CLS550

I'm pushing around a W210 E320 that was a hand-me-down from my parents.

I was thinking of getting a C63 but now I'm thinking maybe I should go with the W211 E55 to save some money and get almost the same AMG experience.

I've never really had any big problems with the E320 or any of the 500 series mercedes my family has but I'm wondering how maintenance is on the E55.

Is it common of there to be any big problems other than the usual maintenance?

And what price range should I be aiming for for a nice e55 maybe 2004-2005 model in good condition?

kamilclk430

2004 to 2005 you should be able to pick up for around $23000 - $26000 depends on how the car is equipped and what miles are on the car.
I would def get the E55 AMG over the C63, not only is the price tag higher but the E55 has a lot going for it especially being a mod friendly motor and so many parts are on the market and still are coming. Good Luck

CLS550

Thanks, from what I'm seeing, the C63 is a little under 2x the price, thats why I'm looking at the e55.

Is is normal to find an e55 that still has warranty, or is this rare?

And also, how can I check to make sure a car is ok, is it normal procedure to take it to a dealer to check it out before purchasing?

CLS550

Also can someone briefly outline the differences between the 2003-2006 models? The only differences I can see are just the updated command unit?

Strigoi

Getting a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) is always a good idea. I think it usually runs around $250 to have one done.

kamilclk430

Make sure you pick the right one for you, make sure the price is right the carfax is right and everything lines up before you get a MB dealer to check it out. A lot of the E55s out there aleady have extended warranties so you want to make sure the one you buy does, why not pay $1000 extra for one with the warranty than one without and end up paying $3000 more right after the purchase. Whatever you do warranty is the one best thing to have on these cars.

CLS550

Thanks, I just checked one out at a used car dealer near me.

It was a 2005, fully loaded with 90k miles.

I'm used to driving my e320 and a cls500 and this e55 didn't excite me at all. When I would gun it while I was already driving, it didn't feel like almost 500hp, it felt like the cls500 maybe a little more power.

So I'm thinking the supercharger had some type of problem? When gunning it from first gear, it felt better but still not what I was expecting. My mom was sitting shotgun and she wan't even impressed by the acceleration. I think this e55 had some problems, and the dealer was asking $28k when KBB lists it around $21k.

AKnight55

Intercooler pump is dead... Get them to replace it then take a test drive, then report back

CLS550

Theres no way they are going to replace it. Not a very class dealership. They don't know jack about AMG cars. The guy couldn't answer a single question.

Jakpro1

Stay clear of that dud for sure. I came from a 305hp e500. It was night and day. Still though it was smooth power and wasn't S your pants fast until I went Kleemann K2! Then you are hooked on hp and there is no going back.

BRIZZOK84

I'm also looking to buy a e55. I would say to you if they can not answer your question you have to know your stuff then.

tcoleman

This is a good question: I just bought a 2003 w 57k miles and the supercharged engine runs like a freaking train. Keep looking local or on here and you'll find a deal sooner or later. The key for me was to be patient and not to hop on the first thing you see. I searched for about 4 weeks and ended up making a deal locally. I would also recommend finding one with a warranty as it gives you peace of mind should something go wrong. Good luck with your search.

CLS550

What kind of warranty would an 05 model have though? Because I don't see any warranty that you can get right now, unless the owner has the Chryser Warranty left over but even that they are not honoring anymore.

tcoleman

I too searched for an E55 with an existing warranty but you have other options. You're correct in that Chrysler is not issuing these service contracts anymore because I called them and they said no to AMG vehicles. However, my warranty is issued through ASG (purchased separately from the previous owner) but I hear Easy Care Total Care is highly used and recommended and I called them and asked if they still issued them for this model. They do but will not give you a price quote until you purchase (yes, I thought this was assbackwards and told them my two cents) but nonetheless; if you purchase an E55 through a private owner, you can shop warranty companies and probably pay $3-4k for an extended bumper to bumper. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask Q's.

I'm no expert but just went through this process a few weeks ago.

nanes1

i have an '05 black/charcoal e55 w 50,600 miles. second owner, bought dec 2007 w 24k miles. garage kept. no smoker. im getting ready to put it up for sale. love the car but need an suv now...kids

was perusing this site to get ideas for selling and thought id post.

carfax available upon request.

pics following soon. pm me if interested.

nanes1

novae500

There are a few E55s for sale in that section. FWIW, i would try and buy an 05/06 E55 with 60k miles or less if possible. Some are higher mileage now, but with up to date maintenance, you should be okay.

Forget about Easycare, they gave me a hard time for repair approval. Didnt approve leaky fuel sending unit, loose CD/Nav unit, loose seat controls. Then they spent 2 days contemplating approving leaky valve cover gaskets, which they eventually covered.

Go with NAC from Bruce Mendel that is on here, you can search and find his post.

allenjdmb

these cars are great fun to drive, and yes they do have great potential for modding. On the whole, they are quite durable, but like every car on the road, some problems can get spendy. It is CRUCIAL that you have a quality wrench to help you thru purchase and maintnenance/repair. You may find a warranty company to help you, but it ain't gonna be cheap (remember, the newest car you're looking at is now 6 model years old). That's also going to affect the pricing. Others won't agree with me here, but the prices that some folks are seeking on these cars are just not realistic. I know some can write a check, but most americans can't, and there are limited financing opportunities on a 6 to 8 year old car. That does narrow the playing field. Selllers will tell you "oh that's what they are bringing", but if you'll look closely at Autotrader and Ebay, you'll see that many of these cars have been for sale for weeks and even months with no movement. It's a fine balancing act between buying a POS for no money, with lots of repairs, and paying huge money for the super top tier ones (that will still likely need repair, and these warranties are not like the original factory bumper to bumper). On top of that, if you're going to drive it a while, you might want to consider what that 50k mile car (that you paid a big number for) is going to be worth at 9 years old and 85k miles. Not a consideration to some folks, is to me.
$100k cars don't come with $100 repair bills. Only you can judge. Good luck...

CharlyE500

You better post the pix, location, price and any maintenance record or anything you done with the car. BTW, congrat on the kids !

Ryououki

Not seeing anyone else answer this, so I will try to offer what I have gathered.

2003 & 2004:
All vehicles were pre-wired with phone equipment (but doesn't mean it came with phone)
Models with pano roof had the solar venting option available
Center armrest is the split open style

2005
Early models have center armrest as the split open style, later models have slide up center armrest

2005 & 2006
All vehicles are wired with low cost teleaid, unless phone option was added.
Solar ventilation no longer available for pano roofs

2006
Center armrest is slide open style

It's all that comes to mind right away. So, really only minor changes.

GregMB

I've heard that there was a different rack & pinion in the later models and possibly some different front suspension bits also.

The ECU/TCU changed somewhere between 2004 & 2005 and big, effortless, smoky burnouts were removed from the "features list".... bummer.


-G