mobhouse

So as the title says, I'm looking into buying my first mercedes, and better yet my first amg. My family has been big into mercedes since 2001 and have been hooked since. I was honestly looking into the e39 m5 before I started a longer commute to work and the traffic would be terrible on my knees from the clutch on the m5. So my decision is now the w211 e55. Some main concerns for me are what kind of issues would I be looking at that are common to an 03 with about 68k miles? What kind of issues would I be looking for down the road? Is there an option for auxillary input if its not the command unit? Is there an option for mp3 cds? Early thanks for the input guys!

Just a list of a few cars we've been through
01 S500
03 S500
05 S55
07 S550
08 S63
07 S65
08 CL65
12 CLS63
and now we own
11 S550
13 SL65

bstudey01

Some people will tell you stay away from 03's. I have had ZERO issues with mine. I know some had coolant leaking into transmission due to bad design, mine does not, there were two different radiator designs in 03. Most will tell you, get the late model 03 if possible build of 09/2003 and later. The aux input you are looking for you would have to get the newer command unit without the cassette and swap out. Then you buy the cable and run it from back of the command to either the ashtray, or glovebox, that's what I did. Newer unit also plays the burned CD's I beleive the older one did as well dont quite remember. In my opinion, it's all about maintenance on these cars and if they were abused. I would much rather have a well maintained 03 with low miles, than a used and abused, no maintenance history 06 with 100K. But that's just me.

mobhouse

appreciate the info! Car has been maintained meticulously. Changing out the head unit is gonna be a slim chance. I like to keep cars stock for a little while. I guess I can use regular cds for a while haha.
Now another question is I haven't seen too many midnight blue e55s out there, is it a rare color?

bstudey01

Definitely less common than, silver and black. The head unit swap is still a stock part and look, just the newer version with bigger screen and no cassette. Still if you wanted to keep absolutley stock and use an ipod you can use the cassette to ipod converter like the ones that we used to use to play CD's in cars with no CD player!! Anyway other things to check would be airmatic issues, does the car sit correctly and hold it stance overnight at least. If not maybe some air leaks. Also have the guy let you fill the car all the way up with gas and smell inside for gas. If you smell it inside it's leaking. This is a major issue on a lot of these cars. Mine shows sending unit replacement under recall and have not had any issue with it. About all I've had go bad on the car is the keyless entry door handles had to be replaced on two door as they quite working, cost me about $100 for each handle and 10 minutes to change them out, very easy. Whats he asking for the car if you dont mind me asking??

mobhouse

he's asking $19,500 and I haven't had a chance to go check the car out yet, too busy with work. Airmatic I'm familiar with so I'm not too worried about that. We've replaced way too many to count sadly. Gas issue is definitely something I'll check out

mobhouse

So I have a new question regarding MP3 playing. Is there a way I can play mp3 cds in the car? Again doesn't have command, just the normal system.

bstudey01

Pretty sure you will have to swap the head unit to the newer model, maybe there is a SW update from the dealer for the older unit, you would have to check with the dealer on that though

mobhouse

That's what I was hoping to avoid. I really want to be able to play MP3s, but don't want to spend too much to be able to

S2K750

whaaaaaaat? MY06 plays mp3 cds?!?!?!?! I might love you man!

AMGPower55

If you're talking about Ipod connect ability, I know that my '06 plays mp3's through the audio jack in the glove compartment. Requires a cord for mp3 but nothing else. Plays out of the speakers but you cannot change tracks without doing so through the mp3/Ipod itself. I don't know if that was only cars with navigation, however, as mine is.

bstudey01

He means an MP3 format burned onto a CD, I beleive. Also no aux jack in on the older Audio 50 head unit either, have to use a cassette to aux in and play the ipod through the cassette player

mobhouse

this is getting worse and worse lol. Anyone know of any aftermarket kits to add an auxiliary, or ipod kit?

S2K750

Slow down man... back on the main topic here...


So I mp3 cd is a no go? lol


OP: I don't believe you have any options except swapping to a new head unit. Its worth the money, especially if you would like to add navigation too.

AMGPower55

I burn Cd's off of itunes no problem and use it with the newer model head unit, hope i got it right this time.. lol

mobhouse

Basically if you have a command unit you can play mp3s, if not you can't. I don't really care for the navigation too much, but seeing how I don't think I can live without music the command system looks like the way to go. Any idea of how much it would run me? Is it plug n play?

S2K750

I would imagine its plug and play. Check ebay for a price. I'm sure someone will confirm shortly.

S2K750

I'm going to make an mp3 cd in the am. If it works I got your back if you get into a cyber fight on here. I'll throw some bolders at them lol

AMGPower55

Lol good stuff man

bstudey01

100% plug and play, takes 10 minutes to install. I think you can find one for around 4-500 last time I checked, also if you get the European model command it can be setup to pay and watch DVD movies on the little 5" screen if that is appealing to you

mobhouse

looks like that's my only option. Any DIYs out there?

mobhouse

i bit the bug and bought the car