Higher mileage E55 purchase advice.
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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2008 VW GTI
The problem about W210 is that me and my wife can't swallow the dated design. Also it is over 7 years old which I'm not able to get a loan qualified for it anymore. I am also setting aside initially 4-5k alone just for warranty purchase/break down fixed etc not including the car purchase price.
if u have to get a load to buy a high miles and 4+ years old e55. May I suggest u just look into a newer japanese car that comes with a warrenty.
Its great to look cool in a E55, but if its gonna break the bank and cause u into potentially marital problems. Its so not worth it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Arizona
2004 E55, 1997 E320 "Sold"
If you have 4-5k set aside than I definitely do not see a problem financially with getting the w211 amg. Make sure to research the forums and warranty companies to find the best value for your money. I have heard of fidelity and several others, so that is probably what you should aim for. GL! 
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: Glendale, AZ
E55
You could always look into an E500. It's not an AMG, but you can get an even better price on them and they still have 300 HP. You're also not putting as much stress on tires and parts, and you don't have to worry about a S/C.
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'06 E55 K2
if u have to get a load to buy a high miles and 4+ years old e55. May I suggest u just look into a newer japanese car that comes with a warrenty.
Its great to look cool in a E55, but if its gonna break the bank and cause u into potentially marital problems. Its so not worth it.
Its great to look cool in a E55, but if its gonna break the bank and cause u into potentially marital problems. Its so not worth it.
Chanmpagne tastes and beer budget usually do not mix well.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5
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From: Midland, Michigan
Ford Thunderbird
I will go test drive E500 next week on my day off and just wondering if E500 suffers the same reliabilty issue like E55? E350 is out of question because it's just not enough power for me.
Thanks for all the comment so far.
Thanks for all the comment so far.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
The only different is no SC and easy to maintain. I didnt have major problem with that car, only change the ball joint. Its has 7speed and gets around 24MPG in freeway. Very nice car to own. You can actually find a AMG Pkg E500.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 552
Likes: 11
From: Chicago suburbs
2004 E55 AMG
Here's what commonly breaks(please add anything I forgot):
I/C pump fails
Exhaust manifolds crack
Wheels spontaneously crack
Air suspension struts fail
Air compressor/relay failure in conjunction with above
Ball joints
HVAC - switching hot to cold(faulty valve)
Various dynamic seat issues(if equipped)
Transmission - if it's an '03 with a Valeo radiator
Other than that there is always the possibility of something else going wrong, like the S/C or the COMAND unit failing. However, you take that risk with any car.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 27
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From: S. CA.
Example of the Chrysler warranty. My friend has a 05 srt6 crossfire. SC clutch let go. Tech's fixed it, during the test drive, another major malfunction and lunched the motor. Per the service contract, if the repair costs more than the value of the vehicle, they buy you out. They got a check for 18k and a car with a completely blown motor sitting in the garage.
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: Glendale, AZ
E55
It could even leave money for maintenance not covered on a warranty.
As appealing as an E55 is, it sounds like the OP's intended use might be better suited for an E500. They are great cars, will get better gas mileage, and will be a lot kinder on insurance.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 513
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From: arlington, va
2005 c55
I dont have an e55 and I have been going back and forth upon buying one. My firsts thoughts where look for a deal a bit higher mileage and spend like 23K or so. My 2nd thoughts are buy a 2005 or 2006 with warranty and spend $33K or so. The advice given is that in the long run the lower mileage later model with warranty is the way to go. Would hate to get in to something and be making car payments then get hit with a repair that could be in the thousands. With these cars getting older it is becoming harder and harder to find with warranty. They Chyrsler warranty seems to be the best one out there and it sounds like they gook a bath on the e55 as someone put it one claim and they have lost money.
Yes this is a 100K car and the repairs are expensive. All logic goes out the window when I drove one as this things pulls like a Dodge Viper and I say to myself I have to get one but after sitting back and thinking about it I just can't pull the trigger. Oh temptation!!!
Yes this is a 100K car and the repairs are expensive. All logic goes out the window when I drove one as this things pulls like a Dodge Viper and I say to myself I have to get one but after sitting back and thinking about it I just can't pull the trigger. Oh temptation!!!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Midland, Michigan
Ford Thunderbird
One quick question, if I buy a 04 E55 with 60k miles can I still get aftermarket warranty for it? How about 05 with 60k miles? What are my options for warranty company? The car I can choose from either private seller or non-mercedes dealership.
Thanks.
Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Colorado
07' SL65, 04' E55, 03' Evo8, 08' GSXR, DSM's...
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I am also wondering what other reliable companies people have used and dealt with before as i am also looking for a E55. Thanks for any replies.
Aaron
I am also wondering what other reliable companies people have used and dealt with before as i am also looking for a E55. Thanks for any replies.
Aaron
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: Glendale, AZ
E55
Not saying a W210 can't cost thousands on a repair bill, because they easily can, but they seem easier on the pocket book to own out of warranty.
