Used E55 AMG vs CTS-V
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Joined: May 2011
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2003 Mustang GT
Used E55 AMG vs CTS-V
Im considering these 2 cars. Obviously there will be a bias here but i too think the e55 is an amazing car. Im a bit worried about reliability and maintenance or possible problems on the mercedes since it will have like 60-75k miles im sure it will be expensive to repair if something goes wrong.
Im looking for them in the 20-22500$ range and i dont want to have to spend extreme amounts on maintenance and repairs. Would it be better or more practical to just go with a CTS-V due to it being a corvette engine and probably cheaper maintenance and repair?
Whats the average maintenance/ownership cost on an e55 amg vs a cts-v per year. Any thoughts? thanks
Im looking for them in the 20-22500$ range and i dont want to have to spend extreme amounts on maintenance and repairs. Would it be better or more practical to just go with a CTS-V due to it being a corvette engine and probably cheaper maintenance and repair?
Whats the average maintenance/ownership cost on an e55 amg vs a cts-v per year. Any thoughts? thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 394
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From: Knoxville, TN
E55, Supercharged Z4 (sold)
I was between both cars as well. That said, I'd consider a used E55 with a warranty. There are a ton going up for sale now so you can afford to be somewhat picky. Maintenance isn't THAT bad, it's just the repairs that can get you and a warranty helps mitigate that cost. Oil changes and such are a little more but nothing crazy especially if you use your head.
If it's the first gen CTS-V you have the dreaded diff problem. I heard of one guy going through 9 of them. I think later years may have fixed the problem but I'm not sure to what degree. IMO E55>CTS-V. I assume you mean first gen with the price range you're looking at.
If it's the first gen CTS-V you have the dreaded diff problem. I heard of one guy going through 9 of them. I think later years may have fixed the problem but I'm not sure to what degree. IMO E55>CTS-V. I assume you mean first gen with the price range you're looking at.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
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3-five-five/ TUNDRA/ 07 997 cab
I had 3 E55s and a CLS55 and I just sold a 06 CTSv and I gotta tell you beating on the V felt much safer. I am looking for another 55 variant but the V is a blast. I have had 2 Vs and never any rear end issues or noises. I think that is played up just like the MB airmatic. The V got great gas mileage and like I said, I was way less worried about something breaking. My brother-in-law now has the V and loves it. It was a 06 by the way. Crap for it is ten times cheaper as well. For the money it is a great car. The only down side is it is a little hillbilly compared to a Benz.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
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3-five-five/ TUNDRA/ 07 997 cab
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,380
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From: Toronto
CLS63 PP
I had a 2005 LS6 V with heads/cam + full bolt ons. 440whp and great fun. Felt alot more nimble than the 55K cars. That said I went through 3 diffs and 2 trannies. The early cars were terrible. Huge wheel hop problems and I could never launch better than a 2.0 60' for fear of the diff exploding. The Aftermarket has since stepped up to resolve alot of the issues with custom axles and wheel hop kits. Upgrades are super cheap compared to MB offerings.
Bottom line, its a Cheaper way to go fast, with class.....but not MB level class.
Bottom line, its a Cheaper way to go fast, with class.....but not MB level class.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,092
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From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
Supercharger clutch = 1000-1200 without install charges.
Brakes = Dealer will charge you 1k-1500 just for the fronts as AMG rotors must be replaced with the pads. Some guys are getting away with pads only now days.
Long as you know what you are getting into, come on in and play. Just be warned.
Considering the sharp increase in pistons popping past year, I wouldn't even touch a 70k 55 without a full compression check and quick scope of the pistons. At least compression check. Can't tell you how many guys notice trouble and hurry and trade the car leaving you holding the repair bill.
Brakes = Dealer will charge you 1k-1500 just for the fronts as AMG rotors must be replaced with the pads. Some guys are getting away with pads only now days.
Long as you know what you are getting into, come on in and play. Just be warned.
Considering the sharp increase in pistons popping past year, I wouldn't even touch a 70k 55 without a full compression check and quick scope of the pistons. At least compression check. Can't tell you how many guys notice trouble and hurry and trade the car leaving you holding the repair bill.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: SoCal
2004 E55
As said, if you're going to get a used E55, get one with warranty. I moved from Acura's into my E55 and I was concerned about maintenance costs. I learned pretty quickly that maintenance (as distinct from repairs, which you have the warranty for) costs aren't bad at all and shouldn't be a deterrent to buying an E55. Of course, mine isn't modded and I don't drive it hard, so depending on your intended use you may have a different experience (see, e.g., the piston issue Jackpro1 mentioned above, I think it's been happening to modded cars).
I've never driven an older CTS but I've sat inside one and if you're looking for luxury you can't compare the two...the E is far and away more luxurious.
gluck
I've never driven an older CTS but I've sat inside one and if you're looking for luxury you can't compare the two...the E is far and away more luxurious.
gluck
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Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 92
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From: Naples Fl, Lakeland Fl
2006 e55, 2005 S55
Hello this is my first post , i just purchased an 06 e55 just 6 weeks ago, and i considered the 06,07 cts/v but i just did not want a stick shift for a daily driver. oh i purchased a extended warranty up to 5 years/100k it was only $2850 bumper to bumper No deduct. good luck on the new ride......I LOVE MY E55
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 365
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2003 C32 AMG & 2009 CTS-V
I was between both cars as well. That said, I'd consider a used E55 with a warranty. There are a ton going up for sale now so you can afford to be somewhat picky. Maintenance isn't THAT bad, it's just the repairs that can get you and a warranty helps mitigate that cost. Oil changes and such are a little more but nothing crazy especially if you use your head.
If it's the first gen CTS-V you have the dreaded diff problem. I heard of one guy going through 9 of them. I think later years may have fixed the problem but I'm not sure to what degree. IMO E55>CTS-V. I assume you mean first gen with the price range you're looking at.
If it's the first gen CTS-V you have the dreaded diff problem. I heard of one guy going through 9 of them. I think later years may have fixed the problem but I'm not sure to what degree. IMO E55>CTS-V. I assume you mean first gen with the price range you're looking at.
O own a late '09 V, and it's turned out to be a very reliable car,... and I mean I drove it hard the first couple weeks while the excitement and adrenaline was running high. Got used to all that power and calmed down after a month or so and a ticket.
Only problems I had after delivery was a mis-aligned vista roof,... fixed promptly, a ticking in the front wheel area which turned out to be a caliber problem,... fixed promptly, and the need for a wheel alignment off the showroom floor, it's been tip-top. Except for a program,... it's stock. And what a brute it is! They say the V auto is faster,... but trust me, the standard g-box is way more fun to drive.
BTW,... I still own my C32, and it still runs like a bat outta hell. Ain't nothing like the sound and thrust of a blower sittin' on top of well thought out mill. Have fun!
Last edited by ericpd; May 17, 2011 at 08:56 PM.
