiding yourself into next year. As you can probably tell, with bikes, I'm more of a twisties guy that a straight line guy and from that perspective, the money didn't go to the name on the tank, but to the top shelf suspension that giggles at road imperfections and an engine that I can WOT coming out of turn while others have to really think about it. The funny thing is, the Ducati was bought specifically to SLOW myself down. Needed a good naked bake, with decent power, that was pretty to look at. . . and wouldn't have me fearing for my license every time I rode it. My two all time favorite bikes were my RC-51 and my VFR 800. My friends (most of whom have R1s) would smoke me on straights but when it came to the twistes. . .the only ones that had a chance were the regular track day riders

MB2003E55

I bought my '03 Tectite Gray with 30,900 miles on 3/6/09. The car has a panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled/pulse driving seats, merlot/black leather interior and black bird's eye wood, and keyless go for options. MSRP was a little over $84K.

I paid $26, 726 + $325 tax and license + $1700 for the extended warranty - 4yrs. or 90, 900 miles. I also paid $449 to transfer the car from Chicago to my local CarMax dealer.

The odometer on the car now reads 49,185. I had a transmission module go out (it took a week to ship a replacement in from Germany) as well as the driver's door handle (keyless go) and two door switches.

I had a dentless guy go over the car and I had to replace both rear door chrome strips as they were dented (one severely) from other car doors. I had approximately $500 worth of paint work done by my local body shop guy to the back bumper cover and the doors of the car. I also bought an extra set of used wheels ($600 incl. shipping) and had my body shop guy remove the curb rash, paint them the correct MB silver, and clear them. No one can believe the car is seven years old.

I also added MB bluetooth for my iPhone for $402 at the local dealer. I also bought AMG floor mats on eBay as the car came with MB mats and MB rubber mats. I also purchased two MB collapsable crates for the trunk at $18 each. So the purchase price is not the bottom line...

To me the ride in the car is as fantastic as the power. I do alot of highway driving and this car is great for long trips. Recently the local MB dealer tried to get me to trade up to a new 2010 E350. I test drove the car and politely said no thanks. The 2010 is more modern and has a nice ride, but it can't compare with my "old" E55. I think the "fit and finish" of my E55 is much better than the new E350.

BTW, during the summer I have been able to reach a remarkable 24 mpg if I drive on cruise control at 55-60 mph. Even in the winter, I have averaged 21-22 mpg at 65 mph on cruise control. If you do mostly around town driving and like the feel of the accelerattion, your MPG results will be less - alot less :-).

GedaBlaq

Star lowered means that you've had your car lowered using the MB Star Diagnostic System. It's supposed to be the best way to lower your car as it's done by computer. Tricky though from what I hear. Make sure if you go for it, they know what they're doing. Some guys' cars go back to stock height after turning off the ignition.
Got my '06 for $38K Immaculate. August '09
27K miles
Navigation
No Keyless Go
No Bluetooth
No Trunk Closer BUUUUUTT......
RUNS LIKE A BAT OUTTA HELL!!!!!

rrich49132

good point motorkas.

I actually track the gsxr as the r1 has just too much raw power as I would slide it at the track around turns as it was a bit scarry and too much bike for me to ride like that but kept it as it is older a 2003 model in mint condition and got a steal on it.

As far as the Mercedes goes I service my clk430 at http://www.donpoolmercedes.com/ as the local dealership are just way too expensive. I like the guys at don pool very fair and honest. When I got my clk I paid good money for it but it was 4 yrs old with just 25K miles and looking back am glad I did so I know what you mean.

Anyways thanks for the input.

izzyz28

Bought my silver 2004 with 62K back in April for $24,500 from a dealer about 2 miles from my house. Has 82K on it now.

Xenons(Lighting Package I Guess)
Heated/Cooled Seats
Dynamic Seats
Navigation
Tinted Windows(don't know who did it, still looks great)
No Distronic
No Parktronic
No Trunk Closer

I wasn't looking for a pano car(don't like the look), and I would never use Parktronic or Distronic even if I had it. The seat cooling is a joke, and my dad is the only person who likes the dynamic seats. I've tried out the navigation a few times and didn't care for it at all. My $150 Garmin works better and is easier to use.

However, I didn't buy the car for the options, I bought it for the powertrain, and it puts a smile on my face every time! Plus the seats have the blue inserts and I'm a big fan of blue. I also love the double flip-up top on the center console, and everyone but me gets a kick out of the cupholder. It's cool, just doesn't hold cups very well. Looking to sell it now and move on to something else though.

Edit: I used to have a 2000 Kawasaki ZX-12R I picked up for 4K. Full Muzzy exhaust, clutch, and Power Programmer. Nothing will ever compare to that in a straight line. Now I have a 1985 V-65 Sabre, which was the quickest and fastest bike in 1985. Feels like a moped compared to the Ninja.

milepostnate

I bought my 2004 with every option except distronic and parktronic. I really love the car. Mine had 46k on it when I bought it from a MB dealership in Greensboro, NC for $29,000.

Are you the same guy on the forum that calls himself Richi Rich? If so, what happened to your e63?

swadhwani

Emoving, when do you get your car back? I would love to swing by and take a look at it. Can you PM me the contact of your guy at Crown? Hopefully if we can ever dig out of the snow would be interested in getting the car lowered.

Scott Lenger

FWIW - Trying to get a "deal" on a fairly scarce car likely won't work well shopping only close to home. From BWI you can fly for super cheap fares thanks to Southwest and go look at cars of interest yourself. Shipping a car isn't really that expensive. I wasn't having luck finding the deal on what I wanted withing 300 miles of where I live in TX so I bought a car in S. FL and had it shipped to me.

M3-ADDICT

Some people got some sick deals.

TopGun32

this thread is funny!

Almost 4+ years ago.. I paid $53k for E55 with 14k and extended warranty. I had it shipped from Florida.

Back then.. these cars were going for high 50's and 60s.

Economy was booming and money was not an issue for most people.

Its better to pay more and get extended warranty or certified pre owned.

Rock

I purchased mine in 2005 for $96,000.00 and that was before I spent $25,000 on mods. After reading this thread I now realize why I'm a sucker and have no money.

pimpjuice

I tired to post earlier but let me try again..lol

I paid 18k for my '03 E55 with 40k on the odo. It came with headers, independent Intercooler & pump mod for supercharger, cat delete and S-tube upgrade.

rrich49132

Check this out:

http://smd.craigslist.org/cto/1587251331.html

It could not tell the condition of the car based on the pictures and got this response back after expressing interest:

How can a car not have a 17 digit VIN number?


the car belong to a family member who had the car for a little over a year (title is in had no lean, car will come with bill of sale). It was a private sale, I am not to sure how many owners. VIN#AC226033MD the car has a special VIN plate from the Maryland MVA
> From my understanding means that @ some point the car was stolen and then returned to then to the owner. Every thing is legal and ready for sale.
> The car is out of warrenty but all recalls are up to date and were done @ Mercedes of Silver Spring

pimpjuice

means it probably has a salvage title. Nothing wrong with that....my jeep has one because it was stolen at some point.