Hello everyone!
My W124 1987 260E has been giving me a hard time for about a year now. And eventhough I love that car (has been in the family for 19 years), I think it is about time to change.

I test drove 4 benz cars I am interested in and that some of my friends happened to own.
-The 2003 W211 E 500: way more responsive than my W124 but felt a bit artificial
-Then I test drove the 2006 E 500: 80 horsepower more and it shows!
-Then I drove the W203 C 55 AMG, year 2005: I liked how nimble and agile it is, but it seems a bit too small
-And finally, I test drove my brother's almighty E 55 AMG, W211 of year 2003...simply mind blowing.

Anyway, I've said quite a lot and I hope some of you will read this, here comes the hesitation.
To me, any V6 model is out of the question, the w211 E320 I rented last week felt anemic compared to any of the V8 mercs.

So it's basically up to me to decide between the 4 quite different V8 Cars.
I would like to know your thoughts about these cars' prices, before I go check them out at dealers, in order for me to have some prior information.

First of all, is it true that any prior to 2006 W211 should be avoided? Does that also apply to the E 55 AMG?
Second of all, on a price scale, where would you place these cars, if we compare them? Is the C 55 about the same value as 2003 E500? Is the E 55 of 2003 about the same value as the E500 of 2006?

What would you choose between a 2006 E500 and a 2003 E55 (I know that the choice is very easy if we only take performance into account, but what about reliability?)

Any thoughts are welcome, and I thank you in advance.

 

Guys? Anyone?

 

Imo, if you are even hesitating then dont do anything. Wait til you are ready.

Id get an 06 e55 though.

 

Why would you avoid any model earlier than '06?

It's all a roll of the dice anyways. Look at service records. How many prior owners etc etc and that will give you a decent indication of how the vehicle was treated.

At the end of the day its your car. You have to drive and live with it so get what you want and put a smile on your face.

The E55 will most likely be the most expensive. And for reason: it has the most *****.

Good luck

 

Because I heard the airmatic suspension used to fail a lot before 2006, and that it needed expensive repairs. I don't know if that's true.

Drove the E 55 again today, I'm starting to get hooked...I'm gonna start looking at dealerships tomorrow, we'll see what happens.

Thank you for your answers.

 

A lot compared to what and what is the sample size? 100 cars? 3000 cars? You will see threads on here about the airmatic failures. People are going to talk about failures on the site, but that doesn't mean stay away. There are people here with original systems. Mine has 48k, and no problems with my ownership or the previous owner. Just do your homework and check history best you can. This site is a good place to start. Search, search, then search some more. There is a wealth of info here. Remember, these are $100k cars to start with. Maintenance will reflect that as well, even if you pay $25k for one.

I assume you want the 55 due to the power. I know I did. What is your usage going to be? Daily driver, weekend track star, toy to show off at the stop lights? Take your time and find one you like, the more research you do, the better off you will be. Then your purchase will be more rewarding.

Good luck.
Bill

 

I totally agree with you, the airmatic failures I have seen or heard of have no statistical value whatsoever, since I do not have any information about the sample size.

I am quite aware of mercedes benz's quality, I've driven mercedes benz cars all my life basically.

I do want the E55 for the power, I totally admit it.
I want a car that has the W211's beautiful styling (no "look at me I'm a racer" nonsense) and enough power for me to have fun when I want to.
Basically a car that looks grown up enough for me to go to work in it, and that has enough power to make my heart beat faster everytime I floor it.
It's gonna be a daily driver during the week, and used for fun during the weekend: there are some big stretches of deserted wide curvy road and unlimited speed highways where I live. Might take it to the track every other week.
Plus my son comes back home to visit during the summer, I would be happy to let him borrow it, he's as much a speed enthousiast as I am (or even more, since he's 20 years old...) so he will enjoy it as much as I will.

Showing off on traffic lights? If someone annoys me, why not .

Anyway I've started looking around, I'll keep you posted. Again thank you for your answers.