bob2011

Hey guys, so I need some advice! I plan to purchase a E55 in the next couple of months or so and needed some advice on do's and donts of buying a out of warranty E55.

1. It's going to be out of warranty that's for sure, no e55 at this point carries a warranty, is it suicide to own on after warranty? Or is it somewhat manageable?

2. Is there anything specific I need to look for when purchasing? I know the that some of the 08-09 (I think) e63 and c63 had headbolt issues, are there any issues like that I have to watch out for in the E55?

I would love some feedback! Thanks guys!!

2000UZJ

Bob,

95,000 miles on the ODO, I've tracked it, slid it, launched it and modified it quite a bit (not like some on here, but modified...) and never had any catastrophic issues. I had a few issues that became annoying and a few break downs but no major $$$$ repair bills.

It won't be suicide owning a **CLEAN** E55, but buy one that has been beat on and you will have issues. Mine was a very clean car with a lot of maintenance. The only issues I've had are the ones that I have created by modification/track days.

These cars love to be driven hard, and they really love being maintained.

mkiv_tdi

Depends. How good are you with your hands, and do you have good tools and space to work? (And are you willing to do the work yourself?)

Also, to answer question 2... you might want to know whether or not the SBC Unit has been replaced, the fuel tank/sender units, and the status of the airmatic!

bob2011

Thanks for the input! I do hope to find a clean e55, but when buying privately there's no guaranteeing that. But if I get a PPI on it, would that somewhat give it a clean bill of health? (I know it's not going to be a entire clean bill of health as you can't see inside the tranny or engine)

CharlyE500

I recommend to buy a clean 05 or 06 with 1 owner with good service record even pay a bit more money. Generally speaking E55 cost about the same to maintain or repair compare to other E class. Just take your time to find a good one. This are what most common issue FYI.

- CPS (crank position sensor) just changed 2 months ago.
- Transmission conductor plate
- Voltage regulator
- IC Pump
- Water pump
- Airmatic suspension

bob2011

Truthfully, I'm not good with my hands at ALL. Embarrassing i know, but I'm getting into some courses on basic car maintenance at my college. Will ask if SBC and the fuel tank have been replaced/repaired. But the dreaded airmatic scares the holy hell out of me, is there any way to put cars with airmatic on traditional springs? It's too much hassle!

Thank you for the input mkiv!

bob2011

I plan to spend 25 to 35k on the e55, I think that should somewhat net me a clean one? Now isn't maintenance a bit more with the AMG cars though? The dealer rails me everytime I go for a service on my E550, I can't imagine what's going to happen with a AMG. I appreciate the input charly!

CharlyE500

Dealer just try to make AMG owner pay extra but in fact they are the same.
Oil change they will charge you much more compare to E550 or E500 but basically use the same oil. You should find a good indy shop for your cars. My oil change is $100 with Mobil one, dealer will charge you $150+
And those C, D, E service is just pure scam ! They only do inspection not actually fixing or repair anything. Instead just change all the fluids, belts would cost less than E service in Dealer. With $25K you can find a low mileage and very clean E55 today. Good luck with your search !

2000UZJ

E55 isn't anything special. Maintenance wise it's very similar to a regular Mercedes with the additional maintenance items (larger brakes, supercharger, intercooler, and tires).

bob2011

Thank you charly!

bob2011

Seeing some of the prices at my dealership for the AMG services made me nervous as hell, they were almost double the Non AMG service costs! Now if I find a decent Indy shop, I think I can cut down on some of this cost, right?

mkiv_tdi

Are you keeping the E550, or replacing with the E55?

E55Freak

honestly, jump to a 2012 E550 get a tune and you have about the same performance as a stock E55...plus the added upgrades to the interior...

bob2011

Yes sir I plan to keep the e550 and use the e55 as a daily! I love my e550, but I need more power!!!

bob2011

I did give it a thought but the whole warranty and reliability issue leaves me a bit scared, the E55 on the other hand was meant to handle almost 500 horses stock, and can with no issues. With the 2012 E550 sure I can get stupid amounts of power with a tune, but putting that much stress on a drive train that wasn't meant to handle that much Stress in the first place is surely asking for trouble in the long run.

270win

I love my E55. It's already been said, but get an 05' or 06' that's had good service. PPI is a must!!! I also look for little things like matching high dollar tires. Cheap or mis-matched tires make me wonder what else was skimped on.

jerryjerry

I will be posting my E55 on Thur. 7-23-15. One owner 58,500 miles. Pricing at about 21K. Excellent condition thruout. Rancho Mirage. Frank 858-254-5434...thank you (call or text)