E55 reliability and costs of replacement parts questions.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,173
Likes: 7
From: Puerto Rico
2005 E55 AMG
E55 reliability and costs of replacement parts questions.
Hi, I currently own a 2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe and even though it's supercharged with nearly 400whp I find it to be a very reliable car that has treated me well.
The problem is that my wife wants to have a kid ( which I'm all up for ) and I've been thinking that maybe my coupe with fake rear seats just won't cut it anymore....but I don't want a slow car either...so that's where the E55 came to mind.
I could get a used one for about $30K with low miles....my worry is that this $30K car will be forcing me to spend $2-$3K everytime something goes wrong.
So my question is....how expensive are general wear parts for these cars and how reliable are they?
Oh...and pics for show....
The problem is that my wife wants to have a kid ( which I'm all up for ) and I've been thinking that maybe my coupe with fake rear seats just won't cut it anymore....but I don't want a slow car either...so that's where the E55 came to mind.
I could get a used one for about $30K with low miles....my worry is that this $30K car will be forcing me to spend $2-$3K everytime something goes wrong.
So my question is....how expensive are general wear parts for these cars and how reliable are they?
Oh...and pics for show....
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 692
Likes: 73
From: Houston, TX
2003 E55 AMG; 2013 GL550 4Matic; 2003 CL600
I've found many of the common parts have been cheaper than for my 17-yo Maxima. But, you'll find that MB technical manuals don't even come close to the Nissan/Infiniti FSMs.
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 2
From: Stratford,Ct
2005 E55 AMG
Since owning mine...
1. New rear end bearings, (inner pinion bearing was bad)
2. I rebuilt the transmission as second gear was burnt,
3. Intercooler pump
4. Tilt Wheel bone broke
5. Supercharger clutch bearing
6. Bad rear shock (caught a break and got a low mile used on on Ebay)
I am a mechanic with my own shop here in Connecticut so all this was only part cost as I did all the labor including the trans rebuild myself.
Can't imagine what all this would have cost to have done.
1. New rear end bearings, (inner pinion bearing was bad)
2. I rebuilt the transmission as second gear was burnt,
3. Intercooler pump
4. Tilt Wheel bone broke
5. Supercharger clutch bearing
6. Bad rear shock (caught a break and got a low mile used on on Ebay)
I am a mechanic with my own shop here in Connecticut so all this was only part cost as I did all the labor including the trans rebuild myself.
Can't imagine what all this would have cost to have done.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Pontiac GTO
Hi, I currently own a 2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe and even though it's supercharged with nearly 400whp I find it to be a very reliable car that has treated me well.
The problem is that my wife wants to have a kid ( which I'm all up for ) and I've been thinking that maybe my coupe with fake rear seats just won't cut it anymore....but I don't want a slow car either...so that's where the E55 came to mind.
I could get a used one for about $30K with low miles....my worry is that this $30K car will be forcing me to spend $2-$3K everytime something goes wrong.
So my question is....how expensive are general wear parts for these cars and how reliable are they?
Oh...and pics for show....
The problem is that my wife wants to have a kid ( which I'm all up for ) and I've been thinking that maybe my coupe with fake rear seats just won't cut it anymore....but I don't want a slow car either...so that's where the E55 came to mind.
I could get a used one for about $30K with low miles....my worry is that this $30K car will be forcing me to spend $2-$3K everytime something goes wrong.
So my question is....how expensive are general wear parts for these cars and how reliable are they?
Oh...and pics for show....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,336
Likes: 8
Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
They really aren't much different than other high performance luxury Euro cars in the 100k MSRP range. What makes them riskier and harder to swallow is the used prices are now really low. By that I mean they now attract a lot of folks who might have limited funds. Back when they were new, people paying MSRP were generally in a higher income bracket and with a hefty bank account plus they had a new car warranty, so it didn't matter.
You can buy used exotics for a lot less nowadays, but that won't make them not break down and cost lots of money to fix. For really rich folk, it doesn't matter.
I'm not saying this to be a jerk or anything, but it's just the facts. Even though the E55s are inexpensive used, they aren't cheap to maintain because they never were.
You can buy used exotics for a lot less nowadays, but that won't make them not break down and cost lots of money to fix. For really rich folk, it doesn't matter.
I'm not saying this to be a jerk or anything, but it's just the facts. Even though the E55s are inexpensive used, they aren't cheap to maintain because they never were.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,173
Likes: 7
From: Puerto Rico
2005 E55 AMG
Since owning mine...
1. New rear end bearings, (inner pinion bearing was bad)
2. I rebuilt the transmission as second gear was burnt,
3. Intercooler pump
4. Tilt Wheel bone broke
5. Supercharger clutch bearing
6. Bad rear shock (caught a break and got a low mile used on on Ebay)
I am a mechanic with my own shop here in Connecticut so all this was only part cost as I did all the labor including the trans rebuild myself.
Can't imagine what all this would have cost to have done.
1. New rear end bearings, (inner pinion bearing was bad)
2. I rebuilt the transmission as second gear was burnt,
3. Intercooler pump
4. Tilt Wheel bone broke
5. Supercharger clutch bearing
6. Bad rear shock (caught a break and got a low mile used on on Ebay)
I am a mechanic with my own shop here in Connecticut so all this was only part cost as I did all the labor including the trans rebuild myself.
Can't imagine what all this would have cost to have done.
I have searched, but new topics always bring new replies.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,173
Likes: 7
From: Puerto Rico
2005 E55 AMG
They really aren't much different than other high performance luxury Euro cars in the 100k MSRP range. What makes them riskier and harder to swallow is the used prices are now really low. By that I mean they now attract a lot of folks who might have limited funds. Back when they were new, people paying MSRP were generally in a higher income bracket and with a hefty bank account plus they had a new car warranty, so it didn't matter.
You can buy used exotics for a lot less nowadays, but that won't make them not break down and cost lots of money to fix. For really rich folk, it doesn't matter.
I'm not saying this to be a jerk or anything, but it's just the facts. Even though the E55s are inexpensive used, they aren't cheap to maintain because they never were.
You can buy used exotics for a lot less nowadays, but that won't make them not break down and cost lots of money to fix. For really rich folk, it doesn't matter.
I'm not saying this to be a jerk or anything, but it's just the facts. Even though the E55s are inexpensive used, they aren't cheap to maintain because they never were.
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 2
From: Stratford,Ct
2005 E55 AMG
Since owning mine...
1. New rear end bearings, (inner pinion bearing was bad)
2. I rebuilt the transmission as second gear was burnt,
3. Intercooler pump
4. Tilt Wheel bone broke
5. Supercharger clutch bearing
6. Bad rear shock (caught a break and got a low mile used on on Ebay)
7. Third brake light assembly
I am a mechanic with my own shop here in Connecticut so all this was only part cost as I did all the labor including the trans rebuild myself.
Can't imagine what all this would have cost to have done.
1. New rear end bearings, (inner pinion bearing was bad)
2. I rebuilt the transmission as second gear was burnt,
3. Intercooler pump
4. Tilt Wheel bone broke
5. Supercharger clutch bearing
6. Bad rear shock (caught a break and got a low mile used on on Ebay)
7. Third brake light assembly
I am a mechanic with my own shop here in Connecticut so all this was only part cost as I did all the labor including the trans rebuild myself.
Can't imagine what all this would have cost to have done.
1. was around 500 with fluid.I replaced every bearing and seal to be safe.
(also installed the Quaife Posi diff at a cost of 1300)
2. had about 700 in parts and Benz trans fluid
(new pressure solenoids and replaced only the 2cd clutch,rest of trans was mint)(added 600 for Hi-Stall torque convertor)
3. Factory Benz pump was around 200
4. Tilt wheel Bone 6 dollars from Benz
5. Bearing was 80 overnighted
6. Used Rear shock for 100 bucks
7. If I recall it was around 160
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,173
Likes: 7
From: Puerto Rico
2005 E55 AMG
Lets see.
1. was around 500 with fluid.I replaced every bearing and seal to be safe.
(also installed the Quaife Posi diff at a cost of 1300)
2. had about 700 in parts and Benz trans fluid
(new pressure solenoids and replaced only the 2cd clutch,rest of trans was mint)(added 600 for Hi-Stall torque convertor)
3. Factory Benz pump was around 200
4. Tilt wheel Bone 6 dollars from Benz
5. Bearing was 80 overnighted
6. Used Rear shock for 100 bucks
7. If I recall it was around 160
1. was around 500 with fluid.I replaced every bearing and seal to be safe.
(also installed the Quaife Posi diff at a cost of 1300)
2. had about 700 in parts and Benz trans fluid
(new pressure solenoids and replaced only the 2cd clutch,rest of trans was mint)(added 600 for Hi-Stall torque convertor)
3. Factory Benz pump was around 200
4. Tilt wheel Bone 6 dollars from Benz
5. Bearing was 80 overnighted
6. Used Rear shock for 100 bucks
7. If I recall it was around 160
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Florida
E55 AMG
This is great post...
I am looking to come from a G35 Sedan to an E55... I have just figured out that I am going to buy a warranty and be done with it... and by the time the warranty is up i will be ready for a newer car anyways
Fernando
I am looking to come from a G35 Sedan to an E55... I have just figured out that I am going to buy a warranty and be done with it... and by the time the warranty is up i will be ready for a newer car anyways
Fernando
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
'12 E63 Estate, Gwagen, BMW, Ferrari,Porsche
They really aren't much different than other high performance luxury Euro cars in the 100k MSRP range. What makes them riskier and harder to swallow is the used prices are now really low. By that I mean they now attract a lot of folks who might have limited funds. Back when they were new, people paying MSRP were generally in a higher income bracket and with a hefty bank account plus they had a new car warranty, so it didn't matter.
You can buy used exotics for a lot less nowadays, but that won't make them not break down and cost lots of money to fix. For really rich folk, it doesn't matter.
I'm not saying this to be a jerk or anything, but it's just the facts. Even though the E55s are inexpensive used, they aren't cheap to maintain because they never were.
You can buy used exotics for a lot less nowadays, but that won't make them not break down and cost lots of money to fix. For really rich folk, it doesn't matter.
I'm not saying this to be a jerk or anything, but it's just the facts. Even though the E55s are inexpensive used, they aren't cheap to maintain because they never were.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX
2007 E63, 2005 Dodge Ram Hemi
They really aren't much different than other high performance luxury Euro cars in the 100k MSRP range. What makes them riskier and harder to swallow is the used prices are now really low. By that I mean they now attract a lot of folks who might have limited funds. Back when they were new, people paying MSRP were generally in a higher income bracket and with a hefty bank account plus they had a new car warranty, so it didn't matter.
You can buy used exotics for a lot less nowadays, but that won't make them not break down and cost lots of money to fix. For really rich folk, it doesn't matter.
I'm not saying this to be a jerk or anything, but it's just the facts. Even though the E55s are inexpensive used, they aren't cheap to maintain because they never were.
You can buy used exotics for a lot less nowadays, but that won't make them not break down and cost lots of money to fix. For really rich folk, it doesn't matter.
I'm not saying this to be a jerk or anything, but it's just the facts. Even though the E55s are inexpensive used, they aren't cheap to maintain because they never were.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
'12 E63 Estate, Gwagen, BMW, Ferrari,Porsche
GT-ER
My suggestion for you is do a search on this forum. This is what I did as well before I purchased mine. Make sure you look for a car with service history (hopefully from private party who took care of it), buy an extended warranty to cover for the major/expensive stuff, etc...
Like other guys said here already... it will break and will need fixing like any other car. Just find out about local shops in your area and find out of any local E55 owners in this forum that can give you some feedback on repair shops, etc...
If this is the car you really want and the finances allow, go for it!!!
My suggestion for you is do a search on this forum. This is what I did as well before I purchased mine. Make sure you look for a car with service history (hopefully from private party who took care of it), buy an extended warranty to cover for the major/expensive stuff, etc...
Like other guys said here already... it will break and will need fixing like any other car. Just find out about local shops in your area and find out of any local E55 owners in this forum that can give you some feedback on repair shops, etc...
If this is the car you really want and the finances allow, go for it!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
The E55 is a great car all around and offers incredible performance that is very addicting 
. However, just make sure you get some type of extended warranty when you do buy it. I can't stress that point enough because I've seen things get very expensive sometimes, and it's only a matter of time before something eventually happens. Since you're a mechanic, your risk and potential costs will be significantly reduced, so I say go for it. Try to pick a 2005 or 2006 model with as low mileage as you can find since they've updated few parts for those model years.
. However, just make sure you get some type of extended warranty when you do buy it. I can't stress that point enough because I've seen things get very expensive sometimes, and it's only a matter of time before something eventually happens. Since you're a mechanic, your risk and potential costs will be significantly reduced, so I say go for it. Try to pick a 2005 or 2006 model with as low mileage as you can find since they've updated few parts for those model years.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 13
From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
Unless they dramatically change the plans, so far I have heard nothing but good stuff about the Chrysler Warranty. Some guy here just had his used E55 certified by the dealer and then purchased the plan (and his car was older and fully out of warranty) . Lots of guys have used it so far and nothing but good things to say.
If you are worried, spend a little extra cash and go through the process. Then you are covered in case of major failure or those fun fun 1500$ rape parts.
Like the guys have said above though. It's just a crap shoot with these cars. May run for 60K flawlessly or may toast that wonderful 4,000$ tranny in the first week.
Do a search for more info on that warranty if interested.
If you are worried, spend a little extra cash and go through the process. Then you are covered in case of major failure or those fun fun 1500$ rape parts.
Like the guys have said above though. It's just a crap shoot with these cars. May run for 60K flawlessly or may toast that wonderful 4,000$ tranny in the first week.
Do a search for more info on that warranty if interested.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: NYC - CT
03 E55 AMG - 01 996 TT
I was in the same boat ...
having a kid, and the wife was completely against him driving in my 996tt
i was like no way the kid can sit in the back of the turbo ... had a custom child seat on order and everything ... hindsight being what it is ... man am i glad i have four doors and a truck ... you will need the space ...
i picked up an 03 e55 and the chrysler warranty ... i dont think this warranty is still on the market, there are other posts on this ... if not that one there are others available
car is a phenom ... love it in every way ... more hp than my turbo and faster through the quarter mile ... and the baby seat fits perfectly in the back.
get a warranty ... well worth it, i have paid for my warranty 5 times over in the first few months, cuz the guy who owned it before me was 66 and drove it gingerly 5 or 6k a year and then you have me beating it to hell on air strips and what not
having a kid, and the wife was completely against him driving in my 996tt
i was like no way the kid can sit in the back of the turbo ... had a custom child seat on order and everything ... hindsight being what it is ... man am i glad i have four doors and a truck ... you will need the space ...
i picked up an 03 e55 and the chrysler warranty ... i dont think this warranty is still on the market, there are other posts on this ... if not that one there are others available
car is a phenom ... love it in every way ... more hp than my turbo and faster through the quarter mile ... and the baby seat fits perfectly in the back.
get a warranty ... well worth it, i have paid for my warranty 5 times over in the first few months, cuz the guy who owned it before me was 66 and drove it gingerly 5 or 6k a year and then you have me beating it to hell on air strips and what not
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
Unless they dramatically change the plans, so far I have heard nothing but good stuff about the Chrysler Warranty. Some guy here just had his used E55 certified by the dealer and then purchased the plan (and his car was older and fully out of warranty) . Lots of guys have used it so far and nothing but good things to say.
If you are worried, spend a little extra cash and go through the process. Then you are covered in case of major failure or those fun fun 1500$ rape parts.
Like the guys have said above though. It's just a crap shoot with these cars. May run for 60K flawlessly or may toast that wonderful 4,000$ tranny in the first week.
Do a search for more info on that warranty if interested.
If you are worried, spend a little extra cash and go through the process. Then you are covered in case of major failure or those fun fun 1500$ rape parts.
Like the guys have said above though. It's just a crap shoot with these cars. May run for 60K flawlessly or may toast that wonderful 4,000$ tranny in the first week.
Do a search for more info on that warranty if interested.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, CA
Car Whore
honestly, don't get it. if anything goes wrong, it'll be big bucks.
if your suspension gives out, fixing the ABC is going to be killer.
there is no reason to get rid of your G35 coupe at this point.
Do you realize how small a new child is? It will fit in the back no problem for a long time.
Not to mention that she isn't even pregnant yet, and once she finally is, its still 9 months away. So factor in that you are at least 12 months away from it even popping out, then you won't have a problem with the kid fitting in the back for at least 2 more years.
So you are 3 years away from actually needing a sedan... if even that soon.
Whats the point? Save your money, keep enjoying your S/C G35.
if your suspension gives out, fixing the ABC is going to be killer.
there is no reason to get rid of your G35 coupe at this point.
Do you realize how small a new child is? It will fit in the back no problem for a long time.
Not to mention that she isn't even pregnant yet, and once she finally is, its still 9 months away. So factor in that you are at least 12 months away from it even popping out, then you won't have a problem with the kid fitting in the back for at least 2 more years.
So you are 3 years away from actually needing a sedan... if even that soon.
Whats the point? Save your money, keep enjoying your S/C G35.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,173
Likes: 7
From: Puerto Rico
2005 E55 AMG
honestly, don't get it. if anything goes wrong, it'll be big bucks.
if your suspension gives out, fixing the ABC is going to be killer.
there is no reason to get rid of your G35 coupe at this point.
Do you realize how small a new child is? It will fit in the back no problem for a long time.
Not to mention that she isn't even pregnant yet, and once she finally is, its still 9 months away. So factor in that you are at least 12 months away from it even popping out, then you won't have a problem with the kid fitting in the back for at least 2 more years.
So you are 3 years away from actually needing a sedan... if even that soon.
Whats the point? Save your money, keep enjoying your S/C G35.
if your suspension gives out, fixing the ABC is going to be killer.
there is no reason to get rid of your G35 coupe at this point.
Do you realize how small a new child is? It will fit in the back no problem for a long time.
Not to mention that she isn't even pregnant yet, and once she finally is, its still 9 months away. So factor in that you are at least 12 months away from it even popping out, then you won't have a problem with the kid fitting in the back for at least 2 more years.
So you are 3 years away from actually needing a sedan... if even that soon.
Whats the point? Save your money, keep enjoying your S/C G35.
But in any case, you are right, I'd have at the very least 9 months to a year or whatever...I'm just examining my options.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,336
Likes: 8
Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
The problem is gaining access to the rear seats to begin with....they are a joke and the front seats are a pain to move forward to gain access to the rear and the doors are in the way half the time.
But in any case, you are right, I'd have at the very least 9 months to a year or whatever...I'm just examining my options.
But in any case, you are right, I'd have at the very least 9 months to a year or whatever...I'm just examining my options.
The draw is that the prices on high end cars have dropped significantly. So that brings in more people able to pick them up for a song compared to what they were new. That low used price is always going to be enticing. A lot of folks are buying cheap 996TTs and then realizing, oops, what did they just get into, after they get the first repair bill.
And the reality is that the number one thread topic here after mod questions is about aftermarket warranties. If your budget is limited, and you're not a DIYer, then you have to know what's up before jumping in. Even a warranty costs a nice chunk of $$.
Lots of folks here have second or third cars. So, if something happens it's not the end of the world as far as daily transport goes.
That said, these cars are really almost the ideal DD. As Mo said, incredible performance with lots of comfort. That's what Daimler/AMG made them for (although unfortunately not everybody gets to live near the Autobahn
) When taken care of and well-fed, they are actually quite reliable, imho. The downside is that parts are very expensive (and labor too, if you aren't a wrench turner yourself.) It's not like they fail all the time or leave you on the side of the road. They're just overly engineered and somewhat complex compared to other cars out there. Even with a warranty covering certain parts, maintenance items like brakes are not cheap.
Anyway as you say, you have time to think about it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 1
From: Queens, NY
04 w211 E55
Bought my e55 3 years ago with 19k miles and now have 41k. I had to replace a battery control module and alternator that cost $2200. Thankfully nothing else and let me tell you I have put on 22k HARD miles on this car. For the most part I will say its been a reliable car.
You can also purchase a aftermarket warranty for 5yrs or so. Its a great car that you will love trust me. Any high performance car comes with the risk of something going wrong. Buying a warranty would be ur best bet.
You can also purchase a aftermarket warranty for 5yrs or so. Its a great car that you will love trust me. Any high performance car comes with the risk of something going wrong. Buying a warranty would be ur best bet.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Houston
E55
I wouldn't do it if repair costs are an issue. Mercedes lost money on my car with all the reapirs. After warranty minimal maint. cost was $500 and a $2000 was not unusual. Finally sold the car when the sunroof frame started squeaking (again) and needed to be replaced for $$$$.
05, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, amg, cost, e55, issues, mbworld, mercedes, pads, rebuild, relability, reliability, replacement, transmission
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