The Legendary E55 AMG
08-20-2016, 11:40 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
The Legendary E55 AMG
Welp, I have a lot to say for my first post But I have to start somewhere.
There is the E90 M3, E60 M5, E55 AMG, CTS-V, Audi RS4, CLS550 AMG, ect...
There are quite a few sedans to get these days, but what sedan encompasses everything? Some would argue the E90 M3, but when you look at cost, I am always stuck going back to the E55 AMG. My good friend Johncy, who some of you might know on here (blew his engine), first made me fall in love with the E55. We would do freeway pulls hitting 165 and the car felt like it was on a cloud. It had raw power, sounded beastly, and was very luxurious. The price point of the E55 is insanely awesome right now, with most "low mileage" (under 75k) cars available for under 20k.
I'm finally at a point in my life where I want to get the dream sedan I've always wanted. I have 20k saved up, and excellent credit score that allows me to get an auto loan at 1.95% APR. I will likely finance half in the start so i can fund any maintenance/mods and still be in the green. Also have an IS300 DD that i'll be keeping, allowing me to put low miles on the AMG until I have it where I want.
Past cars: 300zx Twin Turbo, C46 AMG, B6 S4 (V8 AWD), downgraded to the IS300 hitting the redline daily with no issues.
My questions: What year should I aim for and what mileage is ideal? Considering everything here; i will be modding (exhaust, chip, pulley, tires, rims).
Extended warranty: Hard to find and not sure If i'll truly need it if i find the right one.
What I am scared of: need to do more reading on the E55...What goes wrong? Obviously some stickies out there somewhere...airmatic suspension cost, engine mounts, transmission, ect...If i spend 16k on the car, should i expect 16k in maintenance?
Lastly; do you think this is the right choice? Am i crazy for buying a car over 10 years old for 20k? There are a lot of other "newer" options out there for another 10k more!
More to come...
-Steve
There is the E90 M3, E60 M5, E55 AMG, CTS-V, Audi RS4, CLS550 AMG, ect...
There are quite a few sedans to get these days, but what sedan encompasses everything? Some would argue the E90 M3, but when you look at cost, I am always stuck going back to the E55 AMG. My good friend Johncy, who some of you might know on here (blew his engine), first made me fall in love with the E55. We would do freeway pulls hitting 165 and the car felt like it was on a cloud. It had raw power, sounded beastly, and was very luxurious. The price point of the E55 is insanely awesome right now, with most "low mileage" (under 75k) cars available for under 20k.
I'm finally at a point in my life where I want to get the dream sedan I've always wanted. I have 20k saved up, and excellent credit score that allows me to get an auto loan at 1.95% APR. I will likely finance half in the start so i can fund any maintenance/mods and still be in the green. Also have an IS300 DD that i'll be keeping, allowing me to put low miles on the AMG until I have it where I want.
Past cars: 300zx Twin Turbo, C46 AMG, B6 S4 (V8 AWD), downgraded to the IS300 hitting the redline daily with no issues.
My questions: What year should I aim for and what mileage is ideal? Considering everything here; i will be modding (exhaust, chip, pulley, tires, rims).
Extended warranty: Hard to find and not sure If i'll truly need it if i find the right one.
What I am scared of: need to do more reading on the E55...What goes wrong? Obviously some stickies out there somewhere...airmatic suspension cost, engine mounts, transmission, ect...If i spend 16k on the car, should i expect 16k in maintenance?
Lastly; do you think this is the right choice? Am i crazy for buying a car over 10 years old for 20k? There are a lot of other "newer" options out there for another 10k more!
More to come...
-Steve
Last edited by SatelliteMan; 08-20-2016 at 12:01 PM.
08-20-2016, 12:20 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Mine has been super reliable except for fuel pump sender leaking and Airmatic, both of which I have replaced and minor stuff like IC pump.
My only issue is that I have not been driving it much recently and when I drive it, I drive way too fast. Found myself at over 100 in a 65 without realizing it (thought I was at 80)
There's a lot of technology in this car for being a 10+ year old car. If you have a well optioned one, it is actually more sophisticated than many newer cars. The only thing to be really wary of is the SBC at this age. It can be an expensive repair. I would recommend trying to get a scan of SBC count to see if it was reset by someone or close to end of service life. I would say the E55 is a bargain sports sedan, bordering on supercar performance with the appropriate mods.
Recommend you look at how well the car was maintained and not just the mileage. I am **** about mine and replace things before they go wrong wherever I can. Good luck with your search.
My only issue is that I have not been driving it much recently and when I drive it, I drive way too fast. Found myself at over 100 in a 65 without realizing it (thought I was at 80)
There's a lot of technology in this car for being a 10+ year old car. If you have a well optioned one, it is actually more sophisticated than many newer cars. The only thing to be really wary of is the SBC at this age. It can be an expensive repair. I would recommend trying to get a scan of SBC count to see if it was reset by someone or close to end of service life. I would say the E55 is a bargain sports sedan, bordering on supercar performance with the appropriate mods.
Recommend you look at how well the car was maintained and not just the mileage. I am **** about mine and replace things before they go wrong wherever I can. Good luck with your search.
08-20-2016, 01:16 PM
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Lastly; do you think this is the right choice? Am i crazy for buying a car over 10 years old for 20k? There are a lot of other "newer" options out there for another 10k more!
depends ... get 05 - 06 ... also consider the cls55 or cls63.
are you going to mod ?? I would say they are far more relilable when stock.
depends ... get 05 - 06 ... also consider the cls55 or cls63.
are you going to mod ?? I would say they are far more relilable when stock.
08-20-2016, 01:56 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Welp, I have a lot to say for my first post But I have to start somewhere.
There is the E90 M3, E60 M5, E55 AMG, CTS-V, Audi RS4, CLS550 AMG, ect...
There are quite a few sedans to get these days, but what sedan encompasses everything? Some would argue the E90 M3, but when you look at cost, I am always stuck going back to the E55 AMG. My good friend Johncy, who some of you might know on here (blew his engine), first made me fall in love with the E55. We would do freeway pulls hitting 165 and the car felt like it was on a cloud. It had raw power, sounded beastly, and was very luxurious. The price point of the E55 is insanely awesome right now, with most "low mileage" (under 75k) cars available for under 20k.
I'm finally at a point in my life where I want to get the dream sedan I've always wanted. I have 20k saved up, and excellent credit score that allows me to get an auto loan at 1.95% APR. I will likely finance half in the start so i can fund any maintenance/mods and still be in the green. Also have an IS300 DD that i'll be keeping, allowing me to put low miles on the AMG until I have it where I want.
Past cars: 300zx Twin Turbo, C46 AMG, B6 S4 (V8 AWD), downgraded to the IS300 hitting the redline daily with no issues.
My questions: What year should I aim for and what mileage is ideal? Considering everything here; i will be modding (exhaust, chip, pulley, tires, rims).
Extended warranty: Hard to find and not sure If i'll truly need it if i find the right one.
What I am scared of: need to do more reading on the E55...What goes wrong? Obviously some stickies out there somewhere...airmatic suspension cost, engine mounts, transmission, ect...If i spend 16k on the car, should i expect 16k in maintenance?
Lastly; do you think this is the right choice? Am i crazy for buying a car over 10 years old for 20k? There are a lot of other "newer" options out there for another 10k more!
More to come...
-Steve
There is the E90 M3, E60 M5, E55 AMG, CTS-V, Audi RS4, CLS550 AMG, ect...
There are quite a few sedans to get these days, but what sedan encompasses everything? Some would argue the E90 M3, but when you look at cost, I am always stuck going back to the E55 AMG. My good friend Johncy, who some of you might know on here (blew his engine), first made me fall in love with the E55. We would do freeway pulls hitting 165 and the car felt like it was on a cloud. It had raw power, sounded beastly, and was very luxurious. The price point of the E55 is insanely awesome right now, with most "low mileage" (under 75k) cars available for under 20k.
I'm finally at a point in my life where I want to get the dream sedan I've always wanted. I have 20k saved up, and excellent credit score that allows me to get an auto loan at 1.95% APR. I will likely finance half in the start so i can fund any maintenance/mods and still be in the green. Also have an IS300 DD that i'll be keeping, allowing me to put low miles on the AMG until I have it where I want.
Past cars: 300zx Twin Turbo, C46 AMG, B6 S4 (V8 AWD), downgraded to the IS300 hitting the redline daily with no issues.
My questions: What year should I aim for and what mileage is ideal? Considering everything here; i will be modding (exhaust, chip, pulley, tires, rims).
Extended warranty: Hard to find and not sure If i'll truly need it if i find the right one.
What I am scared of: need to do more reading on the E55...What goes wrong? Obviously some stickies out there somewhere...airmatic suspension cost, engine mounts, transmission, ect...If i spend 16k on the car, should i expect 16k in maintenance?
Lastly; do you think this is the right choice? Am i crazy for buying a car over 10 years old for 20k? There are a lot of other "newer" options out there for another 10k more!
More to come...
-Steve
08-20-2016, 02:25 PM
#5
Member
Thread Starter
I'm in no rush as far as time frame....I turn 27 early next year so aiming to have one chosen by then. But again...no rush. Not messing this build up. All maintenance comes first before I do anything, I mean anything. This will be a car I own for at least another 6-8 years before I become an executive and start pissing money.
As far as mods realistically would start will headers all the way back, then tune and/or ecu replacement (still need to learn these cars). I think I would pause there as that should be plenty of power for the meantime. Then go aero and wheels/tires, drop it (can be programmed right?), e63 bumper, roof wrap & rack, front & rear splitter, tint, badges, ect...
As far as mods realistically would start will headers all the way back, then tune and/or ecu replacement (still need to learn these cars). I think I would pause there as that should be plenty of power for the meantime. Then go aero and wheels/tires, drop it (can be programmed right?), e63 bumper, roof wrap & rack, front & rear splitter, tint, badges, ect...
Last edited by SatelliteMan; 08-20-2016 at 02:34 PM.
08-20-2016, 02:36 PM
#6
Member
Thread Starter
As far the years, not even considering a 2003...market is saturated enough to get a newer year.
Major differences? How much more value/worth to you consider an 06 with 60k than an 04 with 60k?
As far as miles...you see some KILLER deals out there on 04 - 06s with around 100k...I'm talking 12-14k, obviously some abused some gems, I'd have to do serious due diligence. I do see a cost benefit there though....is it worth it to drop 20k for one with 50k miles, or save 7-8k for one with 100k?
Major differences? How much more value/worth to you consider an 06 with 60k than an 04 with 60k?
As far as miles...you see some KILLER deals out there on 04 - 06s with around 100k...I'm talking 12-14k, obviously some abused some gems, I'd have to do serious due diligence. I do see a cost benefit there though....is it worth it to drop 20k for one with 50k miles, or save 7-8k for one with 100k?
Last edited by SatelliteMan; 08-20-2016 at 02:46 PM.
08-20-2016, 03:11 PM
#7
Senior Member
As far the years, not even considering a 2003...market is saturated enough to get a newer year.
Major differences? How much more value/worth to you consider an 06 with 60k than an 04 with 60k?
As far as miles...you see some KILLER deals out there on 04 - 06s with around 100k...I'm talking 12-14k, obviously some abused some gems, I'd have to do serious due diligence. I do see a cost benefit there though....is it worth it to drop 20k for one with 50k miles, or save 7-8k for one with 100k?
Major differences? How much more value/worth to you consider an 06 with 60k than an 04 with 60k?
As far as miles...you see some KILLER deals out there on 04 - 06s with around 100k...I'm talking 12-14k, obviously some abused some gems, I'd have to do serious due diligence. I do see a cost benefit there though....is it worth it to drop 20k for one with 50k miles, or save 7-8k for one with 100k?
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08-21-2016, 05:02 PM
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Would love to, but no space or tools at this point in my life. I'd be taking it to an independent specialist, which I have yet to find.
08-21-2016, 11:48 PM
#9
Re:Elbow Grease
For what it's worth... Humble opinion:
Aging electronics and gremlins will crop up due to system complexity. that alone will require SDS to concisely diagnose... Do yourself a favor and get one that is verified maintained.
Then have $3000 a year for expendable items. Rear tires every 5-7000miles 265-295/18-19.
Redo items that are known to fail that will leave you stranded fuel system battery stop light switch Cps airmatic (better to coil imho) sbc radiator (03/04 with Trans cooling Valeo brand it will crack and mix) belts flush fluids tensioners and pulleys suspension bushing on aging cars the list goes on I am sure I forgot some from OCD research.
The long and short is you get what you pay for. If I had what you just described sitrep wise I would go with a 05/06 with records stock, bone stock possibly aftermarket warranty. I would much rather have the confidence in a road worthy car I can beat on, have a little coin to maintain it or not have to. Possibly a computer to diagnose it so I can say yea I can wait or no it has to go to an indy tmrw and I need to use my USAA rental etc. You sound like you are in a good spot to own one. Just make sure you are picky is what I am getting at, do not get stuck on mileage these cars sitting can be worse than driving them (relative subjective statement).
Refer to sticky common parts sticky for what will fail and costs etc
Learn from my experience and do not do what I did unless you love working on things and diagnosing problems:
I bought a clean title auction 63facelift car with no records for $5k a SDS for $650 and got it road worthy for another $3k. Trans, tires, complete AC system (-Evap) cps tie rods, ball joints radiator and a TON of other parts.
I just hit $10k (meth,LTH,Trans cooler, tint,grille, pulley not on it and stuff ) and the list goes on bc now she wants 4 rotors and pads in the fall, wheels need powder coating and rebalancing while off to be really true ( I have a sensitive A$$) the airmatic is shot and it feels like it surfs through the corners unlike my dads car ('06 designo-it is more than the rack difference) and it will need control arms upper lower,I will re do oem ball joints again and rear UPD adj arms on the when funds become available, by then tires will be needed... Yep that's the spring bonus sigh. But then you hit the throttle and all that goes away =D you pay to play
They are parts hungry, and to own these cars you have to be willing to feed them �� Or not drive them much :-/
Get one that someone has driven loved and maintained with verified records so you know what is ahead, bc it WILL fail...just leverage the cards in your corner so it will not be that financially draining when it does and you can ballpark plan for it as you are hearing me describe above my S.List.
I drive a lot , keep an 08 Accord / BMW LT12 JIC for when I am waiting on parts.
I am an Application Engineer and car junkie so this is what I enjoy, it is what it is... My affliction.
Aging electronics and gremlins will crop up due to system complexity. that alone will require SDS to concisely diagnose... Do yourself a favor and get one that is verified maintained.
Then have $3000 a year for expendable items. Rear tires every 5-7000miles 265-295/18-19.
Redo items that are known to fail that will leave you stranded fuel system battery stop light switch Cps airmatic (better to coil imho) sbc radiator (03/04 with Trans cooling Valeo brand it will crack and mix) belts flush fluids tensioners and pulleys suspension bushing on aging cars the list goes on I am sure I forgot some from OCD research.
The long and short is you get what you pay for. If I had what you just described sitrep wise I would go with a 05/06 with records stock, bone stock possibly aftermarket warranty. I would much rather have the confidence in a road worthy car I can beat on, have a little coin to maintain it or not have to. Possibly a computer to diagnose it so I can say yea I can wait or no it has to go to an indy tmrw and I need to use my USAA rental etc. You sound like you are in a good spot to own one. Just make sure you are picky is what I am getting at, do not get stuck on mileage these cars sitting can be worse than driving them (relative subjective statement).
Refer to sticky common parts sticky for what will fail and costs etc
Learn from my experience and do not do what I did unless you love working on things and diagnosing problems:
I bought a clean title auction 63facelift car with no records for $5k a SDS for $650 and got it road worthy for another $3k. Trans, tires, complete AC system (-Evap) cps tie rods, ball joints radiator and a TON of other parts.
I just hit $10k (meth,LTH,Trans cooler, tint,grille, pulley not on it and stuff ) and the list goes on bc now she wants 4 rotors and pads in the fall, wheels need powder coating and rebalancing while off to be really true ( I have a sensitive A$$) the airmatic is shot and it feels like it surfs through the corners unlike my dads car ('06 designo-it is more than the rack difference) and it will need control arms upper lower,I will re do oem ball joints again and rear UPD adj arms on the when funds become available, by then tires will be needed... Yep that's the spring bonus sigh. But then you hit the throttle and all that goes away =D you pay to play
They are parts hungry, and to own these cars you have to be willing to feed them �� Or not drive them much :-/
Get one that someone has driven loved and maintained with verified records so you know what is ahead, bc it WILL fail...just leverage the cards in your corner so it will not be that financially draining when it does and you can ballpark plan for it as you are hearing me describe above my S.List.
I drive a lot , keep an 08 Accord / BMW LT12 JIC for when I am waiting on parts.
I am an Application Engineer and car junkie so this is what I enjoy, it is what it is... My affliction.
Last edited by BoostedAero; 08-22-2016 at 12:11 AM.
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Minty Fresh (08-22-2016)
08-21-2016, 11:50 PM
#10
Junior Member
I just picked up a 2006 E55 with 32k miles on it and drove it back almost 3000 miles. My conclusion - its like a 50 year old woman who used to be a model. Still beautiful but definitely the best days are gone.
My car that I got is almost like new, its stock and has no issues but a lot has changed in 10 years. These cars are not cheap to maintain properly. The V8 sound and power is amazing. Brakes leave a lot to be desired though in feed back part.
My suggestion is to drive a few and read the forums so you know what you are getting yourself into.
Rob.
Rob.
My car that I got is almost like new, its stock and has no issues but a lot has changed in 10 years. These cars are not cheap to maintain properly. The V8 sound and power is amazing. Brakes leave a lot to be desired though in feed back part.
My suggestion is to drive a few and read the forums so you know what you are getting yourself into.
Rob.
Rob.
