bignose94015

So I have been trolling for about 4 months now. I understand the major issues (airmatic, #8 cylinder of death ect ect) but is there anything I should know about for a 2003 specific E55? I have attached the link for reference. I am contemplating purchasing but I will want a compression test done before I fly out to buy it. Any recommendation on shops ion Sherman Oaks CA.

The first shop I contacted explained that it would be a waste of money to do a compression check. The computer will tell if there is a bad cylinder. Reluctantly he said he could do a complete vehicle inspection for 400 bucks with compression check. Seemed high to me but I might not be used to paying for services I would typically do myself.

Link http://www.anytimeautogroup.com/vehi...oor+sedan.html

The head unit on this car looks smaller then all of the other ones I have browsed online so far. Is this easily switched out if I would like to go with the bigger head unit?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to joining your ranks.

On a side note previous cars.

2001 GTP 283 RWHP 290 RWTQ
1993 5.0 mustang built with turbo kit. 502 HP 525 TQ
2007 TBSS Fully built 551 RWHP and 582 TQ.

Plans for the E55 would be just pulley Tune H/E and maybe some meth to keep it cool.

Thanks again.

Eric

justinwrock

My $.02 - Too light to be tektite grey.

Smalone01

That is pewter not tectite and that is the correct head unit for a 2003. Very few 2003 have have the full size screen. Weird options, parktronic but no keyless-go or vented seats. Looks like a clean car though!

black06c230

2003 have a diff COMAND unit, 2004+ has the larger better unit.

RedBullJnky

Awhhhhhhh, it's pewterful!

I have a pewter E500 '03 and yes it has the small command unit.

AKnight55

Looks to have the solar panels? Pretty cool option if it does.

FASN8N

If the first shop wants to put it in writing that the motor is perfect and they will stand behind any current or future defects, great . Otherwise, do it right and get it checked.

Also, looks like it already has an upgraded H/E and possibly split cooling system mod (small reservoir next to brake module in engine bay) too

AMGPilot

That's an Audio 20 or Audio 50 head unit that can be a good thing if you want to upgrade to NTG 2.5

bignose94015

What does that option do?

Should this make me worried? How can I check to see if it has a tune or how can I instruct the pre inspection shop to check for it?

Sweet sounds like the swap is not that bad for the larger unit.

Any Southern Cali guys willing to check it out for me. I am willing to pay a helper fee

patrick_y

Everything's worth it at a price. I would heavily suggest that you negotiate hard from the $16,991 price. I personally wouldn't pay anywhere near that asking price.

I noticed the coolant tank as well and the stains on the engine covers are the white coolant when it leaks.

Also, the wheels are not likely to be originals. Check if they're real AMG wheels or cheap replicas.

Do a thorough test drive and an inspection. Check the local dealer, the local dealer would probably only charge you $300 for inspection.

I must be living under a rock, but I don't recall hearing about the cylinder 8 compression issues. But yes, airmatic suspension can be problematic at this age and mileage.

bignose94015

Everybody thanks for the advice.

My plans have changed slightly as I just found out my Wife is pregnant. Fourth coming medical bills do not allow for another toy right now. Looks like I will be getting a 2003 XJR instead. I am leaving 150hp on the table but it is still not to shabby for a 4 door sedan that moves pretty good at less than half the price.

As far as the E55 in the link. The dealer was willing to take $15,600 with me just haggling over the phone.

Exotic-metal55

I would have a leakdown test done, as it will give you better info about engine condition.

eljefe7070

Doesn't have the cooled seats option, that solar panel is cool though. Definitely would have the seals of the Pano roof checked out. those things have been known to leak and can be very costly.

Have the fuel pumps been replaced? If they go that can mean bad things for the engine, especially when under load.

Look it over inside and out. Take your time with it. The sooner you find any flaws or defects the better off you will be. Awesome find though!

eljefe7070

I paid 14K for mine and it was a 04 with keyless go, real AMG wheels, new tires, new ball joints and both fuel pumps replaced. Haggle haggle haggle!

eljefe7070

Have heard that the XJR's have nasty electronics issues...good luck and be sure to do your research. Congrats on the kiddo!

eljefe7070

Sorry for the multitude of posts..

here is a quote about the XJR...

Referring to my previous experiences with a Jaguar; there will be 2 days you will be extremely happy:

1) The day you buy the car and show off ( assuming the car will make it home without breaking down )

2) The day you sell the car ( sigh and taking a deep breath, maybe even popping a champagne celebrating you got rid of it )

They look stylish but thats it nothing more, even the nuts and bolts are different from other cars and you need special tools to fix everything if you can ever fix it that is.

Land Rover , Jaguar, Rover all the same, you will enter a new era of engineering wonders, continuous oil leaks, weird electrical gremlins , unidentified break downs. Not to mention high labor costs due to the GBP / Euro echange rates which effected their profit margin even BMW A.G got fed up with the quality and reliability problems and decided not to keep Land Rover and Rover.

Jaguar is exactly the same oh by the way search for some spare parts prices too:-)

The worst Benz you own will be like a showroom conditioned mint car compared to a Jaguar.

These views are not from a mechanic or an expert and apply to the one who is writing them, they are only based on previous ownership experiences.

Gadget

Very nice looking car.

It clearly has been modified.

I would get a compression test done and see if you can get any info on upgraded pulleys on ECU mods if you can.

G