thumper823

04 E55 with 07 facelift/ mirrors. Just installed the ipod integration ... and im looking for more add-ons to increase value and set it apart from other cars. Give it the wow factor...

So just looking for ideas... like bluetooth, paddleshifters, euro comand... what else?

AMGPilot

Mods actually decrease a cars value

thumper823

I disagree, engine mods will decrease value, but adding options would increase it.

tc1728

$1000 worth of add ons = $100 extra resale value


Mod it to your liking, not to increase value, you will never come out ahead. TC

thumper823

Thanks for the input, where did you get those numbers at btw?, i have fun with the DIY stuff.. cant explain it but i like working on my car, making it nicer and better than before. Lets not focus so much on values as i see that will go nowheres, and moves towards more diy's i can do with my ride.. if you dont have any than dont waste my and your time please

AKnight55

A nice steering wheel and paddle shifters will really add to the car. it's something you'll notice everytime you drive the car.

thumper823

Thanks knight, i didnt think about the steering wheel. And i think theres a diy on the paddle shifter, ill start looking thanks again!

shardul

iTrader: (1)

Keep the miles low
If you plan to trade it the dealers prefer a stock car due to the fact is when I goes though the auction all the aftermarket stuff is flagged, which may deter wholesale buyers.
On the other hand if is going to be sold to a private party maybe you will be able to get some extra money for the mods.
From what I sa seen 3 factors determined the final price year, mileage and condition.

AZBENZ-CTSV

Just enjoy it. Don't get worried about resale. Life's much to short 4 that.
If looking for wow factor perhaps body kit.
I have the Brabus on my E.
Enjoy!

Toadster

add diamonds

thumper823

So hard to keep miles low!! Would definatly sell to private party. But that wont be anytime soon.

Body kit.. hmm ill look into that, definatly needs a diffuser and trunk spoiler, ill check full kits too. Thanks

thumper823

Thats what i said lindsey

Forrest Gump 9

Hefty life insurance and start driving in dyno mode all the time. That'll increase the value for somebody.

OCKlasse

Low miles, unmolested. Best way to slow down the depreciation process, but certainly does not make this vehicle a smart "investment" in any way or shape.

wally AMG

E63 led tail lights, also new style trunk panel, (longer chrome strip) E63 wheels.

blackbenzz

E63 badges lol stickers also provide a nice return on investment if they say things like McLaren or black series lol

GregMB

Add a wide body kit..... After that you can list on eBay for $100,000.

True story.


-G

cij911

Just take great care of it and whatever you do, do it correctly and the car should hold its value. As many have already mentioned, mods very rarely add anything to the value, unless the potential buyer is looking for exactly what you have done. In the end, you should just enjoy your car (and from a financial perspective invest as little as possible as they are bad investments).

AMGPilot

Those kill value

stevebez

I would say pretty much every $ spent on the car is not going to be recovered.

At best some options / mods may increase the probability of a sale but in terms of getting your cash back (or more) on a mod / option ? ...

no chance.

Shifter

+1 , first mod I did was a custom steering wheel. It makes the car like new again and you do notice it every time you get behind the wheel.

GregMB

Here's a good read if you haven't already seen it.

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...how-no-go.html


This guy bought a minimally-optioned E55 and added almost every possible option to it himself.... impressive.


-G

93RX7LSX

The moment you drive the vehicle, it will start to depreciate. I guess you never read the book "bad investments 101".

Sir-Boost-a-Lot

iTrader: (1)

If you're concerned about value sell it ASAP since its worth less every day. Buy a Grand National or a 87-93 Fox body coupe Mustang. They've long since bottomed out and are slowly increasing in value.

FASN8N

Add ons may make your car more attractive to a potential pool of buyers, but that does not necessarily mean your car will command a higher price.

When I mods cars, I usually offer to sell the car with all the goodies still on the car for a decent price. If there are no takers, part the mods out and sell them separately and recoup some of your cost and write of the loss as entertainment cost of ownership. There is no use in giving the mods away for free to the next owner who is going to try and haggle on price anyway.