Benetto

Hey guys and gals...I am the proud owner of two beautiful cars.. One is a 1995 3000GT VR4 TT , and a 1988 300SEL... Earlier this month I was on my way to work in the 300SEL and was rear ended while I was at a complete stop, by a Tahoe going 35-40 MPH. Fortunately I was in the 300SEL, so the rear of the car did not crunch up like a soda can and held it's own against the massive Tahoe. After everything was said and done, my wife and I agreed we are going to buy a new family sedan.

I searched and searched the internet, and at our budget I surprisingly found we can afford a 2005 E55 AMG, with 50-70 thousand miles.. I am stoked to learn we are on our way to buying a freakin Super car, for the fraction of the cost most 450+HP cars will run us...On top of it all Now I can enjoy driving BOTH of our cars, instead of just the VR4 TT..(Yes its true I didn't love driving the 300SEL)

Now I am this close to actually going to the bank, pull out the funds, and get my E55. The only thing stopping me is the fact I am not aware of any specific issues the E55 has. IE: frequent tranny problems, electrical issues, problems with overheating, etc... I know these issues will cost BOTH arms and BOTH legs if they come up. Personally I'd rather not have all that power, style, comfort, and safety if I got to end up spending 1,500.00 on this, and 3,000.00 on that if it is common to have issues.

I don't know what I would do if it is common for the 2005 E55 to have frequent (expensive) problems, because I am in love...and even have had dreams of owning one for years now. Also one more thing....I noticed some have speedometers that read 200MPH top speed...and some have a top read out at 160MPH??? What is the difference (performance-wise) and how do I distinguish the two models from each other when searching. Is one a 5.4L and the other 5.5L?


Any help or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated...I look forward to coming back and sharing pics and dealer haggle stories.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

all w211 e55s have the same motor. about the speedo not sure i think the 63s read 200

Benetto

One E55 I am looking at has the speedo at 200...Maybe taken out of a 63?

motorkas

2005-06 have the 200mph speedo - the 03-04's have the 160mph speedo.

Evolved8

Use the search button you will find all the info you need. These cars are great if you have the funds to back them up and the will to learn how to turn wrenches on them is ALWAYS a plus. Good luck with your search.

Taso

not true, ny buddies 04 has the 200 speedo

Benetto

Thanks for the info...


What about reliability? Any major problems that are well known with the w211 E55? I am about to go to the dealer on Monday and slam about 22,000.00 dollars on the table...but I am trying to research any major (costly) problems they are known to have down the line.

Also, I noticed A LOT of optional stuff like distronic, parktronic, drive dynamic seats, etc... Any options that are a must to have?

Benetto

Thanks Evo8!

Evolved8

Depends what exact year etc you looking at....

Benetto

Stock 2005 w211 with 70K miles...

I can afford to maintain, and keep running at peak performance...but I am dreading to have to drop a few grand on this and that every 10K miles. If that's the case, I will go with the dealer platinum warranty offered til 100K...But if it doesn't cost thousands to maintain every year, I'll skip the warranty (2,000.00).


Thanks again Evo8, I appreciate the feedback bro.

Yacht Master

Get the warranty, even little repairs are $,$$$.$$

Benetto

Yeah...Two grand might be worth the peace of mind for 30K miles...Knowing my luck though, the tranny will start giving out at 105K.


Thanks Y-Master!

03RSTT

As others have said. Search the forum for problem areas.

The extended warranty is a must and 2200 is a great price.

The fuel leaking from the gas tank is a real problem. Check the 8000 page view thread just below. Also check the NHTSA web page for mounting accounts of the same fuel leak.

Most all cars of this caliber have some expensive glitches and these are getting older. Considering you have a VR4....did you ever look at the Audi RS6? You seem set on the E55 but just throwing out ideas. I have both.

Shadow5501

Plan to spend a couple grand per year to keep it maintained and repaired. Maybe you'll be disappointed and have money left over at the end of the year, but that's better than the other way 'round.

A $2200 warranty is awfully cheap for an E55. Most are paying double that for 4 years of good coverage. Make sure you know what is covered and what not.

Suggest you just read the 211 AMG forum from most recent post backwards, clicking on any thread that catches your interest and/or relates to problems or repairs. Don't buy the car until you've spent a couple hours reading.

It's a fantastic car, but make sure you know the ins and outs before jumping.