Few questions for buying an E55
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From: New Zealand
Few questions for buying an E55
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.
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.
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From: Eastern WV / Central MD
'05 E55, ‘00 ML55, ‘92 500E
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
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E55
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.
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From: Indianapolis
2004 E55.98 SS Camaro.Jetta TDI. Expedition
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.
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From: Eastern WV / Central MD
'05 E55, ‘00 ML55, ‘92 500E
Same here. The colder the weather, the worse it is.
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From: Indianapolis
2004 E55.98 SS Camaro.Jetta TDI. Expedition
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1967 Pro Touring turbo LSX Camaro
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: New Zealand
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.
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
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.
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E55
No, the SBC is 10yr unlimited miles. The tank or components are 15yr unlimited miles. And neither are a recall they are warranty extensions.
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
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E55, Audi S4
No regrets here.
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.
If I could just get rid of the stupid key reminder every time I open the door, it would be the perfect family car.
