How DIY Friendly is the W211 E55?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 117
Likes: 8
From: Bay Area, CA
2009 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X. SOLD: Stage 3 B5 S4
How DIY Friendly is the W211 E55?
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!
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!
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,647
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From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 955
Likes: 127
From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 271
Likes: 4
From: Auckland, New Zealand
2004 E55 AMG
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/
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/
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: NORCAL
04 E55
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?
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?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 955
Likes: 127
From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
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?
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?
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SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
ya which to buy? all i could find are copies of people's hard drive and require use of a dell 630 laptop.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 117
Likes: 8
From: Bay Area, CA
2009 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X. SOLD: Stage 3 B5 S4
Looks like I'll be getting another one soon....
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 271
Likes: 4
From: Auckland, New Zealand
2004 E55 AMG
*They are all pirated copies with key gens to unlock the developer mode, but work as they should
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 46
From: dmv
2009 E550 2000 Honda civic mash n' go
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.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 847
Likes: 31
From: Australia
2004 W211 E55 AMG >>gone but not forgotten > W123 280E > W124 E280 > W126 380SE
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.
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 223
Likes: 11
'03 Brabus E55 K8, '11 C300 4matic
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 72
From: Indianapolis
2004 E55.98 SS Camaro.Jetta TDI. Expedition
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.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 117
Likes: 8
From: Bay Area, CA
2009 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X. SOLD: Stage 3 B5 S4
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.
