IS THE E55 A FUTURE CLASSIC?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,127
Likes: 4
From: Chicagoland
AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,127
Likes: 4
From: Chicagoland
AMG
My paint isnt all that great but I dont want the VIN to have a 'paint work' mark on it.. Even though I am not selling for another 2-3 HUNDRED years, lol
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 93
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
C63, SL55, E55, CLS55, ML63, C55
IMO these are the Mercedes "classics" That fall under that future/currant correctable category (Not including the obvious vintage models.)
190E EVO
AMG Hammer
190 Cosworth
CLK DTM
CLK GTR
SL73
Here is my maybe list (No pics)
CLK63 BS
SLS (most likely will be)
SL65 BS
E55 Wagon
If production numbers are going to have anything to do with the collector market. than consider these.
1997 C36, 199 made
2000 C43, 91 made
2006 C55, 451 made
2006 CL55, 182 made
2006 CL65, 52 made
2005 CLK55, 247 made
2006 CLK55 Cabrio, 180 made
05/06 E55 Wagon, 129 & 64 made
2004 G55, 294 made
2006 S55, 492 made
2006 SL65, 390 made
2004 SLK32, 312 made
Source https://mbworld.org/forums/3879289-post3.html
With production number being that low there is some potential. Its really going to come down to your children and their children. I know growing up there were cars that I really admired. Sadly none of them were 4 doors. Honestly I think a lot of us can some what agree with that.
What fetches good numbers at an auction like Barrett Jackson are kind of obvious, But I'll say them to say them. Number matching, Original, Way over the top or outlandish customization, production numbers, original miles, condition. Or use in an iconic film, like Bullet, Smokey & the Bandit, Cannonball Run, Dukes of Hazard, bla bla bla....
These days kids have dreams of Supra's, Skylines, or any other car in Fast & Furious. Sad to say, but until an iconic actor hops behind the wheel of AMG in a TV show or future classic movie I think most of us are SOL.
I want a 70 Camaro partly because an older guy had one when I was growing up. He would blast Led Zepp out of the stereo. I thought that was the coolest thing ever. When you have memories like that... you are hooked for life.
190E EVO
AMG Hammer
190 Cosworth
CLK DTM
CLK GTR
SL73
Here is my maybe list (No pics)
CLK63 BS
SLS (most likely will be)
SL65 BS
E55 Wagon
If production numbers are going to have anything to do with the collector market. than consider these.
1997 C36, 199 made
2000 C43, 91 made
2006 C55, 451 made
2006 CL55, 182 made
2006 CL65, 52 made
2005 CLK55, 247 made
2006 CLK55 Cabrio, 180 made
05/06 E55 Wagon, 129 & 64 made
2004 G55, 294 made
2006 S55, 492 made
2006 SL65, 390 made
2004 SLK32, 312 made
Source https://mbworld.org/forums/3879289-post3.html
With production number being that low there is some potential. Its really going to come down to your children and their children. I know growing up there were cars that I really admired. Sadly none of them were 4 doors. Honestly I think a lot of us can some what agree with that.
What fetches good numbers at an auction like Barrett Jackson are kind of obvious, But I'll say them to say them. Number matching, Original, Way over the top or outlandish customization, production numbers, original miles, condition. Or use in an iconic film, like Bullet, Smokey & the Bandit, Cannonball Run, Dukes of Hazard, bla bla bla....
These days kids have dreams of Supra's, Skylines, or any other car in Fast & Furious. Sad to say, but until an iconic actor hops behind the wheel of AMG in a TV show or future classic movie I think most of us are SOL.
I want a 70 Camaro partly because an older guy had one when I was growing up. He would blast Led Zepp out of the stereo. I thought that was the coolest thing ever. When you have memories like that... you are hooked for life.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Considering the modern era, of mass production, shared parts, rampant electronics (making these cars such $$$$ projects to own for the long haul), what will make for future "Classics" will be very different than how it worked before.
The #1 thing going for you will be to have a well designed, timeless car that is well kept and very clean. The W211 E55 in prime condition WILL be a Classic, resale value aside (again, I don't think this aspect will play the same role that it did before). I already look at W210 E55's or with AMG Package as modern Classics when pristine. Also, it really depends on the individual, of course, but there's always something alluring about a well designed past model that isn't cheesed out with aftermarket stuff, in tip top condition that commands respect.
The #1 thing working against the W211 E55, in terms of how it's regarded in the future to Benz enthusiasts at least, will be that it was smack dab in the middle-end of the dreaded and forgettable "Schremmp era" of M-B quality debacles and fiascos..
Good comparo. Except I think the E55 will have a MUCH more gracefully lasting design. 
The #1 thing going for you will be to have a well designed, timeless car that is well kept and very clean. The W211 E55 in prime condition WILL be a Classic, resale value aside (again, I don't think this aspect will play the same role that it did before). I already look at W210 E55's or with AMG Package as modern Classics when pristine. Also, it really depends on the individual, of course, but there's always something alluring about a well designed past model that isn't cheesed out with aftermarket stuff, in tip top condition that commands respect.
The #1 thing working against the W211 E55, in terms of how it's regarded in the future to Benz enthusiasts at least, will be that it was smack dab in the middle-end of the dreaded and forgettable "Schremmp era" of M-B quality debacles and fiascos..
Last edited by K-A; Mar 24, 2011 at 06:07 AM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
P.S: I don't get people who get their jollies from policing Message Boards. If it isn't delusional or malicious talking or misinformation, let people go gaga over their cars on.... *THE MESSAGE BOARDS DEDICATED TO THEIR CARS* for christ sake!!!!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I think those go without saying. Pre- 80's Benzes are the epitome of, and quintessential "Classics". I think people are talking post 80's to argue what more modern-era Benzes are accounting as Classics.
Pre- 80's Benzes are the epitome of, and quintessential "Classics". I think people are talking post 80's to argue what more modern-era Benzes are accounting as Classics.
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 511
Likes: 2
From: Orlando, FL
04 E55 AMG, 03 350z Track Built/Single Turbo
I'm just not sure Classic exactly means Collectible. I think some here are confusing the two. Regardless of how many complete E55's there are on the streets, I still think the car will be desirable for AMG lovers 10 years from now.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,336
Likes: 8
Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
That's why I said earlier that certain pre-merger AMGs will have (and do have) status as classics and are collectible. But I doubt modern (post merger) AMGs will be really seen as true classics.
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 229
Likes: 2
Renntech E63S
If production numbers are going to have anything to do with the collector market. than consider these.
1997 C36, 199 made
2000 C43, 91 made
2006 C55, 451 made
2006 CL55, 182 made
2006 CL65, 52 made
2005 CLK55, 247 made
2006 CLK55 Cabrio, 180 made
05/06 E55 Wagon, 129 & 64 made
2004 G55, 294 made
2006 S55, 492 made
2006 SL65, 390 made
2004 SLK32, 312 made
unfortunately, despite how excited you may be about your e55/e63, they are not collector cars or classic cars. they are a really nice, modern interpretation of a performance sedan. nothing groundbreaking. they are no more classic than an 2004 M5 or an RS6. i hate to say it again, but there is no real value in keeping one in a garage...unless it simply makes you happy to look at it while drinking wine from the comfort of a lawn chair, which is not a terrible thing by any means. go for it. but, there is no value in a "garage queen" e55/e63.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 93
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
C63, SL55, E55, CLS55, ML63, C55
i think these numbers represent units imported to the USA, and not actual production numbers. not sure if that matters.
unfortunately, despite how excited you may be about your e55/e63, they are not collector cars or classic cars. they are a really nice, modern interpretation of a performance sedan. nothing groundbreaking. they are no more classic than an 2004 M5 or an RS6. i hate to say it again, but there is no real value in keeping one in a garage...unless it simply makes you happy to look at it while drinking wine from the comfort of a lawn chair, which is not a terrible thing by any means. go for it. but, there is no value in a "garage queen" e55/e63.
unfortunately, despite how excited you may be about your e55/e63, they are not collector cars or classic cars. they are a really nice, modern interpretation of a performance sedan. nothing groundbreaking. they are no more classic than an 2004 M5 or an RS6. i hate to say it again, but there is no real value in keeping one in a garage...unless it simply makes you happy to look at it while drinking wine from the comfort of a lawn chair, which is not a terrible thing by any means. go for it. but, there is no value in a "garage queen" e55/e63.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
To agree once again, anyone who garage queen's a car to hopefully retain some more value from a car like this, is leading themselves on to MAJOR disappointment. If you're gonna do it, at least do it knowing why you're realistically doing it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta
CTSV/6sp Grocery Getter
I think the W211 AMG's will be collectible, they were the first E class AMG models that really raised the performance bar picking up where the E39 M5 left off. The W210 AMG was nice, but for the most part it was just a body kit and wheels, lacking the brutal all around performance the W211 brought to the table.
The other great thing about the W211 AMG is they are great looking cars from the factory and they still grab my attention almost 10 years after being introduced to the public. Few cars have timeless styling.
The W212's may be fast, but they will be quickly forgotten (IMHO) due to the bland Japanese styling.
The other great thing about the W211 AMG is they are great looking cars from the factory and they still grab my attention almost 10 years after being introduced to the public. Few cars have timeless styling.
The W212's may be fast, but they will be quickly forgotten (IMHO) due to the bland Japanese styling.
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 511
Likes: 2
From: Orlando, FL
04 E55 AMG, 03 350z Track Built/Single Turbo
I think the W211 AMG's will be collectible, they were the first E class AMG models that really raised the performance bar picking up where the E39 M5 left off. The W210 AMG was nice, but for the most part it was just a body kit and wheels, lacking the brutal all around performance the W211 brought to the table.
The other great thing about the W211 AMG is they are great looking cars from the factory and they still grab my attention almost 10 years after being introduced to the public. Few cars have timeless styling.
The W212's may be fast, but they will be quickly forgotten (IMHO) due to the bland Japanese styling.
The other great thing about the W211 AMG is they are great looking cars from the factory and they still grab my attention almost 10 years after being introduced to the public. Few cars have timeless styling.
The W212's may be fast, but they will be quickly forgotten (IMHO) due to the bland Japanese styling.
I was driving beside a w212 e63 the other day, and was glad I was in the e55.
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, Cali
AMG 2002 E55, 1997 E320
I think the W211 AMG's will be collectible, they were the first E class AMG models that really raised the performance bar picking up where the E39 M5 left off. The W210 AMG was nice, but for the most part it was just a body kit and wheels, lacking the brutal all around performance the W211 brought to the table. ... 
The W211 with its FI motor was just the next evolution for the E55 AMG motor/car - The W211 motor is based on the W210 AMG E55 motor - if you FI a W210 AMG E55 you will get 450 + HP easy.
The W210 E55 AMG was much more than a body kit and wheels - do your research before you post.
