Just Bought E55 From Insurance Auction
#30
MBWorld Fanatic!
Yeah that was what i was getting at, I have a 63, not a 55....Given that its a 63. I know i had to have my entire rear end rewelded at the seams, blown trunk motors etc etc. FYI before teardown i had an estimate for 6k, not thru a certified MB repair shop, estimate double when i had it done right at a MB repair shop....
#36
MBWorld Fanatic!
Hey now...he must learn, don't beat him up too bad. This will be an expensive lesson, I thought about this earlier. From a tactically financial perspective:
From a labor of love/learning experience:
He will get to learn some intricate stuff about MB's.
This could potentially be a good start into the AMG world for him...or it could turn into hell. Damn I hate being negative..
I hope this turns out in the OP's favor, best of luck.
- The car even when fixed as said, will have a salvage title.
- The amount that will need to go in is unknown. As with any wrecked vehicles, when you pull the covers off, that's when you are REALLY in the meat and taters. It could easily explode into 10-15K, a lot of us know what these parts cost retail and wholesale (web). Going to a junkyard for certain things such as a hood may be OK, but I would not opt for any electronic stuff. That's just me.
- Even WHEN the car is fixed, how many other issues may pop up with electronics? Doesn't this thing have airmatic, etc also? MB's even an 05 is chock full of wires, fiber optics, harnesses, special sauce, lettuce, cheese..oh shiat I am hungry thinking of burgers.
From a labor of love/learning experience:
He will get to learn some intricate stuff about MB's.
This could potentially be a good start into the AMG world for him...or it could turn into hell. Damn I hate being negative..
I hope this turns out in the OP's favor, best of luck.
#37
MBWorld Fanatic!
#38
MBWorld Fanatic!
What the OP and you forget as these cars were $90K plus when sold so treating it like an $11K fixer up is naive to say the least. I wouldn't want to learn the hard lesson at 19 that this car is going to be a money pit that'll swallow you up very quickly if you're not careful.
#39
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes
on
11 Posts
E55 w/ goods, Z32 Project underway
No need in scaring the kid. If he decided to make this his project car, he can source parts and have it back into tip top shape for considerably less than any shop quote which includes only new parts and a ton of labor.
Not to mention he may get some enjoyment and self satisfaction out of the project.
Source parts wisely and have patience and things will work out just fine. Sure he might have been able to buy something 100% for a little more, but still, his decision, his money, his motives.
Need to see pics of the front to see if the radiator support was damaged, etc to really know the extent of the damage. Removing, aligning, welding on a new support takes time-not my favorite thing to do.
If everything else is fine up front, then what: complete front bumper assembly with lights, etc, fender for cheap. I passed on a CF hood in pristine shape for only $125-$150 a couple of months back. Parts are available and very affordable for this car if someone is inclined to take the time to source properly.
Not to mention he may get some enjoyment and self satisfaction out of the project.
Source parts wisely and have patience and things will work out just fine. Sure he might have been able to buy something 100% for a little more, but still, his decision, his money, his motives.
Need to see pics of the front to see if the radiator support was damaged, etc to really know the extent of the damage. Removing, aligning, welding on a new support takes time-not my favorite thing to do.
If everything else is fine up front, then what: complete front bumper assembly with lights, etc, fender for cheap. I passed on a CF hood in pristine shape for only $125-$150 a couple of months back. Parts are available and very affordable for this car if someone is inclined to take the time to source properly.
Last edited by pearlpower; 08-11-2011 at 04:20 AM.
#40
Super Member
^^ +1...give the kid a break..maybe it won't be 16500 at the end of the day but if wants to try to get it back into decent shape at a decent price, then so be it.
#41
Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2005 E55 AMG
No need in scaring the kid. If he decided to make this his project car, he can source parts and have it back into tip top shape for considerably less than any shop quote which includes only new parts and a ton of labor.
Not to mention he may get some enjoyment and self satisfaction out of the project.
Source parts wisely and have patience and things will work out just fine. Sure he might have been able to buy something 100% for a little more, but still, his decision, his money, his motives.
Need to see pics of the front to see if the radiator support was damaged, etc to really know the extent of the damage. Removing, aligning, welding on a new support takes time-not my favorite thing to do.
If everything else is fine up front, then what: $500 for a complete front bumper assembly with lights, etc, fender for cheap. I passed on a CF hood in pristine shape for only $125-$150 a couple of months back. Parts are available and very affordable for this car if someone is inclined to take the time to source properly.
Not to mention he may get some enjoyment and self satisfaction out of the project.
Source parts wisely and have patience and things will work out just fine. Sure he might have been able to buy something 100% for a little more, but still, his decision, his money, his motives.
Need to see pics of the front to see if the radiator support was damaged, etc to really know the extent of the damage. Removing, aligning, welding on a new support takes time-not my favorite thing to do.
If everything else is fine up front, then what: $500 for a complete front bumper assembly with lights, etc, fender for cheap. I passed on a CF hood in pristine shape for only $125-$150 a couple of months back. Parts are available and very affordable for this car if someone is inclined to take the time to source properly.
A CARBON FIBER HOOD??? AS IN THE PIECE THAT COVERS THE ENGINE?
FOR AROUND 125????
WHERE WAS I WHEN THIS OCCURED!
Also, OP don't take what people are saying in a negative light. Everyone is just trying to tell you not to assume the best possible situation with those repairs and prepare for the possibility of a significant hike in what you thought it would cost, merc's have a way of biting you in the *** like that.
Last edited by Hyperlite; 08-10-2011 at 06:56 PM.
#42
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: So. Cal.
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Current: 2011 W212 Previous: 2008 W211 2006 550 2001 Rover 1997 W210
Just trying to be constructive and help the OP...
IMO I would do a part out of the car. Would be a major PITA but better than trying to fix it.
Should be able to recover most if not more than what was paid and then buy a used/non salvage/ but clean e55 that needs no work...
IMO I would do a part out of the car. Would be a major PITA but better than trying to fix it.
Should be able to recover most if not more than what was paid and then buy a used/non salvage/ but clean e55 that needs no work...
#43
MBWorld Fanatic!
Congratulations! In terms of pricing it don't rush, take your time and do it right. If it's more than 5k so be it bro. It's your money, once done properly you will be happy. Best of Luck!
#46
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
E55
Thanks for all your comments, this is not first wrecked car that I bought, before I had 2004 g35, 2005 audi s4 and now I bought this e55, I always do research before I buy any car.
#47
Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Metrowest, Massachusetts
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2006 E55 AMG
Seems like the only downside is the salvage title..but if you plan on keeping the car indefinitely then your all set. Or maybe you know someone that can hook it up with clean title who knows. Either way I could use one of those rims if you decide to sell them =) Congrats on the car
#48
MBWorld Fanatic!
This is one of those threads that will go on and on. I generally agree with all that has been said along the lines of: the repairs will swallow the biggest load.
If someone is willing to spend only $5K and drive the car and not worry about having an imperfect E55, then this deal will be good.
Good luck with your venture and enjoy the beast!
If someone is willing to spend only $5K and drive the car and not worry about having an imperfect E55, then this deal will be good.
Good luck with your venture and enjoy the beast!
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#49
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes
on
11 Posts
E55 w/ goods, Z32 Project underway
That would be long gone, I almost bought it just to flip it as it was not my cup of tea, but then drive home( 80 miles one way) , get SUV/trailer, etc. Just a hassle. Point is, whatever you want can be had -with patience.
Last edited by pearlpower; 08-11-2011 at 04:21 AM.
#50
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Porter Ranch, CA
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
E55, CTS-V Wagon, Duc 1098R
The OP can source existing eclass parts that are likely already factory painted the same color pretty affordably since they are a dime a dozen. Its a trunk, bumpers, and hood guys and who would purchase new parts for a salvage car. My wife hit a tree on mine so the front bumper, hood and right fender and light were mangled. Body shop wanted $6800 for it. I found original MB parts in my cars' color for $2400 that are flawless and pocketed the rest of the cash. The kid can do it if he is resourceful.
Alex - If you haven't done so, it looks like your radiator support is toast. Be sure to check to see that the fan shroud didn't hit the double idler pulley since that is a major weakness on these cars. Try these guys below buddy if you can't source the parts locally or from the board - You'll pay a bit more but you'll end up with parts that are in very good shape:
pgauto dot com (Potomac german in maryland)
tristarparts dot com (Tristar parts in arizona)
If your light is a halogen, I'm pretty sure I have a right side that you can have. Just pay shipping and its yours. I might have an ok grill too. Consider it a gift for being part of the family. PM me and I'll see what I got.
Good luck - Ali
Alex - If you haven't done so, it looks like your radiator support is toast. Be sure to check to see that the fan shroud didn't hit the double idler pulley since that is a major weakness on these cars. Try these guys below buddy if you can't source the parts locally or from the board - You'll pay a bit more but you'll end up with parts that are in very good shape:
pgauto dot com (Potomac german in maryland)
tristarparts dot com (Tristar parts in arizona)
If your light is a halogen, I'm pretty sure I have a right side that you can have. Just pay shipping and its yours. I might have an ok grill too. Consider it a gift for being part of the family. PM me and I'll see what I got.
Good luck - Ali