tw2

Once again thinking of making the switch.

Would a dealer be able to include SBC activation number in a pre-purchase check if requested? Max is 300,000?

Assuming airmatic functions fine, how long should most healthy cars maintain ride height after being turned off?

Maintenance is fine, but I need to make sure I can cover unexpected repairs. I have been reading this forum for 2-3 years now, SBC and airmatic seem to be the main "semi-expected" disasters E55's suffer from. Airmatic I can easily fix myself, arnotts or new control arm/coilovers. SBC I am guessing needs STAR to bleed the brake fluid and I know the pump costs $1k or so.

Is there anything else?

I would avoid 03's as don't feel like replacing radiators. Intercooler pumps are not a problem. Transmission electrohydraulic bush is also not a problem for me.

Bean93x

Look for a decently maintained 2005 and up. I would also recommend having at least $3500 in the bank to cover unexpected repairs to the airmatic system and SBC

Rocman8

dealers cant check the sbc count as those stars are not allowed in developer mode. airmatic should hold its height for at least 3 days. my 2006 with 118k has all original bags and the front never drops at all and the rear will drop in about a week or two.

Ls1toAMG

Mine is very inconsistent. Most times the rear will drop in 3 days sometimes it doesn't at all. Every once in a while overnight. It's been this way since January when I bought it. There really is no way to know unless you drive it for weeks.

Bean93x

Same here. The colder the weather, the worse it is.

Sir-Boost-a-Lot

iTrader: (1)

It shouldn't drop at all unless it has a leak. How long it takes to drop depends how bad it's leaking .

Ls1toAMG

True but it's not that simple. The results are not the same day to day. Most cars will drop over time.

Rocman8

Benz actually has a bulletin with normal drop specs that has a height and certain period of time. A small amount is normal. Even tires lose air when there isn't a leak. I'll try to find the bulletin.

Sir-Boost-a-Lot

iTrader: (1)

You're right. They should stay put for a while though. Months.

Zed82

My E55 does not drop at all during the winter storage from September to March.

tw2

Thanks for the advice. I found a really nice one, I just can't decide what to do, keep the CLK or go for the E55. The E is definitely faster and much more comfortable. The CLK is potentially more reliable and I know the history.

StarvingArtist

Everything in life is a gamble. Enjoy the adventure!

CharlyE500

I think the SBC is 100K miles in the USA warranty. Don't forget the fuel pump unit and fuel tank... We have a recall here in the USA if fuel leak.

Rocman8

No, the SBC is 10yr unlimited miles. The tank or components are 15yr unlimited miles. And neither are a recall they are warranty extensions.

CharlyE500

Good to know ! However, our car are close to 10 years now... not many has SBC warranty in this case.

shawnoc2003

Thankfully Arnott offers airmatic retrofits but so far I haven't needed them for my 05. If I don't drive it for a few weeks, the rear's will bleed out if its cold but so far I just restart the car and everything has been fine (for the last 2 years).

If I could just get rid of the stupid key reminder every time I open the door, it would be the perfect family car.

tw2

Yep exactly the conclusion i came to. I am going to go for it.