So, since my first thread of getting cold feet things have warmed up considerably.

http://carsales.mobi/cars/details/2004-Mercedes-Benz-E55-AMG-W211/SSE-AD-3030705

I've spoken with the owner and have full copies of service history. Car is going in for a PPI and assuming all is well I'll have it transported 3500km home.

Questions I have and points I want the mechanic to check are: upper and lower ball joints, when leads and coils were replaced (plugs have been -was it with them?), condition if SC pulleys and belts.

Is there anything else worth getting looked over in particular? The service records are up to date and all done on time or before as previous owner is mates with the MB dealer owner.

 

Were the struts ever changed? Fuel pumps?

 

airmatic shocks, rear main seal leaking, fuel pumps, power steering pump/lines, should all be checked before purchasing.

 

You must not be in the states, cos $44k is not a good deal even with only 122k kilometers

 

Obviously not in the states, it's a rhd car

 

Got me there, didn't click on anything. Pulled my Texas card...insistent about what you think and not bother to read the fine print

 

Nicely done on taking the plunge. Looks pretty clean. Personally I'd be flying over and driving her home - nice drive the Nullibor.
The one time I had my car transported the carrier manually forced the electronic mirrors back consequently breaking the mechanism as a result so if I can offer any advice it would be to fold those mirrors in first!

 

 

Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't aware of the power steering pump and lines being an issue so Ill make sure those are checked too.

 

And he owns a Ford Falcon Turbo. I'm leaning towards Australia.

 

congrats... what part of Australia are you from?

 

 

I'm originally from the south east of Victoria in the country. So bottom right of aus as far down as you can go on the mainland. Now I live in Darwin. Which is just about as far from where I grew up as you can get.

 

My god that is expensive

 

Keep in mind that is Oz prices. I've managed to get it for 41.5k. These cars were 250k new, bit steeper than in the USA.

Spoke to the mechanic this morning. All points raised here have been checked and in good order. Crank angle sensor was recently replaced, as were brakes both front and rear. Ball joints are in good cond, as are power steering components, airmatic components, leads and coils haven't been replaced as the Merc dealer didn't believe they needed to be.

Cant wait to take it for the first drive now!

 

Hi. Nice - hope to get myself one of those one day. I have a W203 and a common issue is the Brake Booster after - not sure if it is with the W111 series but worth checking out?

 

I think you mean the w211 chassis. These cars don't have a brake booster.

 

One does not buy a W211 E55AMG because it is sensible. It is not sensible at all, but that probably is the point of owning something special. High maintenance? so is the wife. Give her some tender loving & she rocks my world, everytime. Reliable? of course an E55 is reliable, never failed to put a hooligrinn on my face everytime I started her...all 280 000 kms.

 

The cars aren't related except by years of manufacture. Why would they share common problems?

 

My new car arrived this afternoon. Besides some slightly UV affected headlights, the car is in great condition. Not just for its age, but in general. Is nice to drive, great feel through the wheel, interior is beaut. Going to try and get it on a dyno to see how it goes stock and then look at getting a HE and some headers as I live in the tropics and it is stinking hot and humid 6 months of the year. I'll get some pics up tomorrow when it is light out and I have given it a clean!

 

congrats enjoy!

 

Hi

Congratulations.

Regards,

OZZYAMG

 

I thought promising pictures was a bit optimistic - you'd have been out cruising all day and night I bet...

 

http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/se...tml?sort=3&o=1

Ill see if this works before I go crazy putting pics up...

Edit: Nope, doesn't like my photobucket links...

 

Welcome!

to the many years of enjoyment.