Finally got an E55!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 90
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta GA
06' E55; 1995 E300D
Finally got an E55!
I found this 05' E55 at Dodge dealer locally. Story is that the original owner traded it for an SRT8 Challenger. They had it for almost 45 days and I think they just really couldn't get it financed...that was what they told me anyway. The first time I looked at it they wanted almost 18k, which was NUTS. It's a clean, one owner car with a clean fax...but it's still an 05 that has 149k on it. They weren't negotiable so I walked. They swore it was going to the auction Monday so I told them good luck and left. But I did drive it on that first visit and was surprised at how tight it is.
Two weeks later I'm doing my usual Friday night Craigslist e55 searches when it pops up at $12,000. So the next morning my wife and I pop in to take a drive because she's never been in one. Needless to say she loved it, so I offered them $10k but said my indy (Blue Ridge MB) had to prevent inspect it. They said I was nuts and we left...10 minutes later the phone rang and it was dealer telling me to come get it.
The inspection went well, my indy said it looked better than some 50k cars he's seen, so I hit them again and got it for $9900 driveout. It needs about $3k in fluids and service but I think it was a steal. I've had it for a week now and I just LOVE this car. It's my weekend toy, but every time I see it, it makes me smile.
I'm making my list of little details and upgrades. I'll be looking for some great input from this community of enthusiasts.
Two weeks later I'm doing my usual Friday night Craigslist e55 searches when it pops up at $12,000. So the next morning my wife and I pop in to take a drive because she's never been in one. Needless to say she loved it, so I offered them $10k but said my indy (Blue Ridge MB) had to prevent inspect it. They said I was nuts and we left...10 minutes later the phone rang and it was dealer telling me to come get it.
The inspection went well, my indy said it looked better than some 50k cars he's seen, so I hit them again and got it for $9900 driveout. It needs about $3k in fluids and service but I think it was a steal. I've had it for a week now and I just LOVE this car. It's my weekend toy, but every time I see it, it makes me smile.
I'm making my list of little details and upgrades. I'll be looking for some great input from this community of enthusiasts.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 90
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta GA
06' E55; 1995 E300D
Thanks! I agree 100%...I mean, what else can you buy for 10k that even comes close? My wife and I were thinking we'd either buy a nice low mile e55 for the low 20's or a nice 911 for mid 40s, so to come away with this beast for less than 10k is just stupid cheap. I'm really glad it worked out.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 90
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta GA
06' E55; 1995 E300D
I like the fact that this car is untouched. But I'm pretty sure I'm gonna "touch" it. I have a 92 400e with Renntech mods too, one of my favorite mods is Quaife LSD. It totally transformed that car. I understand it's pretty reasonable in the 211s so that might be the first mod. Right now I'm in the honeymoon phase, all I want to do is drive it, wash it or stand in the garage looking at it....
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 90
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta GA
06' E55; 1995 E300D
Thanks guys, I just learned today that one of my business associates and fellow car nuts saw the car at 12k and he ignored it assuming it was junk....so THAT worked out great for me.
I'll take lucky over good any day!
I'll take lucky over good any day!
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 665
Likes: 5
From: Denver, CO
2006 CLS55 AMG, 2008 G55 AMG, 2010 Audi R8 V10, 2010 Ford Raptor, 2005 Porsche 911, 1966 Chevy II
Nice ride...and negotiation skills!
I've got some HREs that would look sick on it if you're interested.
I've got some HREs that would look sick on it if you're interested.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 90
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta GA
06' E55; 1995 E300D
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 896
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From: So Cal
GT3RS, 356, Raptor, M2, Sprinter 4x4
I love that you went back and even when $10k was a good deal you hit them for another $100. Congrats on the new pickup. If you're pricing out new mods shoot us a PM. Happy to help in the upgrade department.
Enjoy in good health!
Enjoy in good health!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 90
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta GA
06' E55; 1995 E300D
I'll shoot you a pm now.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 90
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta GA
06' E55; 1995 E300D
Observations-
Traffic now sucks worse than it did before. Especially if it's going 65 in the fast lane.
In my Renntech 400e, when doing 70, when you get on it a bit to pass, you're doing 85 in no time...in the e55 it's triple digits in stupid fast.
The 400e is more fun to drive fast because it takes longer to build speed...in the 55 it's over WAY too soon. I have a friend that had a 911 turbo that he sold to get a Carrera S for that same reason. It makes sense now...although if I had to pick one the 55 would be the one to stay. Glad I don't have to choose.
I actually drive this car slower than any other performance car I've had. I think it's because crazy fast is only a few seconds away so no need to carry lots of speed.
This car turns heads...especially among German car drivers.
It goes in Monday to get caught up on service and to get a good baseline to start my maintenance practices. I'm going to miss seeing it sitting in the garage when I get home from work.
Traffic now sucks worse than it did before. Especially if it's going 65 in the fast lane.
In my Renntech 400e, when doing 70, when you get on it a bit to pass, you're doing 85 in no time...in the e55 it's triple digits in stupid fast.
The 400e is more fun to drive fast because it takes longer to build speed...in the 55 it's over WAY too soon. I have a friend that had a 911 turbo that he sold to get a Carrera S for that same reason. It makes sense now...although if I had to pick one the 55 would be the one to stay. Glad I don't have to choose.
I actually drive this car slower than any other performance car I've had. I think it's because crazy fast is only a few seconds away so no need to carry lots of speed.
This car turns heads...especially among German car drivers.
It goes in Monday to get caught up on service and to get a good baseline to start my maintenance practices. I'm going to miss seeing it sitting in the garage when I get home from work.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 2
From: PHX/PIE/OMA ---> Yes, all three
E55 then E63, now back to an E55
It's just CRAZY how the prices of these cars have fallen!
I remember back in the days when they were new and how much I paid! LOL
But, 10k, wow.... I just hope the car doesn't nickel & dime you to death.
Enjoy it bro, all the best to you!!
I remember back in the days when they were new and how much I paid! LOL
But, 10k, wow.... I just hope the car doesn't nickel & dime you to death.
Enjoy it bro, all the best to you!!
