tumbler510

I am getting rid of my stage 3 B5 S4 in the near future, and have always wanted to get an E55, so I think now is the time. I love working on cars in my free time, and have no problem taking my time to do the research and get the right parts, etc.The E55 will not be my DD, I have a reliable truck for that.

I have now done 4 engine pulls on the Audi, fixed a TON of aftermarket wiring, installed a methanol injection system, etc etc etc. All with the help of the forums and people who have done those projects before me.
I was hoping I could get some info on how DIY friendly the E55 is to work on? I don't think I've come across a DIY for engine pulls or tranny drops, etc.
I like to do my own work so I get more familiar with the car and know exactly what has been done and how.

Thanks for any guidance!

uraberg

DAS/Xentry diagnostics required.

hachiroku

My thoughts are if you own a B5 S4 working on the W211 E55 shouldn't be any more difficult.

I personally have a B6 A4 1.8t and a W211 E63. I've done iPod integration wiring install as well as AirMatic compressor replacement. Both were not difficult at all. AirMatic strut replacement isn't too difficult either from what I've seen.

carguyshu

as uraberg said, the only way you're going to be able to do a lot of DIY is if you buy a STAR tool, which will include the factory service manual for every single procedure. Without it you are going to have a very hard time diagnosing or fixing anything.

menace2sobriety

Overall the E55 / W211 platform is a piece of cake to work on, everything is big and easily accessible, there are a-few/next-to-none repairs that require squeezing your hands through and using touch to do it

Get a cheap MBStar/Das/XEntry setup (Developer Version) - you can get them for around $270usd online shipped (AliExpress) and you should be set, full fault diagnosis and manuals

The rest is common sense, eg. how does this come off.....ok those 4 bolts...done etc

There is also an E55 Facebook page with a tonne of knowledgeable guys who are also on this thread but get quick and easy chatter there, as well as some of the cheapest performance parts, same vendors as on here but cheaper pricing - https://www.facebook.com/groups/69388070001/

NDizzle

What is the best thing to get at this moment? There seems to be a lot of information out there, but I'm not sure. I have seen v3, v4, Xentry, etc. No idea which is the correct way to go.

For example, why wouldn't an independent shop have these items if we are buying them, as the owners?

I am having a hell of a time getting someone to add this OEM satellite radio module to my MOST ring. (2004 model)

What would I need to buy to be able to do that and more?

carguyshu

probably b/c most shops don't want to take the risk involved with using a star tool setup that's running pirated software

hachiroku

ya which to buy? all i could find are copies of people's hard drive and require use of a dell 630 laptop.

tumbler510

HA! I bought a used Dell 630 to run VAG-COM on my Audi. Took the thing on Rallye California last summer, and cooked it so it doesn't boot anymore.
Looks like I'll be getting another one soon....

menace2sobriety

I bought mine off the site AliExpress.com almost 12 months ago now for $270 shipped, then I bought a Dell D630 second hand for $30 and it has been working flawlessly the entire time

*They are all pirated copies with key gens to unlock the developer mode, but work as they should

NDizzle

So that's the trick? It's pirated software?! I have a lot to learn.

cmriv

it'll be easier working on a MB product over a Audi product any day.... Speaking from experience ever since I started working on these things havent seen or heard someone leaving MB to go to AUDI, working on them not driving them, big difference. I haven't met every tech in the world-but past audi techs that work on MB's now say it is relatively easier to work on MB.

TheTherapist

I've learned just as much about auto mechanics since owning this car than the rest of my life. Easy when you've got a bit of passion for something. Having said that it is a well engineered vehicle where a lot can be DIY'ed even without STAR although some workarounds might take extra time and/or steps and you will at least need access to the WIS/EPC.

s.i.f.i.

With a lift, many things are easy with these cars. I've done engine mounts and upper balljoints and a couple other items and there were no unusual hassles, oilchanges are really simple, and I doubt parts are any worse than Audi prices.

Ls1toAMG

For an avg guy no lift etc. it's not easy. You can't get parts on hand for an oil change. Out of a 1-10 an American car or truck is 4 This car is 6-7 at best. Most will say it's easy but it isn't.

tumbler510

Well coming from a B5 S4, which is notorious for breakdowns, expensive parts, and some "crafty" Engineering, the E55 seems like a step up in the DIY world...maybe a straight trade off at the worst.

FLE55AMG

Audi VW have these pretty much one time clips holding the car together. I would say the w211 is away easier to wrench on then any Audi of the same era.