Test drove an E55 for the first time
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6
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1992 Dodget Stealth Turbo
Test drove an E55 for the first time
Hi all,
I've been lurking for a while and am getting closer to making a decision on a new daily. Right now I have a '91 MR2 Turbo as a daily and am in the process of parting out my 500whp Stealth TT
so looking for something to replace both while keeping a budget of sorts. Anyway, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go check out this '03 E55 that showed up at the local Benz dealer. It is silver with 45k, all stock. Their asking price is $26k, not bad for the miles.
There was some excessive wear on the passenger seat (???) and back seat, a glitch in the sunroof, some curb rash on the wheels, but that's about the extent of the flaws I noticed.
I was very impressed with the features of the car and how ergonomic all the controls were. The car was smooth and deceptively fast. I'm used to driving fast cars but not automatics so I was surprised to see the speedo at 90mph haha. Luckily I had a cool sales guy. The only thing that I don't know if I'll be happy with about the car is the auto. I just hope I won't get bored with it and there is also the adjustment period because it feels really awkward driving fast in an automatic to me for some reason. The manual shifting helped on the E55 compared to a normal auto though.
I wouldn't say I'm completely sold but it did nudge me closer to a future purchase. I think I'll wait to buy one that has some tasteful mods done from a forum member whom I can talk to more in depth about the car and its history.
Thought I'd share my first test drive. Quite the car for the dollar. You all are lucky owners!
I've been lurking for a while and am getting closer to making a decision on a new daily. Right now I have a '91 MR2 Turbo as a daily and am in the process of parting out my 500whp Stealth TT
so looking for something to replace both while keeping a budget of sorts. Anyway, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go check out this '03 E55 that showed up at the local Benz dealer. It is silver with 45k, all stock. Their asking price is $26k, not bad for the miles.There was some excessive wear on the passenger seat (???) and back seat, a glitch in the sunroof, some curb rash on the wheels, but that's about the extent of the flaws I noticed.
I was very impressed with the features of the car and how ergonomic all the controls were. The car was smooth and deceptively fast. I'm used to driving fast cars but not automatics so I was surprised to see the speedo at 90mph haha. Luckily I had a cool sales guy. The only thing that I don't know if I'll be happy with about the car is the auto. I just hope I won't get bored with it and there is also the adjustment period because it feels really awkward driving fast in an automatic to me for some reason. The manual shifting helped on the E55 compared to a normal auto though.
I wouldn't say I'm completely sold but it did nudge me closer to a future purchase. I think I'll wait to buy one that has some tasteful mods done from a forum member whom I can talk to more in depth about the car and its history.
Thought I'd share my first test drive. Quite the car for the dollar. You all are lucky owners!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 13
From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
Dayum! 45K on an 03!!?? I thought mine was the only one around that kinda mileage.
03 with 38K on it here. I work at home so bout the only driving I do is for fun runs and kills.
03's don't have Nav and were not wired for it so long as you are cool with that ANNND know what you are getting into with Benz parts (rape) I say check it out.
There are a LOT out there at that price range though. Maybe not that low mileage but close
03 with 38K on it here. I work at home so bout the only driving I do is for fun runs and kills.
03's don't have Nav and were not wired for it so long as you are cool with that ANNND know what you are getting into with Benz parts (rape) I say check it out.
There are a LOT out there at that price range though. Maybe not that low mileage but close
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 694
Likes: 74
From: Houston, TX
2003 E55 AMG; 2013 GL550 4Matic; 2003 CL600
Probably not a good deal though, you can get a better price with less wear, and you especially dont want interior wear. How are the options on it?
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Saskatchewan
1969 280S, 1991 300E
Dayum! 45K on an 03!!?? I thought mine was the only one around that kinda mileage.
03 with 38K on it here. I work at home so bout the only driving I do is for fun runs and kills.
03's don't have Nav and were not wired for it so long as you are cool with that ANNND know what you are getting into with Benz parts (rape) I say check it out.
There are a LOT out there at that price range though. Maybe not that low mileage but close
03 with 38K on it here. I work at home so bout the only driving I do is for fun runs and kills.
03's don't have Nav and were not wired for it so long as you are cool with that ANNND know what you are getting into with Benz parts (rape) I say check it out.
There are a LOT out there at that price range though. Maybe not that low mileage but close
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 224
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cars
Hi all,
I've been lurking for a while and am getting closer to making a decision on a new daily. Right now I have a '91 MR2 Turbo as a daily and am in the process of parting out my 500whp Stealth TT so looking for something to replace both while keeping a budget of sorts. Anyway, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go check out this '03 E55 that showed up at the local Benz dealer. It is silver with 45k, all stock. Their asking price is $26k, not bad for the miles.
There was some excessive wear on the passenger seat (???) and back seat, a glitch in the sunroof, some curb rash on the wheels, but that's about the extent of the flaws I noticed.
I was very impressed with the features of the car and how ergonomic all the controls were. The car was smooth and deceptively fast. I'm used to driving fast cars but not automatics so I was surprised to see the speedo at 90mph haha. Luckily I had a cool sales guy. The only thing that I don't know if I'll be happy with about the car is the auto. I just hope I won't get bored with it and there is also the adjustment period because it feels really awkward driving fast in an automatic to me for some reason. The manual shifting helped on the E55 compared to a normal auto though.
I wouldn't say I'm completely sold but it did nudge me closer to a future purchase. I think I'll wait to buy one that has some tasteful mods done from a forum member whom I can talk to more in depth about the car and its history.
Thought I'd share my first test drive. Quite the car for the dollar. You all are lucky owners!
I've been lurking for a while and am getting closer to making a decision on a new daily. Right now I have a '91 MR2 Turbo as a daily and am in the process of parting out my 500whp Stealth TT
so looking for something to replace both while keeping a budget of sorts. Anyway, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go check out this '03 E55 that showed up at the local Benz dealer. It is silver with 45k, all stock. Their asking price is $26k, not bad for the miles.There was some excessive wear on the passenger seat (???) and back seat, a glitch in the sunroof, some curb rash on the wheels, but that's about the extent of the flaws I noticed.
I was very impressed with the features of the car and how ergonomic all the controls were. The car was smooth and deceptively fast. I'm used to driving fast cars but not automatics so I was surprised to see the speedo at 90mph haha. Luckily I had a cool sales guy. The only thing that I don't know if I'll be happy with about the car is the auto. I just hope I won't get bored with it and there is also the adjustment period because it feels really awkward driving fast in an automatic to me for some reason. The manual shifting helped on the E55 compared to a normal auto though.
I wouldn't say I'm completely sold but it did nudge me closer to a future purchase. I think I'll wait to buy one that has some tasteful mods done from a forum member whom I can talk to more in depth about the car and its history.
Thought I'd share my first test drive. Quite the car for the dollar. You all are lucky owners!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
2003 E55 K1
I have a 2003 with 39K miles and it runs great. Get some false malfunction codes but I believe that is par for the course. One issue, however, is that 2003 did not come with a spare tire. Just a can of goo. Can be a bit of a concern if you are taking a trip.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 557
Likes: 1
From: Laramie, WY
E55 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 2
211-55
My rule of thumb is that if there are noticeable wear on these quality leather seats or if there is major curb rash, at least one previous owner didn't take much care of the car. I'd probably pass unless the price dropped and I was price shopping. Also, you didn't really test drive an E55 unless it was 60 degrees out or cooler
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 639
Likes: 33
From: London UK
E63s s213 2019 ,SOLD E63 Weistec, E55, C36
late o4 onwards had diffrent radiators and dont suffer from the common glycol contamination, also if you get my2005 onwards then some of the electrics are different and things like E63 paddleshift upgrade is an easy swap.
the later the car you buy, the more solid the elctrics as more are ironed out.
good luck!
the later the car you buy, the more solid the elctrics as more are ironed out.
good luck!
Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: san antonio, Tx
04 e55 amg
iv had alot of standard fast cars. supra single turbo, m3 supercharged, 402 stroker c6 vette, z06s, its hard to make a switch to auto. but unless u have a daily i would always go for auto daily drivers.
nothing feels better to get stuck in traffic with an auto opposed to a 6 spd car specially when it has a 6 puck racing clutch or similar.
the e55 is comfortable fast it does everything ! i have never looked back.
nothing feels better to get stuck in traffic with an auto opposed to a 6 spd car specially when it has a 6 puck racing clutch or similar.
the e55 is comfortable fast it does everything ! i have never looked back.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
1992 Dodget Stealth Turbo
Thanks for the replies all. I'm not going to purchase that car because 1) I'm not quite ready yet and 2) I didn't like the abnormal interior wear. Of all the seats I expected the driver's seat to have the wear, not the others. I also have been searching around and think I can land an '04 or 05 with slightly higher mileage and in overall better condition for around the same price. Now if they dropped the price down into the really low 20's I might have to bite but I'm not even going to try to negotiate at this point.
That's an amazing rate. I might have to look into that when the time comes because I will have to finance some amount of the car.
I think if it had some bolt-ons and was a bit more dramatic I'd be satisfied.
That's really good to know. Your ownership history is similar to mine in type of cars and power so it is reassuring you haven't gotten bored. Eventually I'll replace my TT Stealth with another sports so the E55 should work well.
iv had alot of standard fast cars. supra single turbo, m3 supercharged, 402 stroker c6 vette, z06s, its hard to make a switch to auto. but unless u have a daily i would always go for auto daily drivers.
nothing feels better to get stuck in traffic with an auto opposed to a 6 spd car specially when it has a 6 puck racing clutch or similar.
the e55 is comfortable fast it does everything ! i have never looked back.
nothing feels better to get stuck in traffic with an auto opposed to a 6 spd car specially when it has a 6 puck racing clutch or similar.
the e55 is comfortable fast it does everything ! i have never looked back.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 388
Likes: 8
From: Chicago
2008 W463 G500, 2003 Terminator Cobra (710RWHP), 2012 S350 Bluetec, 2010 911 C4S, 2007 VRSCDX
RUN AWAY!!!! You do not want that headache, I promise you! It will make you hate Mercedes the rest of your life. I know I am going to sound like an ******* but judging by the cars you have owned I dont know if you know or understand the cost associated with owning a 2000 to 2006 Mercedes Benz.
I test drove a Mercedes S55 AMG 2003. Someone tagged the rear view drivers side mirror and to replace just the glass $830!!!!!!!! (i understand its an E but its not cheap) The car malfunctioned as the seat belt sensor went bad and the 2006 CPO car had a tire pressure sensor malfunction issue (Not a huge deal but you dont want all these issues happeneing on test drives). I personally have not driven a 2000-2006 AMG without a problem.
With that being said I would buy one ONLY IF UNDER MERCEDES EXTENDED Warranty, no fidellity! Also you like to mod cars, becareful with the 55 you are playing with fire, if it goes bang so does your check book in the amount of a Stealth TT 500hp.
All this said buy 05 or 06 CPO or 2007 or newer under warranty. You dont wanna back your way into a $90K car. Thats good advice someone gave me and now I am passing it to you.
Sorry to be THAT GUY!
I test drove a Mercedes S55 AMG 2003. Someone tagged the rear view drivers side mirror and to replace just the glass $830!!!!!!!! (i understand its an E but its not cheap) The car malfunctioned as the seat belt sensor went bad and the 2006 CPO car had a tire pressure sensor malfunction issue (Not a huge deal but you dont want all these issues happeneing on test drives). I personally have not driven a 2000-2006 AMG without a problem.
With that being said I would buy one ONLY IF UNDER MERCEDES EXTENDED Warranty, no fidellity! Also you like to mod cars, becareful with the 55 you are playing with fire, if it goes bang so does your check book in the amount of a Stealth TT 500hp.
All this said buy 05 or 06 CPO or 2007 or newer under warranty. You dont wanna back your way into a $90K car. Thats good advice someone gave me and now I am passing it to you.
Sorry to be THAT GUY!
Last edited by W109 W211 6.2L; Aug 11, 2010 at 04:01 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
1992 Dodget Stealth Turbo
Totally appreciate the honest opinion. It is a smart move to get one under warranty, particularly with the cost of repairs.
I know parts are expensive and should something with complex electrical system go wrong I would have no choice but to take it to the dealer. I can do most maintenance and repairs myself as I have always worked on/built my cars and hope to do so for future vehicles as well. It is something I am heavily considering though and it is worth mentioning. Thank you for sharing your experience and advice. There is nothing worse than having a car payment and then having to fork out more money for repairs.
I know parts are expensive and should something with complex electrical system go wrong I would have no choice but to take it to the dealer. I can do most maintenance and repairs myself as I have always worked on/built my cars and hope to do so for future vehicles as well. It is something I am heavily considering though and it is worth mentioning. Thank you for sharing your experience and advice. There is nothing worse than having a car payment and then having to fork out more money for repairs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,044
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211-55
Don't listen to this n00b 'W109 W211 6.2L', he's blowing smoke.
So the n00b test drove a 2003 S55, tagged the rear view mirror on the test drive and then n00b ended up paying for the mirror on an E-class. Then somehow after fixing the E-class mirror on the '03 S55, the '03 became an '06 CPO which developed a TPS malfunction on the test drive?
Many people have added well over 100whp to their 55's on this forum alone and very very few have hurt their checkbook due to a catastrophic failure. Do your research and actually own a 55 before talking like you know wtf you're talking about, because you don't. BTW are you still selling headers?
I test drove a Mercedes S55 AMG 2003. Someone tagged the rear view drivers side mirror and to replace just the glass $830!!!!!!!! (i understand its an E but its not cheap) The car malfunctioned as the seat belt sensor went bad and the 2006 CPO car had a tire pressure sensor malfunction issue
Many people have added well over 100whp to their 55's on this forum alone and very very few have hurt their checkbook due to a catastrophic failure. Do your research and actually own a 55 before talking like you know wtf you're talking about, because you don't. BTW are you still selling headers?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,217
Likes: 6
3-five-five/ TUNDRA/ 07 997 cab
Don't listen to this n00b 'W109 W211 6.2L', he's blowing smoke.
So the n00b test drove a 2003 S55, tagged the rear view mirror on the test drive and then n00b ended up paying for the mirror on an E-class. Then somehow after fixing the E-class mirror on the '03 S55, the '03 became an '06 CPO which developed a TPS malfunction on the test drive?
Many people have added well over 100whp to their 55's on this forum alone and very very few have hurt their checkbook due to a catastrophic failure. Do your research and actually own a 55 before talking like you know wtf you're talking about, because you don't. BTW are you still selling headers?
So the n00b test drove a 2003 S55, tagged the rear view mirror on the test drive and then n00b ended up paying for the mirror on an E-class. Then somehow after fixing the E-class mirror on the '03 S55, the '03 became an '06 CPO which developed a TPS malfunction on the test drive?
Many people have added well over 100whp to their 55's on this forum alone and very very few have hurt their checkbook due to a catastrophic failure. Do your research and actually own a 55 before talking like you know wtf you're talking about, because you don't. BTW are you still selling headers?
Last edited by emoving; Aug 11, 2010 at 04:53 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,217
Likes: 6
3-five-five/ TUNDRA/ 07 997 cab
RUN AWAY!!!! You do not want that headache, I promise you! It will make you hate Mercedes the rest of your life. I know I am going to sound like an ******* but judging by the cars you have owned I dont know if you know or understand the cost associated with owning a 2000 to 2006 Mercedes Benz.
I test drove a Mercedes S55 AMG 2003. Someone tagged the rear view drivers side mirror and to replace just the glass $830!!!!!!!! (i understand its an E but its not cheap) The car malfunctioned as the seat belt sensor went bad and the 2006 CPO car had a tire pressure sensor malfunction issue (Not a huge deal but you dont want all these issues happeneing on test drives). I personally have not driven a 2000-2006 AMG without a problem.
With that being said I would buy one ONLY IF UNDER MERCEDES EXTENDED Warranty, no fidellity! Also you like to mod cars, becareful with the 55 you are playing with fire, if it goes bang so does your check book in the amount of a Stealth TT 500hp.
All this said buy 05 or 06 CPO or 2007 or newer under warranty. You dont wanna back your way into a $90K car. Thats good advice someone gave me and now I am passing it to you.
Sorry to be THAT GUY!
I test drove a Mercedes S55 AMG 2003. Someone tagged the rear view drivers side mirror and to replace just the glass $830!!!!!!!! (i understand its an E but its not cheap) The car malfunctioned as the seat belt sensor went bad and the 2006 CPO car had a tire pressure sensor malfunction issue (Not a huge deal but you dont want all these issues happeneing on test drives). I personally have not driven a 2000-2006 AMG without a problem.
With that being said I would buy one ONLY IF UNDER MERCEDES EXTENDED Warranty, no fidellity! Also you like to mod cars, becareful with the 55 you are playing with fire, if it goes bang so does your check book in the amount of a Stealth TT 500hp.
All this said buy 05 or 06 CPO or 2007 or newer under warranty. You dont wanna back your way into a $90K car. Thats good advice someone gave me and now I am passing it to you.
Sorry to be THAT GUY!
MODS>>>>>>>>IP CHK>>>>>>>>>>>>>>MONKEY BOY IS BACK!
Last edited by emoving; Aug 11, 2010 at 04:53 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 388
Likes: 8
From: Chicago
2008 W463 G500, 2003 Terminator Cobra (710RWHP), 2012 S350 Bluetec, 2010 911 C4S, 2007 VRSCDX
Totally appreciate the honest opinion. It is a smart move to get one under warranty, particularly with the cost of repairs.
I know parts are expensive and should something with complex electrical system go wrong I would have no choice but to take it to the dealer. I can do most maintenance and repairs myself as I have always worked on/built my cars and hope to do so for future vehicles as well. It is something I am heavily considering though and it is worth mentioning. Thank you for sharing your experience and advice. There is nothing worse than having a car payment and then having to fork out more money for repairs.
I know parts are expensive and should something with complex electrical system go wrong I would have no choice but to take it to the dealer. I can do most maintenance and repairs myself as I have always worked on/built my cars and hope to do so for future vehicles as well. It is something I am heavily considering though and it is worth mentioning. Thank you for sharing your experience and advice. There is nothing worse than having a car payment and then having to fork out more money for repairs.
LOL Newbie, I am a W140 owner the last of the True Real Mercedes products, I have owned a 402 Trailblazer SS, Whipple 2.3 Cobra, VRSCDX Harley. I have loved Mercedes my whole life! I am probably one of the few who knows every detail about why the M159 is different than the M156. I am be new to this forum but not new to the cars.
Couple things,
1. If you get a benz warranty make certain to go for regular maintance, they can attribute a problem because of lack of maintance records they WILL NOT cover it. Now thats a limited situation as it has to be provable the issue occured because of lack of maintance but is it worth the risk??? Home oil change could void the warranty, just saying if they wanna be terd burglars they can. This a per dealer experience may not apply everywhere.
2. I attempted to replace the rear License Plate Light assemblies on my E63, to put in LED WHOA! This was an awful experience, it took me about 35 minutes to remove all the trim pieces from inside the trunk. Then after playing with it for 30 or so minutes I realized there is a trim piece on the outside of the trunk of the car that needs to come off. I personally am not one to mess with paint parts especially on a Mercedes. So I put my tail between my legs and put it all back together another 30 or so minutes and with 0 results. so I wasted about 2 hours and I couldnt change the assembly myself
I am a post newbie but trust me its NOT as straight forward as you think. There is a reason the car sold for $90k
Ok Newbie is done
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 2
211-55
LOL Newbie, I am a W140 owner the last of the True Real Mercedes products, I have owned a 402 Trailblazer SS, Whipple 2.3 Cobra, VRSCDX Harley. I have loved Mercedes my whole life! I am probably one of the few who knows every detail about why the M159 is different than the M156. I am be new to this forum but not new to the cars.
