reliability of W211 E55 versus E500
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KTM 1190 Adventure R
reliability of W211 E55 versus E500
Hi,
I'm considering buying a W211 and it comes down to a choice between these two version of the model (as the E320 costs about the same as the E500).
While it's no contest performance wise, how do they compare reliability and maintenance cost wise? From what I've been able to figure out so far, the issues with the cars stem from a variety of areas (especially the air suspension) but not really the E55-specific drivetrain.
My thinking is therefore, since either version is potentially equally expensive to maintain, I may as well get the far torquier E55... is this a correct assessment?
(History wise, I used to own a W126 560SEC which was wonderful until it got hit by semi)
I'm considering buying a W211 and it comes down to a choice between these two version of the model (as the E320 costs about the same as the E500).
While it's no contest performance wise, how do they compare reliability and maintenance cost wise? From what I've been able to figure out so far, the issues with the cars stem from a variety of areas (especially the air suspension) but not really the E55-specific drivetrain.
My thinking is therefore, since either version is potentially equally expensive to maintain, I may as well get the far torquier E55... is this a correct assessment?
(History wise, I used to own a W126 560SEC which was wonderful until it got hit by semi)
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05 E55, 05 Cayenne TT, 06 Carrera S X51
While somewhat true, you should factor other costs like tires, brakes, insurance, and of course mods, if you so desire. Also be aware if you want to buy a warranty on the car, the AMG is difficult to find a warranty company, where the E500 will probably be pretty easy.
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
Speaking as someone who owns both a '99 and '05 E55 AMG, the drivetrains are essentially identical. Maintenance costs, however are not.
Examples:
'99 E55 serpentine belt, idler pulley, and tensioner pulley replacement cost me ~$163 in parts.
'99 E55 fuel pump ~$200. Fuel filter ~$40
'05 E55 serpentine belt, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, supercharger belt, supercharger idler pulley (actually a 6 and an 8-rib dual pulley) and supercharger belt tensioner pulley ~$750.
(note: I found the 6302 bearing for the supercharger idler pulley for $12 delivered. That find alone saved me ~$416. So...with some research the belts and pulleys parts cost is ~$334 for the '05 E55.
'05 E55 fuel pump ~$550. Filter assembly ~$550
'05 E500 fuel pump ~$200. Fuel filter ***'y similar cost.
'05 E500 belt, idler and tensioner pulleys - ~ same as the '99 motor.
Regular maintenance costs should be similar (plugs, wires, oil, filters, etc).
Examples:
'99 E55 serpentine belt, idler pulley, and tensioner pulley replacement cost me ~$163 in parts.
'99 E55 fuel pump ~$200. Fuel filter ~$40
'05 E55 serpentine belt, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, supercharger belt, supercharger idler pulley (actually a 6 and an 8-rib dual pulley) and supercharger belt tensioner pulley ~$750.
(note: I found the 6302 bearing for the supercharger idler pulley for $12 delivered. That find alone saved me ~$416. So...with some research the belts and pulleys parts cost is ~$334 for the '05 E55.
'05 E55 fuel pump ~$550. Filter assembly ~$550
'05 E500 fuel pump ~$200. Fuel filter ***'y similar cost.
'05 E500 belt, idler and tensioner pulleys - ~ same as the '99 motor.
Regular maintenance costs should be similar (plugs, wires, oil, filters, etc).
Last edited by bbirdwell; Feb 8, 2015 at 01:37 PM.
I had 05 e500 with 50k miles and had over 13k in warranty work done in 2 years plus regular maintenance ,, now have an 04 E55 with 98k and have not had to do anything yet except regular maintenance ,, changed out plastic idler pullies for ASP and doing ball joints soon... its pretty much the same car except this one is a lot more fun
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2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Depends on the year.
But the E500 and E55 are both reliable engines. Most E500s have the 7 speed automatic 2004-2006, so that's a bit less reliable, especially in the first two years.
Both cars suffer from suspension problems. Biggest issue on these cars is the air suspension which can leave you stranded.
Where are you based?
But the E500 and E55 are both reliable engines. Most E500s have the 7 speed automatic 2004-2006, so that's a bit less reliable, especially in the first two years.
Both cars suffer from suspension problems. Biggest issue on these cars is the air suspension which can leave you stranded.
Where are you based?
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KTM 1190 Adventure R
Depends on the year.
But the E500 and E55 are both reliable engines. Most E500s have the 7 speed automatic 2004-2006, so that's a bit less reliable, especially in the first two years.
Both cars suffer from suspension problems. Biggest issue on these cars is the air suspension which can leave you stranded.
Where are you based?
But the E500 and E55 are both reliable engines. Most E500s have the 7 speed automatic 2004-2006, so that's a bit less reliable, especially in the first two years.
Both cars suffer from suspension problems. Biggest issue on these cars is the air suspension which can leave you stranded.
Where are you based?
I'm actually in San Francisco right now but will likely be moving to Santa Clara/San Jose soon, hence the need for 4 wheels. There's a few E55s for sale in the bay area...
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From: North NJ
06 E55(SOLD), 03 E500(SOLD)
Your assessment is correct. The odds are pretty even with getting hit for an expensive repair. The E500 isn't a slouch, but if you're drawn to the torque of an E55, get one. Which ever model you decide on, have a PPI performed.
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From: Irvine
04 CL55, 05 E500S4, 15 BMW i3 REx
Depends on the year.
But the E500 and E55 are both reliable engines. Most E500s have the 7 speed automatic 2004-2006, so that's a bit less reliable, especially in the first two years.
Both cars suffer from suspension problems. Biggest issue on these cars is the air suspension which can leave you stranded.
Where are you based?
But the E500 and E55 are both reliable engines. Most E500s have the 7 speed automatic 2004-2006, so that's a bit less reliable, especially in the first two years.
Both cars suffer from suspension problems. Biggest issue on these cars is the air suspension which can leave you stranded.
Where are you based?
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From: SWFL
E55, E320 CDI , CLA250, Jag XJ Supersport
I've owned the following w211s
-2006 E500
-2006 E320 CDI
-2004 E55
I ran all of them past 100k miles. Both of the 2006 cars have been relatively trouble free. The 2004 has been a different story
In my opinion, the 2005-2006 cars are generally more reliable. Of course, my experience is anecdotal and there are exceptions.
-2006 E500
-2006 E320 CDI
-2004 E55
I ran all of them past 100k miles. Both of the 2006 cars have been relatively trouble free. The 2004 has been a different story
In my opinion, the 2005-2006 cars are generally more reliable. Of course, my experience is anecdotal and there are exceptions.
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From: Earth, USA, Atlanta, GA
E55
I've owned the following w211s
-2006 E500
-2006 E320 CDI
-2004 E55
I ran all of them past 100k miles. Both of the 2006 cars have been relatively trouble free. The 2004 has been a different story
In my opinion, the 2005-2006 cars are generally more reliable. Of course, my experience is anecdotal and there are exceptions.
-2006 E500
-2006 E320 CDI
-2004 E55
I ran all of them past 100k miles. Both of the 2006 cars have been relatively trouble free. The 2004 has been a different story
In my opinion, the 2005-2006 cars are generally more reliable. Of course, my experience is anecdotal and there are exceptions.
My mothers 2006 E350 was probably the worst car my family has ever owned. Every little thing broke. Everything from the brakes going out to the flywheel coming off at a stoplight (quite a sound lol).
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2006 E55
off topic, but is that your barolo red e55? Gorgeous, I have the same color and never seen one before.
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
MBworld Guru
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From: Irvine
04 CL55, 05 E500S4, 15 BMW i3 REx
I believe all 500 wagons are 4Matic, which mine is...tell me about the difficulty in finding one! It took forever!
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
The 4k repair bill can come from the airmatic and the SBC. It's why I went to a 2008 E350. The 2007 year got rid of SBC and the E350 didn't have airmatic. Some early 2007 still had problems with the balance shafts in 272 engines plus QC got better in 2008 and 2009. Best is probably 2009 in a W211. The E320 and E500 both had a 10 year warranty on just the SBC pump and it may be expired at this point. Also it just covered the pump, no the whole system, there are other parts of the SBC that can go that isn't covered by the warranty. Of course you might be able to get a 2 year warranty for under 4k. Anyway if you do end up with one, look for Bixenon headlamps and keyless go, both very neat features. Panorama sunroof and parktronic is also fun, but not as useful on a regular basis.
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From: North NJ
06 E55(SOLD), 03 E500(SOLD)
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From: SC/NoVa
13' E350 4matic, 08' E63
Any of the years up to 08-09 a E350 or 550 should be close to the same for wholesale prices. ALL under 20k at this point. Right about what your likely looking at for a 05-06 E55.
I had a 07 E350 and was a dream for 50k miles. I did replace front shocks, Tie rod ends, wheel bearings front, and a set of DWS conti's. At 110k it was ready for lower ball joints in the front. 31 mpg on the highway and loved it.
07-E63 7 speed conductor plate went out and the machine gun pano roof. Perfect otherwise.
08 E63 10k miles so far, 84 on the clock and its perfect so far.
I had a 07 E350 and was a dream for 50k miles. I did replace front shocks, Tie rod ends, wheel bearings front, and a set of DWS conti's. At 110k it was ready for lower ball joints in the front. 31 mpg on the highway and loved it.
07-E63 7 speed conductor plate went out and the machine gun pano roof. Perfect otherwise.
08 E63 10k miles so far, 84 on the clock and its perfect so far.
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KTM 1190 Adventure R
repairs versus depreciation
It just occurred to me, while these cars face potentially horrendous costs regarding repairs, it's probably still less than the annual depreciation they have already undergone. A E55 can be had in the $12-15k now so depreciation wise, that has slowed to probably $1-2k a year at this point...
I'm still trying to find examples that I like. it's not an easy market for these cars...
I'm still trying to find examples that I like. it's not an easy market for these cars...
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From: Indianapolis
2004 E55.98 SS Camaro.Jetta TDI. Expedition
It just occurred to me, while these cars face potentially horrendous costs regarding repairs, it's probably still less than the annual depreciation they have already undergone. A E55 can be had in the $12-15k now so depreciation wise, that has slowed to probably $1-2k a year at this point...
I'm still trying to find examples that I like. it's not an easy market for these cars...
I'm still trying to find examples that I like. it's not an easy market for these cars...
I started looking at a family car that would run 12's and even 11's for the price and it stands alone. It 30k value in speed and quality.
