Best/Worst of e55 amg?
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: NYC
2005 E55
Just save up a bit more ang get one with warranty... the cars are great. Preventative maintenance is the key. With the warranty you can drive worry free and not have to come out of pocket much for repairs. Warranty is key with any AMG car.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: PHX/PIE/OMA ---> Yes, all three
E55 then E63, now back to an E55
Really, I have had a few 55s all lowered on ELMs and have never had a suspension issue. What is HUGE cost for brakes???? I paid $100 a rotor from the dealer, $150 for pads and had a friend put them on my E55. If you think that is HUGE, then you have never owned a car worth a crap. Even a Toyota Camry brake job would run around $350.
As others have said, if you plan to take it to the dealer everytime, you are screwed. If you have hook ups other places, you will be fine. The engines and trannies are pretty bulletproof. There are minor things that go bad, like SC pumps($150), SC clutch and parts($900) and on a rare occasion, a strut which you can get rebuilt or replacement parts for around $500. Unfortunately there are a lot of people that have these cars that can't afford them, they buy high mileage cars, mod the crap out of them and then they break. That gives them a bad name. Otherwise, they are solid machines! Oh and try the search button, they did not even make a 07 so go ahead and cross that one off your list.
As others have said, if you plan to take it to the dealer everytime, you are screwed. If you have hook ups other places, you will be fine. The engines and trannies are pretty bulletproof. There are minor things that go bad, like SC pumps($150), SC clutch and parts($900) and on a rare occasion, a strut which you can get rebuilt or replacement parts for around $500. Unfortunately there are a lot of people that have these cars that can't afford them, they buy high mileage cars, mod the crap out of them and then they break. That gives them a bad name. Otherwise, they are solid machines! Oh and try the search button, they did not even make a 07 so go ahead and cross that one off your list.
WELL SAID MARCUS....
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
Unfortunately there are a lot of people that have these cars that can't afford them, they buy high mileage cars, mod the crap out of them and then they break. That gives them a bad name. Otherwise, they are solid machines! Oh and try the search button, they did not even make a 07 so go ahead and cross that one off your list.
And we've also been through this plenty of times on MBWorld: these are not inexpensive cars when new and they aren't inexpensive cars to maintain when used. People buying a used 996 because they're cheap to buy run into the same issue: expensive to fix. Go buy a used Italian exotic or an Aston or a Jag for cheap. Used prices are affordable. Repair isn't.
The rear is a "killer" but not a "real" one. That's because the MB protocol at the dealer is to drop the rear to install. Because the air line isn't supposed to be pulled off the nipple to the reservoir. It's primarily a labor cost. But an Indy will show you how to do it. They don't have to follow protocol like the dealer does.
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3-five-five/ TUNDRA/ 07 997 cab
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From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
If your running around without air filters then you are a true bonehead.. When i opened up my air boxes last summer you should have seen how much stuff the filters block from going into the engine..
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Puerto Rico
2005 E55 AMG
+1
And we've also been through this plenty of times on MBWorld: these are not inexpensive cars when new and they aren't inexpensive cars to maintain when used. People buying a used 996 because they're cheap to buy run into the same issue: expensive to fix. Go buy a used Italian exotic or an Aston or a Jag for cheap. Used prices are affordable. Repair isn't.
Show me 7 billion threads of people stranded with Airmatic. Airmatic can fail (like any strut) but you have plenty of warning signals. The few who have reported being stranded never pay attention to the car's behavior and keep on driving when they get symptoms. There are hundreds of thousands of MBs fitted with air suspension. They still use Airmatic on current cars. Where are all those people? On the side of the road?
The rear is a "killer" but not a "real" one. That's because the MB protocol at the dealer is to drop the rear to install. Because the air line isn't supposed to be pulled off the nipple to the reservoir. It's primarily a labor cost. But an Indy will show you how to do it. They don't have to follow protocol like the dealer does.
And we've also been through this plenty of times on MBWorld: these are not inexpensive cars when new and they aren't inexpensive cars to maintain when used. People buying a used 996 because they're cheap to buy run into the same issue: expensive to fix. Go buy a used Italian exotic or an Aston or a Jag for cheap. Used prices are affordable. Repair isn't.
Show me 7 billion threads of people stranded with Airmatic. Airmatic can fail (like any strut) but you have plenty of warning signals. The few who have reported being stranded never pay attention to the car's behavior and keep on driving when they get symptoms. There are hundreds of thousands of MBs fitted with air suspension. They still use Airmatic on current cars. Where are all those people? On the side of the road?
The rear is a "killer" but not a "real" one. That's because the MB protocol at the dealer is to drop the rear to install. Because the air line isn't supposed to be pulled off the nipple to the reservoir. It's primarily a labor cost. But an Indy will show you how to do it. They don't have to follow protocol like the dealer does.
Being left stranded does not mean "stranded on the road"...you could be left stranded in your house.
You'd be lying to yourself if you think the airmatic system is reliable. I have yet to meet an E-class owner that has never had an airmatic failure ( And I've met quite a few ).
FWIW, I work at an airport and in the parking lot there are currently TWO MB's stranded due to airmatic failure...lol. Just so happens I saw them yesterday...I know it's a lot of coincidence but I found it kinda funny ( and disturbing ).
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From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
Being left stranded does not mean "stranded on the road"...you could be left stranded in your house.
You'd be lying to yourself if you think the airmatic system is reliable. I have yet to meet an E-class owner that has never had an airmatic failure ( And I've met quite a few ).
FWIW, I work at an airport and in the parking lot there are currently TWO MB's stranded due to airmatic failure...lol. Just so happens I saw them yesterday...I know it's a lot of coincidence but I found it kinda funny ( and disturbing ).
You'd be lying to yourself if you think the airmatic system is reliable. I have yet to meet an E-class owner that has never had an airmatic failure ( And I've met quite a few ).
FWIW, I work at an airport and in the parking lot there are currently TWO MB's stranded due to airmatic failure...lol. Just so happens I saw them yesterday...I know it's a lot of coincidence but I found it kinda funny ( and disturbing ).
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From: SOCAL
2004 E55
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,173
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From: Puerto Rico
2005 E55 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,173
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From: Puerto Rico
2005 E55 AMG
Interesting...now no one has had an airmatic failure...lol. Since I'm all up for being proven wrong...I've started a poll:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...c-failure.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...c-failure.html
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Chicagoland
AMG
I realize that, and im glad I dont know him. i change my air filters a lot because im in the country and its very dusty and lots of stuff gets up there. and i would NEVER run my car w/o filters.
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Joined: May 2009
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From: Abu Dhabi
C218 CLS63TT PP Edition1, W213 E63S
Being left stranded does not mean "stranded on the road"...you could be left stranded in your house.
You'd be lying to yourself if you think the airmatic system is reliable. I have yet to meet an E-class owner that has never had an airmatic failure ( And I've met quite a few ).
FWIW, I work at an airport and in the parking lot there are currently TWO MB's stranded due to airmatic failure...lol. Just so happens I saw them yesterday...I know it's a lot of coincidence but I found it kinda funny ( and disturbing ).
You'd be lying to yourself if you think the airmatic system is reliable. I have yet to meet an E-class owner that has never had an airmatic failure ( And I've met quite a few ).
FWIW, I work at an airport and in the parking lot there are currently TWO MB's stranded due to airmatic failure...lol. Just so happens I saw them yesterday...I know it's a lot of coincidence but I found it kinda funny ( and disturbing ).
i got mine in september 2004 and it is a 2005 MY.
untill now it has 62k miles. modded like hell and junped through several times on humps.
untill now
non of them have failed.
one of the reasons that i noticed which lead to failure is that if you lower it too much or drive it on sport 2 alot.
most of my driving is on comfort. + never used to ride passengers. most of the time me + a passenger. rarely me + 2 passengers. ^_^
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
Being left stranded does not mean "stranded on the road"...you could be left stranded in your house.
You'd be lying to yourself if you think the airmatic system is reliable. I have yet to meet an E-class owner that has never had an airmatic failure ( And I've met quite a few ).
FWIW, I work at an airport and in the parking lot there are currently TWO MB's stranded due to airmatic failure...lol. Just so happens I saw them yesterday...I know it's a lot of coincidence but I found it kinda funny ( and disturbing ).
You'd be lying to yourself if you think the airmatic system is reliable. I have yet to meet an E-class owner that has never had an airmatic failure ( And I've met quite a few ).
FWIW, I work at an airport and in the parking lot there are currently TWO MB's stranded due to airmatic failure...lol. Just so happens I saw them yesterday...I know it's a lot of coincidence but I found it kinda funny ( and disturbing ).
I've never been stranded on the side of the road nor at my home or anybody's home driving a car with Airmatic. Nor have I ever experienced a failure.
So what can I say? That I'm "lying to myself?"
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Joined: Nov 2008
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2006 E55, 2012 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible, 2014 Kia Sorento SXL AWD
My car isn't lowered, nor do I drive around in Sport I or II very often...
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 626
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From: UK
E55K AMG
I have to repair my passenger seat when I take someone for a ride for the first time ..........................from the whole they blow through the base
GET ONE and if you change your mind sell it, but you will find it hard to let go of the addiction.
GET ONE and if you change your mind sell it, but you will find it hard to let go of the addiction.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 626
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From: UK
E55K AMG
I had a Bilstein coilover strut blow out on me and it left me stranded. A long way from home. I also had a KW strut leak that was not detectable and eventually fail to operate which made me have to get the car flat bedded. And there are no warning lights or messages that go off when they're about to fail or when they've actually failed. If I had kept on driving I would have damaged many suspension components.
I've never been stranded on the side of the road nor at my home or anybody's home driving a car with Airmatic. Nor have I ever experienced a failure.
So what can I say? That I'm "lying to myself?"
I've never been stranded on the side of the road nor at my home or anybody's home driving a car with Airmatic. Nor have I ever experienced a failure.
So what can I say? That I'm "lying to myself?"
I drove 10 miles with a busted driver air strut on 19's, rubbed the arch when turning. Front was 2inch off the ground.
replacement took me 40mins thanks to the DIY thread.
If you get one just stay away from the stealer and you will be fine.
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,173
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From: Puerto Rico
2005 E55 AMG
I had a Bilstein coilover strut blow out on me and it left me stranded. A long way from home. I also had a KW strut leak that was not detectable and eventually fail to operate which made me have to get the car flat bedded. And there are no warning lights or messages that go off when they're about to fail or when they've actually failed. If I had kept on driving I would have damaged many suspension components.
I've never been stranded on the side of the road nor at my home or anybody's home driving a car with Airmatic. Nor have I ever experienced a failure.
So what can I say? That I'm "lying to myself?"
I've never been stranded on the side of the road nor at my home or anybody's home driving a car with Airmatic. Nor have I ever experienced a failure.
So what can I say? That I'm "lying to myself?"
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,174
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From: London, UK
No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
As a DD - I would be prettty worried about this car without a warranty. DIY maintenance and parts online help allot. So as an occasional / weekend car maintenance & running costs should not be a major issue.
But no one has mentioned the mod bug?
You need at least 5k$ set aside when this hits you and trust me it will. And be prepared to see that number rise and rise quickly.....
But no one has mentioned the mod bug?
You need at least 5k$ set aside when this hits you and trust me it will. And be prepared to see that number rise and rise quickly.....
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From: San Diego, CA
'13 GT-R AMS Alpha 9+, CLA45, E55
And.... This is where this car kicked my nuts.
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Car free at the moment
FWIW, I've had my '06 about 15 months. Bought with 34K, now at 41K. I've had one slow leaker strut replaced and one hard failure that occurred overnight while the car was garaged. With stock wheels & tires the car isn't exactly undriveable with a failed strut, but neither is it normally driveable. More like you can limp along to get off the road.
So far, my personal experience is that airmatic fails every 4K miles...
So far, my personal experience is that airmatic fails every 4K miles...
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Joined: Sep 2008
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
I've had over 20 cars in my life and have had one one strut failure ( huge pot hole ) and it did not leave me stranded ( I used the car like this for a week bouncing all over the place...lol ). You cannot tell me the airmatic system is more reliable than a standard strut/spring system. I must admit that perhaps I was hating on the system more than I should have, which is evident by the poll I opened. But even at a near 40% failure rate ( poll is at 38% right now, let's see how it goes in a few days ) that's pretty freaking high. I should open a new poll on a W203 forum or something to see how many failures they get ( and I don't mean slowly wearing out failures, I mean full blown leaving you stranded failures...like airmatic does ).
You should also poll the S Class forum (ABC is an option on the S, the rest have Airmatic), the R Class, the GL Class, the ML Class, the CLS Class.
But maybe this time around make a poll with mileage, stock/modified, etc., taken into consideration rather than just a fail yes/no. It would be informative to understand any variables involved (like any good poll.)
And I wonder about the Range Rover forums, the Audi forums, the Lexus forums, the BMW forums, the Jaguar forums. They have models with air suspension. I wonder what the stats are on those systems.
The only folks who have the real data outside of random polls in car forums are MBUSA and the dealers. I'm curious why Daimler keeps using this system if it's bad? Maybe Daimler uses Airmatic to get rich off spare parts? Although it sounds like they're shooting themselves in the foot since most Airmatic replacements seem to be under CPO or extended warranty.
p.s., my Indy claims the components have changed over the years and the system gets less replacement rates each time around. Can we assume that a 2009 or 2010 is less prone to failure than a 7-8 year old E55?
Last edited by 220S; Jan 25, 2011 at 06:44 PM.
