try m3

He guys I'm currently in the market for a new performance car. I currently drive a 2006 BMW M3 which will soon be getting turbocharged so I'm looking for a new fun daily driver. So far my options are e60 m5, cl55, cl600, and e55 amg. As of right now I'm leaning towards the m5 and e55. I know that the m5's have heavy maintenance and aren't very tuneable. The torque and tuneablity of the E55 are a huge selling point but how is the reliability? My dad is a huge MB guy and all of his cars have been very reliable. Anything I should look out for while test driving and are there any major differences between 2003 to 2006?

BenJ

Maintenance will run you more than that of a civic of course but having come from a M3 as well, if I had to ballpark a cost, expect about a 25% increase. I found that the maintenance items on the E55 tend to be a little pricier than that of the M3. Quick examples would be spark-plugs @ $400 and fuel pumps/assemblies @$500.

Sir-Boost-a-Lot

iTrader: (1)

As a recent owner of an E55 (bought my first one in jan and love it!) I'd recommend spending an hour a night utilizing the search features of this forum to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of these cars.

If you decide to pull the trigger get the newest and lowest mile one you can afford.
A cheap AMG can be very expensive.

Firechaser

I too considered a CL at first, their just great looking cars however their ABC suspension can be very expensive to maintain & troublesome w/ the hydraulics. The E55 uses airmatic so it's more economical to fix although it isnt what I would consider cheap to fix. I also believe in 04' they went to fiber wiring, i remember reading their were some electrical issues in 03'. Their is a thread of recalls on all the years somewhere and you will notice as the years progress their are fewer & fewer recalls.

CharlyE500

I recommend 05+ mileage not really matter as long no more than 80K.
No matter what, its a used car so be prepare to spend some money to start. For the plugs, it need 16 and cost me with installation $300 indy shop. You need to read and search in this forum. W211 E55 started 9 years ago so there is plenty of info.

alltrac

mines gonna be up for sale if you are interested...pm me

reeper6

if you read between the lines of these posts, keep the Lightning lol!
These cars are getting older and the servicing and parts are still gonna cost ya the same if the car were new ($$$$)!
Do more research before taking the plunge, def look into purchasing an aftermarket warranty before you buy and make SURE your dealership accepts it!!
GoodLuck man!

stevebez

Problem with the E55 is you wont be able to keep your hands off it. I give you a month max before succumb to your first mod and then your toast... you will be hooked.

Maintenance costs? Crickey I must have spent 10x that on mods...

Toadster

yup - this guy is correct!

99lightning

it helps if you can do the work yourself

CharlyE500

Yes, they are getting old now but most of us didn't pay 40% of the MSRP so still cheap considering the overall owner ship. I paid mine 3 years ago for 06 when it was 3 years old. I paid about 40% more than today price. They depreciate so fast so the money you save in the purchase you can put it in repair. IMO

reeper6

and own a STAR diagnostic machine! lol

stevieg

No doubt you will have fun with the E55. Check out Rock's ride. He just posted that he is selling his ride and it is mint with all the right mods.
You won't have to do a thing......initially !!!!
Good Luck with your choice.

try m3

Thanks for all the feedback guys, so I have decided on the E55 im looking at a few local but if I can't find a nice one locally I will consider out of state. PM me if you're from the Chicagoland area and are selling your e55. As for the modding I will most likely just do exterior mods as I feel like the E55 has a good amount of power already, plus the turbo in my m3 will satisfy my need for power.