steamroller

Hi everyone,

New here but been lurking and reading for a while. It's been a while since I've had a performance car, and recently decided that it's a good time for me to dip my toes in again. The E55 and the 03/04 Audi RS6 are both cars I loved from the day they were released, but at the moment I'm leaning towards the Merc. They are easier to find here in New Zealand and seem to have less issues (especially the RS6 seems to have a weak box so not much room for upgrades without spending a big chunk of cash). E55 drivetrain is quite a bit stronger and a pulley/tune seems like an easy gain.

I have read a few buyers guides on here, what to look out for etc. and one of the things mentioned was that the older ones had dodgy electronics? I wonder if anyone can explain/link me to an explanation of the issues. I can't find it now, but there was a post in one of the threads here that said you can tell by the center speaker on the dash, if the grill is slotted then it's old electronics, if it's mesh then it's the newer one. Can anyone confirm and provide any more info about the actual differences?

In terms of the ICE, I am looking for one with a COMAND unit, although I don't really care about the navigation. Does the E55 come with an NTG1 or NTG2 unit, and what are the differences? I would like to be able to connect my phone via bluetooth for occasional calls, but mainly for streaming music. iPod connection would be handy too. Is this possible with the standard COMAND units in the E55 with accessories or would I need to retrofit another unit? Am I right in my assumption that all E55s come standard with the HK Logic 7 sound (special AGW too)?

Finally, I wonder if someone can tell me which other features are standard and which come as options? I realise that this is probably market specific and so you may not be able to help (I live in New Zealand), but would like to know which options are worth looking for when assessing cars. Maybe I can get in touch with an MB dealer here for information on this, but I thought I'd ask here first.

Thanks in advance for any information or links - I'm sure this has been covered before in bits and pieces but sometimes it's not that easy to find.

Cheers!

AgSilver

Personally, I am not aware of any particular electronic problems with any specific model year E55. I do not believe there was a Blue Tooth option until '06 model year.

Jonota

Although bluetooth and ipod connectivity kits are out there...

OZZYAMG

Hi

I have a 2003 E55 just across the pond from you in Australia. This model was not supposed to have bluetooth connectivity however a product is available called the Viseeo MBU-3000 and it goes into the standard Nokia cradle in the centre console that is supplied with the E55 in Australia and gives the Command Audio system bluetooth telephone capability for making and receiving phone calls.

May I ask how much are good E55's in New Zealand and are you guys right hand drive like Australia?

On another note I have never had a big issue with electronics, only had a small plug undo itself from a control module under the drivers seat which has been fixed by plugging it back in, the other issues have been with tuning using a product called MYGENIUS which is not the cars fault but that is all sorted now using a different tuning product.

Regards,

OZZYAMG

Yacht Master

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...bulletins.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...d-install.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...bluetooth.html

Super469

I have an early build '04 E55 with 108,500 miles that I bought with 96,000. In my pre-purchase research, I never heard of any electrical issues with this model and I haven't had any with mine since I've had it.

It is even pretty loaded electrically: dynamic seats, power trunk, power sunshade, distronic, nav, and keyless go. No probs. I did have to replace the batteries in the key fobs though .

The previous owner installed an aftermarket Bluetooth (a Parrot). It has a dedicated speaker that is just to quiet to hear - maybe I could amplify the speaker to make it usable.

steamroller

Prices over here are hovering around the 30-35k mark for an 03/04 E55 with 120,000km . Right hand drive too. I have seen that Viseeo bluetooth kit, but am looking for a way to stream music via Bluetooth which that doesn't have.

Here's the link about the electrics that I mentioned: http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/gener...questions.html

Anyone heard of this before?

Cheers.

AMGPilot

You CAN install a NTG 2.5 Comand in any year W211 E55 you just need to use the correct amps and custom wiring harness. I can do the conversion in less than 6 hours

austingtir

I have an jap import 04 with 231,000kms on it here in NZ it goes fine but the main things you need to check are all the usual stuff mentioned on here. Air sus and ball joints/control arms, the fuel tank leaks, noisy pulleys, crank angle sensor etc. If you get one with around 100k on it you still need to look at those issues... the fuel tank leak situation in particular as its a real gotcha.

At 120kms+ you are getting near territory where they all start requiring a B'day now and then. But could even get to 200kms without major issues if your super lucky.

Just get an 04 up over the early ones as that cuts out a couple of issues there plenty on trademe anyway.
Any electronic issues are secondary to the above and usually wont be hard to sort out imo.

steamroller

Can anyone tell me if Harman Kardon is standard on all E55s, or is it an option, and only available on COMAND units? If there a big difference either way?

Yacht Master

http://www.mercedestechstore.com/pdf...2008-05-02.pdf

turbo97se

As far as Electrical issues, I am surprised we have not been plagued with more issues. The only things that I've seen that seem to go out are:

1. Door handle switches with keyless go
2. Pano roof motor

The only thing that is disappointing to me is the fuel sender leak issue (if you can consider that electrical). That is down right dangerous and Mercedes should step up on that one.

In terms of ICE, all the NTGs available for W211 suck in my opinion in terms of user interface and features, but that's just my opinion. The sound, I can't complain, more base would be nice. Good luck

steamroller

Thanks Yacht Master, but that doesn't really mention if HK Logic 7 is standard on all E55 or not... is there a definitive answer, or otherwise an easy way to tell on any W211?

Cheers
F.

BENDIT

My November 2004 (NZ New) E55 has factory blue tooth and Harmon Kardon, but you cannot stream music from your iPhone/iPod it only works for the phone. There is an auxilary input in the glove box for the iPod connection. HK Logic 7 is selectable in the audio menu (sound) so you can check if any car has this by looking here.

OZZYAMG

Hi

The best way of finding out the exact options of any E55 you are looking to purchase is obtain the vin number and goto a Mercedes Benz dealership spare parts counter and ask them to print out and provide you with a "Data card". This sheet will list all of the options and inclusions for that specific car.

Regards,

OZZYAMG