Do I buy a 2005 E55 or not….
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 440
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2001 CLK55 AMG
Do I buy a 2005 E55 or not….
Hi guys,
First off thanks for taking time to view this thread!
So over the last few months I have been looking for a new car. I have looked at many types of cars. I have owned various AMG's over the years and am now thinking about a 2005 E55.
I was wondering what all of your take is on the E55's. I have worked on a few AMG's. How difficult are these to work on vs the N/A 55's? Are these cars reliable? What kind of cost am I looking at in the long run? What is your typical MPG on these cars?
I also noticed that these E55's weight around 4000lbs. How much of an affect does the weight have on performance?
Lets see if buying a E55 is the way to go! I do like how they have 4 doors.
Thanks everyone!
First off thanks for taking time to view this thread!
So over the last few months I have been looking for a new car. I have looked at many types of cars. I have owned various AMG's over the years and am now thinking about a 2005 E55.
I was wondering what all of your take is on the E55's. I have worked on a few AMG's. How difficult are these to work on vs the N/A 55's? Are these cars reliable? What kind of cost am I looking at in the long run? What is your typical MPG on these cars?
I also noticed that these E55's weight around 4000lbs. How much of an affect does the weight have on performance?
Lets see if buying a E55 is the way to go! I do like how they have 4 doors.
Thanks everyone!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 602
Likes: 3
From: America
04 E55 AMG
The airmatic is not so reliable, MPG's you can have as low as eight as high as 23
it's always on how you drive it. But We didn't buy these beasts to get good fuel mileage. And if you work on a Benz you already know how ...not much different.. I've heard guys say if you want a performance track car and go buy a Corvette
we want/bought these German beasts to crush other cars 
while driving in the comfort of luxury sedan
I've heard the weight as high as 4400 pounds.... These cars were close to hundred grand new 
but still have maintenance cost of $100,000 
car so in the long run it is expensive
there are ways to keep the cost down DIYs, shopping for parts, preventive maintenance, being awake on the planet
it's always on how you drive it. But We didn't buy these beasts to get good fuel mileage. And if you work on a Benz you already know how ...not much different.. I've heard guys say if you want a performance track car and go buy a Corvette we want/bought these German beasts to crush other cars while driving in the comfort of luxury sedan I've heard the weight as high as 4400 pounds.... These cars were close to hundred grand new but still have maintenance cost of $100,000 car so in the long run it is expensive there are ways to keep the cost down DIYs, shopping for parts, preventive maintenance, being awake on the planet
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 440
Likes: 2
2001 CLK55 AMG
Haha, ya I got about 12 MPG in my CLK55 when I was racing it. Even less I bet. But I got 25MPG on the highway with it. Not to bad.
I'm glad to hear there not much different to work on thats good news. I've always like the luxury of these cars! I think that these weight the same as the 2008 E63's? But like you said, the maintenance on a E63 is a lot more I would guess.
I see some nice E55's for sell on here.
I'm glad to hear there not much different to work on thats good news. I've always like the luxury of these cars! I think that these weight the same as the 2008 E63's? But like you said, the maintenance on a E63 is a lot more I would guess.
I see some nice E55's for sell on here.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 602
Likes: 3
From: America
04 E55 AMG
You just have to watch out for 03's in there early production 9/03 and earlier I think ....they had a radiator that would leak into the trans fluid. easily remedied by replacing the radiator good luck on whatever you decide...I saw some on eBay 
Craigslist, mbworld classifieds, autotrader??
Craigslist, mbworld classifieds, autotrader??
Last edited by MAN55LE; Nov 18, 2013 at 02:08 AM.
Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 125
Likes: 7
From: Monmouth County, NJ
2005 E55
Mine has just about 61k miles now and I bought it with 55k. Been great so far. Pretty easy to work on. On the scales at the track with half a tank and me in it (195 lbs) it showed exactly 4400 lbs.
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Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Orbiting the planet
This place is a joke.
4350 lbs with me and a half tank. Check my signature for performance times. Reliability is pretty good, provided you keep up with maint. and known issues... 21 MPG highway, city varies from 8 to 12 MPG for me. The torque is addictive.
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Joined: Jul 2013
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05 e55 amg
E55 is the best car for the money I've had manny different cars but this is a whole different monster. Maintain the car it will last you forever. With a few mods you will be at 500+ at the wheels. You will riding in comfort and will smoke most cars on the road. Sure you can get better gas mileage with other cars but it won't top the performance on the e55. I have 107,000 miles still running strong.
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 887
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From: Northern California
2004 E55 AMG; 1991 Previa
The airmatic is not so reliable, MPG's you can have as low as eight as high as 23 it's always on how you drive it. But We didn't buy these beasts to get good fuel mileage. And if you work on a Benz you already know how ...not much different.. I've heard guys say if you want a performance track car and go buy a Corvette we want/bought these German beasts to crush other cars while driving in the comfort of luxury sedan I've heard the weight as high as 4400 pounds.... These cars were close to hundred grand new but still have maintenance cost of $100,000 car so in the long run it is expensive there are ways to keep the cost down DIYs, shopping for parts, preventive maintenance, being awake on the planet
it's always on how you drive it. But We didn't buy these beasts to get good fuel mileage. And if you work on a Benz you already know how ...not much different.. I've heard guys say if you want a performance track car and go buy a Corvette we want/bought these German beasts to crush other cars while driving in the comfort of luxury sedan I've heard the weight as high as 4400 pounds.... These cars were close to hundred grand new but still have maintenance cost of $100,000 car so in the long run it is expensive there are ways to keep the cost down DIYs, shopping for parts, preventive maintenance, being awake on the planetMB World Stories
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Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 120
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From: Overland Park, KS
Alpha 9+4.2 GT-R > Caged 997 911 EVT750 > Noble M12 GTO-3R > 09' C63 > Xterra Off-Road
I bought my 04' about 2-3 weeks ago and so far, enjoy every little bit of it. I have only put about 400 miles though so I need to drive it more.
I looked at 09-11' C63 amg's and could not find any in my color choice/price range/miles. I finally gave up and found a local E55 and after I drove it, I was sold.
Of course, now, 3 weeks into it, 2 C63's, exactly the way I wanted them pop-up for sale...it never fails. If you would have asked me 3 weeks ago, I would have just bought the C63 and placed this e55 for sale...after having driven it for 3 weeks, now I am actually hesitating...maybe, just mabye, the e55 suits me better.
Tough decisions...
I looked at 09-11' C63 amg's and could not find any in my color choice/price range/miles. I finally gave up and found a local E55 and after I drove it, I was sold.
Of course, now, 3 weeks into it, 2 C63's, exactly the way I wanted them pop-up for sale...it never fails. If you would have asked me 3 weeks ago, I would have just bought the C63 and placed this e55 for sale...after having driven it for 3 weeks, now I am actually hesitating...maybe, just mabye, the e55 suits me better.
Tough decisions...
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
E55, Audi S4
Just picked up a 2005 e55 and couldn't be happier. Plenty of room for the family and its even more fun when I'm alone on the way to work.
A friend at work drove it and liked it so much he sold his CTS-V and bought an e63. After driving his e63, I'm still pretty happy with my e55 (other than the grey alacantra above the windows) and glad I bought the e55.
A friend at work drove it and liked it so much he sold his CTS-V and bought an e63. After driving his e63, I'm still pretty happy with my e55 (other than the grey alacantra above the windows) and glad I bought the e55.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 440
Likes: 2
2001 CLK55 AMG
I've looked a many cars including the 750LI, M3's, S550, Jaguar, ect. After having AMG's I don't think I can buy something other than an AMG.
The question comes down to this one. Do I buy an E55 or an E63? What do you all think?
I am looking at someones E55 on here now and have been corresponding with them.
The question comes down to this one. Do I buy an E55 or an E63? What do you all think?
I am looking at someones E55 on here now and have been corresponding with them.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 2
From: Northern California
2004 E55 AMG; 1991 Previa
Depends on your budget. There's a few clean examples of an e55 ranging from 20-25k with super low miles and high trim options. Then theres the run of the mill "base" models I would range from 15-19k again mileage and options. Your budget and price range should be the factor not the car.
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 120
Likes: 7
From: Overland Park, KS
Alpha 9+4.2 GT-R > Caged 997 911 EVT750 > Noble M12 GTO-3R > 09' C63 > Xterra Off-Road
When I looked for mine, the prices are ALL over the board, mainly due to mileage. It seems that as soon as they hit 100k, price drops considerably.
The 03's seem to have some issues due to the coolant leaking into the tranny - unless you find one that has had that addressed, I would try to avoid them.
Probably 04-06 in the 50k - 90k mile range. That is what I went with. Again, pricing will depend on condition. I found some "bargains" out there ($ 18k or less) but condition was poor and had over 100k. Seats were worn, dings, dents, scratches, not current on maintenance, etc...the good buys are going to be in the less than 100k, current on maintenance, good condition, etc...and will be in the range of $ 20-30k...depending on condition, miles and what bells and whistles they will have.
PS: BiggKing stole my words...lol
The 03's seem to have some issues due to the coolant leaking into the tranny - unless you find one that has had that addressed, I would try to avoid them.
Probably 04-06 in the 50k - 90k mile range. That is what I went with. Again, pricing will depend on condition. I found some "bargains" out there ($ 18k or less) but condition was poor and had over 100k. Seats were worn, dings, dents, scratches, not current on maintenance, etc...the good buys are going to be in the less than 100k, current on maintenance, good condition, etc...and will be in the range of $ 20-30k...depending on condition, miles and what bells and whistles they will have.
PS: BiggKing stole my words...lol
Last edited by TAILWAG; Nov 19, 2013 at 02:55 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,814
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From: 'Merica
'04 E55 (Gone but not forgotten), '13 C63 P31 (RIP), another '13 C63 PP
I just got an 04 (last post in pic thread) with 71k, all options but parktronic, distronic, and pano, for $19.5 at my local MB dealer. Everything works great, clean as hell, interior was in excellent condition (even the armrest leather is tight). The only big blemishes were the passenger sun visor separating and a wood panel fell off the center console. Nothing super glue didn't fix. I have been looking for a few months and one thing I have noticed is that prices have dropped by a few grand since the beginning of summer. I should note the car had just had service, front brakes, and was put on some new Michelin Pilot Sports.
The car didn't have everything i wanted (mainly just pano roof) but it was in a beautiful, rare color, the relatively low mileage, and being at my local MB dealer, for the price I had to jump on it.
The car didn't have everything i wanted (mainly just pano roof) but it was in a beautiful, rare color, the relatively low mileage, and being at my local MB dealer, for the price I had to jump on it.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 2
From: Northern California
2004 E55 AMG; 1991 Previa
When I looked for mine, the prices are ALL over the board, mainly due to mileage. It seems that as soon as they hit 100k, price drops considerably.
The 03's seem to have some issues due to the coolant leaking into the tranny - unless you find one that has had that addressed, I would try to avoid them.
Probably 04-06 in the 50k - 90k mile range. That is what I went with. Again, pricing will depend on condition. I found some "bargains" out there ($ 18k or less) but condition was poor and had over 100k. Seats were worn, dings, dents, scratches, not current on maintenance, etc...the good buys are going to be in the less than 100k, current on maintenance, good condition, etc...and will be in the range of $ 20-30k...depending on condition, miles and what bells and whistles they will have.
PS: BiggKing stole my words...lol
The 03's seem to have some issues due to the coolant leaking into the tranny - unless you find one that has had that addressed, I would try to avoid them.
Probably 04-06 in the 50k - 90k mile range. That is what I went with. Again, pricing will depend on condition. I found some "bargains" out there ($ 18k or less) but condition was poor and had over 100k. Seats were worn, dings, dents, scratches, not current on maintenance, etc...the good buys are going to be in the less than 100k, current on maintenance, good condition, etc...and will be in the range of $ 20-30k...depending on condition, miles and what bells and whistles they will have.
PS: BiggKing stole my words...lol
I just got an 04 (last post in pic thread) with 71k, all options but parktronic, distronic, and pano, for $19.5 at my local MB dealer. Everything works great, clean as hell, interior was in excellent condition (even the armrest leather is tight). The only big blemishes were the passenger sun visor separating and a wood panel fell off the center console. Nothing super glue didn't fix. I have been looking for a few months and one thing I have noticed is that prices have dropped by a few grand since the beginning of summer. I should note the car had just had service, front brakes, and was put on some new Michelin Pilot Sports.
The car didn't have everything i wanted (mainly just pano roof) but it was in a beautiful, rare color, the relatively low mileage, and being at my local MB dealer, for the price I had to jump on it.
The car didn't have everything i wanted (mainly just pano roof) but it was in a beautiful, rare color, the relatively low mileage, and being at my local MB dealer, for the price I had to jump on it.
Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 196
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From: Los Angeles/Honolulu
Audi S4 (sold), E46 M3 (sold) 05 E55 silver/black(sold)
I jumped from an 03 E46 M3 to an 05 E55 this past spring and am very pleased with car. Yes, it is a heavy car but can still lay waste to 98% of the cars you will ever run up against on the road. With proper driver training you will still be able to hand most people their a$$es on a twisty road.
I didn't specifically look for an 05 or certain trip options, though I did make a conscious decision to stay away from the Panoramic roof. I looked for the cleanest, best maintained and smoothest running car I could find in the budget range I wanted to stay within.
I didn't specifically look for an 05 or certain trip options, though I did make a conscious decision to stay away from the Panoramic roof. I looked for the cleanest, best maintained and smoothest running car I could find in the budget range I wanted to stay within.
Last edited by KMS11; Nov 19, 2013 at 07:13 PM. Reason: additional info
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 2
From: Northern California
2004 E55 AMG; 1991 Previa
I jumped from an 03 E46 M3 to an 05 E55 this past spring and am very pleased with car. Yes, it is a heavy car but can still lay waste to 98% of the cars you will ever run up against on the road. With proper driver training you will still be able to hand most people their a$$es on a twisty road.
I didn't specifically look for an 05 or certain trip options, though I did make a conscious decision to stay away from the Panoramic roof. I looked for the cleanest, best maintained and smoothest running car I could find in the budget range I wanted to stay within.
I didn't specifically look for an 05 or certain trip options, though I did make a conscious decision to stay away from the Panoramic roof. I looked for the cleanest, best maintained and smoothest running car I could find in the budget range I wanted to stay within.
Now I drive the speed limit when taking turns...
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 152
From: 'Merica
'04 E55 (Gone but not forgotten), '13 C63 P31 (RIP), another '13 C63 PP
Great minds think alike..
Parktronic, Disctronic and pano are one of the biggest options in my mind since you will most likely use them more than the cooled seats. I bought mine and the only option it didnt have is pano. I didn't want this option just because the glass for those are more expensive than a regular sunroof plus they're a ***** to maintain from what ive read here. 101k when I bought it, did all the maintenance on the sucker and DD it.
Parktronic, Disctronic and pano are one of the biggest options in my mind since you will most likely use them more than the cooled seats. I bought mine and the only option it didnt have is pano. I didn't want this option just because the glass for those are more expensive than a regular sunroof plus they're a ***** to maintain from what ive read here. 101k when I bought it, did all the maintenance on the sucker and DD it.
I don't think I'll be able to buy another car without keyless entry and ignition now!
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 2
From: Northern California
2004 E55 AMG; 1991 Previa
Yeah, I heard the same things about the pano roof, which made it all the easier to deal with not getting it. And as far as the parktronic and distronic, I don't have to park in any tight spaces, and it's not my daily highway cruiser, so I don't mind. One thing I was NOT willing to go without, though, is KeylessGo I don't think I'll be able to buy another car without keyless entry and ignition now!
I don't think I'll be able to buy another car without keyless entry and ignition now!
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,203
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From: L.I. NY
2011 CTSV auto, 06 E55 white pano, 87 Grand national, 63 split window
I will tell you this...I went from the E55 to the CTSV and had both for a little while. I loved the e55 but for space issues (have too many old muscle cars) I decided to sell the e55. I should have kept it as I loved it for different reasons then the Caddy. Overall the e55 is one of the coolest cars I have had and for a go to dinner car, little trip to casino's or whatever...the benz was the best! Might be looking for another one soon or I will wait a little longer and get a 2012 bi-turbo car! 
For other reasons, mainly speed...the caddy is staying for a while!
I would recommend an 05-06 just from learning a bunch on here but mine was an 04 and I had no issues what-so-ever but I did all maintenance when I got it and only put 5k miles on it. Pano roofs do have issues but look great and options will not matter as much as you finding a great untouched car that was well taken care of, if possible. Good luck in your search. I do not know where you are located but if something pops up on Long Island and I am free then I can have a look at it for you.
For other reasons, mainly speed...the caddy is staying for a while! I would recommend an 05-06 just from learning a bunch on here but mine was an 04 and I had no issues what-so-ever but I did all maintenance when I got it and only put 5k miles on it. Pano roofs do have issues but look great and options will not matter as much as you finding a great untouched car that was well taken care of, if possible. Good luck in your search. I do not know where you are located but if something pops up on Long Island and I am free then I can have a look at it for you.
Last edited by 60nomad; Nov 19, 2013 at 09:47 PM.
