vw_mkv

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.

mikey33

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!

Esh

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.

slownrusty

Agreed on the statement made here. As an example I had an '04 Infiniti M45 that was an amazing car before I purcahsed my E55...330hp all aluminum V8...every conceivable luxury and gadget from cooled seats to voice recognition...again super reliable, good looking, quick, etc

Chanmpagne tastes and beer budget usually do not mix well.

Casper_Chua

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.

CharlyE500

Agreed very much, I used to have 04 E500 and its pretty quick and luxo.
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.

izzyz28

As far as I know you will conceivably have just as many issues with an E500. It still has all of the parts that COMMONLY fail besides an I/C pump, which costs $175 to replace so it doesn't even really count. The supercharger failing is NOT something that commonly happens on these cars.

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.

2c5s

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.

Esh

Don't forget that the entry level price is a lot less expensive, leaving room for a lower mileage and/or newer car. This also raises the chances of getting an aftermarket warranty and/or better CPO deal.

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.

rrich49132

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!!!

Casper_Chua

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.

WHTEVO

/\
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

Esh

You're exactly right. These cars aren't the W210 AMG that was built like a tank and don't have the airmatic setup or a supercharger (they still have a ton of sensors). The real disadvantage of wear and tear maintenance on a W210 is brakes, they cost more than twice what a full set of W211 brakes do.

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.