Super469

I've pulled the trigger on an '04 E55 and have been lurking on here for a few weeks. As far as I can tell, it is bone stock. It is white with gray/blue interior. Even with 96k, the interior looks great - these thinks hold up well. The previous owners have left me a car with no door dings and not even any curb rash. Just a few rock chips on the paint is the only thing keeping it from perfection.

It is well decked out with distronic, keyless go, rear shade, xenon, dynamic seats, power trunk closing, navigation, and tire pressure monitors.

Before purchase, I took it the the dealer for a PPI. Here are the comments I got back:

• Motor mounts leaking
• Missing AMG badge on passenger seat
• Missing mirror on driver's side visor
• Valve covers leaking
• Rear main seal leaks
• Cupholder inoperative (I've already fixed this one)

I was told none of these issues were above "normal wear and tear" and were not cause for immediate alarm. The maintenance manager is as E55 fan and gave me lots of good advice based on his experience.

I also get a recurrent message that the oil level is too high. It checks normal when stopped, but seems to register too full after it warms up.

My question is what is the priority level that I should address these items? Can I wait until there is a failure or do I need to be more proactive?

Thanks in advance.

theunderlord

I'd get that oil level issue remedied.

viren.89

Welcome to the Forum !

Be proactive , but the members here are really helpful and if you are a hands on guy you can learn a lot from them and fix most of the stuff yourself .

But since you just got the car , and I can understand you must be skeptical about DIY , best bet is whatever advise you get from here work on it fast ,so nothing big falls on your feet.

HouMike

if you have an extractor just vacuum about half a quart out and retest. I have had to do this after I changed the oil.

If it were me, the valve cover gaskets would be next.

After that it is a matter of priority. Motor mounts do fail in these and can be expensive. I was fortunate and got mine done under extended carmax warranty. Dealer did the work in my case. There is a diy I believe.

The rest are cosmetic except for rear seal.

Super469

I've been checking out the DIY section. I believe that valve cover gaskets and changing spark plugs are within my abilities. I don't have anything beyond hand tools, so I don't know that major issues like motor mounts or the rear seal can be tackled in my garage.

I think I will just take it in to the dealership for an oil change. I bought it at a Ford dealership that changed the oil. They claimed they used "factory spec" oil, but didn't say anything about synthetic. So having the MB dealership do it may kill two birds with one stone.

VegasHruby

Go to independent shops and not dealerships.

Dostovel

Well at least you got that cup holder issue remedied.

BI-Performance

Very nice pickup, and go for the rear main seal, valve cover gaskets and motor mount fix right off the bat. I would also do a oil change, and fill it accordinging to factory spec.

Let us know if you need any "GO" products

shardul

iTrader: (1)

Motor mounts should be addressed first, since broken ones can lead to cracking of the flanges on the headers. Usually the rear main seal weeps in these cars, but does not require immediate attention.

Manuyc

Welcome

Infamous 1

I would definitely take care of these 3 things....

Motor mounts leaking
Valve covers leaking
Rear main seal leaks

I hope you got your car for a good deal because these things are going to be expensive. I hope you don't run into any fuel pump issues. GL

efiftyfizzle

I'd pull that rear seat immediately and check the fuel pump.

berti_00

Valve cover nd your plugs u can do your self... its easy just time consuming

Super469

Any good Indy shops in the Kansas city area? I checked the Indy thread and didn't find any glowing recommendations.