mrsebastian

I will be making a E55 purchase soon and would like to get more
educated upon which year I choose.

What are the reliability factors that come in play when choosing a 2003-2005
E55?

I've found solid deals on all three years and would like to know more info
on which year is best for performance and reliability and why?

Thanks

Regards,

Andrew

outrun

I have an 04. Never one problem. Everything works.

I have owned it almost 3 years and put 10,000 miles on it. It sits the Winter months.

viren.89

If you do a search on this forum you will find a special thread dedicated to your special question, it also entails details on 06 models as well

mrsebastian

Thanks outrun.

Also, Im not asking to do a search though. I'd rather get my answers from
my question on this specific thread.

phalen302

In my experience it all depends on the maintenance history and how the car was used. You can't find much on later but if the car has been maintained carefully/properly, it is worth it price. I would look for a clean e55 with good maintenance history, possibly 1 or 2 owner owned car.

There are couple of issues which plagues e55:
1)Fuel tank issues; smelling gas in the cabin when gas tank is full....
2)Airmatic; I would say 95% of Airmatic would fail around 100k +/- miles.... and cost $$ to get them replaced. It is just a matter of wear and tear. Arnott sells them but still cost $$.
3)Brake rotors; front rotors are expensive as hell.

If you are a DIY type of person, you can substantially reduce the ownership cost. Overall its a great car, my younger brother has one and he loves it.

Good luck.

AKnight55

03s are known to have some issues.. Go with the 04.. Mines been solid.

viren.89

I know you are not asking to do a search. All I'm saying is that there are threads which answer not only your question but also lists other factors that you might have not considered yet.

But very well. I take my comments back

BBBSS

Very early 03's had weak pistons. 05/03 and later builds are confirmed the newer design. The early 03's got a weaker rear axle as well. Still very strong, just not as strong. No spare tires till I think mid 04 or maybe 05. Center counsel changed for late 04/05. I personally much prefer the old style. Generally small things you'll never know about were improved each year. Later models had less options and were decontented more each year. Some people are afraid of 03's but after researching it you'll find its really not a huge deal unless you get a very early 03 build.

OZZYAMG

Hi

Where do the later E55's fit their spare tyre?

Regards,

OZZYAMG

Richard Gagnon

I have an 2004 E55 for 3 years now,love the car but : year 1 : winter tires $ 1,500. (Michelin) rear brakes $600.00 ,service at dealer (15,000 km) $537.00 and$562. (replace idler poley), front brakes $1,025.00 MB dealer, summer tires $1,407.00 continental ext.contact,front shock not holding pressure $2,774.00 MB dealer,vave gasket & oil leak direction hose $$1,237.00 ......I want my car to be top shape :body & mechanic. I would say this car cost $2,000 a year (if there is no shock to replace, now I jnow that Arnott's has the shock for $499.00 , rebuilt, and I buy from Deutsche part u.s.a. for my wife's car mb wagon 4matic C240 and the repair cost is a third of MB dealer. But for my E55 I do not want anykind of a mechanic to work on it, so here in Quebec,Canada that's the whay it goes, no wonder why we buy throught ebay from the states....

WHTEVO

Lets not forget that the 03's, or some of them had a bad radiator which contaminated the tranny fluid with coolant, and they also have the small radio screen.

I went with an 04' when i was looking mainly because of the updated command unit, and i was not too fond of the roller center console deal on the 05+ cars.

I would say to find one that has been well maintained and possibly with as few owners as possible and not be too concerned with mileage if so. I am the second owner of my E55, has a full maintenance history and was fully maintained by the dealer from day one with the original guy. It has been rock solid and it has the "normal" mileage you would see on any 7-8yr old car. Find a good local indy mechanic and i will think you will be happy overall. Good luck.

Aaron

Manuyc

Good luck man deff a solid car to own. Make sure to drive ths ish out of it. I do

CharlyE500

Rear brake for $600 and front $1025 ? you got rob ! In California its about half price. Valve gasket leak i paid $250. There are few items that you can have indy shop to do for much cheaper. Maintenance is basically same as E500

E63//AMG

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...-me-first.html