Possibly buying e55, common issues?
03-08-2011, 08:20 PM
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c300
Possibly buying e55, common issues?
I've been a fan of the e55s for some time, but I'm now in the position where owning one is a possibility.
I've been scouring the forums in an effort to learn as quick as possible, but I'm likely going "shopping" on Friday.
I've located a 2005 w/ ~60k miles with an asking price of $27k.
It's not CPO, but this **might** be possible (?).
What are common issues I should be aware of? Anything that would signal a red flag?
When I'm on the test drive, anything I should be aware of? Any unusual noises that are symptomatic of an impending failure?
If I can't negotiate a CPO deal, I **will** opt for a 3rd party warranty.
From my reading, Easycare is a reputable vendor of such warranties, no?
Any other advice you can give, including a "target" price would be much appreciated.
I look forward to--hopefully--joining other e55 owners!
I've been scouring the forums in an effort to learn as quick as possible, but I'm likely going "shopping" on Friday.
I've located a 2005 w/ ~60k miles with an asking price of $27k.
It's not CPO, but this **might** be possible (?).
What are common issues I should be aware of? Anything that would signal a red flag?
When I'm on the test drive, anything I should be aware of? Any unusual noises that are symptomatic of an impending failure?
If I can't negotiate a CPO deal, I **will** opt for a 3rd party warranty.
From my reading, Easycare is a reputable vendor of such warranties, no?
Any other advice you can give, including a "target" price would be much appreciated.
I look forward to--hopefully--joining other e55 owners!
03-08-2011, 08:34 PM
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c300
Ouch! I know using the search (which I'm doing) is a common suggestion (and useful), but given my time constraints, I hoped someone, with more forum experience, would be willing to help out my search a bit.
03-08-2011, 08:37 PM
#5
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timed took me 10 seconds to go to search put in E55 common problems and here is what I found for you. Good luck:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...how-check.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...how-check.html
03-08-2011, 08:57 PM
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Not to sound like an ***, but being a forum regular and seeing the same exact threads a 10 times a week can get annoying. Try the search function and ALL those q will be answered faster than someone responds.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
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03-09-2011, 04:13 AM
#9
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Common issues... airmatic, ic pump, crankshaft sensor
03-09-2011, 07:03 AM
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3-five-five/ TUNDRA/ 07 997 cab
Maybe you should do research before you buy a car so you ar not under "time constraints". You have to realize that is the most common question and the most dicussed topic in ANY car forum.
03-09-2011, 07:23 AM
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
No way an '05 with 60K will be CPO'd by Mercedes.
Other issues other that no owner to this date has been able to figure out...:
1) Rear tires mysteriously haze to the chords
2) Premium gas mysteriously evaporates
Other issues other that no owner to this date has been able to figure out...:
1) Rear tires mysteriously haze to the chords
2) Premium gas mysteriously evaporates
03-09-2011, 09:48 AM
#16
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'08 S65, '04 Range Rover(The House), '06 Lexus GS 300(Wifey's), '02 Sea Ray 360 Sundancer
Just remember that all of you were NEW at some point. Hell, some of you still act BRAND NEW! Just a thought...how about we welcome new members, and encourage them to use the search, instead of coming off like know it all's? When I first posted here, I didn't see any post about common problems. We are defeating the purpose of the forum, when we make new members wait to post. Who would join, or you would see even more useless posts to get a quota to start a thread, as previously suggested. What baffles me most is, with a car like ours sitting outside, how do you even have enough time to be a MBW FANATIC? Get out there and drive, then come back and post your kill stories! Carry on....
03-09-2011, 11:34 AM
#17
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My brother bought an 04 cpo with 60k and just sold it at 70k miles with the option to buy another year or up to 100k miles.
03-09-2011, 11:52 AM
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Common issue
The W211 platform highest recalled platform in Mercedes history.
Common issue buying one without a head to toe warranty.
Common issue not having it completely professionally inspected.
Common issue rushing into one on a weeks notice and regretting the purchase every day until you sell it for a greatly depreciated sum.
Common issue paying far too much.
Common issue not learning to DIY to get around the other common issue of members always complaining about how much the dealer charges them every time they need to visit the shop.
Common issue buying one without a head to toe warranty.
Common issue not having it completely professionally inspected.
Common issue rushing into one on a weeks notice and regretting the purchase every day until you sell it for a greatly depreciated sum.
Common issue paying far too much.
Common issue not learning to DIY to get around the other common issue of members always complaining about how much the dealer charges them every time they need to visit the shop.
03-09-2011, 01:26 PM
#20
Member
I have to say you are wrong on the CPO. It is possible to get a 05 with 60k with MBCPO as the CPO program applies to cars 6 model years old with 75k or less.
03-09-2011, 03:16 PM
#21
As soon as I saw this thread, I laughed and thought sh*t I have to click on this. Poor guy is gonna get it.... lol.
The "use the search button" flame thing, is almost a sort of Mbworld initiation. So don't worry, but DO use the search before posting, allot of times you will find posts by searching can be much more informative than input from members who are tired of answering the same questions.
Being fairly new myself, I kind of like the snobbish unhelpful answers given at times. It makes us look like *****s but gives us exclusivity, sort of like when you wander in to a Ferrari dealership in scrubs and you don't get much attention. Just learn to accept it when you could have searched and fire back a little when you have searched and nothing came up.
I guess we could start off by pre-welcoming you, I know you want to save time searching, but searching is saving you time!
Since I took my time to write this, I’ll give you a few problems that are common
AIRMATIC FAILURE
I/C PUMP FAILURE
and a few more. Search for the rest.
In regards to the vehicle your are test-driving. Check the carfax/autocheck etc.
Also take along a PTG and take readings of the panels just to be sure.
Look at the service history to see if it has been problematic in regards to any particular things.
What options does the vehicle have? This will help determine what price is reasonable? And problems you may have
How many owners?
Where was the service completed?
Play with the airmatic suspension and take a tape measure to see that there is no major differences in ride height around the vehicle.
Look for any leaks in the engine bay, under the car.
Verify mileage by looking at service records and carfax. If records are not available a good indication can be the condition of the seat bolsters and pedals. But nothing to go on)
Give the car a good few WOT runs and make sure the power is consistent.
Look for malfunctions or warning lights on the display.
As for pricing I own a E55 so I think that you are getting a steal, I think you should pay more and the depreciation is a bit*Ch.
In order for these cars to keep their value, either there needs to be a whole lot less of them or owners need to jack up the prices in alliance, so none can be had for cheap!
So while wanting you to get a great deal, I hope all E55 sales negotiate up in price and increase in value!
If not after you consider tax and tags and warranty etc expect to loose 5-10k if you decide to sell the next day
The "use the search button" flame thing, is almost a sort of Mbworld initiation. So don't worry, but DO use the search before posting, allot of times you will find posts by searching can be much more informative than input from members who are tired of answering the same questions.
Being fairly new myself, I kind of like the snobbish unhelpful answers given at times. It makes us look like *****s but gives us exclusivity, sort of like when you wander in to a Ferrari dealership in scrubs and you don't get much attention. Just learn to accept it when you could have searched and fire back a little when you have searched and nothing came up.
I guess we could start off by pre-welcoming you, I know you want to save time searching, but searching is saving you time!
Since I took my time to write this, I’ll give you a few problems that are common
AIRMATIC FAILURE
I/C PUMP FAILURE
and a few more. Search for the rest.
In regards to the vehicle your are test-driving. Check the carfax/autocheck etc.
Also take along a PTG and take readings of the panels just to be sure.
Look at the service history to see if it has been problematic in regards to any particular things.
What options does the vehicle have? This will help determine what price is reasonable? And problems you may have
How many owners?
Where was the service completed?
Play with the airmatic suspension and take a tape measure to see that there is no major differences in ride height around the vehicle.
Look for any leaks in the engine bay, under the car.
Verify mileage by looking at service records and carfax. If records are not available a good indication can be the condition of the seat bolsters and pedals. But nothing to go on)
Give the car a good few WOT runs and make sure the power is consistent.
Look for malfunctions or warning lights on the display.
As for pricing I own a E55 so I think that you are getting a steal, I think you should pay more and the depreciation is a bit*Ch.
In order for these cars to keep their value, either there needs to be a whole lot less of them or owners need to jack up the prices in alliance, so none can be had for cheap!
So while wanting you to get a great deal, I hope all E55 sales negotiate up in price and increase in value!
If not after you consider tax and tags and warranty etc expect to loose 5-10k if you decide to sell the next day
Last edited by AMGV855; 03-09-2011 at 03:23 PM.
03-09-2011, 06:50 PM
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c300
I'm still here 
I've been around many car forums, but have been on hiatus for a few years; I simply forgot the simple "use the search" netiquette.
At any rate, thanks to all those who took the time to offer up a few pointers and suggestions. I appreciate the feedback. And, although I had searched, by narrowing my search parameters, I located many of the issues a few of you kindly pointed out.
For the poster who asked, I'm in PA.
I've been around many car forums, but have been on hiatus for a few years; I simply forgot the simple "use the search" netiquette.
At any rate, thanks to all those who took the time to offer up a few pointers and suggestions. I appreciate the feedback. And, although I had searched, by narrowing my search parameters, I located many of the issues a few of you kindly pointed out.
For the poster who asked, I'm in PA.
